We saw a remarkable presentation at the Carter Observatory today, called "We Are Astronomers." What we saw was a 45-minute fabulously produced video on space, including all that stuff that's out there and our Milky Way Galaxy. We learned how astronomers and scientists today collaborate via the Internet on the vast amount of research and data being gathered to better understand the universe. It was this group, by the way, who envisoned and launched the creation o...

We feel like a couple of mountain goats. We have walked up and down so many hills that everything I have is beginning to ache - just a little bit. I don't know about Stan but the sides of my lower legs are sore, my ankles ache, I feel my toes! And my back is a little out of whack from all this walking uphill! I am not a mountain goat by nature. Before I get into today, I must say that it is impossible to comment on every sight, every observation and every im...

I simply love local markets . . farmers markets, artisan markets, junk markets, no matter - they all are so much fun to browse. My favorites are markets with fruit and vegetable produce from those who actually grow it. We saw two great markets today, the Hill Street Market which showcases authentic farmers - my kind of place, for sure! Then later in the day we went to the Wellington Underground Market which presents an array of bakers, crafters, artists, desig...

We are still in love with this little portside city. At last, we took it a little more easy. We did some serious laundry--we even hung clothes out on a line--so fresh!! The we did a power-walk down the winding roads that make up this little portion of the Wellington area. Kelburn is the oldest portion of Wellington and shows a strong Dutch and German influence. Kelburn is set on a big rock hill on which folks throughout the generations have carved out a shelf...

Stan and I are still not sure we gave Christchurch or the South Island of New Zealand its full due, but we had to catch a morning flight from Christchurch to Wellington on the North Island today. Surprise, surprise! What a pleasant place!! We know we are in Wellington but it seems like San Francisco - there is a sizeable and stylish waterfront, Queens Wharf. There is a cable car line and you actually need it to get up the hill from the central business distri...