Wet wet wet

Even though it's still raining, the wet weather does make for some good photo opportunities. I was in a car park in town yesterday, and took this shot of the intersection of Anglesea and Thackeray/Hood Street. The umbrella tells the wet tale.

A foggy outlook

It has been another wet day in the Waikato and New Zealand. I am so sick and tired of rain that I'm even willing to welcome back the fog, which is my sworn enemy! In honour of fog, I post this picture.

It's cold again

An early winter morning in Hamilton.

Waiting for the boss

This dog was waiting patiently on this misty morning while his owner was having his breakfast in the café.

What's the time?

This old clock hangs above the entrance to a very quaint antique shop in Queenwood, Hamilton. The photo was taken on a very misty Sunday morning.

Breakfast fry up

On a cold day, there are few things nicer than a fry up!

Ominous weather warning

I am posting another photo of dark clouds with the sun just peaking out. If you look closely, you can see rays of sunlight.

Civil Defence has just issued an alert. Apparently a huge storm, the likes of which have not been seen for many years, is heading towards the North Island. It is forecasted to hit tomorrow.

Civil Defence gives the following advice:

- Check your drains and spouting to make sure they are clear of blockages;
- Pick up rubbish around your house that could become airborne;
- Bring rubbish bins indoors;
- Bring pets inside;
- Boaties are recommended to check their moorings;
- Check on your next door neighbours.

If the storm hits Civil Defence recommends:
- People stay at home, do not travel unless absolutely necessary;
- Open a window on the side of the building away from the wind. This will relieve pressure on the roof and help prevent it lifting;
- Close all curtains to slow down flying glass and airborne objects;
- Stay away from doors and windows. If the wind becomes destructive, shelter further inside the house.

Finally, a sunny day!

We've had some really rainy days. Today, finally, there was some relief and the sun shone beautifully. Unfortunately, this afternoon the clouds started gathering just as I was taking a picture as proof of a lovely sunny day in the middle of winter! If the weather prophets are to be believed, we're in for another wet one tomorrow!

Sculpture

A beautiful sculpture on the university grounds.

On my computer desk

I'm always peckish when I sit in front of the computer. I've discovered Pringles that are made from rice, and not potatoes. Apparently it's lower in fat than the ordinary variety, which makes me feel better and of course entitles me to have more!

Coromandel - again

Another photo of a beach somewhere in and around the Coromandel. The scenery is just stunning. Those houses must have the most fantastic views!

Coromandel vista

I adore the Coromandel Peninsula to the north-east of Hamilton. It is arguably the most beautiful part of the North Island. This photo shows one of the many picturesque bays. What I particularly like is that the coast is not over developed, like in Australia or even South Africa! This is coastline that still maintains a rural feel.

Construction

There's a lot of construction going on around Hamilton. The other day this truck was blocking the road as it was trying to off load a digger. I had no problem waiting for the truck to finish its task, but some other drivers got impatient.

Frosty grass

Hamilton has seen a number of severe frosts. Earlier this week I braved the early morning cold to take this photo of my lawn. If you enlarge the photo, you'll see the ice particles clinging to the grass.

Sales, sales, sales!

Because of the tough economic times, the retail sector is feeling the pinch. To attract customers, incredible sales and bargains are being offered. One of the local homeware stores, Briscoes, offers 50% off just about everything almost every weekend! This is a photo of one of their signs.

PS. I've reached the end of my tether with the orientation of this photo. Blogger is playing up because no matter which way I turn the image, Blogger uploads it this way. So, don't blame me if your neck gets out of sorts; blame Blogger!

Japanese Garden of Contemplation

This photo is of the pond in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation in the Hamilton Gardens. It is one of the most peaceful spots I have ever visited. It is indeed true to its name.

A close up of Hamilton ...

Have a you ever wanted to see what Hamilton looks like up close? Well, here it is!

Another foggy day

The fog was quite bad this morning and only lifted shortly before midday. It reached all the way up to Auckland, which caused the cancellation of a number of flights.

Flavour of the day

I was intrigued to discover Starbucks touting Africa Kitamu coffee as its flavour of the day. They describe it as elegant and floral. I can't say that any coffee has ever tasted floral to me, but perhaps my palate is simply under developed. I will give it a try the next time I have coffee at Starbucks.

It appears to be a popular blend. This is how one satisfied customer has described it on the Starbucks website: "This is one of the best Starbucks flavors we have tasted. I'm sorry to say some of the other types of coffees can be bitter, but the Kitamu is very smooth and full of flavor." Another had the following to say: "I love the flavor- it is deep and rich and perfect in the morning." All in all, it seems to be a winner!

Spotted in a public toilet

I spotted this beauty on the back of a toilet cubicle door. Just imagine sitting there and then being told to get off your bum! Quite witty!

Chai Latte

So here is the Chai Latte I was referring to yesterday. Lovely, especially with a bit of cinnamon on top.

Waiting for my Chai tea

I'm not a Starbucks fan at all, except for their Chai tea. Yesterday, I took a shot of myself browsing through the newspaper whilst patiently waiting for my Chai tea to be brewed.

School holidays

It's the mid-year school holidays. The weather is pretty awful with the result that the indoor shopping malls are very busy at the moment. I was at Westfield Chartwell today where a free face painting service was offered. I stood far away and set my zoom at maximum to take this photo. I was careful not to draw attention to myself. These days a man taking a photograph of a child could just get the man in trouble with the security guard!

Ducks

The red colour is the reflection of the red and orange leaves of a tree going through the change of the seasons. The intensity of the colours is quite extraordinary. By the way, nothing has been altered; these are all the natural colours.

Spotted in a library

Laptops are safe nowhere these days.

Fire!

This morning, Centre Place, a shopping centre in town, was briefly evacuated. I don't know why but I suspect that the fire alarm went off. Any way, whilst standing outside, I saw this fireman turning open the fire hydrant. There's a shot of the fire truck in the shop window's reflection.

Rugby

Today was a big rugby day in New Zealand. The opening clash of the Tri-Nations was played in Wellington. The All Blacks beat the World Cup winners, South Africa, 19-8. No doubt the newspapers will proclaim tomorrow that New Zealand are the true world champs!

Lake reflection

I just love the sun reflecting off the water of the lake.

View across the river

This is a view across the Waikato river from its west bank. There are some lovely houses on the other side, but they can hardly be seen through the dense fog.

Calling the man on the moon

A photo of the moon at sunset. Each house in my area has so many aerials that one would think they're trying to contact the man on the moon!

July theme day

Oh my goodness! I cannot help but smile every time I walk past this sign at the public swimming pool. Perish the thought!!

I thought that I had registered for theme day, but apparently not. OOPS! However, I suppose that nothing prevents me from "informally" participating in the theme!