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!