Thursday 14 April 2016

Taking five

Five totally unconnected paragraphs but I hope you'll enjoy them.
Joining Amy at Five on Friday

1). Daylight saving finished at the weekend and with it the good weather. Almost overnight. I can't believe it. Even so the temps are still in double figures but 24 C. one day and then talk of snow the next - not my idea of fun. But I am not going to complain as we have been having unseasonably warm weather for this time of the year. It couldn't go on for ever :) It has been a very dry summer and not good for the gardens, even the weeds didn't grow much - but my little mother's sunflowers alongside her garage did. I love this photo of her looking at them looking back at her. It almost looks like they're having a conversation.


2). We've been taking ourselves out for coffee about once a week, my GKB and me. We are not very adventurous when it comes to what we eat and it is usually a case of cheese rolls or scones. I decided to try hot pancakes and maple syrup a few weeks ago, I have wanted to for a while, but I was very disappointed. I won't be ordering them again. These date scones below were very nice though, heated and butter spread on them. I always drink tea or hot chocolate (in winter) and my GKB has discovered that he quite enjoys a flat white, even though they are never hot enough. It was still warm enough to sit outside when this was taken.

 

3). Just over a year ago we were at a family funeral and someone mentioned that it was a shame that we only got together these days at funerals. There are five sets of cousins and some of us haven't seen each other for over forty years. And so because I was retired and on the spot I was elected(?) to organise a reunion of some sort.  So this year I am starting to get into it. We have decided to have a dinner in the town where our grandparents and parents lived and where most of us grew up as well. Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand. It will all take place at Easter 2017  and we are having it in a hotel just around the corner from where I grew up and not far from where some of our cousins lived as well. So far quite a few have shown interest (from Japan, Indonesia and Australia) which is good, as it's a bit daunting in a way to be given the task of bringing it together.

Greymouth CBD
4). My GKB enjoys taking photos and quite often the ones I put up here are his. I love the one below that he took one day while sis and I were walking and he was wandering and waiting. It is very moody I think and the clouds look like the beginning of the Taieri Pet, a cloud formation that appears over the Middlemarch area when certain conditions occur. We never saw the 'Pet' though as it didn't form fully. Anyway I like the starkness of the tree against the cloud and sky.


5). I've been feeling a bit tired lately, I think it's the start of year activity beginning to catch up with me. We have been really busy since Christmas with visits from two of my sisters and two of my nieces and their little ones. We have walked quite a bit on the rail trail and there have been one or two other functions happening as well. And I have thoroughly enjoyed it all. But...I think I need a bit of a rest because my brain doesn't seem to be functioning as it should. Blow it. So if I don't post quite so often in the next little while you'll know why. 

Image result for taking a break

Maybe I'll just be away a few days or a week or two but I will check in occasionally to see what everyone is up to. 
Life is very busy at the moment :)


joining Martha at:
and Amy at:

with love, 
Diana

16 comments:

  1. Diana, you are right, it does look as though your mama and the flowers are having a chat! And it is the same here in America, Weddings and Funerals seem to be the major events in families. I am glad you took on the task of planning a Happy event for a gathering. Those clouds are amazing! My favorite pancakes are to be found at our Cracker Barrels here in the US. Amazing! Hope you get to put your feet up and have a rest! You deserve it!

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  2. Love those sunflowers. : )
    I'm surprised that you didn't like the pancakes! Was that the first time you've ever had pancakes?
    Beautiful picture of the clouds and tree.

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  3. Awe...that is a darling photo of your dear mama looking, or talking with her sunflowers.
    Sorry to hear that you are feeling tired. I think a time of rest is a great idea, and we will be here when you return.

    Bless you~`
    Debbie

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  4. Adore the photo of your Mum and the lovely cloud photo.

    cheers, parsnip

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  5. I hope you feel better and are able to get some rest! You will be missed. :) I love the picture of your Mom and the sunflowers.

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  6. What a lovely photo of your dear Mum chatting to the sunflowers. Your reunion sounds amazing, hope all goes well. Take care.

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  7. I too love that photo of your mother with the sunflowers. sorry to hear you are tired, task the time you need, we will all still be here. Good luck and well done on organising the reunion.

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  8. Hi Diana, This is just an excellent post. Enjoyed each of your 5 paragraphs! I love seeing your photos taken in New Zealand. Just so interesting how our seasons are reversed. I sort of wish I was down there as I am not looking forward to a hot, dry summer like we had last year. I wonder if you have visited the USA? New Zealand is near the top of my list when it comes to places to see. Thank you so much for sharing your blog and for your kind comments on mine. Have a good break and take good care!

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  9. Enjoy your break. Just found you today through Five on Friday and will be watching for your return.

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  10. Have a good rest, sometimes you just have to take a break to be ready for the next round of excitement! :-)

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  11. Good luck with organising the family reunion. It sounds like quite a task. I love the photo of your mum talking to the sunflowers (what amazing sunflowers they are!). Have a restful weekend.

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  12. Diana, such a sweet picture of the sunflowers and your mother. :-)

    I hope that you are able to rest up a bit. God bless!

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  13. Hope you have a relaxing break, Diana! I'm sure that you family is grateful that you're stepping up to organize the family reunion.

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  14. Brrr...the thoughts of snow! We finally got rid of ours just a few days ago. Today was a beautifully warm day and it appears the snow is finally gone. I love the photo of your mother looking at the sunflowers. It sounds like you're going to be quite busy arranging the family reunion but it will be worth it. Love all your photos!

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  15. I loved your post this week. Tell GKB to take more photos - he has the gift.

    How nice to be served tea in a nice cup and saucer. We're such slobs here in the USA. Mugs and clunky cups most everywhere.

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  16. The picture of your precious mom warmed my heart.

    Thinking of you, sweet friend, and wishing you a joyous week. Hugs!

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