Pancake Disaster

So I decided to get up on Saturday and make pancakes! Not such a good idea, they turned out to be terrible...or at least looked terrible.  Thank goodness they didn't taste as bad as they looked. I was practicing for a new souffle' pancake recipe I found. I at least thought I should try the pancake part first. I am not sure that I will ever master a perfect pancake, but I will continue to make them from time to time. I never could get the right temperature or timing, not sure which!  I was going to make them for Ray before he left for work, but he decided he was going to leave early. 

I know he is glad that he did not stay! Hope this makes you laugh! 

I saw this medal at a store here and that I thought I deserved for my cooking skills Saturday morning! Perfect! 

Lindsey

Life at the Grand Chancellor

To start our first week off we saw Porn Stars, Ron Jeremy, and Michelle "Bombshell" McGee in the elevators. Crazy to see them in person. It was definitely one of those "double take" moments! I guess they were staying at the hotel for an event here in town.

As I mentioned in the previous post I have been doing some cooking lately. We had our friends over for dinner this past week as a "Thank You" for helping us to move. I made homemade lasagna and raspberry brownies. My mom gave me her recipes for the lasagna and I spent quite some time at the supermarket trying to decide exactly what to get.  The cheeses here are a little different so I did some experimenting with the recipe.  The lasagna noodles were also very interesting.  They were "no cook" noodles and they looked like paper.  I was a little hesitant, but this all I could find. Ray and I pondered as it was cooking if it would taste any good....and they did! I had never seen these before but apparently they are pretty common. The brownies were something I saw on My Kitchen Rules, an Australian competitive cooking show. It was so much fun! The kitchen is a little small so I had to compromise and clean up while cooking. It was not as much fun without all the mess! I didn't feel like a real cook!

 

We also purchased a picture from them as the apartment was bare and not welcoming.  We are starting to hang things which makes it look much better.  Melody took this picture here in NZ! We love our new piece of art!

I will try and continue to post about my adventures in the kitchen! Until then I hope that my journey will inspire you to try new things!

Good o!

Lindsey 

Routine

Ray and I both have been working lots lately, which is great in many ways.  We are learning heaps about our jobs and are enjoying them and are also saving money towards our adventures around New Zealand!  We have Sundays off together twice a month.  Last Sunday we took a ride with our neighbors to the North parts of Auckland to see some of the beautiful beaches along the Hauraki Gulf as well as to the West to see some of the black beaches along the Tasman Sea. Very fun! They planned a picnic lunch for us which was great...a little chilly but such a great view of Snells Beach!

Red Beach

Snells Beach

Murawai Beach Domain....So windy sea foam was blowing everywhere and looked like snow!

As we noted previously we would be moving into a new apartment...and we have! With the preparation of the move came cleaning and packing up our apartment. Thanks to Melody and Cole we didn't have to lug 7 suitcases and lots of accumulated stuff across the city. They offered to help us since they have a car. I do have one funny with this I must share. I was over at there apt visiting the night before we moved and I managed to fall down there stairs.  I had socks on and slipped on the carpet and slid down about 8 steps trying to catch myself....so embarrassing. They didn't laugh, but I know they wanted too and I am sure they did when I left. I am still finding bruises from my clumsiness!

View of the Sky Tower from our apartment

We are excited about the new apartment not only because of the location, but most of all more storage!  It is located in the Hotel Grand Chancellor so we have use of all the amenities including a gym and a pool! 

Our new set of wheels!! Thats right we finally have our own mode of transportation....for our groceries and other findings, that is!  Melody and Cole gave this to us since we will be trekking to the supermarket each time as we moved about 10 blocks from the nearest store.  We are very fortunate to have this because we always wait until we have nothing left to eat before we go....I hate grocery shopping!

Many of you may find this next topic pretty funny! I am having to prepare and cook about 90% of the meals we are eating for dinner. I get home from work around 6 and Ray doesn't get off until 8:30 so that leaves me to make the meals at night. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be in the kitchen by myself.  I have always disliked cooking, but I am getting better and more comfortable.  Ray has been really supportive of what I have made.  He says things like, "that is the best pork we have had since we got here!" I am learning how to cook things other than chicken!! Yay for me! I'm sure he is just trying to boost my confidence. I am hoping to try some fun recipes on my days off so I will let you know how they go.

We are looking forward to the Rugby World Cup coming up in about a month.  Our new apartment is very close to lots of the entertainment.  Hoping to catch some of the games at some of the local pubs nearby.  We are studying up to try and better understand the game. It's serious business around here!

