Sunday 30 June 2013

Return from Rotorua and the new toy...

The HD3QBEM and I have been to Rotorua for a couple of nights stay.   Described as a thermal wonderland, the whole city bubbles and steams and smells of sulphur!   But the hot pools are bliss.
Just outside our hotel room was the aptly named Sulphur Point.   It was a pretty sight to see the steam rising all along the far lake edge.
 How do the seagulls survive on the border between thermal bubbles and cold lake?  At the lakes edge the bubbles rose constantly emitting their foul smell but providing photo opportunities for the many Asian tourists who were hopefully better at recording the "blop blop blop" of the bubbles on their cameras!
 This Tudor Style building is named the Government Bathhouse and was built in 1908 when the Government wanted to create a South Seas Spa!   Noble ambition that may have been but it was singularly unsuccessful and the building is now a Museum and Art Gallery -  and a photo spot for most visiting tourists.   Here's a front and side view. 

I took no stitching with me as I accurately predicted the lighting in the hotel room would be insufficient.    However I had a long soak in the hot pools, read some books, did some exploring and generally had a relaxing time.
And I promised you a photo of my new toy.  My one and only brother-in-law (God Bless him) is coming at the end of the month to install a  wireless router and to give me tuition in this....
My first project with the new toy is to stitch this -  well not stitch it with the new toy but to bring the coloured pictures and instructions to my stitching seat and so to stitch another M!   I fell in love with this Alphabet but as I have no Italian I will have to follow the pictures and an iPad will make that so much easier.  
The one and only brother-in-law is full of ideas and apps that he is convinced I need and will benefit from.   Much as it pains me to admit it, he is probably correct so we will negotiate all that when he comes to stay.  
Now I am off to do some grocery shopping and then I need to pick up a needle before withdrawal symptoms set in.   Enjoy the rest of your weekend.




10 comments:

Pamela said...

What a wonderful vacation and you will love your new toy! I don't know how you always find such beautiful things to stitch. I've bookmarked the site with your "M".

cucki said...

Beautiful xxx

CJ in OK ;-) said...

An interesting looking place. Glad you had a good rest. Get your stitching in now though because that new toy will take up all your time later.
CJ in OK

CJ in OK ;-) said...

An interesting looking place. Glad you had a good rest. Get your stitching in now though because that new toy will take up all your time later.
CJ in OK

KimM said...

What a beautiful place - and the stitching - OH. MY. GOSH!

Cathy B said...

You will love your iPad!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Wow Margaret, those letters are really bonnie, I love the thread colour and stitch combination. I'm sure you will wonder how you managed without your iPad.

Anna van Schurman said...

I've found a floss tracker for my phone (droid). I'm sure there is something similar for Apple. I always know which flosses I need. Your vacation sounds steamy...not in that way!

Catherine said...

What a great place!! Enjoy your new toy!

Karen said...

Wow! Gorgeous pics! It looks like a lovely place to visit.

I have a android tablet that I barely use, but you have given me a great idea. There are times that I am constantly going to the laptop looking up stitches or whatnot and this would be a great use for it.

I look forward to seeing your "M" as it is absolutely stunning. :)