Just Another Bike Ride

Today was one of the nicest days I've had off recently- sunny and clear without a bone chilling Southerly or Easterly or Sou'Westerly or any other Windy Whateverlys to speak of. I think it's nearly spring, and the presence of flowers and lambs is helping support this theory.

Anyways, nothing new and exciting to report (I just finished night shifts and have the mental capacity of a goldfish), so just a few photos from today.

My mountain bike is getting fixed, otherwise you'd be looking at a picture of it.

Look mom, no hands tan!

It won't be winter forever.

FOR MOM: BABY SHEEP (and what exactly do you think YOU are looking at?! Baa-aaa-ck off!)

Oh, and Scott also managed to get himself a short article in this month's New Zealand Mountain Biker (you know, that one he was on the cover of- proud wifey!). He tested and reviewed a couple of pairs of goggles. And got his stunning photo (by yours truly, in the 5 minutes we had to get it done after forgetting for several weeks) in the mag as well!

And what the heck, since this post has turned into me posting photos from my phone, I'd just like to mention that we went and checked out one of Christchurch's newest restaurants: Orleans. Since I've never actually been to New Orleans, I can't be impressed/offended by how authentic their food is/n't, but hot damn it is tasty!!! Among other delightfully fried foods, we had the chicken waffle. Which is exactly what it sounds like. And is divine.

Maybe if I had a new phone you could differentiate the food in this picture from what your cat barfed up on the bathmat. Oh well.

That's all from Christchurch for now guys!

Exploring Christchurch: Christmas

First and foremost, Merry Christmas from New Zealand!

Our day started out looking a lot like a Northern Hemisphere Christmas:

Brrrrrr. Who authorized this?

But after a few hours (spent completing nursing education modules, ick) things brightened up. We visited the botanical gardens - see picture overload below - and the day has become quite enjoyable:

This is what Im talking about. Merry Christmas!

So after the fog burned off, but prior to pouring rose, we spent some time eating Subway sandwiches (depressing, but the only thing open after a 20 minute drive through a desolate city), feeding very hungry ducks, and enjoying the botanical gardens. We realized that all the people who aren't at the beach or at home are at the gardens having picnics. Why didn't we think of this? And no, Subway sandwiches don't count as a picnic. These people had barbecues going and cheeses and desserts and champagne... I was so jealous.

Picnickers who knew how to do Christmas in Christchurch

Anyways, photos from the rest of our Botanical Garden Visit (part 2 of 3289473298; Holiday Special):

Little ducks eating right out of my hand. Im a sucker for ducks.

Acknowledge the Tree : People ratio. 

Ongoing challenge: Name 5 things cuter than ducklings.

This is definitely the least traditional Christmas we have experienced, (especially with the Subway, which will not be a tradition, although the ducks approved) but we have made the best of being away from family and friends. That being said, we love you all, and hope you have had a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tomorrow.