Kererū

 

Had an early morning visitor in the kowhai tree.

This kererū or "chonky boi" was popping open the kowhai seeds.

Always look good in his white singlet.

Mt Ruapehu / Mangawhero Falls

Weather conditions were perfect for a quick side trip up Mt Ruapehu ,on our drive back from Wellington.

16km s up Ohakune Mountain Road is Mangawhero Falls.

There was snow about. A snowball fight amongst the urchins made me realise it has been along time since we have been to the snow. I am also useless at aiming. I missed Tighe twice! 

Perhaps a snow penguin?

Unexpectedly, we could see Mt Taranaki from the carpark of the Mangawhero Waterfall.

Sunset on Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe

 

Fireworks - Matariki Celebrations - Wellington

Matariki, also known as "the rising of the star constellation", is a significant time in the Māori calendar, as it marks the start of the Māori New Year.

We had dinner at Paul & Lisa's, and then watched the Matariki fireworks from their windy deck.

Surrealism - Te Papa - Wellington

 

"The red model III" (detail) Rene Magritte

"Couple with their heads full of clouds" Salvador Dali

"The Couple" Max Ernst

"The Face of War" Salvador Dali

The Face of War" (detail) Salvador Dali

Anneke posed for a classic Magritte image - "Not to be reproduced"

"Not to be reproduced" Rene Magritte.

We visited a unique, world famous collection of Surrealist art at Te Papa, Wellington.  The exhibition runs until 31 October 2021.

The 180 fascinating pieces include major works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, René Magritte, and Marcel Duchamp.  

The renowned collection is  from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam and includes sculpture, furniture, paintings, graphic design, prints, and photography. Yes, we saw the big red lip sofa.

Surrealist artists tried to create a new kind of reality which was centred around dreams, the unconscious, and the irrational. They used playful, subversive techniques and materials to shock and surprise their audiences.

18th Birthday - Quinn

It took 3 urchins to light all the candles on the birthday cake.

Black forest gateau birthday cake.

Happy birthday Quinn. Independence and some responsibilities.  I know you will have some amazing adventures this year.

Quinn asked for Cherry Goodie for dinner. He enjoyed it in the USA, and hasn't had it since being back in NZ. A dessert dinner it is.

Pavlova, custard, mousse, cherry goodie, waffles, chocolate pie, and lots of cream.

Waffles must  be Quinn's favourite meal.

Cherry goodie.

Tight wished him well for his birthday.

Rainbow Quilters - Quilt Show

Rainbow Quilters Show is on this weekend. I have three pieces on display. Memories, which has been selected to go the the World Quilt Show in the USA next week, Adaptation, and Boxes & Boxes


Detail of "Memories". Created during lockdown last year. It's a memory of my grandfather's kaleidoscopes I used to play with.


Adaptation is part of my "Connections" series.


Humans have adapted to live at sea level, at altitude, on ice sheets, in the tropics, and in deserts.

As in the past, humans will again adapt to any future climate coolings or warmings.

We will survive.


"Boxes & Boxes" explores our boundaries, and thinking outside the square.

Waffles

Sometimes Quinn will make waffles. He likes layers of maple syrup, ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce. I just like them plain.