Be back end of May

Me and my mum in Paris about 3 1/2 years ago

and soon I see her again and my brothers and their families and many more. I am looking forwards to it. Live is good at the moment.

For the ones who didn't know yet. I am leaving blogging world for a while because I am busy and in April I am going for a month to Holland. I leave you with a quote to ponder

Living fully doesn’t necessarily mean that you cram your day full of activity or go climb Everest or become the next Mother Teresa. It could just mean taking pleasure in who you are at this moment, making full use of all of your senses. Just breathe. Stretch. Notice beauty and laughter. Feed yourself—figuratively and literally—because you’re hungry for life again and because, well, who doesn’t love to eat? –Mary D. Esselman and Elizabeth Ash Vélez

Excuse me, then! you know my heart;But dearest friends, alas! must part. John Gay Aroha and till later, Marja

Oamaru

3 1/2 Hours South of Christchurch is the town of Oamaru, which was our last place where we stayed the night on our holiday

Oemaru took us by surprise. We were especially struck by the many beautiful Victorian buildings. In the 1860's there was a gold rush to this area. During the 188o's - 1890's many of these buildings were built showing the wealth of this town during this time due to the production and transportation of grain and wool. It had a very commercial harbour. Luckily these buildings are well preserved.

The wonderland statue in the botanical gardens of Oemaru shows two children looking down on fairies, elves and squirrels

The Chinese garden

Bushy Beach. From a lookout you can see the yellow eyed penguin for free coming in at night on the beach after a day of fishing. In January 25 to 30 penguins come in. There is also a place were about 100 blue penguins come in but you have to pay to see them wandering in at 9pm or going out in the morning.

This chap was just sitting behind the fence on the walkway to the lookout together with another one. He looked a bit lost and Colin, a conservation volunteer said that they were supposed to look after their chicks. Their nest and nearly all others were destroyed by humans who had climbed over the fence. The yellow eyed pinging is one of the rarest penguins in the world so that is a big loss. Only 15% of fledged chicks usually survive to breed. This year there was no young to care for or maybe one.

Colin was very busy and me being bossie started to help inform the tourists and tell them not to flash because this disturbs the birds. One of the men with a huge camera flashed after I just told him and after repeating my message he said that it went of by itself (DUH) What they all do for a picture. Not good. Quickly Colin made me assistant general and left me to my own device. I had to go home eventually so any people wanting to safe the penguins help Colin when you get there.

(The next series will be about the Netherlands and Prague in the Czech republic at the end of May) Take care, Marja

Show off

Just a show off. I already told you that my boss had organised a meal in a Thai restaurant. Not only was the food delicious, the company of my work buddies great, I also got this gorgeous bowl. My house starts to look like a showroom. So for the next visitors who come over they can adore my beautiful bowl. The card I got with it says "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." Henry David Thoreau I was overwelmed and spoke the historical words "I don't know what to say" Very original isn't it. Don't know how I pulled that off. Anyway the best thing is I made friends and that's a great gift. I won't miss them because I will stay in touch. The next month I have to do a lot of writing for my course, preparation for my trip and much more which means I'll be leaving you behind from March till the the end of May. This is however not as bad as the half year blogging break I initially planned last year. So one more post (our last holiday stop), visits to all and than off. Coming back with photo's from Holland, Prague and more. I feel like a wanderer. Leaving many wonderful places I'll miss, having to say goodbye and off to the next adventure. I wander in circles though. I come back. Love you, marja

The BBQ

I am sick Got some kind of bug . Already went to the doc Starts to get better. Walk around a bit wobbly. Just rapport on the lovely BBQ we had on Sunday

We had a lovely time with Steve and his mother in law. His wife Sharon and her friend came later because Sharon had to stay back in the motel. The poor thing was sick as well but I am happy I got to meet her. She is lovely I didn't get to talk to Steve that long because we all hang to the lips of his mother in law. She is the best storyteller ever. I still have vivid images in my mind of her travels to Africa. On the photo William is making pictures, of Mayke and Steve for his blog. We all got a turn . This entertaining man even made pictures of our vegiegarden. We stil had a good catch up and he is really the man he is as on his blog. Very gentle and generous. We were happy to have him and his family. I go back under the wool and hope to visit you all soon.

Let's party

Time for some rambling. It is saturday morning. Soon I have to peel the potatoes for the Dutch salad (huzarensalade) for a party tomorrow, because in the afternoon I have to work. On Sunday we have some special visitors. My friend Steve from bloggingland is in town with his tribe and is coming along for a BBQ. Not really the weather for it but being Dutch and used to a raindrop or two we will have a solution for that.

