Summer Christmas

For the  first time, we are celebrating Christmas Day in our own house and the family will come to visit us.

Previous years, we have either travelled and visiting the family for a few weeks so there have been very little decorating earlier (apart from last year when I started decorating in the small).

I have tried to mix New Zealand summer decorations with Norwegian traditional decorations.

As I always say, I never really get used to the summer Christmas. On the other hand it is quite easy to be able to sit outside having a meal from the BBQ with roasted veggies and salads.

Happy Christmas!

Isn't it cute?

Christmas tree with snow and butterflies, angels and birds

Our water cat

It has been a while since I last wrote about our cat, Bella.
She is a funny little cat with special interests I have never seen in a cat before - like water....
She loves the kitchen sink and bath tub, preferably with the water running.

The other day I came home to a running tap in the kitchen. Guess who had been out on her furry paws turning on the water....hm...

Sissel Kyrkjebø & Jose Carreras

Some nights the hours are passing by searching for music on youtube.
This time I found a lovely concert with our own Sissel..

Lovely music, especially as it is getting closer to Christmas.

Enjoy!

A visit to Gibbs Farm

I was surprised with a trip to Gibbs Farm last weekend. The farm is located in Kaipara, about one hour drive north of Auckland. You can see some of the sculptures from the road, but it absolutely worth a stop to see the whole park. There are also a good selection of animals. We saw emus, ostriches, bison, sheep and little lambs and giraffes. I even got the chance to feed a giraffe. That was a first!

This is an amazing privately owned sculpture park and open monthly by prior appointment only to artists,

educational institutions, charities and the public. During 3-4 hours walk you get to see amazing sculptures, landscape and animals (I fed a giraffe!!!). 

Another hint: the park is open on Friday 23rd November. 

More to read here: http://www.gibbsfarm.org.nz/about.php....

88.5° ARC x 8 by Bernar Venet

House & garden *October*

Last weekend was lovely & sunny so all of Sunday was spent in the garden.
New plants have been added (even a lemon tree and swamp plants which attracts butterflies), some old plants have been removed or replantet.

We are now making salads from our homegrown lettuces. Hopefully the tomatoes will be just as successive as last year. Bring on the summer! :)
 

Bird of Paradise in blossom. Two more to come!

Lemon tree (very small) and parsley

Beetroot, broccoflower, lettuces and strawberries

San Diego & House of Norway

A few years ago while my better half lived in the States (and I was able to visit a few times), I visted my friend Deanna in San Diego. 

There are heaps more photos but below pictures are from the Balboa Park where House of Norway is located (and a lot of houses from other countries). A great place to learn about other nationalities and to visit if you are a tiny bit homesick.

The other day I sent a few photos from last visit in 2009 and got a message back that they were going to visit the same house the next day! What a coincidence! Today I received a photo from the house with greetings. It made my day! :) Thanks Deanna!

Deanna and I in front of House of Norway in 2009

Deanna with greeting by the house in 2012

Oslo next

I have had three lovely weeks so far with family & friends at home.
Weather has been so so, but today we have had a lovely sunny day starting with a nice walk and ending up with gardening and pizza making. Couldn't be any better!

On Thursday I am off to visit my friend Jette in Oslo. Almost two years since last visit so will be good to catch up again. Shopping guide has already been made and hopefully there will be time for a little sightseeing as well. Can't wait. Will be good too see the big smoke again.

Below are pictures from previous visits.

Oslo Opera House

View from the Opera House