Paintings by Richard

 Doorway to Tuscany. Oil on canvas 22 x 28 ins

 CinqueTerre washday.  Oil on canvas 12 x 24 ins

 Maraetai summer.  Oil on canvas  24 x 18 ins

 The homestead.  Oil on canvas 30 x 20 ins

 On the plateau. Oil on canvas  24 x 18 ins

Fishing off the spit.  Oil on canvas 24 x 18 ins

 Mercury Bay surf.  Oli on canvas 12 x 24 ins (sold)

Mercury Bay evening. Oil on canvas 18 x 24 in (Sold)

Oct-Nov 2011

Well, it seems a bit repetitive creating this blog as fb is now the more immediate communication source & readers will have seen plenty of piks from our UK/Italy trip up to & including recent piks. However, the year is not complete until some reflections are shared....So here goes....

From the last day at Portsmouth Road & an expectant Jemma with big sis to the piks of new mummy with Evelyn that we've all seen on fb (& more to come I'm sure in the next blog.)

Of course we spent no time at all wetting the babies head. (Champers had been chilling for a few days) 10 Dec.

Spring displayed it's usual magical form with the cherry blossom in the Botanical gardens. Then the wind started....& hasn't really ceased :( (at the time of writing, sunshine hours clocked up could well be recorded on one hand)

Then it was time to meet Samuel Gosnell @ 1 month old. Celebrating his big sister's 3rd birthday...

Around this time, our new Homestay arrived. Ran from China, who has fitted easily into our home environs. She even watched the winning of the Rugby World Cup! Definite tick of approval! (Ran's image temporarily blocked by other enthusiasts)

Winners...

We eased into November with ongoing teaching, painting, gardening, tutoring & an occasional

outing. A usual trip to check out the beach house at Matarangi was welcomed. Another event was the annual Corporate Challenge 5kms run or walk held in the AKL Domain. Richard of course has no problem seeing it off. Moi, on the other hand, decided to jog ALL the way just 'cos'. Totally surprised myself by trit trotting around in 34mins. Something to celebrate my birthday. Cheaper than going out to dins! Sadly..(phew!) no piks so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Richard took part in the annual AKL East Arts exhibition at Mission Bay in mid November. No sales this year which only indicates the high quality of his works.

Our trip to Matarangi was notable for the fact that it was the last time we would ever travel over the iconic Kopu bridge at Thames. Next blog will have piks of the 2011 model.

Son-in-law Alan breezed into AKL for a flying 4 day trip for interviews etc in Northland. Marsden Point Refinery to be specific. Watch out for the next blog for an update on Houghton family's ETA in AKL!

While we go about our business, we have some interesting wildlife that indulge in strange & predatory manner. Meet 'M' our resident magpie who attacks his reflection on our bedroom French doors at random times. Dawn onwards in fact. He has taught his son/daughter to do the same. Remarkable & an absolute pain. They arrogantly stalk around the place daring us to challenge their behaviour.

He really is a magnificent specimen. Even the front door windows are checked out.

Bobtail, our resident bunny, is also part of the wildlife family. He/she's been around for the past year nearly. He/she doesn't realise he/she's wild & will happily bob around inspecting the garden, munching up the occasional carrot we throw out but never bothering with the veges or flowers...phew! Otherwise he/she could be re-named Stu! Very cute & very Beatrix Potter.

Just to conclude, this person was found on the streets at Election time...say no more...

We've had a BBQ or two despite the wind & rain lately, with neighbours/friends. Next blog will have Dec piks & tales to share from our pre-Christmas AKL family get together & Christmas stay with Sydney family.