Fall in New Zealand

I'm so excited for fall, it's one of my favorite seasons, warm blankets, Woolley socks, Crocheting, Hot chocolate/ Milos, Beautiful Leaves and greener pastures, warm fires and Stews and soups and comfort food to warm the soul. im hoping to venture out a bit this month coming.  2 special events happen in Aus and New Zealand during fall here, that is, Easter weekend the Saviour's sacrifice and Anzac Day the sacrifice of our service Women and Men. Out Winters are very different as well. New Zealand gets very cold, it does snow in different parts of the country, but not here in the Bay, I rains, we get frost quite a bit, but still warmer than the winters in USA, We had some pretty cold winters in Australia but you can count on it being a lot drier than New Zealand. We love our Rugby as Americans love their Football. but our men are tougher hahah they don't need to wear padded gear. I love to watch Ice Hockey in the USA, Its like Rugby on Ice!
This picture is of the Keirunga Gardens situated in the Heights of Havelock North, Hastings I lived down the road from this park when I was a teenager and I used to run early in the morning here. It is such a beautiful place and quiet.

Pic from: http://www.hawkesbayhomestay.co.nz/bed-and-breakfast-accommodation-havelock-north-hawkes-bay-new-zealand/things-to-do/

It is the beginning of Fall for us Kiwis and Australians and it's not the same here as fall is in America. We are trying to adjust to the lifestyle here and the usual festive activities are not practiced here or regonized. However, my husband and I have decided we will make a few of our old traditions work here but perhaps with a new twist. and we will add in a few new ones because here it is Fall at \

Easter time!

• Family Photos (a must) by Aunty Mella http://www.amaorican.com
• Canning (called bottling here)
• Easter decorating, No Pumpkins this time of year
• Baking Hot cross buns and Pumpkin Choc Chip Cookies
• Making Chocolate in Chocolate Molds and Chocolate Easter eggs
• Do an Easter Egg Hunt.
• Annual General Conference through The Church of Jesus Christ of  Latter Day Saints Link on the Website of the Live Broadcast
• Learn about our Savior Jesus Christ Sacrifice and what it means to us 
• Take a Picnic up to Te Mata Peak, It is one of the highest points around Hawkes bay where you can safely drive up to and look across the whole countryside and Bay Area and shoe the children all the change in the land that they can see now that the seasons change.
• Apple picking, at the local orchards and then bake a delicious Apple Pie
• Take a Picnic and Walk through Keirunga Gardens and Visit the Miniature ride on train that runs through the Park Keirunga Park Railway
• Bike riding along Marine Parade beach Bike Track with the kids
• Go on date together
• Process raw sheeps wool and Alpaca fibers we got in Summer from the farms and take the kids to the Carding Wool Mill in Dannevirk Kane Carding Mill
• Arm knit blankets for everyone in our family and maybe one for our neighbor and one for Nanny Mary, she is my Great Grandfathers Sister! She is in her 90's and still alive and healthy she is the only one left of her siblings. 
• Anzac morning Parade.
• Make Anzac Biscuits and My twist on the Afghan biscuit is my Afghan Slice!

So there you have it my schedule for this fall. share all these activities here on my blog lots of photos and definitely my Recipies. Happy Fall Y'all!

