ONLY IN BEAN TOWN

APRIL FOOLS = SNOW

2011-04-04T09:52:00.002+12:00

Temps were around 75 F along the Wasatch Front yesterday;

This is what we woke to this Sunday morning.

It was a very pleasant surprise . . . one last chance to take snow pics before spring.

MHD

2011-04-04T05:21:00.003+12:00

Welcome to Miles Hutson Danley.

He is the newest addition to the Danley Family.

I am already head-over-heels for him.

Go here to see more of Mr. Miles ...

SWEET AMELIA

2011-02-21T15:35:00.004+13:00

Blessing day for Amelia Kate . . .

YOUNG THE GIANT

2011-02-21T15:19:00.006+13:00

YOUNG THE GIANT

an interesting MIX of alternative sounds resembling Coldplay.... The Killers.... Keane.... Kings of Leon .....

GUNS OUT - My Body - I GOT - Islands - GOD MADE MAN

Kilby Court, SLC

FICTIONIST

Great band from Utah

Hoping to make an upcoming ROLLING STONES cover

Go online to VOTE them on

FEELIN' THE LOVE

2011-02-14T11:40:00.001+13:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

TRE YUM

2011-02-05T11:48:00.003+13:00

Being back in the states, particularly Utah, has a few perks . . .

FIVE GUYS (hold the burger; keep the fries & peanuts coming)

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES (Jerry Sloan is a regular for their marble bundt)

MEXICAN FOOD (possibly more Mexi places now than LDS churches)

NIECES/NEPHEWS (No explanation needed)

MACARON MANIA

2011-01-30T10:25:00.004+13:00

I had my fill of these little treasures in New Zealand, but upon arriving in Utah, I was shattered to discover that only ONE bakery in this state claims to create these heavenly bites!

Well, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create some for myself. I'd have to say that the only other true UT macaron fan I have found is my sister's brother-in-law, Jon Bankhead.

I hope he doesn't object to eating lots of these cookies in the future ... I am still attempting to perfect the art of making them.

And I don't think perfection will be achieved anytime soon...

MONTREAL, CANADA

2010-11-29T04:24:00.007+13:00

A traditional Thanksgiving was overrated for us this year for three reasons:

1. No family on the east coast.

2. We already hit the pinnacle of T-Day celebrations when we visited Plymouth, MA a few years back.

3. Our Turkey Day celebrations in NZ were so over-the-top that is would be difficult to try and replicate such grandeur.

So . . . we decided to forego tradition and join the French for a extended weekend lesson in proper language, fine food, and shockingly cold weather. The results speak for themselves.
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Montreal is a shrine to Art Deco architecture, particularly expressed in the Place d'Armes and surrounding areas in Old Montreal. The gothic revival Notre-Dame Basilica was a favorite of mine, although current construction made it difficult to photograph.

We enjoyed visiting the Canadian Centre for Architecture, which offered some great insights into Canada's architectural past & future.

We were also rather impressed with the Underground City, a set of interconnected complexes that span 19 miles connecting shopping, hotels, apartment buildings, banks, offices, museums, universities, the metro etc . . . Basically a haven from the arctic cold weather in the "Double-Decker City".

During our stay, the outside streets seemed to be abandoned at times because everyone was basically underground (500,000 people a day).

Snow started to fall on Saturday, which was such a welcome sight for so early in the winter season. It was visually beautiful, but practically unreliable . . . as we quickly learned when a French lawyer rammed his SUV into the back of our car- awesome.

After NYC, Montreal has the highest number of restaurants, per capita, in North America.

We truly wanted to make the most of our northern venture and consume as much smoked meat, chocolat, crepes, and pastries as physically possible while visiting. This wasn't to be, as Steve became rather ill from some BBQ meat the first night and had to take it easy the remainder of the trip.

However, we didn't skimp on our crepes ingestion at the Jean-Talon Market (above).

To sum up Montreal in one word: beautiful. Everything about the city is rich in beauty- particularly the people: inside & out.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T17:50:00.003+13:00

Hopefully this guy is still alive & well in Te Urewera National Park.

P-TOWN, MA

2010-11-23T05:47:00.005+13:00

Travel up to the very tip top of Cape Cod and there you will find a community with a personality all its own.

