Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Holiday snaps from New Zealand

Warning, photo heavy post. You can just scroll down through to the bottom if you want the quilty picture.

In New Zealand, you can see a lot of Maori art and these next two were part of a memorial for fallen soldiers. Maori culture is very strong and incorporated into everyday life in NZ.
My children, grandchildren and a sister and brother in law live in Auckland, near the top of NZ so that's where we spent most of our time. I was there for the first week by myself and Mr Quiltsalott joined me for the next two weeks.
There are lots of old character homes around Auckland that have been restored, I loved seeing all the decorative details on them.
We needed to travel to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island to see another sister, bil and my mum. My mother has just been moved into a home as she is at the stage of Alzheimer's where she needs to be safe and taken care of. The short term memory is not good but otherwise she's in great health and I was happy to see her and spend some time out and about for an afternoon to catch up.

It takes about nine hours driving from Auckland to Wellington but the roads are excellent so it wasn't too tiring and there is plenty of scenery to look at.
The native Kowhai trees were nearly finished flowering but this was was at it's peak.
These remind me of home as there were trees planted all down my street where I used to live.

On the drive back to Auckland, I took some photos from a moving car of the two mountains, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe in bottom photo. Both are active volcanoes.
This is such a stunningly green country, it's one of the things I miss about home.
When you drive, you will see farmland all around you and there were plenty of lambs and calves to stare at. If you click on the photos, you'll get a better idea.
Two of my favourite people, Sophie, 5 and Ella, 3.
Noah, born to be a gardener maybe. No photo of my 11 yr old grandaughter, not sure that she'd like that.
I celebrated my birthday while over there and my daughter made me a chocolate mud cake especially decorated in bling style by the three girls. It was a high fat one too, I loved it! I haven't had a birthday cake in years.
It was so great to see my Mum and Dad, three sisters, two kids and four grandchildren. Thank goodness they're only three hours away by plane.

As for the sewing,I did get the border on the left appliqued while I was away and joined it up to the top as soon as I could when I got home. It's shown over on the Glorious Applique blog as well.


60 comments:

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Your quilt is looking so awesome Janet!
But that photo of Noah is priceless!

Janet said...

What gorgeous pictures. I would love to go to New Zealand one day.
Your border is amazing. You're getting so close to finishing this fabulous quilt! You have been so disciplined. :0)

beth said...

One more border!! Aren't you excited!

FlourishingPalms said...

Oh, I loved seeing these photos of NZ! What a gorgeous country! I've been only to the south island, but it is certainly God's country.

You and I have 11 year-old grandies, and we're both called "Nana." Now if I could have a huge dose of your talent, we might be "sisters!" Happy belated birthday. A cake makes it special, doesn't it?

Your quilt top is looking simply fabulous. You should be very, very proud.

Miriam said...

First of all a belated Happy Birthday!!!!
Love all the photos from NZ. Gorgeous scenery.

Your quilt is stunning!!!I really love those borders.

regan said...

Janet....your pics are beautiful! How did I not know that there were volcanoes in NZ? Weird! But your pics of them are stunning! What a sight of the countryside, too! I feel a trip is in my future! And the pics of the babies are sweet!

Your quilt is amazing....you must be so excited about finishing it!

Love your blog!

regan

Marjorie said...

I totally see a quilt in the first photo. Just sayin'....

Unknown said...

It's Nice that you get to see Everybody while you are over there...well done on even getting some stitching done...you must be pleased with one to go..your quilt is Beautiful..so much work.
cheers

Nat Palaskas said...

Happy belated Birthday Janet. Glad you celebrated with family at home. I love the photos of NZ country. It's beautiful and green this time. I have made that drive to Welling a few times and I love it. Your quilt is stunning with 3 borders on - Hugs Nat

Lurline said...

So nice to hear you are back, Janet and thrilled to hear you enjoyed your family and country. S&S absolutely fabulous!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Julia said...

