Sam and me at Penny's

Sam and me at Penny's
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Penny's dog, Sam decided to join me in my efforts to get my old Sharp Wizard info entered into my new Pocket PC. This is the same dog which pulls napkins from your lap during dinner and chews them up under the table for sport. Everyone else ignores her, but when she does it to me, I go after her under the table to get it back, and admonish her in harsh tones. Penny calls it my little dance under the table. Sam and I are still friends, however.

tradescantia close up

tradescantia close up
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Another noxious weed, nearly impossible to kill - it can survive for months when pulled up, just laying on the pavement, waiting for the opportunity to feel soil again. What persistence!!!

Weeds are flowers too

Weeds are flowers too
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

On a recent return visit to the Matakana Market, I walked down the path along the river, and sat for a bit on the bank of the river. I noticed that the area was blanketed with noxious weeds, the kind we are supposed to root out when we see them, because they crowd out the native species. But all are beautiful, when you get close enough.

Waimuku area

Waimuku area
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

The area near where we had our NonViolent Communication training in Waimuku. So beautiful.

Ron Ngata and Diane at NVC training

Ron Ngata and Diane at training
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

When I asked Marshall Rosenberg (www.cnvc.org )how I could help him in his work, he said - go help Ron Ngata in New Zealand. So now, here I am with Ron, who taught my second NonViolent Communication training session in Waimuku, and who I am planning on helping out next year after my trip to Haiti. I learned a lot that weekend, and made great connections with some of the other attendees.

more sheep on a hill

more sheep on a hill
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

A recurring theme in my photos is animals on a hill. I always stop if I can when I spot such scenes.

Mickey's at the Waimuku Cafe

Mickey's at the Waimuku Cafe
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

This was hung on the wall at the Waimuku Cafe. I mentioned to the cafe owner that I was there recently, in St. Paul, and that this diner is alive and well and still famous. I post it here for my St. Paul friends, so they know how small the world is, really.

Kelmarna Organic Gardens

Kelmarna Organic Gardens
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Another view of the garden

Diane in Kelmarna Gardens

Diane in Kelmarna Gardens
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

During my stay in Auckland, I volunteered a day with Kelmarna Organic Gardens in Auckland (see the buildings in the background). I am carrying two buckets of weeds. The red bucket is for the noxious weeds like wild garlic and oxalis, which require special handling so they don't come back. They get drowned!! Yes it is cruel, but I am not yet so enlightened that it bothers me too much. Maybe someday.

As I was pulling them up, I thought about this quote: "The old Indian teaching was that it is wrong to tear loose from its place on the earth anything that may be growing there. It may be cut off, but it should not be uprooted. The trees and the grass have spirits. Whatever one of such growths may be destroyed by some good Indian, his act is done in sadness and with a prayer for forgiveness because of his necessities. " Wooden Leg, late 19th century, Cheyenne

River in Matakana

River in Matakana
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

During the weekend in Snells Beach, Linda took me to the Matakana Market. Here is a view of the river below the market. It is a georgeous setting, and the market is full of people on the weekends. It is quite an upscale market, with organic produce, wine, cheese, lovely meals, etc. www.villageatmatakana.co.nz

Diane and Marijana

Diane and Marjiana
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

The organizer of the Matakana Market told Linda and I about this lady he thought we should meet. We spotted her from his description of her, and introduced ourselves. It turns out we had a lot in common. We met up with her at her house in Warkworth after our visit to the market, and Marijana gave me a free colour consultation. You will see me wearing more orange and violet/lavender in future.

Burros in Snells Beach

Burros in Snells Beach
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

During my weekend visit with Linda and Bill I went cycling with their next door neighbor. She took me to a nearby reserve, where I got this shot of the burros doing their job keeping the grass mowed. You may have noticed that the only flat places in New Zealand appear to be the beaches, and that would be about right.

What Is He Doing??

What Is He Doing??
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

On our way from the cafe we stopped in at the campground at Sandspit to see what the rates were ($15 per night), and I got this shot out of the car window as we were leaving.

Bill and Linda at my favorite cafe

Bill and Linda at my favorite cafe
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

During my stay in Auckland, I was fortunate to get to spend a weekend up north in Snells Beach with my friends Linda and Bill. We went to my favorite cafe in New Zealand, at a tiny community called Sandspit. There are not many cafes with a view like this!

