Give Way Rules

Sunday March 25, 2012 at 5:00 a.m. the give way rules change.  We are excited about this because it will now be more in line with the American yield rules.  However,  it will change a rule that has been in existence for many, many years for New Zealanders.   Since they drive on the opposite side of the road the old rules has always been a little confusing for us.  The two new rules are "If you're turning right, give way" .  The old way was if you were turning right the the traffic turning left or going straight had to wait for you.  We will always confused by this since we thought that the traffic going straight would have the right of way.  Second rule: "Top of the 'T' goes before me.  This means that if you come to a T in the road that the straight traffic and the right turning traffic now have the right of way.  The new rules are much more consistent with the American rules. Wish us luck as we travel to church today.

March 25, 2012

President Kezerian's Visit to the Archives

 President and Sister Kezerian visited the archives on March 20th and then received a tour of the archives by Fiona Clark who also works with us daily on retrieving boxes, lists and any other digitizing need.

 President Kezerian tried his hand at digitizing the probate records.  He was very proficient at his job.

 Sister Kezerian kept saying "Oops" but luckily we have a retake button for any mistakes.

Fiona is holding one of the documents which was shown during the tour of the archives.  The tour as usual was very informative.  This is the second tour we have taken and each time Fiona find new and interesting documents.

March 20, 2012

National War Memorial

 Saturday we also had the opportunity of visiting the National War Memorial located in Wellington.  The National War Memorial commemorates all the New Zealanders who died in the South African War, the two World Wars and the conflicts in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.  It also honors the men and women who served New Zealand in those wars.

 Since Don served in the artillery in Vietnam he took this picture of the alcove remembering the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.

 The hall features twelve alcoves or mini-chapels, each with its own dedicated plaque of remembrance for a branch of the armed services.  Vietnam didn't get its own alcove but just a little place on the wall before leaving the memorial.

The Carillon tower is full of 49 original bells which are played regularly.  Each of these bells has its own name and personal dedication. Bells have been added over the years and in 1995 the government donated four large bass bells which were named Peace, Hope, Grace and Remembrance.  Peace is the largest bell in the southern hemisphere.

March 17, 2012

Government House

The bagpipes are playing for the open house of the Government House which only happens once a year.

 The Government House is the official residence of the Governor-General who is the representative of the Queen of New Zealand.  Member of the Royal Family of England often stay at the House when making visits to New Zealand.  It was officially built in 1910 but was closed from 2008 until March 24, 2011 for renovations such as seismic strengthening and removal of asbestos. The Government House has eight guest suites, a self-contained apartment for the Governor General and family, as well as a ballroom, conservatory, sitting rooms, service rooms, kitchens and a wing of offices.

Kitchen

Ballroom with picture of Queen Elizabeth II

Conservatory

Sitting Room

Sitting Room

Study

Official Dining Room

Rear Entrance of the Government House

Tennis Courts - Turf

Kitchenette near tennis courts

Building next to tennis courts

Convicts Wall

Convicts Wall

March 17, 2012

Baptism of Mario

 Mario was baptized on March 17, 2012 at the chapel in Wellington.  Mario is currently homeless and living at the homeless shelter.  He is a very humble person who is now trying to put his life back in order.

 This is a picture of the missionaries who taught him the lessons.  They are a great group of missionaries who are very diligent in their callings (however this is not one of their serious moments).

The missionaries from left to right are:  Elder Armstrong (from Minnesota), Elder Florian (from Connecticut), Mario (who was just baptized), Elder Finlinson (Delta, Utah), Bishop Howard, Elder Aiona (from Tonga), Elder Windhausen (from Germany), and Elde Ma'u (from Tonga).

March 17, 2012

Sunset at Fisherman's Table

Sunset outside of Fisherman's Table at Paraparamua.

Panoramic view of the sunset and looking across Tasman Bay to the South Island.

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We were lucky that we got this picture of the sunset right before it disappeared behind the horizon.

March 16, 2012

Senior Dinner - Paraparamua

 We had our monthly senior couples dinner at Fisherman's Table located just south of Paraparamua.  It was located on the ocean and in the background you can see the South Island which seems close but it is actually about 30 miles away.

It is always nice to meet with the Sheppards, Chelseys, Brazzeals, Patchetts, McVey's and the Hirshis.  The Hirshis live in Taranaki which is about a 4 hour drive so they have the furthest to travel but they spent the night in Foxton Beach with the Patchetts before returning home.  The Patchetts left this week to return to Mesa, Arizona.  He served as a Branch President in the Foxton area and they have now completed their 18 month assignment. They said that they are excited to return and see their children and grandchildren but that they will also miss the new friends that they have made while serving in New Zealand.

March 16, 2012