Sleepy Hollow TV Series Fox Studios Ep.11 Review

Sleepy Hollow - TV Series

I dont watch much TV but I do watch Sleepy Hollow. A Futuristic Molly named Lara, early in the Episode breaks into the Vault where the team (Crane, Thomas, Mills, Wells and Noorwood ) are alerted to her presence, a symbol that she has tattoo on her wrist, which is also on the flags that Dreyfuss has been painting, that lead the team to believe that she in fact might be connected to the Arma mutata! Dreyfuss and is evil sidekick Demon are on a mission to recover a nun which was fashioned by Benjamin Banock. This very gun when fired will raise the Horseman of War. Crane and Thomas decide to go and look for the Gun.  Mills, Wells and Noorwood take to scouting the property that has been assumed belongs to Dreyfuss.  They split up to scout the area, Wells and Noorwood discover the Coffin Cases that hold the Horsemen and find that their are empty ones, War and the Headless horseman. They are then captured, and forced to disclose the where abouts of Crane and Thomas. Dreyfuss finds out from Wells, what Crane is doing and they go after Crane. Mills rescues Wells and Noorwood.  Lara is captured by Crane and Thomas at the place where this gun is hidden, on the Property that once belonged to Benjamin Bannock, which is now been turned into an upscale Restaurant and Meeting venue. After questioning Lara and trust is gained with her, Crane and Thomas decide to work together to destroy the gun. Lara takes them to a warehouse which she has been hiding out in, leading them to believe that is the place that the gun is to be destroyed. She locks Crane and Thomas in an enclosure and takes off to complete the task by herself.  Agent Thomas and Crane break free and catch up to Lara, as she is about to complete the ritual. The ritual is interrupted by Dreyfuss and his Deamon and they procure the gun. After an exchange of words between Lara and Dreyfuss, he points the gun in the direction of Agent Thomas,  I must say I was gutted when    (SPOILER ALERT) Crane gallantly moves Agent Diana Thomas out of the way to avoid her being shot by Dreyfuss with the gun that will raise The Horseman of War and takes the hit thus transforming him into The Horseman of War. What a crazy turn of events. I screamed NO! I can't believe the Hero becomes the bad guy. So I was so eager, more than usual, to watch Ep.12.

 I won't say what happenes in Ep.12 I'll leave that a mystery.

Heres a few places you watch it online

Sleepy Hollow TV Series - Popcorn Time Online

Hulu

Watch Series - Sleepy Hollow Season 1

Fox Sleepy Hollow Full Episodes

Future Learn - Free Online Classes

Future Learn - Free Online Open Learning Classes

I wanted to do a post on Future Learn. I did a little bit of research trying to find free classes to do, to get me ready for University when I am better. I was accepted to Waikato University into their Psychology Program for a Bachelors Degree Double Major Psychology, and Te Reo Maori

Seeing as though I haven't been to school for almost 17years I needed to jump start my brain. They say you loose 1/4 of your brain when you have a baby, so ¯1/4 x 6 =  ¯1.5 So I guess Im in the red then. lol I used to be awesome at remembering things but not anymore and wanted a way to start getting myself ready to learn again. I wanted something that was flexible and not too overwhelming and most of all Free. So I found Future Learn and they have some really Interesting Subjects, from History to Psychology, Nutrition to Chemistry Business and Technology, I even did a Spanish class, they have so many to choose from. I do wish they had music classes though.  Although the courses are free, their is one cost involved but it is purely optional, and your course is not pending on this decision so if you want a Personalised Certificate of Completion you will be sent a digital form of your Certificate and you also get a Personalised certificate sent in the post if you opt for the Certificate to add to your CV/Resume, starting around $35 + Tax + shipping, Which is not bad at all. You can do a Degree and Masters as well. They also have Programs which you can choose that have all the relating and relevant subjects that are in connection to the course you wish to take and what you choose to do to have an all rounded learning experience, for instance Spanish 1, 2 and 3 courses can be in a program if you desire to do all of them and it will enrol you for all 3 or you can enrol individually for just one subject

It is entirely up to you.

• I found this site to be easy navigate
• I thought the way that the classes were set up was well thought out and planned
• Very achievable weekly tasks & great use of outside sources, such as YouTube , poetry sites etc
• Good selection of subjects and courses
• Easy to sign up and begin
• No Cost to do the Classes, they do not ask for your Credit Card Details to sign up 
• Degree Options
• Its simple  
• Low Cost for Completion Certificate

Future Learn Home Link

I give this Site 4 of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

K-12 Online

K-12 Online School Curriculum

K12 provides personalized, online education solutions for students in grades K–12. For almost two decades, K12 has been an established leader in online education throughout the U.S. At K12, we believe every student is uniquely brilliant and deserves a high-quality education to help them thrive and reach their personal potential. 

