Rarotonga, Cook Islands

We took a little break from the kiwi winter and headed north to the Cook Islands for a week. The main island, Rarotonga, is only 32km in circumference. On Saturdays you can visit the colorful market with crafts, produce and a cultural show.

Rarotonga is especially nice because it is surrounded by a reef that protects the land and creates very calm waters for swimming. We snorkeled right in front of our bungalow. The fish were incredibly colorful with the most intricate patterns.

This is Diesel Jr.

Rick always finds a new friend to adopt.

Even the crabs on the beach are feeling the economic crisis. Most of them had outgrown their shell houses and real estate was slim.

Dairy Farm

This is how it all works. Where milk comes from. It was quite a neat process to see the cows get on the ferris wheel and off the ferris wheel. Believe it or not they love it. Sometimes they even fall asleep while they are being milked.

Stratford Art Society Members Exhibition

The Percy Thomson Gallery, our local gallery, held their Stratford Art Society Members Exhibition opening last Friday. It was a great show with a lot of local talented artists' work. It was also a great show for me having sold two paintings and five pieces of jewelry. The two large paintings are mine. A huge thanks to Rick for all of his support, patience and critiques.

The green hills and the row boat are mine. Sold the boat painting.