Cheerio!

Lindsey

The Bitter and the Sweet (such is life)

Where to begin, as many of you may have known Joe, Lindsey's Grandfather, had been ill for several weeks. His struggle gave way in the morning hours, on June 25; just a couple months shy of his 85 birthday. Even though I only knew him for 6 years I can confidently say he was one of a kind. He was always a joy to be around, talk to and was truly an inspiration. Over the past years as Joe's health faded and things did not come  quite as easy to him some things never wavered, the love, respect and admiration he showed to Mrs. Martha (Gran Gran)  his wife of 64 years. This, along with many other great memories, will stay with Lindsey and I throughout our life.

 

Joe and Gran Gran at our Going Away Party in Brandon- April 2011

We were so fortunate to have been able to make the trip home to share in the joy of memorializing Joe Herbert Sanderson. This gave both Lindsey and I the chance to share in the celebration of his life. Joe, never one to mind what people thought, truly did live life "His Way."

Even under these circumstances, Lindsey and I thoroughly enjoyed our time back in Mississippi and being able to spend time with both of our families. We also kinda enjoyed the heat, sorry I know some of you probably would like to hit me right about now but it is really cold, wet and windy here. I, no doubt, loved going to Louisville and getting to see my Mom and her amazing yard and gardens, it is truly amazing what all she can accomplish. I think Lindsey enjoyed getting to see all her babies (cats and dogs) more than anything. Some days I think she may have missed her true calling because she sure does love animals.

 

Some of Mom's beautiful work!

GiGi...the sweetest "mean" dog you will ever meet! 

Stevie...Our first child. He's very bad...thank goodness the grandparents love him too!

 Teddy....Gran Gran and Joe's cat

We have now been back in New Zealand for a week and heaps has changed. I am on my third day at my new job and am really enjoying it. It is nice to finally be able to leave the apartment and actually have someplace to go. Hahahaha! Not to mention anticipating finally getting a pay check. Also, Lindsey and I are still in search of our next apartment. This process started just after we returned from Hawaii almost a month ago and given the speed things go here in Auckland we hope it will not be another month before we find one. So we hope to be able to share new apartment pics with all of you soon.

May God continue to bless us all, and as my Dad always said, "Never put a question mark, where God has placed a period."

Until we speak again,
Love, Ray

Lots of Traveling

As usual we are way behind in posting. We have been traveling quite a bit. I recently accepted a position as a Sales Associate for Harrowset Hall Limited. A fine linen and bedding store in Newmarket, Auckland. Very cool store with lots of interior items to chose from...makes it hard not to buy and actually bring home my wages. I am really liking it a lot!! Work is about a 15 minute bus ride or 35 minute walk. Great location!  Ray had an interview this week and got a call back today. He has a follow up evaluation tomorrow. Fingers crossed that he will get the job! I know he is ready to find something with a regular schedule. You can only do so much people watching on Queens Street.

Beautiful daffodils one of my "workmates" gave me. Very thoughtful!!

As many of you know we traveled to Hawaii for Megan and Sean's wedding. Ray and I had never been to Kauai, it's absolutely amazing and cannot wait for our return visit. The entire weekend of wedding festivities were a blast. Perfectly organized and lots of fun! The weather was quite frustrating especially for an outdoor wedding for the days ahead.  However, it did allow us to see the raging waterfalls. We did lots of fun activities from kayaking to hiking the first 2 miles of the Na Pali Coast. The rain cleared just in time for the wedding day festivities to begin. The ceremony was so special. I just loved the Hawaiian ceremony, it was very sentimental and touching. So excited for Megan an Sean. It was a great time to get to see family and meet the Garvey family and all of M&S's friends. Great family!!

View of the coast from the hike

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Michael Garvey....I love the way he is looking at her. So sweet!!

Can't wait to see the photographers photos of the wedding events.  Two beautiful people and amazing location!

Hideaways Beach

We returned to Auckland to begin apartment searching as our current lease expires towards the end of July. Apartment renting is quite limited this time of year as the Rugby World Cup is fast approaching in September. We have seen some great and not so great places. Hoping to get this all squared away soon.

So now you can see what I mean about lots of traveling. We have been using the bus, train, our legs to walk all over this city, and very long plane rides!

Miss you all very much and hope all is well with each and every one of you!

Cheers!!

Lindsey

Settling in as a Kiwi

As usual....we are really slow in providing new post.  Lots has been going on since we last chatted. We have been continuing our job search and touring around the city and surrounding suburbs. The job search is going pretty good. We have had several prospects, just waiting for the right thing to fall in place. 