A weekend in Provincetown, MA is one that is not quickly forgotten.

BACK TO BAKING

2010-11-20T14:46:00.002+13:00

Thanksgiving Week translates into loading up the shopping cart with ingredients for some spicy, sugary pumpkin goodness. So many tasty options . . . so little time.

FALL FEVER

2010-11-17T16:08:00.010+13:00

A day with these two sweeties (and Mom) is never complete without a little spontaneity, extreme adventure, loads of laughter . . . and an endless supply of peanut butter cups and juice boxes. Click here to see the results.

GIRL'S WEEKEND

2010-11-16T07:38:00.004+13:00

My very good friend, Courtney (far left), and her fabulous group of friends from CT graced Cambridge/Boston with their presence this weekend to attend Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse.

My best blue man . . .

A little too close for comfort . . .

Starting to freak me out . . .

After experiencing an evening of Sci-Fi craziness, we made our way to Teatro to dine on their Italian piattini.

BOSTON'S LITTLE ITALY

2010-11-16T07:02:00.004+13:00

A night in the North End of Boston means a night of all things rich in Italiano.

The cobblestone streets are lined with 87 authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and gelato shoppes.

We grabbed some good eats at Nick Varano's Famous Deli . . . and couldn't make it home on the T before making a quick stop off for some icy goodness.

BACK BAY DAY

2010-11-11T10:08:00.001+13:00

Trying to hail a cab in the Back Bay . . .

= FAIL

One of Boston's premier neighborhoods, the Back Bay was my stomping grounds today. This area includes the best shopping in Boston (Newbury Street), but I was actually there for business . . . not pleasure.

Note for Lind: The Back Bay also has Boston's public gardens & botanical gardens ... and is part of the Emerald Necklace.

GOING FOR THE GREEN

2010-11-05T12:54:00.003+13:00

Celtics/Bucks

November 3, 2010

The Garden

Row 14

105-102

Happiness

THIS PLACE ROCKS

2010-11-04T08:56:00.006+13:00

Time with the fam in St George, Utah means two things: hiking & endless photo ops.

Snow Canyon was a trip highlight with these two experienced explorers . . .

Many thanks, Dad, for hauling me all around the state and sharing your new southern Utah digs with me.

Oh, and it goes without saying that Mom was the most phenomenal hostess in the world!

PUMPKIN PICKIN'

2010-11-04T08:53:00.003+13:00

How lucky am I to spend an afternoon in Paradise, Utah with these two handsome fellas?

It truly was a harvest paradise . . .

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2010-10-31T07:31:00.000+13:00

WOODSY WEEKEND

2010-10-20T13:59:00.003+13:00

BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE WINTER NOW

2010-10-18T06:40:00.003+13:00

. . . I am really missing the moderately-temperate climate in Auckland.

DIVA DANI

2010-10-16T05:28:00.004+13:00

It's hard to imagine a better subject than this little darling for a rockin' downtown Hartford shoot. She is always top of her game . . . a genuine triple threat of talented model, singer, and actress. Check out the photo blog for more ...

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

2010-10-11T17:56:00.006+13:00

That which we call a cupcake

By any other name would taste as sweet . . .

Mmm, probably not.

D IS FOR DANLEY

2010-10-08T04:48:00.003+13:00

Congrats to Dave & Crystal!!! Last night they announced that another Danley boy is arriving around March of next year. Here's hoping they name him after his Aunt Deon. ;)

THE BIG E . . .

2010-09-27T13:34:00.011+13:00

. . . is the largest fair held in the northeast each year. This Saturday we traveled to Springfield, MA (home of the Basketball Hall of Fame) to partake in the festivities with our good friends from CT, Steve & Jimmy.

The "E" in The Big E clearly stood for "EAT" on this particular outing . . .

Seriously, who can resist a place where you can dine outdoors on Fried Oreos, Alligator & Bison Burgers, giant Corn Dogs, Peanut Butter & Bacon Pizza, and 'Nachos in a Bucket' all within a radius of only a few blocks? Yeah, quality cuisine.

TRIVIA: What did the blond ask her husband at The Big E?

How did they get the Oreo in the middle?

The boys couldn't get enough of the Craz-E Burger . . . a bacon cheeseburger sandwiched between two halves of a fresh glazed donut. Hello heart attack.