The one stop shop for Online School, with Everything and More.
This is my Favourite Online School by far
For more information click here K-12 School Website

If you want to know if Online Learning is for you click here K12 - Is online learning for me?

If you are Ready to Enrol click here Ready to Enrol

I give them out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PUKANA!

This is a blast from the Past but I thought I should share.  Pukana is performed for many reasons, Pukana can be to show ones Mana and Ihi, sometimes how fierce a warrior can be and also how beautiful or a little flirtatious a woman can be when doing the poi, or in a waiata a ringa. It is the way we Maori express ourselves. For men it is the protruding of the tongue and widening of the eyes and for women we widen our eyes not do the protrusion of the tongue. But why do our eyes, well my Nanny said to me, our eyes the windows to our soul and our and actions speak louder than words, eyes can show many feelings and what your wairua what your Spirit says is truth though your words might betray.

This Photo has some pretty awesome fellas in it, My son for one who has a mean as Pukana, but behind him is his Uncle the Late David Atkinson who is one of the most generous kindest and ngawari men I have ever met! He and his wife and their family, also Richard Polsen and a friend of theirs started the Maori Culture Group called Ngati Hiona, and have been the heart of the Maori Community in Utah for a long time now. My Uncle Rakaipaka has been the Kaumatua for not only Ngati Hiona but for many Maori and Pacific Islanders in the State, and they are known across the country amongst the Polynesian and Performing Arts communities for their efforts and Contributions.  From the right to left we have The Late Uncle Wiremu Pene from Ngati Pourou, who had a mighty voice, boy could he sing. Then our nephew Shaun Clarke who went on to perform and work at one of Hawaii's leading attractions The Polynesian Culture Centre.Uncle Dave and Hayden Bailey,  the Grandson of Uncle Wiremu, Jason Wihongi, who is well versed in Haka and Mau Rakau and from one of the first Maori Family's who migrated to Utah, and is married to a Beautiful Kahungunu maiden, Candy Wihongi nee Nuku, and to the side and front of him are his good looking sons.:)

It is Important for us to teach our Tamariki because they are the future of our Maori communities were ever they may be around the world, We must build them up with what it means to be a strong community, so that when we are gone they will take our places and look after one another, so Parents and Grandparents, it must first be important for us, otherwise it will never be important to them!

What a wonderful Maori Community we had in Utah. It was so unique and the aroha and wairua was definitely one of a kind. Naku te rourou, Nau te rourou, ka ora ai te Iwi! Tihei Mauri Ora!

Baby's Christening Gown - Family Heirloom

I wanted to take time to mention, this absolutely gorgeous Heirloom Crocheted Baby Christening/Blessing dress, that my Husbands Grandmothers sister Aunty Audrey handmade. 

This Vintage Silk trimmed Cotton Blessing Gown with

crochet lace Bib and matching slippers was super adorable and a privilege to have our child wear.

It was given to my Mother in law to give to all the Grandchildren when they were blessing there children. Its been almost 2years since Aunty Aud has passed and I wanted to take a little moment to remember her, and her amazing craftsmanship! 

Her attention to detail and her flawless execution of the garment left nothing to be desired. Everyone commented on How adorable our Little Aaria looked today on the first of many special days to come.. and then her sister Mahia Eva Jordan also got to wear it on her special day! 

Our other four children, when it was their blessing days, wore a Blessing dress that my Grandmother had given me when our first Childs' Blessing day came, and it was a beautiful silk gown.

Book Club

Who doesn't love curling up on the couch on a cold day, by the fire, in your Pjs with a Hot chocolate/Milo no kids and no phone ringing, no people knocking on the door and a book that you just can't put down? Thats right you know you want too! lol Bookclub is starting up for the Ladies of Hastings 2nd Ward, but anyone can join the Club so PLEASE let your friends neighbours, and family know so they can join, I will start a Facebook page for the club so that it is easy to access. Here are some Pros about Bookclub!

