Random happenings

I've been out tidying up the garden in front of the house today. I started weeding it about a week ago but rain interrupted and I never got back to it until now. It was looking awfully untidy once the jonquils had died leaving just the leaves. They still haven't died off but I managed to get the weeds out and it looks a lot better. 

Peony in bud. It's going to look gorgeous when it flowers. 

 Miniature rose in full bloom. No I don't know what it's called but I love the colour. Sadly it's not scented.

This is the wee jacket I sent our new baby, the grey is lighter than it shows in this picture and it looks quite attractive. They decided not to find out whether they were expecting a girl or a boy and I thought these colours would suit either. And no, she doesn't have a name yet - I just call her Sweetpea at the moment. As my sister said we can't keep calling her 'she'.

And this wee fellow came for a visit at the weekend. Theo was our youngest great grand but now he is a big cousin. Here he's eating chippies and laughing at Great grandad who was pulling silly faces. He's a sweetheart at 18 months.

A couple of Sundays ago there was a plant sale in the grounds of the school where we hold our church services. We were praying for good weather as if it had rained we would have had to move out of the hall so they could come inside. It's an annual event and as you can see the weather was good to us. Several of us wandered around after the service but I never bought anything. I had plants at home I'd already been given and still have to get in :)

And a sunset one night last week. The colours were quite deep, they haven't shown up very well. It's not the Aurora which I forgot all about, and was quite spectacular from the photos I've seen. I thought our sunset was quite spectacular too :)

And that is all I have for this time.

We haven't been out and about much of late 

so not a lot of interest to talk about.

Keep well, keep smiling, until next time,

Diana

A new addition

          We have welcomed a new addition to the family. A lovely little girl joined us at the beginning of last week.

  Big brother was very, very disappointed she wasn't a boy but now is quite besotted.

Big sister is just in love and very proud.

    She doesn't have a name as yet but I'm sure it will suit her beautifully when she does.

    I don't know when we'll get to meet her as she's in the North Island but I hope it's not too long.

That's all for now.

See you soon,

Diana

Tuesday 4 meme is Music.

 

I've been missing in action for a few days so thought I'd take part in Tuesday 4 (albeit a couple of days late) just to keep in touch :) If you'd like to take part or see what others have to say this is the link   https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/ 

Tuesday 4 is hosted  in memory of Toni Taddeo who started it a few years ago and I hope you will join in with us each week. It is a great way to visit new bloggers, make friends and discover new and interesting things about your friends.

The topic for this week's Tuesday 4 meme is Music..

1. Do you play a musical instrument? 

No, but I'd love to have learned the piano when I was younger. And drums, are they a musical instrument? My son is a drummer and he practised in his bedroom. We had to shut him down at a reasonable time in the evenings though so he didn't upset the neighbours. I also spent a term learning the violin at school, last year at Primary I think, I hated it so didn't go back to learn more. I quite like to listen to one being played though which may be why I was attracted to it to start with.

2. Have you taken music lessons? What kind? If not, is there one you might enjoy learning? It is never too late to start.  You might be surprised at how accomplished it will make you feel.

A friend paid for me to have about half a dozen piano lessons once upon a time, and I can 'kind of read' music as long as it's not complicated.

3. Is there music in your home as background to your day's activities or do you have music playing in your car, etc.?

No, not any more. I always had the radio going or tapes playing before my hubby retired but he has the telly going all day and the rooms are too close together to have both radio and telly on at the same time unfortunately. Yes the radio is usually on in the car.

 If so, what kind of music do you enjoy hearing?

I enjoy music from the 60's, my era.  And singers like Shirly Bassey or Bing Crosby are a couple I grew up listening to and so I learned to appreciate a lot of different styles. I also used to enjoy Cleo Laine. 

What kind of music do you NOT like?

Heavy metal. Techno.

4.  Do you have a favorite composer or genre of music that you like most? Maybe you like several. Please share with us your thoughts?

