Wordless Wednesday

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Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight….

So many evenings of late have seen bright sunsets amid the clouds. This one from a few nights ago had us hopeful of a fine day following.

It was not to be.

This sunset from last night also held promise.

Although there was this gale bending the Birch tree over very dramatically.

The gale lashed the house relentlessly all night and today has been little better. We were also drenched in rain with roads closed due to flooding.

Today was our belated Christmas Day with one part of the family so we covered presents (which had been waiting some time)

with plastic bags, loaded up food in a plastic clothes basket, donned our coats and off we went for lunch and a fun afternoon. A four year old and his two year old sister kept things lively and fun.

The weather had cleared by late this afternoon although the gales continue. We spotted some Royal Spoonbills in the Pauatahanui Inlet along with a large flock of Black Swans.

Can you spot the two vague white dots out in the water? They are the Spoonbills.

We did get much closer to one but it sensed our presence and off it flew.

The Pohutukawas were still being shaped by the winds

and this gull was snuggled down in the tufty beach grass taking a well-earned rest from the battering forces.

No sunset tonight so little hope of better weather tomorrow it would seem……

A news item I read late this afternoon indicated exceptionally high temperatures in parts of Australia while the east coast of America is experiencing bitterly cold, snowy conditions. We are battened down safe and sound.

Keep safe wherever you are.

The week that was plus another day or two

I see that I have not posted much on my blog this month so here is a quick summary of the last week plus another day or two:

 Plenty of ordinary tasks around the house and garden, plus some budgeting and early last week I was practicing for a special singing occasion.

 Tuesday last week saw me sing in a group of 100 others (all of us there because we love to sing- no auditions or qualifications required!) in a television recording. Our singing director was leading this group on behalf of the programme, “Praise Be.” We had had three previous rehearsals and then it took around two hours to get a “take” of 10 songs. Now I have to wait to see the finished result.

 On the way to the recording we spotted eleven Royal Spoonbills on the edge of the Pauatahanui Inlet. It seems likely that numbers of this regal, white, member of the heron family are increasing and that is splendid news.

 We have a family wedding at Xmas time this year and I needed an outfit. Last Wednesday a good friend, who has a keen eye for colour and style went with me on what was intended simply to be a “look”. However I found the perfect outfit and came home really delighted to have that ticked off the wedding “to do” list. It was made easy with such great support.

 In order to have guests here at the time of the wedding I have been trying to do some decluttering and tidying each day to chip away at what is quite some task.

 Meanwhile in the garden, nature has been moving ahead and our small kowhai tree is almost in flower now. There are plenty of flowers on it but they have yet to reach the point where the tuis and other birds can access the nectar. I am really hoping to see Tuis visit “my” tree in the next few days.

 Saturday saw me hurt my knee and I have been hobbling about since then. I’m off to see the physiotherapist this afternoon for a second appointment. I am taking life at a very gentle pace right now and of course I am being reminded of how one part of our body not working fully requires a lot more time and attention being given to everyday activities. My cats are great at showing me that there is much to be said for relaxing, sleeping, staying supple (!) and spending time in good company.