Wilderness Wally's Americana
...From New Zealand
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New/Updated Updated in last 48 hours

Features Stories

Welcome

illustration

WAIKATO RIVER

Better Late Than Never - Leprechaun Lore: The History Behind the Famed Green Mischief-Makers - Link Here.

Welcome to WWW - Wilderness Wally's World - A place where one can read a story about Americana or discover information on the many people and places of interest in beautiful New Zealand.

Click here to read more at Wally's Front Porch - Say it isn't so! Apes Eat Grapes!

Click Here for Pot Luck - Oh, Get a Room!

Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth.

Floods expected in Fargo - Link Here

FARGO, N.D. - Students Race to Help Save Fargo From Flood
Thousands of volunteers are lending a hand this week to fill and stack sandbags to place along the river and near endangered homes as Fargo faces the threat of a severe flood.

Some children lugged sandbags that weighed more than they did. Determined teens showed up just after dawn with groups of friends, ready and willing to shovel. New groups of kids arrived by the bus loads, all ready to join the race to protect their city from the rising Red River.

Yankiwi - Writes to the General Store:- Before I lost it!
We found New York style pizza in Auckland -the closest yet to the real thing! try Sals at 44 Commerce St in Auckland's CBD.

An 83-year-old West Midlands man thought he had arthritis only to discover a German bullet had been lodged in his hip for the last 66 years.
War veteran Fred Gough was told by doctors he had been unwittingly been carrying the memento since the Second World War, reports the Daily Telegraph. Mr Gough, from Darlaston, had been referred to hospital for an x-ray after suffering from an ache in his right leg.

"I didn't know it was there - it hasn't caused me any trouble for the last 65 years - it's only been in the last three months that it's given me problems.

"I only joined in 1944, when I was 18, so it was towards the end of the war. I remember we were moving forward and we would have been on the front line, but I wouldn't know where.

"We were only kids and we didn't really know what was going on. All I can remember is getting this thump in my thigh, but it didn't knock me off my feet or anything. "It must have been a German soldier. Someone slapped a plaster on my leg and sent me back down the line. They just sent you to the back and off you went again."

Mr Gough has still got the bullet lodged inside him and it will remain there for as long as it causes him no more discomfort.

Dog checks himself in at hospital!
The patient was only slightly injured when he limped into a hospital in the northwest New Mexico city of Farmington. The only problem was, he was a dog.
When the automatic doors at San Juan Regional Medical Centre's emergency room slid open Saturday night, the pooch walked in, blood on his nose and paw, and a puncture hole in one leg, according to The Daily Times newspaper.

Animal control officer Robin Loev responded to a call from the hospital and suspects the puncture wound was from the bite of another dog. Loev says the German shepherd mix appeared to be intelligent and calm - and knew enough to go to the right place.

The animal was taken to the Farmington Animal Shelter and claimed by its owner.

Vote for the dog breed you like best - Link here to USA Today Paw Prints.

Dog adrift on ice saved from Baltic Sea - Link to story of Dog's Best Friend coming to the rescue

In the US, 'everyone' is up in arms over the price of Chicken wings!
That's right, you might say chicken wings are flying sky-high! I wouldn't but you might.
Never-the-less, The primary factor driving up wing prices is the growing number of restaurants, including many national chains, that are adding wings to their offerings, says Richard Lobb, spokesman for the Washington-based chicken industry trade group the National Chicken Council. (I'm not kidding!)

According to the Agriculture Department, the average wholesale price of wings in 2009 was $1.47 a pound, up 39% from 2008 and the highest it has been, adjusted for inflation, since the mid-1970s.
By the way, here in New Zealand we're paying around NZ$3.50 a pound at the retail level.

Jeff Foxworthy on Illinois - Internal Link Here

Why do we drive on different sides of the road - Internal Link Here

Seats on a Plane, How to Score The Best Ones-Link Here

A while back we made one of our regular pilgrimages to Martha's Backyard in Mt Wellington to stock up on things American. I suppose those who live outside the Auckland area would just laugh at our description of 'challenging long treks' in the quest for root beer, Libby's pumpkin pie mix, wheat thins, Triscuits and Cheez-Its.

You must remember, we are out here in the wop-wops of Whangaparaoa and we must navigate our way across the 'big smoke' of Auckland.

Never the less, it is a matter of priorities, our stash of Kool-Aid, Wish Bone chunky blue cheese dressing, Jell-O, Bisquick and Jack Daniels hickory brown sugar barbecue sauce was getting dangerously low. Mrs Wilderness found something new on the shelf, a single serve mini bag of Orville Redenbacher's pop corn!

If, somehow, you have not heard of Martha's Backyard oasis, it is located at
114 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, Auckland – Tel:09 570 7976
Shop hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Sat & Sun 10am-4pm

PS - No, we don't make anything out of this. I just know there are times when a root beer float is soooo important.

