Sunday the 31st

We were off to visit a new beading buddy. I had found out that there were two BJP members, down in NZ, and had contacted them. Diane Lithgow wrote back and had invited us to stay with her in Stratford, in the area near New Plymouth. So, off we went with the intension of going to the Kiwi House in Otorohanga. However, it was pouring and although the kiwis are nocturnal birds and live inside a building, the rest of the park was outside and we didn't want to walk around in the rain.

So, we studied the map and decided to visit Kawhia, a small community on the coast. It was a nice drive, still raining when we got there, but not hard like it had been. We found a small place for lunch, Annie's, where I had a pan-fried fish and salad and Art had an abalone fritter with Kumara fries. We'd never had abalone before and it was delicious, as I took a bite. Kumara is like a sweet potato but not as sweet. Annie's was a place where you stood in line to give your order, they give you a stand with a number on it, and then the waiter brings your meal. While in line, we were talking with a couple who had been at a 50th birthday party in Kawhia. They told us about a Maori gathering where they were selling produce, so after lunch, we went exploring and went there. Because it had been raining, everything was moved inside. It was a small group but fun to visit with, and we purchased some beautiful tomatoes.

On our way out of town to continue our southernly passage, we stopped at a gallery called the Artsy Tarts. The paintings were nice but it was great meeting the three women who were there. One is a painting tutor (teacher), and she gave us lots of in put where to find fine crafts and jewelry collectives (another name for a co-op) in both the North and South Islands. They suggested we take the coast road down to Stratford, so that's what we decided to do.

Maude wasn't happy! We tried to program in the alternative route, but she wanted us to go back to the main highways and head south that way. She lost. We followed the coast as far as we could. It was through the mountains and a very beautiful drive. Well worth the longer drive. We saw birds we've never seen. One was all black except for its wings which were white but outlined in black. Very unusual.  I don't know why we left Maude on but we did, and she continued to try to get us to change our minds. No luck there.

We finally arrived at Diane's house, a lovely space. She's single and is a Principal's PA at the local high school. We had a great time with her. A bit after dinner, Art went to use his computer and Diane and I played with beads, also viewing all of her creations. She's more into embroidery but has lots of beads.

Another wonderful day spent in New Zealand.