A prayer for ANZAC Day

 We thank you for the peace and security that you have gifted our great nation. We thank you Lord, for the courage and sacrifice of the ANZACS over 100 years ago. As we remember those who have fallen in battle, we give thanks to you, gracious God, for their great sacrifices in conflict and in captivity.

God of nations, At Thy feet, 

In the bonds of love we meet!

Hear our voices we entreat,

God defend our free land.

Another sunny Sunday

The sun was shining and so we decided to go on a short road trip down to Lake Waihola and have a stroll on the lakeside. And maybe grab a hot drink before heading home. We headed down the road behind a horse float and I couldn't help smiling as I remembered our daughter in law's astonishment at seeing a "car for horses" the first time she was over from Japan on holiday.

But as we travelled south the clouds started coming in and we thought it wouldn't be very pleasant down at the lakeside. So we decided to take a detour to airport and do some people watching and plane watching instead while we had a drink. The sky was looking a little moody over Mangatua.

 

A new feature at the entrance to the airport was this 'rainbow crossing'. Well it was new since last time I was there early in January. I hope it doesn't become as controversial as the one in one of our larger cities which was painted over by an objector who then ended up being prosecuted for his trouble.

People were only just starting to arrive for their flights so we were able to get a table reasonably close to the windows and where we could see what was coming and going.

One of our national carriers taxiing up the tarmac for takeoff. I prefer this livery to the all black one with the silver fern on it. 

Photo taken through tinted glass.

And some lucky person's private jet parked up. The owner could be in Queenstown as the pilots often need to fly the jets to Dunedin to park them due to lack of space to park in Queenstown for any length of time.

And a statue of our Southern Man is outside the entrance. A tribute to our high country farmers and stockmen. The horse is so realistic I kept expecting it to move while I was taking the photo.

Southern Man plaque. 

Speights is the name of the local beer brewed in Dunedin.

Autumn colours, I couldn't resist taking a photo as we were driving away from the airport. It looks much better in reality and some of the trees are looking decidedly bare but others still have a lot of leaves.

But that's autumn I guess :) 

I hope you've all had a good weekend.

Keep well until next time,

Diana

Some unexpected visits

 It's been a real autumn week weather wise but that didn't stop us from catching up with both our southern great grand boys.

First off was an invitation to have morning tea with Theo and his Mum and Granma at the Village Green. And of course we didn't turn down the opportunity. It was a miserable day but we had all gathered just after 10am. The Village Green is part way between both our suburbs and is at a sports ground - so no searching for a carpark. Yay! And the first thing we saw as we went through the doors into the restaurant was a roaring fire.

We put our orders in, my GKB and I had cheese rolls for breakfast, and were directed to a reserved table by the window. Youngest daughter, also known as Granma, works here so the boss came over and sat with us for a few minutes and had cuddles with Theo. Orders arrived and we spent a very pleasant hour or so chatting together.

Later in the day I called around to a local rest home and visited with a friend. She has no family here and so there is a little group of us who visit and do her personal shopping for her. You can see the state of the weather in this photo but it was nice and warm inside.

Then the next day I had a message from eldest daughter, can Arlo and I come out and visit this afternoon? Of course we said yes. That was another wet and miserable day but a little better than the one before. My GKB set up the construction set before they got here, he always likes to play with it and it takes a bit of putting together and he can get the Lego and a few other games out himself. Guess what he decided to play this time? Chess! None of us play chess but we have a set so at some time one of the kids must have played. I think it was our son.

He taught himself how to set the board up, and we had a lot of fun playing 'Arlo's rules', but we have told him that there are other rules and he will need to learn them if he wants to play with other people. He is 4, turns 5 next month and will be away to school. Where has that time gone? He is the eldest of the great grandkids and Theo is the youngest at 6 weeks. 

Today the sun is shining and it has been nice and warm. We went for a drive to Outram for an ice cream and I went for a stroll up the street afterwards. As you can see, a beautiful blue sky day.

That's it for today, until next time

 be kind to yourself :)

Diana

A nice day for a short walk

The sun was shining, there was only a slight breeze, a pleasant day for a short autumn walk. I went to the top of the street and turned right which takes me out into the countryside. Well almost. It's rural shall we say. Plenty of autumn colour, the leaves are starting to turn now.

Autumn coloured hydrangeas.

Half grown calves watching me .

A few yards further down the road there is a small orchard.

The traffic was starting to get a bit heavy and no 

designated walking paths so I didn't go much further,

 just beyond these trees.

Nearly home again, about 30 feet to the corner 

and we're back in town.

I love living on the edge of town, I have the best of both

 worlds to pick from when I go walking.

I hope you've had a good week. 