My transportation

Dave's bike
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Since my own bike and trailer were in Nelson, I borrowed a bike from my friend Dave. I will use it until December, when I fly down to Nelson and retrieve my own from my friend Rebekah.

Kowhai tree

Kowhai tree
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

One of the native trees in bloom this time of year in Auckland

Kowhai blossom closeup

Kowhai blossom 2
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Cecile and Nigel in Hamilton

Cecile and Nigel in Hamilton 1
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Cecile and Nigel are long time friends from tango. They invited me to go with them to Hamilton Gardens, where they were performing for the Latin Festival. As always, it is a pleasure to watch them perform.

The Italian Renaissance Garden in Hamilton

The Italian Renaissance Garden in Hamilton
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

After the dance performance, we made our way to the Paradise Gardens part of Hamilton Gardens. Cecile and Nigel had never been back in here before, so I was delighted to show it to them. Cecile saw these gardens and immediately envisaged a tango event being held there. And she is the lady who can make it happen! Nigel and I danced tango in one of the gardens. It was good to know I can still do it.

Beachside mansion

Beachside mansion
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

If one tires of looking at the ocean, the dogs, the people and the shells on Takapuna Beach, one can always look inland and gaze at the beautiful beachside mansions that line the beach. If this were the US, this beach would most likely be private, restricted, and fenced off. But this is New Zealand, where the tradition of public access to beaches is very very strong, thank goodness.

friendly strange dog inviting me to play

friendly strange dog inviting me to play
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

I was photographing the sand castle in the upper right of this photo, when one of the dogs on the beach came over and dropped a stick at my feet, and stared at it. He was very clear in his message to me - "Pick up this stick and throw it for me!!!" So of course, I did. How can one refuse such an invitation!

Pushing prams on the beach

Pushing prams on the beach
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

You never know what you will see on Takapuna Beach, but it is always interesting.

Gull, Takapuna Beach, and Rangitoto

Gull, Takapuna Beach, and Rangitoto
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

One of my favorite places in Auckland is Takapuna Beach. You will see why in these photos. The gull in this photo is a red legged gull.

Penny and Tyler with steamer box

Penny and Tyler with steamer box
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Tyler, Penny's first grandchild, visits frequently. I am now one of his buddies, and everyone, including me, loves the way he says "Diane" when he wants me.

Magnolia near Penny's house

Magnolia near Penny's house
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Spring is not as dramatic in Auckland as it is in Minnesota or Iowa, but when you see trees like this you know it is spring!!

Chelsea Pony Club member

Chelsea Pony Club member
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

The Chelsea Pony Club has some land carved out of the suburbs. A nice change from all the houses.

White horse at Chelsea Pony Club

White horse at Chelsea Pony Club
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Also on my walk through the neighborhood

In reserve near Penny's house

In reserve near Penny's house
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

North Shore City has many beautiful reserves and walking tracks hidden behind the houses. One day shortly after I arrived I took a walk around the neighborhood and found this lovely secluded spot a few blocks away.

Merkesworth Castle

DSCN2960
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

Not far from Penny's house is this amazing castle. It was built in 1926 by Captain John Algie for his new wife, Penelope. It is still owned by the Algie family. It is surrounded by modern houses. I would love to see inside, and the view it has from that top window.

My tent at Penny's

My tent at Penny's
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

My friend and angel Penny picked me up from the airport, and took me to her house, and lent me a car to drive. The first thing I did was buy a tent to live in, and here it is in her front yard. I stayed here nearly a month. It rained and blew fiercely at times, but it is a very aerodynamic little tent, and waterproof, too. I was surprisingly comfortable in it.

Voting With Their Feet

DSCN2872
Originally uploaded by dianeemerson

On the flight to Auckland from LA, I was fortunate to sit next to this couple. They were on their 'moving' flight to New Zealand from the US. They decided to leave the US when George Bush was re-elected, and it has taken them until now to sell their business and home, etc. She is a veterinarian and he is a chiropractor. They had only spent 2 weeks in New Zealand total before moving, so I was able to share with them lots of tips on living in New Zealand. I hope to see them again.