Wednesday started a five day run of mostly sunny skies in Palmerston North (our first daffodil had already bloomed on August 30).I was so happy that the sun was shining Wednesday afternoon when I got off of work, I came home and told Josh to get ready because we were going to the beach. One stop at Subway for a sandwich later, we were on the road to Himitangi Beach. Josh and I started eating outside, however, it was too windy and cold so it was back into the car for us. The pictures are of us and the sunset view we had.
We got through Thursday and on Friday we were off to Himitangi again (after doing 4 laps around Savage Crescent with a promise to do 3 more when we got home). We didn't have a picnic this time, however, the sunset was still incredible and we were able to view Mount Ruapehu clearly in the distance although Mount Taranaki was clouded over.
We threw in some jogging and hill climbing on the beach before going back to Palmy. We kept to our word, and finished our laps that night.
On Saturday, I took some UCOL international students to a small farm north of town. I had really wanted to hug a lamb 
in New Zealand but I didn't know when I would have the chance because sheep are so skiddish.
However, after the sheep were penned into a small area, I had my chance. The only problem was that the pictures I had taken with the first lamb I held weren't taken because the button wasn't held down. I was glad I checked the photos though so I could pick up another lamb and get these shots. Seriously, I was so excited to hold the lamb!
Ian, our farm guide, did a great job of explaining all the uses of wool...did you know that wool is naturally fireproof?!? The wool from sheep on this farm is used to make carpet.
After learning about the sheep, there were two lambs that needed to be hand fed because their mother had died. They each had a warm bottle of milk to drink. These lambs were more accustomed to being around humans since they depend on them for their food. Most sheep do not have tails because they are cut off so that flies are not attracted to the poo that sticks to their tail wool. These little lambs still had their tails, however, according to Ian, they wouldn't have them after that afternoon!!! 
After the farm tour, we had morning tea. Hot tea and scones were a great way to end the morning before driving back to town.
That night, Josh and I stayed up to watch the Rugby World Cup on tv. This is such a big deal in New Zealand. The New Zealand team, the All Blacks, are heavily supported. I wasn't even sure if the USA had a rugby team (they do). The All Blacks totally dominated Italy...it was fun to watch and I definitely know more about the sport than I used to. After that match, USA lost to England :( but I guess that's to be expected considering we, as Americans, don't really support the game.
On Sunday, Josh and I watched a live rugby match...Manawatu Turbos verses Speight's Otago. Josh had a free media pass since we were going to write an article about the American perspective of rugby. After waiting forever to purchase my ticket (we only had the one free pass) because the EFTPOS machine was broken, we were in the gates. We found seats and watched the guys play...definitely not the All Blacks!!! I was just happy that the sun was shining and I was so warm that I was able to take my jacket off~very nice! The game ended in a draw. What, no overtime in rugby? and we returned home.
Josh and I completed 10 kms that night around the neighborhood...a personal best. We did the same today so I feel happy that we're making progress towards our goal for the Tongariro Crossing. Now, I'm off to bed as tomorrow is an earlier morning work start (9:00) and we have to drive a good distance to speak at the Rotary Club of Taihape tomorrow night. We are looking at going down to Wellington this weekend to watch Jessica's music recital on Friday night. Sounds like fun.
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