Between the four of us, we managed to ingest at least 14+ different food finds around the park grounds. Oh, and we also saw some great state houses, livestock & butter sculptures.

All part of The Big E experience.

EVERYBODY WANG CHUNG TONIGHT

2010-09-24T17:55:00.021+12:00

Sheryl Crow & Brandi Carlile played at the Wang Theatre in Boston on Thursday evening.

I personally like to label Sheryl's new album as 'Jazzy Jamaican Disco Music'. Being that I was raised on S&G, Neil Diamond and John Denver, I tend to favor her other albums.

However, she still managed to get in a few oldies- Strong Enough & My Favorite Mistake were some highlights of the night . . .

The climax of the night was a duet of If It Makes You Happy with Brandi Carlile - seemed genuinely impromptu.

Correction: The true apex of the evening was Brandi Carlile's entire performance. Her voice was so phenomenal that it put every other vocal musician on stage to shame. Recordings do not do this girl justice. Everyone in the audience was dumbfounded by her abilities. Her two tributes to Johnny Cash, Jackson & Folsom Prison Blues continued to give her popularity points as her opening act wrapped.

Entering Wang Theatre -- aglow with excitement.

SAPPY SATURDAY

2010-09-19T16:23:00.003+12:00

When we initially got word of our NZ crate arrival, the first thing Steve started mentioning to everyone was how excited he was to have an actual bed to sleep on. Well, I think he may have opened his mouth too soon.

This morning our NZ goods arrived bright & early in time for breakfast . . . and already covered in syrup.

Yep, during transport, our wooden crate was apparently doused in a syrupy, sappy amber substance that seeped through and completely RUINED our mattress. Awesome. Some of the other boxes were covered in the gooey stuff as well, but the wrapped contents were unaffected.

However, luck would have it that Steve ran into my old college roomie, Kelly Kay, and her bro Chris at the Red Sox game last night, and meeting-up with them at Legal Seafoods in Harvard Square this evening was just the happy jolt we needed to get over our latest moving drama.

Loved to see you; thanks for the tasty pastries!

MADDY

2010-09-17T06:28:00.007+12:00

I am wrapping-up all of my New Zealand editing- finally. This little cutie is always a joy to shoot.

SOX SATURDAY

2010-09-07T06:40:00.010+12:00

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts & Cracker Jacks,

I don't care if I ever get back.

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes your out at the old ball game.

Team Red Sox for a day

BACK TO CT

2010-09-07T02:26:00.010+12:00

Friday evening we braved Hurricane Earl to make a quick trip down to CT to retrieve some of our old items. It was a good call, as the storm wasn't exactly life-threatening, and we were able to enjoy some Puerto Vallerta with LouAnn.

The next day we headed back to Boston to attend our first Red Sox game, but not without visiting our #1 for "The Rachel" - Rein's Deli in Vernon. While waiting in a line that extended out of the door, Steve was elated to see Erik Kuselias from ESPN directly in front of us.

The pic above is the best I could do-- promise it's him.

PROOF

2010-08-30T14:27:00.002+12:00

Necessities of life in Boston: air mattress, camp chair, Macbook Pro.

Obviously we needed to tidy-up a little before church- sorry.

QM TIME

2010-08-30T02:46:00.002+12:00

It's good to have a little Quincy Market time again . . . great shoppes, lots of yummy eats, and even more tourists than you can remember.

THE CAPE

2010-08-23T08:57:00.004+12:00

Friday I broke away from Boston traffic & potholes to shoot a family beach sitting in North Falmouth on the Cape. Weather was perfect, family was perfect, beach was perfect, photographer . . . well . . . not even close.

A must-have in Cape Cod: homemade taffy

OPPORTUNITY'S NATURAL ASSASSIN

2010-08-15T16:36:00.006+12:00

Procrastination. I am ending the cycle and once again posting old NZ images on my photo blog:

http://deon-nonessentials.blogspot.com/

AN AMERICAN GIRL

2010-08-14T12:13:00.002+12:00

I have been chillin' with the street vendors on a regular basis in Kendall Square . . . eating pretzels, popcorn and beef patties . . . not really.