Happy belated Birthday Janet. Love your S&S top...it's looking fab,just one side to go..
NZ looks a stunning place to visit..one day!
Julia ♥

Joan said...

NZ is a beautiful county with a fasinating culture. The photos's are absolutely wonderful. So differeent from here in the West where its all going brown for summer now.. Your quilt is also looking beautiful - what a lot of applique..georgeous!

Sharon said...

What wonderful photos. So glad you got to visit your mum. Your applique is moving right along, how lovely. Are you going to hand quilt this one?

Quiltbenaco said...

Che paesaggi stupendi!
I nipotini sono molto carini!
La trapunta è favolosa!
Ciao Domenica

ps. Auguri in ritardo per il compleanno

Nedra said...

Happy Belated Birthday, and I loved the pics of New Zealand. Your applique is stunning!

Valentina said...

Oh Janet, what beautiful country...
I couldn't stop looking at those volcanoes... Being a Lord of the Rings fan, I am so happy that The Hobbit will be filmed there.
Happy you had some time with your mom. I can't get over your gorgeous granddaughters and your quilt: Like we would say a birthday wish in Greek: 'May God Grant You Many Many years' of good health to keep enjoying them!

Dorothy said...

It looks wonderful.
That's a LOT of leavesin each border.

Quilt Station said...

Hi Janet, I didn't realise you were an ex-pat...me too, hailing from Palmerston North. My Mum is also an alzheimers sufferer and sounds about a similar stage that your Mum is at, short term memory almost zero but otherwise in great health and always cheerful. Super photo's, thanks heaps, when I drove past the central plateau a couple of months ago, everything was hiding in the mist and rain so I'm pleased to see the mountains put on a show for you.
Til soon, Margaret

Leeanne said...

Glad you liked New Zealand....we that live here like too! Great to see that snow still on the mountains.

Oops-Lah said...

I'm in awe of your beautiful quilt. So much work! Incredible!

Unknown said...

Janet your quilt is stunning and I love the carving photo it has a celtic similarity in it - glad you had a great time in NZ

Shirley said...

Lovely photo's Janet.
Shirley.x

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Hey Janet,
nice that you are back! Thanks for the interesting pictures! And wow, your quilt is awesome! The appliqué borders are unbelieveable.

Unknown said...

What a fantastic trip!! i would love to get to Australia and NZ one day. Now this makes me want to go even more. Fantastic that you were able to spend so much time with family and be able to celebrate your birthday too!! Happy Belated Birthday!! Your quilt is coming along so beautifully!

Sandy said...

What wondeful pictures! I love seeing other parts of the world- esp the culture- Your quilt is just lovely,and to me it seems like you are flying along on this project!
RE: your DWR quilt- did you find it difficult to piece once your shapes were cut/sewn? I am limping along putting just one block together- on the machine, I am thinkging I would do better by hand. what directions did you use?
Thanks, Sandy
PS Belated Happy Birthday!

Janet said...

Happy belated birthday.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. The S&S is gorgeous.
Janet

alobsiger said...

Happy belated birthday, Janet! What a treat to get to spend it with your loved ones! Gorgeous pics -- my goodness, what scenery! Your quilt is fabulous. Your efforts are such an inspiration!

Carrie P. said...

Your quilt is amazing!
What a great place. The snowy mountains are so pretty. So sorry about your mom.
Happy Belated birthday!

Sujata Shah said...

Janet,

What breathtaking views! It is like heaven on earth! I clicked on the pictures and just stared at it for a moment!
Beautiful grand kids and quilt is looking gorgeous!

Brigitte said...

Love seeing NZ again. I miss it as well sometimes. Beautiful quilt.
www.quiltsampler.blogspot.com

Crispy said...

Loved the pics Janet, especailly the ones of the little ones. Yep I think he will be a gardener LOL.

The stars and sprigs is amazing!!

Happy belated birthday too :0)

Crispy

Abby and Stephanie said...

Lots of quilty inspiration in those gorgeous photos. Stunning applique!!! Belated Happy Birthday.

Barb said...

