shiny new

I have indulged myself with the purchase of a new coffee machine, one that grinds it's own beans.  One early morning coffee a day -  without having to leave the house -  one of life's little luxuries.

going to the zoo

Max and Sonya took me to the Auckland Zoo - it's amazing! They have a zoo pass and Max loves it. I think his first word just might be "giraffe'. These are my first photos with my new 50mm prime lens - nice.

parsley, sage, rosemary and ...

oregano, coriander, mint, basil, spearmint, vietnamese mint. I love being able to pick fresh herbs whenever the fancy takes me. They are the most satisfying thing to grow.

beach time

Waihi beach summer, end of 2012. Max loves the ocean, so much in fact that it's scary. He just heads straight out into the waves.

christmas is for kids

It was great to have a 'kid' around on Christmas morning again - it's been a while. It took a few goes but Max figured out what it was all about - opening all those presents, even the ones that weren't for him.

parcel in the post

It's still exciting receiving a parcel in the post. Especially one from the other side of the world. I meant to buy these bowls when last in Amsterdam but a baby and concerns about an overweight bag thwarted my plans. However, I found them on the internet and ordered a set which arrived safely all the way from Harlem in just one week. I do love them.

oh christmas tree

I love hunting for just the right tree.
This year it was a little overwhelming, there were so many to choose from.
The place I go even wraps them for you in plastic net!
Convenience packaged Christmas trees.