We were home for three weeks after our Cambodian holiday. In time to catch up with the house, garden, grandchildren and chores. Then before you know it, the time has come to get back on the plane to fly to NZ for 10 days to spend with my son and DIL, before Christmas.
We arrived into Christchurch, picked up by the kids, settled in for the afternoon, had a lovely meal. To bed early so that we can have an early start, the next morning for the drive to Nelson.
The kids were taking us away for a few days, this will be their Christmas gift to us.
We took a leisurely drive, along the coastline to Nelson, on highway 6, we had a few stops on the way.
DH and I had driven this way just under 12months ago, 5 months after the earthquake in Kaikora,
the road improvements were moving along slowly and the delays were not as long as it was in February.
The coastline is wonderful scenery and to see the seals sunning themselves on the rocks, was a bonus.
This is Lopsy, made by my DIL, yes they are real antlers. I have antler envy!
We arrived into Nelson at 12md, just in time for the markets.
The rush was on not to miss the markets, as they shut at 1pm.
Look at this Christmas tree, made out of plastic water bottles.
The Nelson markets
Some felted fairies
Ceramic hearts and crosses. The markets were interesting to look at, lots of creativity, nothing that took my liking.
After the markets we had lunch and then went to the WOW museum, where there was an exhibit of wearable art and vintage cars. This was one of the most enjoyable few hours that I have spent in a long time. The talent was extraordinary and awe inspiring,
Makes one wonder how these creative people come up with their ideas.
DH and I outside the WOW museum, a gift from the kids.
Amazing wearable art from recycled materials.
This renaissance dress was intricate, very detailed with silk small log cabin blocks, the front and back was painted.
Made out of a carpet.
This dress blew me away, anything death or skull related, is intriguing, read the explanation, about how this dress was created. My favourite costume.
Appealing, how true!
Enjoy the show!
This costume was made out of bike tyre tubes.
The above outfit was made out of cable ties.
Another mind blowing creation, a prize winner.
Good use of woollen blankets.
A bat costume
The Warrior, this costume won this category.
Made out of plastic.
Amazing costume, made out of a golf bag and clubs.
This costume hyperinflates, see on TV above.
Some fancy bras, also on display
An exhibition of vintage cars was also on display.
EH Holden
This visit was a wonderful couple of hours, well spent.
That night we were booked into Nahm House, recommended by one of my DIL’s friend, Thai with a NZ fusion, we were not disappointed, food was amazing.
Nahm Restaurant
After dinner, we were walking along the promenade and I met Rick, who was with a group, having a Christmas party, he happily posed with me, so funny!!!
And so the day begins, first of a brewery visit, then onto the wineries.
First winery Flaxmore, only recently opened.
At last I got to visit The Quilters Barn in Blenheim, sadly nothing grabbed my fancy, walked away with nilch!
This saying was painted in the toilet of the Brewery.
Sampling the wine.
Rimu Wine bar where we had lunch.
A nice gallery of art.
Lovely setting in Rimu, turquoise water.
Wineries
Bridge of Remberance
Sweet Soul Patisserie, yummy desserts.
The new tram tracks market, interesting food and craft stalls.
This ape sits in New Regent Street.
New Regent St, lovingly restored.
You can take a tram tour through the city.
Murals are painted throughout the city.
The greys tone cathedral, destroyed in the earthquake, still being restored.
The white chair memorial in the centre of Christchurch, this memorial represents a chair from family members of the 185 lives lost in the last earthquake.
After a week with the kids we ventured up to Rakaia, to visit our dear friends who we met travelling in 2015, we always spend a few days with them, to catch up, my gift to them for hosting us was a quilt that I made.
Being close to Christmas was also the perfect opportunity to make a quilt to give in friendship.
Marg was chuffed, I do get a buzz out of someone appreciating my handiwork.
Marg and mark loved the quilt, mission accomplished.
Whilst visiting in Rakaia, we visited Methven, Mt Hutt, and Rakaia Gorge, the weather was cool for December.
The Blue Pub in Methven
The Brown Pub in Methven
On our way to do the touristy thing.
Rakaia Gorge. The next day we were to be back with the kids for a couple of days and to have an early Christmas. Christmas this year will be with our eldest son and grandchildren.
On return to Christchurch and preparation for Christmas lunch completed we all set of the in laws, both from our son and my DIL to visit the botanical gardens, museum and have a Utopia vegan ice cream.
Our family photo in the botanical gardens.
Giant baubles in the botanical gardens
My darling son, a thorn amongst the roses.
The museum was an interesting hour or two spent, this Paua House was donated by the family after their parents died, they collected the Paua shells for the whole 72 years of their marriage.
The front of the couples house, is in the museum as well as their living room, bedrooms etc.
Quite a collection.
Early history lesson
The arts centre where we have attended the comedy festival
Utopia Ice cream, yummy, my treat for all the walking.
An Alice mural near the Alice cinema.
A succulent Christmas tree at the Riccarton markets. DH took me there on the Sunday morning, I am on the hunt for some interesting stuff for altered art.
Here I come, and I did not not go away disappointed, DH was in despair, LOL!
Sunday was to be our last day, so a small family gathering with our son, DIL and in laws, for Monday we are flying back to devastation in Sydney and surrounds with the drought and bush fires.
It was hard to leave lush green fields, rain every night and clear blue skies in NZ.
On a brighter note we get to see our beautiful grandchildren and celebrate Christmas with our eldest son and DIL.
Christmas breakfast is served!
Crepe Suzette
My eldest son, DIL and my three gorgeous grandchildren.
Now is the opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year.
This is the dream catcher that I made for my DIL for Christmas, needless to say she was delighted with her gift.
Do not be alarmed but I am not going to be making as many quilts, as I have an abundance.
I will be dabbling in some other exciting creations
Next year is an exciting year with many more adventures planned, watch this space.
