Monday, January 24, 2011

painted ginger




Ginger is special to me.  Growing up in Auckland, I used to stand outside on a late summer or early autumn night and look up at the tall ginger spikes growing almost wild.  The clear NZ sky had millions of twinkling stars.  And when the moon was full, it was magical.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Summer ginger

Still painting

I was looking for waterlilies last week but they didn't have any so I got ginger spikes instead.

These take me back to Auckland - the scent of the flowers in the night breeze is just magical.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Sunny summer days in New Zealand: Little Oneroa


I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. During the summer holidays we would invariably spend a great deal of time on Waiheke Island so every chance we get we like to spend some time down there.

Here are some photos of Little Oneroa beach taken last week.  This would be a very day - lots of families came to the beach to picnic, play beach cricket and swim.  It really is paradise and the day I was there it was a beautiful Auckland summer's day.

Australia is having a terrible summer.  Rainy most days and we are all terribly sad about the floods in Queensland.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Happy new year: A new year story


I thought I'd give Whooga a plug.  Why?  because of outstanding customer service...

About a week ago I was looking to buy some ugg boots and I came across a special online at Whooga. So I ordered a pair and they arrived two days later.

Unfortunately I got two left feet.  I looked on the website - no contact number only a form.  Being the sceptic I am, I filled out the form, also emailed the site and thought: 'that's the last I'll hear from those guys'.

Within half an hour - yes half an hour, I had two emails from two different people saying they were very sorry and they were sending two right feet - and please, keep the extra pair as a way of saying sorry for the mishap.

I couldn't believe it.  My faith in customer service in Australia for online shopping has been restored.  I wonder if you would get that service in David Jones.

Anyway.  Thank you Whooga Australia - your boots aren't bad either!