ACHING FOR AUCKLAND

2010-08-06T09:45:00.002+12:00

Boston is a great city once you get over the horrible roads and endless traffic, but a girl can't help missing the place she now calls home.

I guess there's always Superman in green to look forward to . . .

BACK TO REALITY

2010-08-03T16:06:00.005+12:00

Trying to start the week looking interested and intelligent = failed

Steve kicked off his Monday with an early start at PwC Boston . . . he ended the day with a long, hot & humid hike back to the hotel. The X on his shirt isn't from ironing burns . . .

it's sweat from his bag straps = possible trend alert

FENWAY FRENZY

2010-08-03T15:50:00.002+12:00

The streets of Boston are saturated with baseball fans in every direction on game days.

"As I grew up, I knew that as a building (Fenway Park) was on the level of Mount Olympus, the Pyramid at Giza, the nation's capitol, the czar's Winter Palace, and the Louvre — except, of course, that it is better than all those inconsequential places." - Baseball Commissioner Bart Giamatti

ADDICTIONS REDISCOVERED

2010-07-29T18:44:00.005+12:00

It appears Milo can be found in Boston - 3 blocks from the new place.

Lofthouse Cookies are too good to wait for . . . and clearly someone else agrees with me. I took this pic in the grocery store today of the above package of cookies. Some desperate customer needed a quick fix. Making America proud . . .

Ah Panera, we love thee!!

REMEMBERING RIALTO

2010-07-28T16:35:00.004+12:00

Today was all about exploring the surrounding areas of our new digs. After a few near-fatal car rides around the neighborhood, we played it safe and returned to the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square for a divine dining experience at Rialto.Death becomes her. Yeah, this is what happens to your face after moving internationally.

GENIUS GRUB

2010-07-27T17:37:00.004+12:00

This evening we headed to Harvard Square to hang with the brainiacs and eat what they eat . . .

Some of them were not necessarily interested in eating . . . more in playing piano forte . . .

And some of them were not intelligent at all.

The Cambridge Social Union - formed here in 1871

THE PROS & CONS

2010-07-25T17:25:00.003+12:00

The last fews days we have fallen prone to comparing everything in Bean Town & The Home of the Brave to The City of Sails & The Land of the Long White Cloud. It's a bad habit that will have to stop . . . eventually. Here's a few mentionables:

Pros of Boston:

- Iphone for $99.00

- Great Italian food

- Cheap food at every turn . . . and heaps of it (that could also go on the cons list)

- Inter-squad scrimmage coverage on TV

- Weird products like Key Lime Trail Mix (that's for you, Woody)

- Hundreds of TV stations

Cons of Boston:

- No Kiwis (people- not fruit)

- 2nd most expensive city in the USA- ouch

- Blunt Bostonians

- Horrible roads

- Toll roads

- Hundreds of TV stations (too much variety and saturation of media & celebrity coverage)

- bumper stickers

MASSIMINO'S CUCINA ITALIANA

2010-07-25T17:12:00.005+12:00

Friday night we walked down the road and over the bridge to this amazing/if slightly crazy Italian restaurant. This was the Italian atmosphere at its pinnacle. We sat next to a guy that could easily appear on the next season of the Jersey Shore - GTL amore'.

BUSY BOSTONIANS

2010-07-25T17:02:00.002+12:00

One of Stephen's best friends (and notorious Frenchman) ever so kindly gave us a lift to the Auckland airport last Thursday evening. The tears were flowing.

The tears continued during our 13-hour flight until we arrived at LAX and discovered the joys of Mexican Food once again.

Another 7-hour flight and we were practically smiling as we discovered that our Residence Inn Marriott was across the bridge/road from The Garden.

FAREWELL . . . FOR NOW

2010-07-25T16:50:00.003+12:00

Last week we reluctantly packed our bags and moved away from our new home in Auckland.

We are heartbroken to leave all the people behind that we have grown to love so much . . . and so deeply.

We know nothing will ever fill this void in our hearts . . . we love you NZ!

SKY'S THE LIMIT

2010-07-16T00:02:00.002+12:00

Deon decided to tempt fate and take the tandem plunge from 12,000 ft with some workmates today.

Michelin Man, er . . . Woman

Our fearless instructor, Aaron, amused by Woody's reporter skills.