Click on 'Miscellaneous' in the Table of Contents to expand and find US Contacts In New Zealand and other items.

Click to view some of our photos of New Zealand As usual, a work in progress.

Come back often, have fun, keep in touch...
Mr and Mrs W-W


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Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:The TV news (on the web) now lists cows as outnumbering New Zealand residents.:)

Chuck Dionis said:Walt.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
(Bill O'Reilly doesn't want me to say Happy Holidays anymore) LOL
Take care, and see you when I see you Chuck

Barb Chrisman said:Hey, W/W, it's the "Pink Glove Dance": put on by an outstanding hospital near my neck of the woods. It was a great presentation.

And that Ford commerical was great!


Cindy Lou Tache said:Hi Walt & Georgea
Just to let you know I'm up and running at Leon's Sweet & Savoury,,I've made about 900 perogies and they are all for sale,,frozen and ready to go into the pot...pumpkin pies will be started on next,,so if anyone wants to purchase them for Christmas,, they should get their orders in,,,lol
Would love to see you again,, but this time I am open for business,, by the by thanks again for dropping in to see me...so if anyone is keening for a A&W root beer float or a great sundae, banana split or my winning personality,,i'll be there most of the time from 10am til 10 pm..I hope to see you all on my shop,,,on 47 Customs Street at Leon's Sweet & Savoury (AKA Rush Munro's)
Be well everyone
And see you soon at the shop..
Cindy Lou
PS: shop email is sweetleons@hotmail.com

kansasgirl said:Hi Wally and Mrs. Wally. Just wanted to let you know that Martha's Backyard has their new stock in - Pop Tarts, Fritos (yay!!), candy corn, A&W root beer Jiffy cornbread muffin mix, Reeces and many other goodies. (Sept 5th)

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:Wally,
Being a nurse, I am especially pleased that you thought to include the CDC article to help teach people how to protect themselves from the Swine Flu (and from many other communicable diseases).

Margo said:Check out Mrs. WW's Kitchen, a recipe for Butterfingers to try.

Jack Cooper said:nice one walt -keep in touch
Jack

DK said:Congrats, WW! You've hit the Big Time!

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:OK, why doesn't Tarzan have a beard. (I noticed there was no link when I first saw this about 3 days ago, and finally decided to ask.)

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:I've read your story about your mother (and selling your sailboat to make the last trip to see her) before, and I love it. Glad you included it for Mother's Day. Especially pleased to see you credit our loving heavenly father, God, for providing you the impetus to make the trip.
In Christ's love,
Nurse Barb

kansasgirl said:Your story about spiders in Australia freaks me out! Having lived in South America and seeing the same sized spiders on my way to school (like webs from tree to tree but luckily set back from the footpath), I know why I have the arachnid phobia that I have!

Frank Hoolihan said:Ages since I last visited Walt. Joy says I should be
horsewhipped. Couldn't wait. polished off the "Easter Bunny"
last night. Delicious.

WW said:Thanks Barb, I forgot where I put it! Memory - it's the second thing to go!

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:WW: You noted above, on Potluck, a story about a man with an ankle bracelet stole the bracelet, but I didn't find the story on Potluck. I've checked a few days, and it's still not there. What/where is the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say?

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:How good of you to provide the link to Q's site. I'm not technilogolically (spelling?) competent enough to do so.

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:WW: Your comment about thanking service members led me to refer you (and your readers) to www.IraqWarHeroes.org. The gentleman who devotes his life to honoring veterans has sites for WWII vets, Korean and Vietnam vets, Iraq/Afghanistan. He was a Vietnam vet, and changed his name to Q Madp. He is a wonderful photographer, and provides photos of funerals and "welcome home" events to the families of veterans. He of course does a good job of showing the honor/respect that the Patriot Guard Riders provide for funerals (to prevent the distraction of people intent on politicizing the services).

Margo said:Loved the night sky story, reminded me of the "Simpson" episode when Lisa tried to get people to look at the night sky. When I was a kid in the desert we used to lay out in the backyard and just stare at the stars. Bet they don't do that in many places anymore?

Anon said:What do you expect from THE rag in NZ ... and why do you think we don't read that rag?

Margo said:Just think of all of us women who are sitting on a goldmine! Wonder if I should sell mine on e-bay?

bird of paradise said:December 7th is now known also as the day OJ was given a 'life sentence' behind bars too! Supreme Justice!!

Josie Coker said:A rather belated congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary. Your trip sounded wonderful and made me so nostalgic about the good old U.S. You two enjoy life together while you can...who knows about tomorrow??

bird of paradise said:Great that Starbucks is everywhere so you can get your morning 'fix' - happy trails eating your way across the west!

bird of paradise said:WW and Mrs W, great to hear about your Big OE/adventures in CA! Enjoy resting up for the next ones when you hit the road again...

