Beautiful New Zealand

Friends of mine spent the New Year tramping the Routeburn Track in the South Island.  The weather was perfect for the trip and I was sent these pictures showing Lake Mackenzie and the valley through which the track passes.  What a wonderful part of New Zealand!

Two Wonderful Gifts

For my birthday I was given these two wonderful gifts from my UK potter friends.  The bowl is by Lisa Hammond, one of UK's top potters.  It is a lovely addition to my collection.  The bottle of wine is probably the top local wine which was ordered on line from the UK.  It is very special and is no longer available and will probably be the most expensive wine I will ever drink. Fortunately the givers of this gift are coming to stay next month so I will open it then and share it with them.

From My Garden

Hydrangeas do not do very well in this area except for this Oak Leaf Hydrangea.  The weeds in my paddock have overtaken the grass as it has been so dry.  Amazing how the weeds can survive when everything else dies off.

Two More Party Pictures

These pictures are of just a few of my friends who attended my birthday party.  They look very relaxed and happy which is just as it should be.  There has been such wonderful feedback from everybody.

Seasons Greetings to You All.

Seasons Greetings to you all.  I hope you have an enjoyable time with your family and friends.  Last weekend I did not have time to post a new blog as it was party time for my 90th. birthday.  The tables were set amongst the trees in my garden and delicious food and drink was had.  The dessert table is just a small example of what was available. A lovely day with friends and relations.

Water Iris

Some pictures of the iris growing around my pond which are looking wonderful this season.  I would love them to multiply and look like the huge areas of water iris that we saw when we were in Japan.

More Garden Pictures

The lighting on this rose bud attracted me yesterday and the yellow maple is always lovely with its new foliage.  Unfortunately it sometimes gets wind damaged later.