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.

end of an era

Last week I had to have my cat (known as Pussy), put down.
It was unexpected and upsetting.
We've been through a lot together me and that cat.
We moved into a scary new home together and discovered painting, floor sanding, gardening and various other renovation type activities. I did all the work while she mainly slept however she always came home for dinner and a cuddle no matter what.  I am missing her. Pussy was 13 years old.

roses

My rose bushes are dripping with roses.

bubbles

School holidays are over now :-(  but it was great spending time with Max.

tui in my garden

Today I can hear the trill of a Tui in my Kowhai tree. So beautiful.

Click on the video to hear the bird song.

now I am 1

Now I am one, look at all the things I can do...

happy birthday max!

It's Max's first birthday! Wow, one whole year old. How did that happen?

japanese taupes

I bought a book - Japanese Taupe Quilt Blocks. I already have quite a stash of the taupe fabrics. I love the colours and textures. What should I make?

spring in my garden

Blue daisy, pansy, magnolia. 

kowhai

It must be spring, the Kowhai is flowering in my garden.

tulips

This time last year I was packing my bag for a trip to Amsterdam. 

This year I have red tulips flowering in my garden.

baby in the house

Max has been to visit. Today I washed the floor - all his little handprints are gone :-(

a new book

My second Blurb book has arrived! I am so happy with it. Such wonderful technology -  anyone can make their own book so easily and for a reasonable cost. There's even an eBook version. I love Blurb.

a bunch of flowers...

A bunch of flowers cheers up a winters day. And I adjusted and cropped it in Lightroom. There's still so much to learn but it's gotta be good...bring it on!

good coffee bad coffee

Good coffee -  bad coffee. When you're the barista there's no-one else to blame. 

blue houses

These KLM houses are given to customers travelling Business Class. They contain Dutch Geneva which is 35% alcohol. Someone is selling off their collection. Most are still sealed. Should I buy one?...which one??

puddles

Puddle weather.