Baking bonanza

I like to bake, always have done. My Mum is a good baker and she taught me well. When we moved there was a whole box of baking equipment - one thing that Anthony didn't complain about me bringing.

I've noticed that in the UK a lot of people don't bake. There are of course many that do, but there are many more that don't. Baking supplies in UK shops vary, but are normally limited to a small section of shelf space (usually next to the jam).

New Zealand, on the other hand, is a nation of bakers. Buying baking supplies here is like shopping in the 1950s, 21st Century style. Baking supplies are not corralled in a small section in close proximity to the preserves here, they have a glorious aisle to themselves.

Let's start with the basics. Baking powder, baking soda and cream of tartar are all there, not in little pots, but in full sized packets. They are there for people who will use them and come back for more, not leave them at the back of a cupboard following some half-arsed attempt to make cupcakes 3 years ago because they saw an article in Cosmo about how cupcakes are trendy.

Muffin cases are another example. In the UK many places don't have them, and those that do usually just have them in white. Here they have lots of designs and sizes, you can even get ones specifically for savoury muffins (my latest are a fetching red chili design).

Whatever else New Zealand may be, for me it's turning out to be baking heaven.

Resolutely no resolutions, almost

At this time of year I have been known to indulge in making a few resolutions for the year ahead. You know the kind of thing - eat less, move more. This year I'm not making any.

Well, I'm kind of making one. We've made it all the way over the New Zealand, the least we can do is to make the most of it.

Belated review of 2008

At this time of year reflection is inevitable, and 2008 has been a bit of an odd year, so I'm taking the opportunity to look back at what went on.

Obviously moving to New Zealand was a big event from the last 12 months, but it wasn't everything. It's been in our minds for a few years now, but to make it happen has given me a huge feeling of empowerment. I don't know how things will go here, but no is not the time to dwell on that. It'll be what it'll be, all we have to do is to do our best and have fun.

So, back to 2008. On the job front we both had changes. I discovered that I could survive pretty uncomfortable work conditions, but I couldn't do it for long, or without the support of some very good friends. Anthony discovered that quitting your job on your second day can actually work out in the end!

I made my first trip to Asia in January, not knowing that I'd be returning within the year. There were also a couple of great trips to Lyon, somewhere that I will miss and hope to return to.

My Grandad's 100th birthday was the high spot of the year for me. I always knew that he would make it, but it was great to see him on such good form, surrounded by family.

Who knows what lies in store in 2009, but I wish you all the best for the next 12 months.

The stuff of legend

Yes, it is finally here, THE STUFF.

After seeing them boxed up and taken away on 1 October our worldly possessions were returned to us on 23 December. After horror stories of containers left on the dockside in Singapore for 8 months, Somali pirates, shipwrecks and officious NZ customs officials we were very pleased to see them arrive.

However, after the initial pleasure came a period of unease, bordering on the mild panic. Sure, having stuff is good, but it also means that you have to look after it and take it with you when you move etc. You're no longer just away for an extended holiday when you have all your stuff with you.

Now, after much sorting out, it's all starting to feel more homely. There is a sofa to sit on instead of the floor. A bed to sleep in instead of a mattress on the floor (the floor has played a big part in our life for the last couple of months). There are pots and pans for all your cooking needs, rather than restricting meals to those that can be made in 2 saucepans. There is a choice of clothes and shoes - hopefully work colleagues will no longer think that I sleep in my clothes for a week.

Of course there were some casualties in the move. A couple of bowls and glasses and a desk, to name a few. The oddest was my Nintendo DS, of which I have the charger, instruction booklet, games and pointer, but no games unit itself. Still, everything is straightening itself out, including Nero, and the good news is that if you come to visit there will now be something for you to sleep on and to sit on.

Christmas in the sun

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas in the sun is a weird concept to get your head around as a Northern Hemisphereite. Yesterday we took a drive over to the Wairarapa which is a region to the east of Wellington. We drove down towards Cape Palliser which is the most southerly point of the North Island.

When we got back we took a walk along Oriental Parade where Anthony took the great picture of the frisbeeing Santa.

Kiwiana Part 1

Lots of New Zealand towns have a landmark to make them stan out from the crowd. I'll record these as I come across them. This is the first batch. the plane doubles as a cafe.

Tri-ing too hard?

Triathlon is almost a way of life in NZ. On my way home this evening I had to negotiate ranks of dripping runners newly emerged from the harbour. 

I recently saw an advert for a triathlon event for 5 year olds. They obviously start them young here!