Some jazz, I enjoy piano and I also enjoy listening to big band music. I pretty much just like music in most forms :)

Take care until next time

Diana

That was a week, that was

We had a storm blow through the country this week. It was quite devastating with a lot of property damage and one person dead after a tree branch fell on him. I know it is the spring equinox and we always get wind at this time of year but I can't remember it being this bad before.  The whole country was affected, with the wind starting in the south and travelling north.

We have trees down

Roofs off.

Fences where they shouldn't be.

Telephone poles snapped.

And debris all over the place.

We were fortunate that the only thing to happen to us was that my irises ended up horizontal to the ground and needed to be tied up and we had to pick other peoples rubbish up from around the yard. The worst day of the storm was also rubbish collection day.

The wind started gently enough on Monday and gathered in intensity over the course of the week with the worst of it happening on Thursday and finally abating on Friday. Thousands of homes are still without power and we have been asked to conserve water in our area. And now we are being told there is more to come.

But today, Sunday, our church ladies were due to have a high afternoon tea, so we did. It was a good way of  getting to know each, being a new church. And putting names to faces. So scones, savoury and sweet, and cake was the order of the day along with tea or coffee. Kelly and Maria did a wonderful job and it was a pleasure to sit at such a beautifully set table. Bone china, lovely glassware and dainty silver teaspoons and butter knives..

A great way to finish off a horrible week.

Until next time

Diana

Edit: we didn't go out looking for storm damage, the photos are from various members of the family taken in their areas. Thankfully none of us sustained damage to our homes or properties but daughter's partner lives in another town and he was without power or water so drove through to her place for a shower and a hot meal then headed home again. A lot of work to  be done where he lives he said.

Tuesday 4

Its time for this week's Tuesday 4 and if you would like to join in or see what others are sharing here is the link:

https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/

Autumn evenings were always special when I was a kid.

The day ended early and the family gathered in the living room where my mother and grandmother watched a little TV and my father sat on the sofa reading and smoking his pipe.  My parents enjoyed a cup of coffee and sometimes a snack.

1. Does your life go along in the same way all year or do  things change with the seasons?

   I spend more time outside when it's warmer though if I'm just sitting with a good book I wear a hat and use sunscreen. When it's cooler I'm only outside when I'm going from one place to another. I'm not a cold weather person.

2. Do you have a favorite meal on the chilly night? 

   I like soups and stews in the winter. My hubby is not so keen on soup but doesn't complain.

3.  Do you have a snack while you watch TV or read?

   Only at afternoon tea or supper although we do sometimes have a small packet of chips or a piece of chocolate in the afternoon and in the evening ice cream.

4. Do you have a fireplace in your home?

   We do, but it hasn't been used in probably 30 plus years. We had a gas heater for a while and now have a heat pump installed, so much cleaner and we can set it to come on before we get up so the living rooms are nice and warm when we come out.

Keep well,

until next time,

Diana

Christmas and a Sindy

I've started my Christmas shopping. I was looking at a local notice board and saw these cute children's baking sets for sale. Apron, little bowl and utensils, cookie cutters, and a baking pack and it all comes in a little bag that the child can colour in. Coloured pens are provided. Alice and Sitiveni will enjoy them, Dad is a chef. There was a limited number of them, only twenty, so I was pleased to get a couple.

And on a Christmas theme I was in town doing some shopping for my friend who is in a rest home and spotted these Mrs Santa mugs. They are very festive but I don't need any new mugs and I'm never sure how they would be to drink out of. I think if I had something like this I'd have to fill them with candy canes or chocolates although I guess they are meant for hot chocolate or cocoa. But we don't drink that at Christmas in this part of the world.

On the way home we called in to visit Jacqui. She was very excited to show us her new bargain buy. She been browsing in one of the local op shops and found this almost mint condition 1960's Sindy doll. With a bed. Original clothing and bedding and not a mark on either. She only paid $12 for the lot. Jacqui collects dolls, Daisy though, not Sindy. But she said she couldn't leave her behind. They were on a high shelf behind a couple of other things and she wonders whether someone had hidden them and was planning on going back for them later. Whatever the reason, they now reside at Jacqui's with the Daisys that are already there.

