New Year's Eve

Well it was just another work day, but after dinner we all went to the Square for the Palmerston North celebration. It felt more like the 4th of July celebrations back home--families, picnics on the ground, local bands playing, rides and games for the kids, food booths... Left early, back home and will hopefully be sleeping at midnight or shortly thereafter (still on call).

Other Pics

Yes wind farms, black swans, Joe and Kathleen Martin at dinner on Lake Taupo, sheep, and rapids---all New Zealand!

Lake Taupo Region

Christmas In New Zealand

Well you must realize first it is Summer here and the kids are now off for Summer vacation (about two months). It is not just Christmas Break. And since it is the longest days of the year, there is not a lot of Christmas lights(very very few). As a matter of fact not a lot of any Christmas decorations. They are not selling fresh cut pine trees on every corner. And Christmas dinner is steaks, chicken, burgers, lamb etc on the "barbie" grill. Or it is a picnic in the park. It is games outside with the family. Everything is closed so it really is a quiet peaceful family day. Attached are pictures--the decorated Palm tree, Owen's Christmas morning, and my gift to myself so I can have good coffee.

Update!!

It has been over a month since I updated anything. A lot has happened. First I had to return to the US for the first two weeks of December. The business aspect of the visit was not pleasant but it did allow me to visit with my sons for an early Christmas. The weather was something else!! I left sunny and 70 to find snow and 17. I am getting used to the international flying and airports. LA airport doesn't seem so bad anymore. And the Delta Crown Room for layovers is great. I will attach some pictures I took while home. And the next post will be Christmas in New Zealand.