• Get to do something that is just for you
• Keeping your mind active and soaking in knowledge
• Take the whole month to read and study the book
• Get together with the Ladies - to discuss and share your perspective of the book or your feelings.
• Good therapy - to talk about your ideas and feelings over some waffles and OJ, is like the pick-me-up you didn't know you needed!
• Grow your library - Bookclub can provide a more economical way for you to grow your library with sharing the cost of shipping and discounts you can save money.
• Give you more options - suggestions from others of a good book to read can offer you a gem that you probably would have read because you didn't even know it was there.
• You might find out that you actually might like reading.

What are the Cons you might ask?

•  I dont know if I can read a book in the time frame you have given? A: Thats ok, bookclub isn't about how fast you can finish a book, where ever you are up to is fine, not everyone is a fast reader, I am not a fast reader either, you can share your thoughts on whatever you have read. Also I have decided that we will keep it simple and just start out with some easy reads and nothing to deep an depressing lol
• What about the cost of books? A:We will try to pick books that are between the $0-$20 mark, sometimes  E-books are available and usually cost less than a Hardcopy. Or you can borrow a book which I don't mind sharing once I am finished just as long as you check that book back in! :) 
• I have young children, can I bring them to the book discussion? A:It is meant for time out for you, however we are all moms and if you need to bring them that is ok too! Breastfeeding babies are always welcome.
• What is the discussion?  A:We will get together for 1-1hr 30mins max for bookclub  at the time day and date that is designated we call all bring a plate or something to share weather its Sat morning breakfast or a night with cookies and Hot Chocolate. Its all up to us. Now Bookclub is facilitated by me, but I will not be telling everyone like it is......... we will all get in and make decisions for Bookclub together everyone involved.
• Will we only read Church books? A: ahh NO! The purpose of this bookclub is to inspire uplift, provide an escape (sometimes lol), and invoke you have an opinion and voice your ideas, provide an outlet, sometimes talking to little people all day doesn't really cut it when it comes to stimulating conversation. we will read whatever we choose to read, church affiliated and non ecclesiastical varieties, Maori, anything!

I have made the decision for the first book we will dive into, it is an incredibly easy read. Its the first book of the Series The Great and Terrible, The Brothers,Written by Chris Stewart (See Post above for the link to Purchase the ebook/or hardbook. I have one copy of the book and in 2-3 weeks my 2nd copy will have arrived from America with our Container. I am happy to share but bare in mind its just one copy for the Moment. Aunty Mere Gemmell has my copy you can talk to her about when she will be finished with it and just let me know if you have my book. We will be meeting at the end of April so you have plenty of time to finish it before the Bookclub's first meeting. Come on, just give it a go, even if you dont like reading. I was like that! I would rather watch the movie than read it, but one book made me fall in love with reading, its called "Fishers of Men" Gerald L. Lund, it was a present we received as a gift for our Wedding. I couldn't put it down. I discovered that I loved reading! Soooooo with that in mind, give it a go and you never know, there might just be a book worm inside you after all!

First Book of the Month

Christ Stewart

Click on link to purchase ebook and hardcopy of The Brothers

https://deseretbook.com/products/great-terrible-vol-1-prologue-brothers-chris-stewart-12488?variant_id=97226-paperback

Book Description - This is one of my favourites!

In the time before Creation, before so many of the children of God turned away from their Father and walked knowingly into the dark, there was a choosing, a sifting, a contest of ideas and a battle for souls. In that great premortal war, each of us learned the first lessons of life: The great ones may fall. The wicked can change. The weak and the foolish can become the strongest of all. And the battle between good and evil is the same regardless of the time or place.

The Brothers is the first novel in a new series by national bestselling author Chris Stewart. The Great and Terrible takes us from the beginning of time to the final hours of the last days, revealing the greatest secret of all: The children of God can defeat the adversary, for we have fought him before.

Unabridged Audiobook Run time aprx. 6 hours