We simply eat it inside and the advantage is they can drop everything on the floor because we had to rip the carpet out. We had some unwelcome guests, named bora (woodworm) who are knibbling at the weatherboards. William had to put new boards in, put some pest control in the floor and will cover the lounge up later with some beautiful laminate.

On wednesday I am invited for a special lunch, organised by my boss because I am leaving the childrens home end of the month. I work there only 1 1/2 days a week and my other boss wants me to work more. The other place is a computer centre. It is a non-profit organisation who's aim it is to bridge the digital divide. Children and people with disabilities in the community who have no computer, have free access to the internet and everybody can use the computers without charge There are free computer courses and much more. I happen to like computers and meet the most amazing people at my work.

The people in the home are a bit like family so I will still do some relieving there and it is going to be my coffee place.

Another exciting thing is that I started a course; writing for children. I love it and our first assignment is to write a picture book. Very difficult though. This is something I always wanted to do but never dared too. It is still scary because al lot of the other people in the class are very literate and master the english language very well. I tell myself even if I am not that good I still have great fun.

Lots of good things on my road. May your road be paved with many delights as well and Let's party.

Aroha Marja

East Coast

On our drive from Catlins to Oemaru,where our last stay was, we stopped several times. Our first stop was for morning tea in Dunedin. Dunedin is the second biggest city, situated on the East coast of the South Island and was a Scottish settlement. I experienced that when I had an LD conference in Dunedin years ago. At dinner people in kilts came, bringing the haggis, a Scottish dish. This time our cultural experience was very different. The Chinese also made a big contribution to the history of Dunedin.

We parked our car next to this Arch. After our coffee we had a closer inspection and discovered that is was a gateway to the Chinese gardens. There is less than a handful of them outside China.

A pavillion in the middle of a lake

An overview On the right you can just see the tea house

After Dunedin we stopped at Shag point where there is a big seal colonie, pinguins, shags and this seagull and her chicks.

A seal is lying on the rocks basking in the sun Big brown eyes are looking at the young ones who have fun They topsy turvy tumble Diving deep to catch a meal than zoom up above the water It's so good to be a seal

Our last stop was at the Mouraki boulders. Wouldn't they be nice pebbles for your garden.

Spread your love

Tomorrow is Valentines day. Even though it is commercial I think every opportunity to spread your love is a good one. So spread your light over a loved one or over any of the people around you. I wrote a poem for you It is a work in progress but he aren't we all

Spread your love
by marja Blom

Attend closely to the people around
where fragile rays of beauty dwell
which shine through a protective shell

Catch these rays
 let their dazzling warmth
trickle through your fingers
let it open up your heart
where love and armour lingers

Use the alchemy of love
 to dissolve the colours
they become pure peaceful white s
urrounding the spirit
with bright bliss full light

When you spread your love
all become more whole
 and become more able
to show the beauty of the soul

Aroha and Happy Valentines Day

The Catlins

On our holiday ( January) we drove from Te Anau to Invercargell where we stayed the night. Pouring rain all day Early In the morning we moved quickly to The Catlins In the South East of the South Island. It is an area with dense rainforest and a coastline with High cliffs. There are hardly any people in this area.

We thought to have found the most amazing waterfall in the catlins. On arrival we saw three stones (just above the sign) in the water. Nothing else Ha ha a joke

Broo walking through the forest towards the Mc Leans waterfalls. I love the fern trees you see everywhere.

The McLean waterfalls where great and yes we climbed up there as well

Lake Wilky is a small bog lake and just a short walk from the road

Tautuku Bay In the 1840's there was a whaling station at the neck of Tautuku peninsula

Boardwalk into the estuary where many birds can be seen. In the distance we saw a wild deer standing in the water. No not the one on the picture. That is my brother He put it all on film

The Cathedral Caves They can only be visited by lowtide. We went in at about 5 pm.

You can walk through the caves in a half moon and come out the other entrance.

Roots swirl whimsically
sculpturing in harmony
the wondrous magic tree 

Illustrating proud the past
intertwined with new that last
Having a spontanious blast

I so loved the trees with all these roots and mosses in the Catlins and the deserted ones on the beach.

Australian bushfires

Our neighbour country is in a state of sorrow. They lost many lives and so many people lost their homes mostly in Kinglake and surrounded areas by the worst bushfires ever recorded. It happened during an exceptional heatwave. The smoke of the fire even reached New Zealand. Condolences to the people of Australia A man's house burns down. The smoking wreckage represents only a ruined home that was dear through years of use and pleasant associations. By and by, as the days and weeks go on, first he misses this, then that, then the other thing. And when he casts about for it he finds that it was in that house. Always it is an essential -- there was but one of its kind. It cannot be replaced. It was in that house. It is irrevocably lost. It will be years before the tale of lost essentials is complete, and not till then can he truly know the magnitude of his disaster. Mark Twain You can make a donation to the red Cross if you wish.