We have met a great couple that live in our apartment building from the states. They are originally from Washington State and have lived all over the world. Melody and Cole are a wonderful couple and a great inspiration for us. They have been married for 28 years and have 3 children. They moved a far distance to England when they first got married and have continued to live around the world in many places such as, Canada, Hong Kong, Texas, New Zealand.  They are setting off on another adventure in October as Cole has received a job transfer to Cairo, Egypt. It's pretty interesting all of the places they have been and where the will continue to go. We are so fortunate to have met them and have enjoyed all of there stories about living all over. 

They introduced us to the church they attend, Auckland Bible Church, and we really like it. We have met some really great families from all over....lots of Americans surprisingly! Everyone has been very helpful with our job search and telling us about all the local places to shop, and what to do. The grocery store(supermarket) is always fun. Trying to figure out what something is or what to buy that would be similar to what we use back home. 

This week we have been to Mission Bay which is a cute little town on the beach about 15 minutes from our apartment. Its in the direction of our walk in the mornings. The view of the Hauraki Gulf was amazing! I had to get my haircut and highlights!! Something I love to do...so fun and relaxing! 

We also went to Mt. Eden which is a summit 200 meters high and is the highest natural point in Auckland, therefore, the 360 degree views were breathtaking. The hike up was pretty funny...no real travel paths as there are many ways to get up. We climbed steps that had been built and followed the very narrow trails created by humans or even cattle...not really sure. When we reached the top of the volcanic grassy crater the view of the city was unreal. We really enjoyed Mt. Eden, it is one of the most famous landmarks and was created 20-30,000 years ago. 

We are really enjoying it here, but at times it's really hard to be away from friends in family. My grandfather, Joe, is having a tough time lately with his heart. He was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation years ago and it's giving him a lot more problems recently. Please keep him, my grandmother, my mom, and our entire family in your prayers. He is at home comfortable with 24hr care which is good.  The past few days have been hard, but he is doing better today. Everyday is a blessing! For those of you who don't know him, he's a real character! Full of himself and lots of jokes. He will turn 85 in August! Please pray for comfort, strength, and understanding!

As for this next week we are off to Kauai for my sisters wedding. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and spending time together. It's going to be such a fun time. I know that it is going to be absolutely beautiful! Haven't been to the island if Kauai yet so we are getting excited about all the fun things planned. Congrats to Megan and Sean! 

Lindsey

Our Life for the Past Few Weeks: Somewhat Busy

It has been 3 weeks since our last post, so I would like to apologize to those of you who actually read this. We have been somewhat busy. We are finally getting settled into our apartment and trying to make it feel more like home. We have been on the hunt for jobs as well. We have applied to more jobs than we care to count and have received numerous rejection emails and phone calls. The business world here is pretty slow during the winter season so jobs are pretty scare apparently. We are applying for all types of jobs to welcome a new challenge to our adventure!! I have been on one interview while Lindsey goes on her third on Thursday. We are not letting this “slow” start get us down, but it is discerning when you apply for a job and they contact you back to let you know you are over qualified for the position; which has happened to us both on several occasions. Never the less we press on and the hunt continues.

Don’t be fooled we have also been having fun, as well. We have done just about every “free” activity you can do in the city, which is not a lot, and also had several small low cost adventures.  Every morning “we” start our day with a 6 ½ mile walk to Mission Bay. I say “we” loosely since some mornings Lindsey is unable to get me out of bed. This walk is a perfect way to start your day; it is a beautiful winding walk along the waterfront of Okahu and Mission Bay. The views of all the sail boats in the Bay are amazing and the morning sun gleaming off the water is other worldly. After the walk we come back to the apartment and cool down before getting changed and thinking up things to do with the rest of our day. 

Some of our small adventures that we have taken include: A trip to the Auckland Domain, A walk to the Viaduct, A ferry ride and hike around Devonport, a trip to One Tree Hill/Cornwall Park, an interesting bus ride to the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens and a train ride to the village of Remuera. More in depth posts to follow on all of these adventures along with some photos. 

So as you can tell we have been somewhat busy. We have plenty more adventures planned and cannot wait until we can fill you in on how they have go, but until then we are just hoping for a job that will allow us to stay and actually get to do them. Hahaha!

We love and miss you all and hope to hear from you, if we have not already; and we can’t wait to see the Anderson family in two weeks in Hawaii for Megan and Sean’s wedding weekend!

Ray