Candy from Melissa

 

In November, I sent a box of Whittaker chocolates to Melissa in Germany, and she sent us a box of european candy.  She received my parcel prior to Christmas, and we had to wait until the boats decided to visit New Zealand.

So much to choose from, and the urchins enjoyed the different textures and flavours.

These passionfruit candies were my favourite.

These jelly type lollies had a syrup in the centre. They tasted like berry and apple.

Delightfully delicious! Perfect cherry flavour, and the the Krachers reminded me of the lollies we used to eat at the cinema. Tangy Fruits.

The smurf gummies were disappointing.  Not much flavour, and extremely chewy.

Sheep gummies

Everyones favourite, gummy bears

Assorted gummy candy - crocodiles, butterflies, snakes, keys, cola bottles 

Salty liquorice with marzipan centres.

These little bonbons were like nutella dipped in chocolate. Extremely yum!

Little Kinder bars for the urchins. These didn't last long.

Kinder Country bars were larger, but they still didn't last long!

Starry Starry Night

The night was too hot for sleeping, so I set up the camera out the back, and took some photos of the southern sky.

I had no idea what I was doing, the camera wouldn't focus, my torch died, and the tripod fell over.

Look, the Southern Cross!

Summer at Lake Okareka

Summer traditions continue with spending the days at Lake Okareka, Rotorua. 

The unicorn has been named "Garfunkel"

Summer Cats

 The cats have taken up all the space in the shade.

Pasta at camp - Pureora Forest

Tess had brought along her pasta machine, so Anneke set about making fresh pasta at camp.

Together Anneke and I kneaded the dough for about half and hour. Then it was ready to put through the machine. The electric fence became our drying rack. I was amazed the sheep ignored the cut strips.

Exploring Pureora Forest

We have been clearing the path up to the "Big Tree".  The rejuvenation of the forest after the logging 50 years ago creates a lush environment. 

The quad bikes were put through the paces, plenty of mud to get stuck. Alan had to try a bit of "rock n roll" to get through this mud pool.

The trusty steads having a rest before the next round of mud pools.

Large forest ferns

Small forest moss

My red bands living their best life.

Pureora Forest - camping 2020

 

The sun quickly evaporated the residual rain water.  After the rain, we walked down to the stream to see if the water was going over the ford.

Carenza also has joined us at camp. This will be an adventure for her.

Lucy checking the debris in the stream, so that it won't block the pipes under the ford.

The moon looked fabulous, and we watched the stars and the milky way appear.