Woody . . . happy to be on solid ground again. So happy that he was giving away kisses.

My descent.

That's all she wrote, folks . . .

THE NEWCOMERS

2010-07-13T10:58:00.003+12:00

WORLD CUP FEVER

2010-07-09T22:09:00.002+12:00

We have been big World Cup nerds in 2010. Our good buddy Jacco is from the Netherlands, so clearly they are the team of choice with the PwC gang. GO TEAM DUTCH!!!

A few days ago I covered a Jordanian family . . . and with two boys, they were all football- all the time.

THE 3 MUSKETEERS

2010-07-08T21:51:00.002+12:00

Steve, Alex, and Nate in true form . . . the end-of-year assurance party will never be the same.

A BREAK FROM WORK

2010-07-03T01:33:00.002+12:00

A DAY OF "FIRSTS" AND "LASTS"

Stephen's last day at PwC Auckland was this Wednesday.

Stephen's last game of netball with the boys in NZ was Wednesday evening.

Stephen's first trip to the ER (or "ED" in NZ) was Wednesday at 11:00 pm . . . and . . .

Stephen's first broken foot to date was confirmed on Wednesday.

THE SMELL OF VICTORY

2010-07-02T01:51:00.002+12:00

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." Coco Chanel

Here are a few leftover pics from the Hough Wedding. I posted some on my DJP blog awhile back, but I loved sharing the concept of this new bridal bouquet alternative.

2010-07-02T01:00:00.000+12:00

MIKHAIL

2010-06-29T12:11:00.003+12:00

I have been covering some website photography for an immigration law firm in the city. It has been fascinating to hear so many amazing stories from all of the clients covered.

IF THE SHOE FITS . . .

2010-06-27T15:50:00.003+12:00

Deon is now finished with work at the law firm as of last week. It is time to pursue her photography career once again. So far, so good . . .

A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM

2010-06-22T22:50:00.002+12:00

LAST Friday was the annual midwinter celebration with the firm. It was held at Cibo in Parnell. The dining was divine . . . but the highlight of the evening was spending quality time with all of my lovely co-workers. Seriously, the best group of people a girl could ever wish for.

WELLINGTON

2010-06-07T22:14:00.002+12:00

2010-06-07T21:55:00.004+12:00

I finally made it down to the capital city of New Zealand a few weekends back to do a little photography for the firm at their new Wellington office. Considering the weather was all wind & rain (seasonal for the city this time of year), here are simply a few office shots . . .

DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB . . .

2010-05-30T15:11:00.004+12:00

I am currently trying to finish a number of NZ photography projects, which means that I basically work at the firm by day and edit like crazy by night. I don't suggest trying this at home.

ANNIVERSARY DAY

2010-05-30T15:04:00.001+12:00

The French Cafe was lovely . . . thanks, Stephen.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-09T21:51:00.003+12:00

Liz, General Manager of Grimshaw & Co and her beautiful daughter.

SOPHIE TURNS 1

2010-05-02T09:57:00.001+12:00

I was very lucky to be a small part of my work mate's b-day celebration for her adorable 1-year-old last weekend. Who knew a year could go by so fast?

FEELING RUSTY

2010-05-01T15:00:00.001+12:00

I have fallen ill with this dreaded cold going around Auckland . . . let's hope it's gone by Monday morning . . .

MURIWAI BEACH

2010-04-20T23:16:00.005+12:00

A windy, cloudy day at this beautiful black sand beach . . . advantage- no people.

SKY TOWER

2010-04-17T16:53:00.002+12:00

Mom & Dad didn't use their Sky Tower tickets when they were visiting last holiday season . . . so we finally went up and saw the city from a new perspective. Thanks M&S!

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

2010-04-06T19:54:00.002+12:00

The city is more stunning than I had originally imagined . . . it has the beauty and cleanliness of Auckland, Seattle, and Vancouver . . . but with a population of around 4 million people. We stayed near Darling Harbour and tried to hit all the hot spots over the long (busy) Easter weekend.

AROUND THE CITY

2010-04-06T19:46:00.000+12:00

Melissa, Rob, Deon, Shannon and Steve in Darling Harbour . . .