And I think that's about it for today.

Until next time,

Diana

 

A mixed bag

It was time to vote in the local body elections this past weekend. So we filled out our forms and got them in the orange bin by Friday afternoon. I've just checked the provisional results and not one of my preferred candidates got through. Disappointing but we have a new look council and I've done my civic duty. 

(And I'm pleased to say that the 200 hundred year old vampire from Florida never made it either. Yes, someone did promote themself this way and probably received votes. Florida, would you care to take him back? We have enough idiots of our own.)

Last week I had a visit to the optometrist in their rooms in the city. If I'd waited to get an appointment out here it would have meant another month or so. I'm pleased to say not much has changed and all I have to do is wait for word from the hospital for a cataract op. I won't be holding my breath with the current state of our health system though. Oh the joys of getting older :)

It was a really lovely day, a teaser for summer, with temps in the mid 20's. It almost felt like we were back in Aussie. We decided to go to the Village Green for lunch but when we got there everyone seemed to have had the same idea and it was full. We were almost home by then, the Village Green is only one suburb over, so we just went home anyway and made tomato and cheese sandwiches. We enjoyed them. Then I sat outside with a book for a while - in the sun with just a slight warm breeze.

Jacqui and Steve were on their way through to Central Otago on Thursday and stopped off at Lake Waihola for a break. Jacqui took this photo of a black swan with her three cygnets. You can see it wasn't the brightest of days and the water was choppy. A lot of black swans make their home there and are considered a pest. They're quite lovely to look at though, well I think so anyway.

The shops are starting to put their Christmas decorations out and I saw these outside a gift shop one day, guarding the doorway. They're not little Santa's but the Nordic gnome or goblin which I think is cute. Depending on which country you're in they have a different name - in Norway I believe it is Nisse. But don't quote me :)

And just because I can, here's a sign I saw one day whilst I was out and about. It made me grin, cos that's me down to a 't' :)

And that's all from me today.

Until next time, 

blessings,

 Diana 

A catchup and Tuesday 4

Spring came roaring in like a lion and as well as bringing us all the beautiful colours and flowers of spring it has thrown a good variety of weather at us us. We've had rain, hail, gale force winds and even some snow on our local mountain. And surface flooding on some of the streets.

I've been to a day retreat where it was warm enough to sit out on the deck for morning and afternoon tea.

I've worked in the shop on a couple of days when it was so cold and windy there were very few people out braving it and no customers.

 

I cooked for Friday Light one night and hope it stuck to their ribs. It was another bitterly cold evening and I was pleased to get home and hunker down in front of the telly.

And we've been to a hardware shop shopping for stuff for the bathroom. And no it wasn't exciting - it was new toilet seat. What I'd really like is a whole new bathroom but I don't see that happening any time soon. Oh well...

And that has been my week. Not very exciting but life is like that and I'm happy for the calm times.

########

And now here is Tuesday 4

https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of  our friend Toni Taddeo..

Most people love to read.  It opens other world's to us.  Autumn weather is often conducive to reading as weather can be chillier and rainy. Cozying up with a book can be a lovely way to spend some time.

    How do you relax in the evening after dinner?

Generally we settle down and watch telly, but if there's sport on that I'm not interested in I read.

     Do you read in bed? What kind of books do you read?

Yes, I read in bed, first my bible and then whatever book I happen to be reading at the moment. It helps me sleep - usually. My taste is pretty eclectic but I don't like psychological thrillers. 

    Do you have a list of books you look forward to reading?

No, but I have authors I enjoy and I look out for them.

    What is the best book you've ever read and why?  Or.. how about the worst book you feel you wasted time reading?

Apart from the bible? Hmm. I really enjoyed the Lord of the Rings about ten years before it gained a cult following and was made into movies. I can't think of any books I particularly wasted time reading, oh hang on, what about Crime and Punishment. That was pretty awful, it took me about 10 years to read. But it wasn't really time wasted as it put me to sleep it was so boring 😕 and I only read it when there was nothing else on hand.