Until next time,

Diana

 

Easter weekend

 Easter was a quiet time for my GKB and me.

 As well as it being Easter quite a few people tack Otago Anniversary day onto the end which gives them a five day long weekend. Many head off for a holiday break and sadly there are usually a good number of accidents and deaths on the roads at this time of year.

On the Saturday we had an unusual visitor. A magpie! I haven't seen one for years, probably since the big tree they used to nest in a couple of sections over was chopped down about forty years ago. So it was a bit of a thrill to see this one, we didn't get too close though, just left him in peace to do his foraging for bugs. He hasn't been back since so our backyard can't have suited him as a pantry :)

I attended the Good Friday service at our church which was quiet and contemplative, a lovely service. Who knew our pastor could sing like that? Wow! 

Sunday was a day of celebrating our risen Lord but I watched the morning service on live stream. We have a 25 minute drive to the other side of the city to attend in person. But Sunday night was a different story We had three adult baptisms happening and seeing as one was the son of a friend I wanted to be there for that. It was a wonderfully joyful service and the young folk who attend the evening service put on a lovely supper for everyone - and gave us goodie bags to take home!

For my four little people Easter had a different focus. Easter eggs.

Arlo had an Easter egg hunt at his grandmothers place. She only has a little garden but big enough to hide eggs for a four year old.

Alice and Sitiveni also had Easter baskets to fill, they had a hunt around their back yard and it was fun watching them looking so hard that they missed some right in front of their noses. I had a video of them hunting that I hoped to share but it refuses to load :)

I also like to get the little ones a book telling the Easter story and this year the older ones received The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story. The newest family member got a board book with felt pictures. I like to start them young with books. And both Alice and Arlo enjoy reading which is really good.

Exhausted after a busy day :), I think the kitten has more bed than wee Sitiveni. (For those of you who wonder, Sitiveni is the Tongan way of saying Stephen. He is named for his paternal grandfather which is also traditional for the eldest grandson).

Theo had a sleepover at his grandparents home over Easter as well.

And that is my round up of Easter.

Keep well, 

until next time, 

Diana

Resurrection Sunday

 

Hallelujah! 

Christ is Risen!

He is risen indeed!

Good Friday

Behold Jesus!

The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!

He was pierced for our transgressions!

The punishment that bought us peace was on Him, 

and by His stripes we are healed!

John 1:29b & Isaiah 53:5

 

A wander around the garden

We'll take a wander shortly.

 First here is a pic of my GKB with young Theo. We were invited over while he was up so that Great grandad could meet him with his eyes open :) but Theo had other ideas. He did eventually open his eyes for a short time though so they have now officially eyed each other :)

We didn't stay too long as my GKB was the only male there and he gets a bit restless when it's all female company - and it can't be much fun when it is all baby talk to boot :) 

We decided to do some grocery shopping on the way home and then I wanted to have a look at the rose garden in the Memorial Gardens - which are just across the road from the supermarket.

The entry from the carpark. I love this entry at any time of the year.

Walk through a wee way and you can see the adjacent skate park through the trees on the right. There were a lot of birds flitting away from me here but too quick to get a picture - and they blended well into the trees.

Look in the opposite direction and there is a lovely big green, just right for picnics or taking the little ones for a play. Nice shaded seating as well, under the trees.

 

Entrance to the rose garden. The garden was fenced in this red brick as well, until a few years ago. I'm not sure why it was removed as I think the gardens themselves looked better - more formal if you like - which is how I think a rose garden should be. But that's just my opinion.

And finally the memorial rose garden itself. Looking a bit shabby at the end of summer and after the wind and rain of the past few days.

But more roses still in bloom than I thought there would be.

There is also a fenced children's playground out near the carpark. It's a lovely garden in the middle of town.

 I hope you've enjoyed a little look at a small part of our town.

Until next time, take care.

Diana

Autumn is here

 March has certainly come in like a lion, but it is the beginning of autumn here so not altogether unexpected. Further inland it is snowing but at least it is just squally showers here today. The mornings are darker too, so it is harder to wake up, and the evenings are drawing in. Time to think about putting the winter sheets on the bed.

Early morning.

Today was gym/walk day and we had thought we would meet up with the new mother and take baby for a walk but it was too cold and blustery. Instead youngest daughter and I ended up at the gym and on the treadmill before heading over to participate in baby Theo's bath time and have cuddles. He's a good, contented baby. So Sassy missed out on her walk with me today. I also took the opportunity of delivering the baby album my GKB and I had bought for them. 

