Chairs

A while ago, we bought 3 chairs on Trade Me (its like the NZ version of eBay, although why they don't just use eBay I'm not really sure). Anyway, the chairs were 8 bucks for the three. And once they were home I decided I quite liked them - except the covers. Which turned out to be (fairly) easily removable. I made new covers for one from some Bekko fabric I bought ages ago. Its not the most professional of sewing jobs, and needs a few tweaks to get them to sit right (and stay right), but I love it. It looks great in the lounge, and its a lovely, comfy chair to sit and work in. 8 dollars well spent.

Hopscotch fun

Giant alphabet hopscotch. Hours of fun (the boys liked it too).

Winter garden

I found some winter hazel in a grown over corner of the garden today. It is so delicate and pretty, I couldn't resist bringing a few twigs inside. I'm off to clear some creeper from it now, and give a bit of room.

Winter beach stuff

The other weekend we went to the Petone winter carnival. It was amazing. I love a country that celebrates winter, but its not so freezing that you can't stay and enjoy it. This structure was one of many amazing fire sculptures.
Its been a wobbly old day here today. Fingers crossed for a safe weekend.

Flowering

Moving continents brings lots of surprises and adjustments. The garden of our rental house has mainly shrubs, lots of which are camellias. I had forgotten that these are winter flowering, and how much brighter and un-wintery they made the garden. I am missing my 'proper' garden but these are very beautiful.

Winter blooms

A spontaneous visit to the botanical gardens in Wellington this afternoon. Its been very mild, sunny weather lately, and I was amazed by the amount of colourful blooms on show - magnolias, rhodos, camellias, jonquils, violets. And daphne - some little corners were almost overwhelmingly fragrant. Conveniently, the gardens have an excellent playground (although its a bit of an uphill hike), so everyone is happy. And time for a quick botany lesson on the way home.

A quiet return

When we moved to New Zealand at the start of the year I decided to call it quits on the blog. But 6 months later I miss it, and I miss having a record of our stuff and goings on.
This is a corner of our new place that I like right now. Its accidental - the print is waiting to be taken in to work to brighten my very dull office. Meanwhile, it makes me smile when I walk in the door.