The Shack

Okay, I've read it now - finished it yesterday, and it's still with me. So many people recommended this book, and I'm so very glad I have it and read it. So I'm joining the throngs in telling you to read it if you haven't.
I'm sure we all get something slightly different out of reading it, but it's the sort of story that captures something in your spirit, of the love of God for us. And it's also gut-wrenching. I'm still thinking about portions of what was said, and feeling them working through me and making a change - I guess that's living Word for you.
Read it.

Oh, and here's the website link.

Ashley's birthday

Much beloved nephew turned 19 on Friday, and we had a small family dinner on the verandah at Helen's. This is Ashley cutting his favourite cake - chocolate! (After the candles had been removed).
My Mum and I. . .
Pa lost in contemplation. . .
Ash. . .
Jemma with a dress she's recently acquired.
Ash and his Mum. . .
and last but definitely NOT least - little brother Liam.

Animated gifs

Just fiddling with animated gifs (again). It's a bit of a steep learning curve. . .not sure this one will work. You'll have to click on the pic to have it open up elsewhere and yay, I think the wee drop comes down.

Coffee at the Riverhead Kauri Gumstore Cafe

Cath and I clowning around a bit at our favourite cafe. We meet every fortnightly Monday, and have lunch/morning tea at this great historic old store. It does a fine homemade meal and espresso coffee, but what it does best is atmosphere and relaxed pace. . . there's old paraphernalia on the walls, a 'mock' skeleton in a floor cavity, and old 1940's metal toys and gadgets.

Birthday Dinner Party at Helen's place

We gathered at my sister's place last night for my birthday celebrations, and also Gene's - who came down from Warkworth for the occasion. This is Helen and Naomi predinner. . .
and Gene, John and I . . .
Helen cooked this amazing lamb roast for us, complete with all the trimmings.
One of the slightly murky shots of the group of us at the table.
The two birthday people receiving gifts and cards. . .
the OTHER murky shot of us at the table. . .
A couple of belly dancers flounced in at the latter end of the evening, looking remarkably like John and Gordon.
Hmmm. . . they make them buxom in the East. . .
Gulp. . .
This one is VERY modest, and would not show any belly!
Dear friend Cathy serving up her dessert of brandy cases, cream, berries, and custard.

Beginning of the birthday celebs. . .

Magda is turning 21 this month and heading off to the States tomorrow to be with family there - so we celebrate both our birthdays at Mum and Dad's tonight. I'm about to crawl to bed but just had to get these up there. . .
Ash watching as the cake is cut. . .
Dad who is learning the Ukelele and the mouth organ, played a few tunes. . .
Mum her usual gorgeous self. . .
and these two delightful nieces together. . .