The city of Auckland is built on and around a field of volcanoes, which I think accounts for my fascination with volcanoes. One day, I will use volcanoes in a romance. Somehow. I’ve been lucky enough to see most of our New Zealand volcanoes, including the more active ones farther south of Auckland. (White Island, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro) On one memorable trip we visited an active volcano...
It's hubby's birthday tomorrow and I decided to make him a birthday cake. We had a really hot day today with temperatures reaching 28C and 100% humidity. This is extreme for Auckland so we're all wilting. I iced my cake and it was so hot the icing and the chocolate...
At this time of the year many of us are thinking about losing weight, especially after all the yummy festive goodies we’ve consumed. I found these tips in a Diabetes New Zealand brochure that arrived in our mailbox. I thought they’d make an excellent TT topic....
I took this photo of a labyrinth at The Village Green Resort in Cottage Grove, Oregon. It's a simple turf labyrinth and is a replica of one from 9th century Aachen in Germany. I didn't realize there was a difference between a maze and a labyrinth and learned...
Earlier today I was browsing the cook books in Borders while waiting for Mr. Munro. This recipe for a vegetarian Nicoise-type salad caught my eye and I decided I'd make my version for dinner. Ingredients: 1 cup cous cous 1 cup boiling water knob of butter or a little...
This photo shows Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. I'd never visited this part of New Zealand before. The area is known for its high rainfall, but we had fine weather and spectacular views of the pristine water, mountains and bush. The scenery was stunning. I'd...
I mentioned pohutukawa trees over at Berengaria Brown's blog the other day and promised I'd post a photo. Pohutukawa trees are known as New Zealand's native Christmas trees since they come into flower during late November/December. They have scarlet flowers and tend...