Linda (in Ca) said:I was so pleased to meet you and your wife today. I really enjoyed our visit! Please do come visit again!

Colleen May Murray said:Hi Wally, Had Mrs Wilderness over Sat night for dinner, as usual a few wines were consumed, but of course we missed you not being with us. Not long until Mrs W arrives now and you can wander together again.
Bye for now
Colleen & Brian

Joy & Frank said:Howdy Walt, Loved your story about the Coffee Shop. There is now a new one open on the main rd. In Orewa, between "Joust" and Plantation. We plan on taking Georgea there when we get back from Wellington. Off tomorrow & back Monday. Take care but still have fun. F. & J.A.

Joy & Frank said:Whats this about going incognito.Problems with the Law ???.
Hope you are having a great time.Try to keep out of mischief
Adios Amigo. Joybells & Franco.

Margo said:Glad to see you back writing and know we all look forward to your adventures. You are missing lots of rain and now nippy weather too, aren't you envious?

Kansas Girl said:Hey Wally,

What's been happening in the USA? Where are you (or is that top secret?) and what have you been up to? I want to hear about the computer salesman! Be glad you left New Zealand when you did. The weather took a turn for the worse within hours of your departure. Is this a coincidence?


Colleen & Brian said:Hi Wally, Glad to hear you had a great trip back to the USA. Will look forward to hearing of your wanderings.
C & B

Frank & Joy. said:You see Walt, miracles do happen. Bon Voyage. Have a great
time but dont forget where they make the best coffee.

Kansas Girl said:Happy Easter! I loved your article about Easter. I am totally gutted that I will never see Easter on the 22nd of March but then there are a lot of things I probably will never see....the sphinx, Vladavostock, the Congo.......... But have a great Easter Sunday yourselves.

Margo said:After reading about Easter, I am convinced there was something wonderful about living in 'Ignorant Bliss' when we didn't have so much information.

WW said:Thanks for dropping by Dianne!

Dianne from the pet shop said:Hi Wally, enjoyed your interpretation of cricket. A bit like us kiwis trying to explain American football!!

Wilderness Jr said:VERY sad that the MIGHTY Cowboys lost against the silly Giants :(

kansas girl said:Hi Wilderness,

Good to have another look at your site. I saw a pic of the new US $ coin but now I can't find it back. Could you email me a copy of it? Turkey day is coming.....


BOON250 said:I loved the Rainbow Bridge story.... very touching....

California Sus said:I think the little TBall player is thinking "outside the box". He's probably at the top of some company.

California Sus said:Bart is so cute. I like the "stupid" signs idea. I could place many of them.

Dawn said:Stopped by for another look Walt. Glad you two have weathered another storm over the ditch. We are still contending with ours. Nine weeks for me now before I head off for New Mexico. Counting down ........

Bonnie said:Wally, you two really tickle me, I think you are more AMERICAN than you were when you escaped to The Land of The Long White Cloud. Anyway, keep up the good work, your site makes me homesick and I still live here!!

WW said:Susie - Be there before you know it... if the Good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise!

Susie Lever said:Hi Wally. Love this website, but makes me miss you and Georgea more.

WW said:Thanks for stopping by Terri. It is all a work in progress and we hope you drop in often.

Terri A. said:This website is very informative, especially the "Travel New Zealand" link. Keep up the good work.

WW said:BOP-Thanks but now they are flying porkers! For a while anyway.

bird of paradise said:Love the blinking globes and the updates - thanks!

WW said:Thanks Dawn, hope you visit often. The bird life in immediate region is Wilderness Bart! (Inside the house.) Outside there are plenty of birds and we will write about them soon.

Dawn in Oz said:Hi WW, love your website. Lots of information for everyone. Would love to see some shots of the bird-life in your immediate region. Will revisit when I have more time and have a good look - but love it.

WW said:Thanks Meredith, we hope you stop by often and if you get a chance tell a story or two.

Meredith Lynn said:Great website!

K & M in Maine, USA said:Dear Wilderness Wally, Your web site makes us smile! There is nothing like this site, which stirs the embers of our identity as Americans, and makes us chuckle in the process, too. K & M

W-W said:bop - Thanks, but DK takes the bows for looks. I think his wife has some input as well!

bird of paradise said:The front page looks great with the flags and the various languages printed underneath - I like it!

Wilderness said:Thank you Lois, DK makes it all look good. Also, I told him to call his Mother more often. WW

Lois Wessel said:Am really excited about your pages. Of course I could be prejudiced--Dk is my son. But seriously it is really nice.

     
 

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