They asked us to be on The Real World Sydney 2, but we graciously declined.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Harbour Bridge

2010-04-06T19:45:00.000+12:00

more Botanic Gardens

The masterpiece that everyone would sail away on . . . and the Sydney Opera House

another perspective of the city

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

2010-04-06T19:44:00.003+12:00

The Sydney Opera House is everything it claims to be . . . and so much more. Somehow our tour group discovered that I sang classically (much to my dismay), so I was privileged to sing "O Mio Babbino Caro" on the opera stage for about 25 people. The performance was horrible . . . but the acoustics were brilliant.

POINTS OF INTEREST

2010-04-05T20:21:00.001+12:00

PRINCES WHARF

2010-04-04T20:37:00.000+12:00

The highlight of the new year thus far . . . our visitors from CT & RI!

It was amazing & always amusing to share some quality time (sans a lost suitcase and a broken-down car) with Steve and Shannon as they ventured around the north island of New Zealand before boarding their RC cruise ship in Sydney.

PHOTO SHOOT AT THE FIRM

2010-03-15T21:09:00.005+13:00

Yes, I work will all these lovely lawyers. How lucky am I?

2010-03-15T20:57:00.000+13:00

HOLIDAY TOUR OF NZ

2010-02-28T20:54:00.002+13:00

It's high time that I actually posted the travel pics of my parents 3-week trek around New Zealand over the holiday season . . . we toured the north and south islands and saw much of the glory of this stunning country.

THE PLAYERS

2010-02-28T20:03:00.000+13:00

IT was thrilling to tour around with these wonderful travel companions: Mom couldn't get enough of the Christchurch Art Centre and Dad was particularly excited about eating sushi for Christmas Eve dinner (you all know that is the farthest thing from the truth).

WANAKA

2010-02-28T00:05:00.000+13:00

Dad . . . unplugged

Petrol stations were few & far between in the south island . . . and slightly ancient.

Antlers apparently have countless uses . . .

Lake Tekapo

QUEENSTOWN - THE PARK CITY OF NZ

2010-02-27T00:20:00.003+13:00

Dad- prepping for his finest moment - a ride on a jet boat

The next day was spent having an adventurous day in the stunning city of Queenstown. This photographer's paradise reminds me of Park City, UT on steroids. It is such a beautiful location, as well as a high-risk, sportsman's dreamland. Dad & I concluded that future family reunions must be had in this NZ premier destination.

To start the day off, we road the Skyline Gondola for some brilliant views of the surrounding areas . . . and then Dad & I promptly took full advantage of the luge; although we both concluded that it was no Alpine Slide.

Arrowtown was a short 20 min drive from the city of Queenstown, so we took advantage of the prime location to tour around this small mining city and see some unique stores/museums. We also got acquainted with some locals at the Irish pub.

However, the #1 highlight of Queenstown was a very easy choice: Shotover Jetboat ride. Words cannot express the adrenaline rush of this experience. Dad suffered a minor cut to the head from a flying baseball cap during the ride, but no other injuries were sustained-- just total overall satisfaction.

Lastly, a day in Queenstown is not complete without a quick stop at Fergburger for some fine NZ beef- very tasty hamburgers.

MILFORD SOUND

2010-02-25T15:39:00.000+13:00

The drive to Milford Sound had Mom & Dad fearing for their lives as Deon drove 140-160 kph to make our 10 am boat cruise. Luckily all those years of driving with Matt paid off and Mom was able to stay calm in the midst of certain death.

The scenery in the Milford Sound region was worth the risk.

. . . AND A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

2010-02-24T15:51:00.000+13:00

The rivers & streams of the south island, NZ are unmatched in color and aesthetic grandeur. They are a fly-fisherman's dream come true.

HARDCORE HIKERS

2010-02-23T18:24:00.000+13:00

Mom & Dad hiking to and from Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

2010-02-22T18:43:00.001+13:00

Franz Josef Glacier

WEST COAST - PANCAKE ROCK

2010-02-21T21:23:00.000+13:00

The west coast of the south island seems endlessly tumultuous. I was constantly thinking of "Wuthering Heights" the entire time we were there.

2010-02-20T21:30:00.000+13:00

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

2010-02-19T21:34:00.000+13:00

We spent New Year's Eve day on a water taxi touring around Abel Tasman National Park. We needed about a week to explore/kayak this region . . . so I guess that will happen at a future date.