What a beautiful country - thanks for sharing some of your travel photos.
Those babies are adorable!!

Lori said...

There is so much inspiration all around us. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos. Love your grandson! A gardener for sure!! LOL

Wow! on the quilt border!! I can't believe only one more side to go. It is so beautiful!!

Lori said...

Ah shoot....I for to with you a happy birthday Janet. Your blogging brings me a lot of joy. You deserved to spend time with your family and eat a really fattening cake!!!

Unknown said...

Wow, breathtaking views indeed - New Zealand is on my list!

As for that quilt - speechless with admiration :) it's stunning

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Janet -- you're almost done with that quilt! (Well, I guess almost is probably relative, right?) Your NZ pictures are gorgeous. I can see that I won't be able to go to AU without going to NZ!

YankeeQuilter said...

Great photos...NZ has been on the bucket list since Lord of the Rings. (my inner geek is showing!)

My friends and I start the sprigs and stars the first of the year. so exciting to see yours finished!

Loris said...

Beautiful work on your applique!

Terry said...

Great pictures! Love the one of Noah in the dirt!! :0)

Nanette Merrill said...

Love love love old houses. Best to your mom.

Ivory Spring said...

Love love love the pictures. I just swooned from seeing your quilt top being done!! Seemed like you just started it yesterday...

Mimi said...

Beautiful pictures. The country side is beautiful. I am totally impressed on how far along you are on your quilt, too. It is still gorgeous!!

pinsandneedles said...

This quilt is so amazing! Only one more border. Can't wait to see it all done!

Lisa said...

The pictures are fabulous, Janet. What a great vacation you had. What a beautiful country. Congrats on nearing the finish on your Sprigs!

Susan said...

Great photos - we climbed the Tongariro Crossing a couple of weeks back!!!

Kim D. said...

Happy Belated Birthday Janet! I bet you're happy to have your quilt almost finished. It's stunning!!

Munaiba said...

Janet next time you go, leave room in your suitcase for me. It looks stunning and I've always wanted to visit. Your quilt is gorgeous! Well done for taking some with you AND actually doing it. I always have good intentions but that's where it stops.
Cheers
Munaiba

Doris said...

Wow, Janet, your applique quilt is coming along great! Happy Birthday...

Lina said...

I just LOVE everything you post!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous as always!

One day I hope you'll do a blog on your collection of quilts and how you use and display them all.

rainey

Ann Champion said...

Your NZ pics are wonderful! I loved the little white specks that are sheep.
Happy belated birthday! It's wonderful that you got to spend it with family..and have a cake. The gals did a great job of decorating it. I couldn't tell you when I last got one.
The GKs are adorable..espesially Noah the gardener. Ha!
Your quilt is spectacular. You must be very happy with it? One more border..and you'll be done. :)

Denice Barker said...

That was your first birthday cake in years? How sad! It looked chocolatey and yummy and something to look forward to again - without waiting years more. Happy day! Oh, and it goes without saying the quilt is stunning.

Naturally Carol said...

Hi, I just had to come visiting as I am a NZer living in Australia and love seeing pics of NZ. I miss those green hills filled with sheep! Thank you for allowing me a moment of nostalgia. Beautiful quilt by the way, too.

Corrie said...

what beautiful countryside and family! sounds like a wonderful holiday!!!!!!!!!!

corrie:)

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Happy Belated Birthday Janet!! Looks as though you guys had a fabulous time over there, love the pics! I was lucky enough to visit New Zealand years ago and loved it, hope to get back there one day. xo

Quiltsmiles said...

This quilt is stunning! Beautiful workmanship.

Jane

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true!

Robin said...

That cake is indeed bling-tastic! Happy belated birthday! :) Your grandchildren are so cute. It sounds like you had a fun visit with them.

The quilt is stunning. And only one border to go-- so exciting!

RoseSlot2020 said...


เครดิตฟรี joker123 slot online ฟรีโบนัสเพียบ
https://www.slotxd.com/jokergaming123