So Long New Zealand (for now)
Our last days in Auckland are somewhat surreal. Everywhere we go we are “welcomed” to New Zealand. When we explain that we are leaving after nearly 5 months of house and pet sitting, people are…
Not Just Another "Snickerdoodle"
Meet Ted! He is a 12 year old spoodle, and he reminds us a lot of puppy Monte (Monte being a spoodle / cockapoo mix). I fondly refer to such ginger, curly pooches as “snickerdoodles” - to cover all…
On the Road to Taranaki
We welcome the Kerikeri owners home and enjoy a lovely dinner with them while catching up on their trip, our time in Kerikeri and the antics of Paris and Monte. After savoring the last walk with…
Weka Weka
Weka! Not a kiwi, but we will always remember seeing it here in New Zealand with Emma. Terribly exciting! It is on one of our last days before Emma’s departure. After visiting the local farmer’s…
Paris, Monte Carlo, Bay of Islands, Abbey Road
And EMMA! Life IS good here in Kerikeri (pronounced keeri-keeri by the locals)! Between Paris and Monte, the dogs, and Emma, the daughter, we are busy. Paris may be little, but she definitely rules…
Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi
We enjoy a lovely happy hour at the home of neighbors who are New Zealand natives. Upon their recommendation, Tim, Emma and I purchase tickets to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in nearby Paihia even…
Cycling Along the Twin Coast Trail
Guest Post by Emma In honor of dad’s birthday this year (and the many birthdays I’ve missed in years past), we set out on a two-day bike ride along the Pou Herenga Tai, or Twin Coast Cycle Trail…
Kerikeri
Our new charges, Paris (the little 9 year old white Maltese) and Monte Carlo (the 7 month old cockapoo) watch their folks depart, but not before they all throw us a July 4th party with hamburgers, hot…
Wellington
WOW! Wellington - what a beautiful area! We spend a lovely few days here between our Dunedin and Kerikeri housesits. Our Airbnb on the Miramar peninsula affords us a clear view of the Wellington…
Moving On from Dunedin
Such loveable faces! Dogs, donkeys and chooks - oh my! After nearly 3 months in Dunedin, we leave with mixed emotions. We have become attached to these critters and will genuinely miss their…