That evening we spent New Year's Eve watching "Australia" and chillin' in Nelson at a Turkish restaurant = big partying.

BLENHEIM & MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

2010-02-19T20:41:00.000+13:00

KAIKOURA & HANMER SPRINGS

2010-02-19T19:46:00.003+13:00

Mom & Dad's whale-watching tour was cut short by bad weather, but luckily the seals were out in full force the entire day.

We also had a short visit at The Spa in Hamner Springs before retiring for a good night's sleep; we flew back to Auckland the next morning.

ROTORUA & WAITOMO CAVES

2010-02-19T15:00:00.000+13:00

The last few days of Mom & Dad's visit was spent around the north island, mainly the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Devonport, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The thermal activity in Rotorua was very impressive . . . and the Glowworm Caves- out of this world.

A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

2010-02-18T00:11:00.003+13:00

I took this photo in Puerto Rico a few years ago while vacationing with our good friends . . . namely, Steve, Shannon and Rob. We are counting the days until their arrival in NZ.

BECAUSE IT'S SUMMER IN NZ

2010-02-08T21:17:00.002+13:00

I know everyone back home is still living in a frozen tundra, so I thought I would remind you that summer will surely return once again.

I truly miss this adorable girl . . . what a beauty!

2010-02-07T23:27:00.000+13:00

FAR NORTH

2010-02-06T21:08:00.000+13:00

Cape Reinga lighthouse

This last weekend we celebrated Auckland Day by traveling up to Cape Reinga, about a 6-7 hr drive north of Auckland-- the very top of NZ. We had to make a few stops along the way, mainly for chocolate and gum- Deon's top 2 favorite things on the planet.

BURIED KAURI FOREST & GUMDIGGERS MUSEUM

2010-02-05T21:22:00.000+13:00

What appeared to be a tourist trap was actually quite an interesting find. Who knew that a profitable industry in the early 1800's was gum-digging? This kind of gum wasn't your Sweet Mint Orbit version, however. It was processed to produce varnish for furniture, as well as other uses.

MANUKA, TEA TREE

2010-02-04T21:29:00.001+13:00

The Buried Kauri Forest is now covered with Manuka, the Tea Tree.

THE ROAD TO THE TOP . . .

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is paved with sand.

90 Mile Beach (accurately 55 miles) is actually a road you can drive on (small cars beware). Dad will be interested in the speed limit: 100 kph

I need one of these everywhere I go.

SHOCKING SHEEP

2010-02-02T21:47:00.000+13:00

The trip back home to Auckland was rather scenic.

HAWAII FAMILY REUNION

2010-01-14T21:44:00.005+13:00

Toward the end of September 2009, the Danley family emerged from various parts of the world to come together in the Hawaiian Islands, mainly on Waikiki and Kauai. The organization of such an event was backed by sheer genius, as Mom Danley attended to every last detail as the chief organizer, travel agent, treasurer, etc . . . She basically headed ALL trip duties aside from caravan driver (something we are still encouraging her to try to this day).

It would be difficult and unnecessary to list all the activities/craziness that was had during those days of island-hopping in the sun. Instead we will just post some pics and minimal details so you get an idea of why everyone should have their family reunions on the "garden island" at least once in a lifetime.

KIPU FALLS, KAUAI - CLIFF JUMPING

2010-01-14T21:39:00.002+13:00

THE FEARLESS FAM

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Ian has a 'double dose' of fearlessness, compliments of his high-octave genes from Jeff & Kim.
Lind won "best form cliff jumper" for her graceful maneuvers in flight (above). I took the award for "most likely to kill themselves cliff jumping", as I was always inches away from the rock wall during each dive.

SITE VISITS

2010-01-14T21:09:00.005+13:00

Pearl Harbor was a humbling site to behold . . . especially after the length of time if took our group to find the entrance that was currently under construction.

Na Pali Coastline, Kauai - we hiked part of it, but the best views were had from a helicopter.

(two pics up) Waimea Canyon - the Grand Canyon of Hawaii

Dr. Einstein's rendition of the family at Anini Beach

HAWAII HIGHLIGHT - THE GRANDKIDS

2010-01-14T21:01:00.002+13:00

2010-01-14T20:57:00.001+13:00