Halswell Quarry poem

Halswell Quarry
 By Mayke Blom (15 yr)

My younger shadow

Scrambles up a crumbled lump

Treasured through scenery

At the top

She sees ignored green

Where I see land

Filled with puddles,

Straw climbing boxes

And a puzzle plants

Further down
A Single prickle
a historic seed

From his grown stories

Hidden to passers-by

She sits on this quarry

and Waits for my return

Waitangi Day

Today we joined in the peaceful celebration of Waitangi day and went to Okains Bay in the Banks Peninsula (close to Akaroa). Waitangi day signifies an important moment in New Zealand history. On this day in 1840 representatives of the British crown and over 500 Maori chiefs signed the Treaty at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands in the North Island. The Treaty formed the foundation of New Zealand and the country became part of the British Empire.

The day started with a Powhiri (welcome) at the Marae (Maori meeting house) In the middle you see Bob Parker, mayor of Christchurch. Part of the ceremony was the welcoming of people who received New Zealand citizenship.

There was lots to see and to do. Sheep were of course present. They outweigh New Zealanders with 10 to 1. Luckily these sheep got rid of their warm coat on this hot day.

I feel so good without my coat............................................................When is it my turn please

One of the beautifully carved Waka (canoe) The other one will arrive soon on the river.

But first a walk and some reflection by William near the beach of Okains Bay. Behind the trees is a camping where we stayed several times for a weekend in the past.

It was fun to look at the waves turning into drops who jumped happily against the coastline and sprayed the air in excitement.

The Waka is arriving, presenting the historic moment when 7 Maori Waka arrived on the Canterbury coastline from Polynesia via the Pacific Ocean 800 years ago.

The celebration took part around the Maori museum in Okains Bay. Today the Okains Bay store got handed over to the museum. The man and his dog on the picture take a rest after all the celebrations. It was a magnificent day.

Christchurch from the hills

A picture of Christchurch from the top of the hills (click to enlarge). Often I go for a walk on the Port Hills and this time I took my camera. It was a warm day. We've had the warmest summer since we are here. With many days up to 30 degrees. Although it is a bit hazy you can see in the back still the Alpines which is about an hour drive from Christchurch.
In the middle you see the city centre. In one of these flat building resides Unlimited the school of my children. This week they started back at school. Yesterday they had a Powhiri, a traditional Maori welcome. The word Po means a venture into the "unknown" or a new experience, while Whiri comes from the term Whiriwhiri meaning the act or experience of exchanging information and knowledge. Today is their first official schoolday and they follow classes which they have have choosen themselves. So each child has an individual roster.
From the hill you can't see our place that would be somewhere outside the left down corner. I have to tidy up that place because my daughter is bringing home a bunch of friends to stay the night. Tomorrow is Waitangi day, a national holiday. I will tell you more about it later.

Lessons from an Oyster

Lessons from an Oyster
By: Author Unknown

There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.

It was only a grain,
but it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate
the harsh workings of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government,
Cry for election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?

'No,' he said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny stew.

And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral,
for isn't it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do
If we'd only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.

Te Anau and Milford Sound

On the third day of our holiday (3rd of Jan) we went to Lake Te Anau, the second biggest lake of NZ. It was originally Te Ana-au, Maori for 'The cave of swirling water' . Two New Zealand Great Walks start at the lake. The Milford Track starts at the northern tip of the lake and the Kepler Track starts and ends at the south tip of the lake at the Waiau River Te Anau is also a nice town and we stayed here for 3 nights. One day we walked a part of the Kepler track (4 hours return) along the river. We also went a day to Milford Sound. Milford Sound is a glacier carved Fiord. A road goes to Milford sound (1 hour) through valleys and mountains and through The Homer Tunnel. It is a magnificent drive.

We stayed at Lakeview and yes this is our view on the Lake complete with rainbow

On the road to Milford Sound we stopped at the MirrowLakes.

Just before the Homer Tunnel you saw cliffs with snow, ice and water everywhere

We took the boat on the left into the Sounds It was a rainy and cloudy in the Sounds but we could still enjoy the lot.

Beautiful waterfalls along the way everywhere. We also saw some jumping bottlenose dolphins and some sea lions lying on the rocks.

The Chasm We stopped here on the way back to Te Anau. It is on the Milford side of the Homer Tunnel. The chasm are rock formations formed by the waterfall. There were lots of Kea's (NZ alpine parrot) on the parking. This bird is very curious and intelligent. The cheeky bird likes to peck rubbers from cars.