Dad's 82nd birthday

T'was Dad's 82nd birthday today but we celebrated it in typical Jeffries' fashion yesterday, by having a casual meal together - at Helen's place. Steve and Christine, Darryl, Nicola and Justin and the two great grandkids came along with Jemma, Ashley and Liam, and Ian up from Rotorua.
Nice shot of Darryl and his Aunty Helen.
Mum with Jemma and Ian.
No cake, but a great berry trifle with candles stuck in the top.
Like Mother like Daughter. . .
Mmmmmm, doughnut.
Dad with Jemma's cat Pixie.
My great nephew, Dion and his brother Cohen below.

Crisp fresh early Spring walk

Okay, so come on this early morning amble along toward the path by the harbour with me. All sorts of signs of Spring on the rise.
Gotta love the yellow blooms of the kowhai and the red lush bunches of red berries.
. . . and the profusion of pansies.
and then there's the restful spot to stop and contemplate the sunrise.
and almost my favourite - the tiny white flowers of manuka by the edge of the wild area.

and the coffee and fresh date scone as you read the Saturday Herald, at Fuse cafe.
and I'll finish with these magnificent magnolias all pastel against the pale blue sky.

Receive surprise packages from the States

This was a little earlier in August - got a package from the church in Jacksonville, which we've since opened and had a meeting out of. O how great is organic church life. Lots more to delve into in this lot.

Spring from my studio

Wonderful to see closely what the space of a month will achieve on the leaves outside my studio window. ROLL ON SUMMER.