Carey's Musings: life in nz

Life is good and especially in NZ!

There is nothing surer than death and taxes, so I appreciate the fact that our taxes are used for us and doesn't go into corrupt governments pockets, we have a decent health system, education is available for all, (even Mum's returning to school), a welfare system that helps working and non working families, we all get to vote, our roads and towns all work like they should most of the time. I LOVE the free libraries and having a town swimming pool plus access to several parks.

The boys enjoying the see saw at Greytown Park, one of many parks we can visit within a half hour radius

The boys favourite bulldozer at QEII park

Western on the Waihoine Swing bridge.

We have clean green country, I can see the beautiful Tararua ranges from my house and its only an hour to our favourite beach Ngawi. I only live an hour from two cities with great shopping. We have a great climate for growing veges and flowers at home.

: Western enjoying the beach at Ngawi.

I love knowing the history of the town I live in, not only because I have lived here most of my life and I have watched the changes over the years but because we have a great library full of books written by locals and a historical society. I'm able to pass on this knowledge to my kids which makes them feel like they have a place as well.

The view from our local look out Mt Dick, you can see all the towns from here.

I like the community spirit of people living in NZ, just think about the Canterbury earthquake and how the country came together to help to see what I mean.

I enjoy the internet and how its brought the world to New Zealand. (and helped me connect with my wider family including my two brothers and their families!)

I love the kiwi ingenuity and how we have made an impact on the world.Think Weta workshop, the story of Bert Munro and Sir Ed Hillary. (is that being patriotic?)

: We have to watch the Worlds Fastest Indian dvd about every two months in our house, it's the boys favourite movie, Neil included!

I love Vegemite, Eskimo Pies, Pink wafers with vanilla ice cream, saveloys, Pineapple Lumps, Pixie Caramels, Trumpet ice creams, kumera, Sunday roasts, pavlova, jelly tip ice creams and 50c mix of lollies from the dairy. (does there seem to be a lot of sweet stuff on the food list?)

Mr Whippy icecreams yum!

Carterton Town parade Dec 2010

I love watching town parades and have even been in a few, Anzac dawn parades (though I haven't been to one for years) the A&P shows, the Martinborough Fair and school gala days. Pet days are fun too. Last year Western took a couple of crawlies along, next year he can take Molly.