New Zealand Part Two

New Zealand is a beautiful country.

We have spent many hours driving around the North Island sightseeing from the very north, Cape Reinga. In Maori culture it is known as the jumping off place for spirits to the underworld. The photo below is of the Tasman Sea meeting the Pacific Ocean. It was a very beautiful place to visit.

Our skiing was fantastic at Mt Ruapehu where we skiied Whakapapa Ski Area - it was absolutely amazing. Never before have I skied an active volcano which according to our Mountain Host, is due to erupt anytime. Fortunately for us it did not while we were on it but the skiing was so much fun.

The mountain was enormous with its highest point being 2300m. We skied most of it Thursday & Friday taking T-Bar lifts up to the most beautiful trails I have ever been on. We stayed at the Grand Chateau at the base of the mountain where we enjoyed sitting by a fireplace knitting & relaxing in the evenings.

Of course any trip would be incomplete if I didn't find a few yarn shops to visit... I am very excited about what I have found & cannot wait to start knitting a new sweater out of my new yarn just in time for fall.

New Zealand

Adam and I have made it to Auckland, New Zealand to visit with our friends Rob & Anna (you remember Anna, she was often in the shop knitting when she lived in Hoboken). Their place will be our home base and we will have a few excursions out to other parts of the North Island of New Zealand to Rotorua, Taupo, and down to Tongariro National Park where we will ski Ruapehu Mountain.

We have gone for a few walks today around Auckland and during the last one wound up in a very nice wine bar called Dida where we had a lovely Pinot Noir while enjoying each others company.

We look forward to dinner tonight at Chez Penney which was a common occurrence when they lived in Hoboken. I am sure we will do some knitting over nice New Zealand wine tonight.

More to come...

Celebrating 5 Years!

Patricia's Yarns is celebrating five years in business. I especially want to thank all of my customers and friends for their encouragement and support.

To help celebrate, Jennifer Roberts, the incredible pastry chef and owner of Sweet Element (oh yes, she is also a knitter) made us this amazing cake fashioned into a messenger bag of yarn. Yes, it is edible! No detail was left behind - note the number 5 in the top of the photo.

Below is a pic of Jennifer and me with the cake. I can't wait to taste it!

Did I mention you can celebrate too! We are having a sale! Save up to 40% off yarn! Stop by today, tomorrow, or Tuesday!