Congratulations!

Son has passed his theory test - 100% - and is now able to have driving lessons!

They were very efficient at the AA - he took the scratch card test (you're allowed to get 3 questions wrong), so the results were immediate, he had an on the spot eye test, had his mugshots done and was given a temporary license until his new one came through the post (took less than a week).

Trouble is - I've got to do my theory now (being a newcomer to NZ) - what's the betting I won't pass first time?! Especially as son keeps waving his in my face with comments such as:

"Oooh I wonder what this is that I just found in my wallet?"
and
"Shall we book yours for next weekend mother?"

I am so unready.

Well - it will be spring in 2 weeks time and I'm looking forwards to it A LOT! Should be able to get into the water soon and am planning lots of snorkelling, boogie boarding and fushing and stuff! Quite fancy hunting for paua shells - they contain abalone (a shell fish that my family adore - not me - yuk) but I think the shells are really pretty for crafty type things. I will also look for scallops - not sure if they'll be too deep though?!

Watch out for scarey Sue in her board shorts and snorkel stuff with a knife in her hand to prise paua off rocks! (Must check what I can legally take first - I know it's 20 scallops per person).

Talking of spring - I have seen daffodils in full bloom and lots of baby lambs - cuuute!

Lemons and oranges and all things citrussy are bountiful - trees are just laden and dripping with them.

Last weekend, we met up with friends in Auckland (and a very cute little boy) and, after a wander, made our way to Mount Eden - and boy am I glad I did! The views were stupendous! Here's some info from a web site:

Maunga-whau (Mount Eden)

Mt Eden is one of Auckland's most famous landmarks. As the highest volcano on the Auckland isthmus it provides good views over the city and the Waitemata Harbour. Close to the centre of the city, Mt Eden is a constant reminder that Auckland is situated on a potentially active volcanic field.

However the news is not all bad:

The Auckland volcanic field is comprised of monogenetic volcanoes. This means it is unlikely that Mt Eden or any of the existing volcanoes will erupt again. The next eruption will probably occur in a new location.

Whew - so long as it's not Eastern Auckland!

The whole Auckland volcanic field has about 50 volcanoes - one of which (Pigeon Mountain) is across the road and was to be our haven if the tsunami hit!

Anyway - enough waffling - here're some piccies of the wonderful views we enjoyed on Saturday:



Can you see the Sky Tower and the Harbour Bridge?





Here's a view from the other side of the hill - you can see the monument on (n)one tree hill in the distance (another volcanic hill that used to have a tree until it was chopped down - because of fears strong winds could topple it, the 125-year-old pine tree on top of the hill was chopped down on October 26, 2000).



Fruit of the week is the tamarillo - very yummy - looks a bit like a tomato and I like it a lot!

Kev has also killed another white tail that made it into our front room - it was crawling down the wall at the time!

Tis deaded now - sent to heaven after being bashed by a slipper!

Well - gotta go cos I'm tired and still have LOADS of work to do - yawnie boring yawn.

Oh yeah forgot - I can now do the Maori stick song - we have lots of fun at school singing along and throwing rolled up magazines (pretend sticks) at each other!

Taught Corrie tonight - she reckons it will be good to teach her friends at uni - esp after a few drinks - tut - no culture at all these students......

See ya - off to bed now methinks..

Byeeeeeee.

x Sue - a very professional lady teacher.