At the end of last year I joined a small collective where for $7-50 I can get a small bag of vegetables that last us for 2 weeks. You're informed of what's in the bags before you order, there is not an option but I don't mind as we like most veges, and if you don't like the selection there's no need to order. This week we received potatoes, onions broccoli, marrow and a cabbage. No root veges this time but no matter, I already had some in the fridge. There's also the option of buying a meat pack, and extra vegetables if you want. And you can opt in and out as you want so you don't have to buy every week if it doesn't suit. A good deal I think.

And apart from that it has been a quiet week. I haven't been out much as my hearing aids are playing up and it's not much fun when you can't hear what people are saying and can't hold a conversation. But hopefully next week will be better - I've had an appointment with the audiologist and she has hopefully fixed the problem :)

So not much to share.

Until next time look after yourselves,

Diana

Celebrations

 It's been a week of celebrations for our family.

On Friday we had a visit from middle Granddaughter and her new fiancee. They came around especially to tell us they had just become engaged. She is a lovely thoughtful girl and he is an outgoing and caring man and I think they are well matched. We're very happy for them. 

On Saturday my daughters took me out and bought me a 'decent' pair of walking shoes for my birthday. All the kids contributed. Asics. They've taken a bit of getting used to, and I think I look like I'm wearing Daisy Duck shoes, but they're really comfortable. Just as well for the price :) That evening we went to number one son's home for a lovely birthday dinner. 

And a couple of days later we welcomed a new addition to the family. Theo was expected to arrive on my birthday but he had other ideas. He wanted his own day :) He is our grandson's son and our fourth great grandchild. He is well loved :)

I will leave you there and try and have a catch up with everyone as the day goes on.

Enjoy your week, keep well, 

Diana

Round up of the past week

It's been a busy week. Monday was just the normal round of housework and making sure I had everything ready for the Aglow meeting on Tuesday night.

Tuesday I spent a bit of time finding last minute substitutes for people who couldn't get to the meeting after all, for various reasons, so couldn't help as had been planned. But it all worked out well and we had a great meeting. People are pretty good at filling in on the night anyway but it's nice to have things organised.

Wednesday is my half day in the local Christian bookshop where I volunteer. We have people come in for all sorts of reasons, some want prayer, some want to drop off a prayer request and others just want a chat. Some even buy books or gifts!  :) It's a nice wee shop, selling a great range of goods from books and clothing to cards and gifts.

Thursday saw me up with the larks - before 6am - so I could be over at my friends house for a 7:45am start on our trip south. I don't like to rush in the mornings. We were headed to Gore, which is a couple of hours drive away, for a combined Aglows board meeting. People come from all over the south of the south and it's good to have a catch up with those we haven't seen for a while and to meet the new board members.

 Below is a picture of the back garden of the house we met at, a great space for relaxing and chatting over a hot or cold drink. The lady of the house said the garden didn't look too good this year - I wish my garden didn't look this too good :) We arrived home about tea time and I was pleased to see my bed on Thursday night.

Friday was walk the dog day again. Sassy was really excited to see me as the last few times I've been over we've been out walking. Today we went over to John Wilson Drive. which has the beach on one side and the golf course on the other.

 All dogs have to be on a leash as it is baby sea lion season and some of the mothers have taken their pups over to the bushes by the golf course to keep them safe from any bull sea lions. They stay well hidden usually but sometimes come out and sunbathe on the road or on the course. 

And no, Sass is not pooping, just wondering why Granma has to take a photo of her - again :) she's got better things to do.

This pic is just for fun. I love the mural above the centre shops.

There is an optometrist on one side and a cookie shop on the other.

A party in the park.

Last Sunday afternoon my GKB and I went over to The Party in the Park. It was being held at a new venue this year, which is about half a kilometre  from home. Very handy :)

This is an annual event aimed at families and always well attended, but of course was interrupted by covid for a year or two but finally able to be held again.

 It was a hot, hot day, over 30C and we only stayed about half an hour. Most people were trying to stay out of the sun by keeping to the stalls, under the trees or under the shade sails that were scattered round about. It would have been nice to have had a water sprayer or two for people to  walk through :) But these are not normal temperatures for our part of the world and so no-one would have anticipated how hot it would be.

No one was taking advantage of the chairs in front of the sound stage but plenty of people under the trees to the side. 

There were all the usual types of craft stalls and food and drink trucks as well as service clubs advertising.

 There were bouncy castles and other fun activities for the kids including rides on the miniature railway. I was pleased I didn't have any little kids to contend with, I didn't envy those parents who had wee ones out in that heat all afternoon.

Because of the heat we didn't stay long, I think I'll take an umbrella as a sun shade another time, my hat was hot and uncomfortable and I was pleased to take it off when we got home. There is a cafe at the venue but it was full or we would have gone in for a cool drink. But still, I'm not complaining, it was an afternoon out doing something different.

That's all for today. 

Look after yourselves until next time.

Diana