Rain and snow

 This week it rained most days with some sunny moments. And yesterday it snowed. We haven't gotten out as much as we would have liked but still make several trips to the grocery store, net ball games and library and a few walks. According to Dan, June 1 is considered the first day of the winter season here and we definitely saw winter this last week. Much more rain than usual and snow in Wanaka town itself is very unusual.

We watched the final episode of Legomasters NZ with Malcie and Iris (Phoebe had watched it earlier as had Malcie and Iris but they were up for another viewing) the other night which was quite exciting. This was our 3rd episode so we were really into it. Amazing what two people can do when they have 24 hours to build whatever they want. We will be looking for Legomasters USA when we get home. Malcie has been hard at work on his Millennium Falcon lego set but still has quite a bit to go. We've made a few 500 piece puzzles with the kids. We have to wait for Malcie to finish his lego before we can make a 1000 piece puzzle on the big table

Last night I made dinner for everyone. Baked Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu was on the menu with Apple Pie Bars for dessert. It took me a while to familiarize myself with the kitchen and the grocery store. Food prices are quite high and it seems like we spend $200nz every time we go to the store. I have my New World club card (similar to a Safeway card) so I now get some discounts when we shop.

After dinner Gene had a rousing game of poker with Phoebe, Malcie and Annie. Phoebe and Malcie are new to the game and Grandpa had a great time teaching them the basics. Gene had a big pile of play money they used for betting. It looks like the Sunday night poker game will be a regular thing. As all the family was leaving, they received a text letting them know that Monday was a Snow Day. No School!!

We hope to get out more this week and make it to Queenstown. Wanaka is a small resort town and there is not a lot of the choice you would get in a bigger city such as Queenstown. There is a lot of building going on here. The large supermarket and Home Depot type hardware store opened not long ago. 

We've had some good takeout food. We had Sal's pizza at Dan and Annie's house the other night when Jo was visiting and we also tried Red Star Burgers. Both were both very good. We also tried sausage rolls and a mince and cheese pie from the supermarket which were  just ok. Next time we'll go to a recommended  place for better pastry. Sorry to write so much about food but the differences in local cuisine is what I find so very interesting about foreign travel.

                      Baked Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu

                        Apple Pie Bars

                        Millennium Falcon in process

                      First attempt at Raisin Scones which were very good, just not too attractive