1. 
2. That's it for this week,
3. blessings,
4. Diana

Hooray for Hollywood - Tuesday 4

 

Hooray for Hollywood Part 2

 Back so soon?  Well, weeks fly by it seems.  The Inuit people say that time has speeded up and as they are experts on reading the sky due to their hunting, they offer great proof.   

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of Toni Taddeo it's first host and founder.

How about the subject of Hollywood, it's 'stars', its products and it's affect on the world?

1.  Which of the big movie stars of the past were your favorites? 

Doris Day, she was funny and quirky, rather lovely to look at and could sing. I loved her in Calamity Jane. (And I love musicals).

2. What movie is the funniest you've seen? How about the most romantic?

I can't think of a really funny movie that has stuck with me but I do remember going to one with a friend who moved seats because she said I embarrassed her by laughing too loudly. Oh dear. 😂 

Sleepless in Seattle. Youve got mail. Both Meg Ryan I think. I loved Ghost, that was really romantic. And sad. I enjoyed Dirty Dancing as well. Or maybe it was Patrick Swayze I liked?

3.  Do you watch the Oscars or the Emmy Awards shows? 

Not any more. I don't know who most of the actors are these days. Once upon a time we made an evening of it and had nibbles and drinks on hand and settled in to watch.

4.  Some movies, plays had a big impact on people.  Orson Welles radio performance of War of the Worlds was broadcast on Halloween 1938 and people, causing panic and widespread hysteria especially in the Grover's Mill area of New Jersey where the "invasion" took place.

  Is there a movie that you were greatly influenced or affected by hopefully in a good way?

One movie, which I always thought was called Circus, really affected me in a bad way. All I remember of it is a woman being mauled by a polar bear.  I was about 10 or 11 when I saw it so it was during the 50s. I've looked for it online but can't find it so maybe the title is wrong. Regardless, as I say, it badly affected me and I never went back to the movies for years. I can still see the scene today.

Thanks for dropping by and thank you so much for participating and making this a lot of fun for everyone.

*****

If you'd like to join in the fun or see what others have to say on this subject just click on the link below

 https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/

Blessings until next time,

Diana

Random stuff

It's an awful  day outside today, winter decided to let us know she hasn't quite finished with us yet. We were going to head over to the Rotary book sale at Wingatui but decided to just hunker down for the day. It's on for another couple of days so we have time to get there before it finishes. So I thought I'd just do a bit of a random post and keep in touch.

First of all let me tell you I was really surprised to arrive back at the bookshop after my holiday and discover some of our Christmas stock was already on the shelves! Not only Christmas cards but books, tote bags, nativity sets and decorations! I know it's only three months until Christmas but...

We don't have any fruit trees on our property but the neighbours feijoas overhang our drive which gives easier access to the bio security officers when they come round to monitor them for pests. We get a nice thankyou note and a card from them at Christmastime. This is one of the officers doing an inspection below.

Youngest daughter has had a birthday so we bought her a nice crystal flower. It didn't have a box when i picked it up so  asked the young fellow behind the counter if there was one with it. I'm sure there should be. It will have been stored away from the display area.

This is what he came back and gave me! I just grinned and said I'd make it work but I'm sure there is now a stray box lurking in a storage area somewhere!

Halloween is on display in the shops. Some of the stuff is nicer than others. I liked these friendly looking pumpkins and ghosts but didn't buy anything. We don't get anyone much coming trick or treating but usually have a few treats on hand just in case.

The North Island great grandkids were down for a few days recently but we only saw them briefly at their grandmother's house. They were here for a graduation celebration for the other side of their family. This is a photo of them with one of their southern cousins - you can tell who the southern one is, the kids who are born here don't seem to feel the cold :)

And because i haven't really done a springtime post I thought I do a couple of collages of some of the photos I've taken around town in the last week or so.

Mosgiel is very pretty in the springtime with the blossoms in full bloom and the spring flowers out in the gardens and on the verges.

The daffodils from my last post are on the edge of town.

And that's it from me for another day or two ... or three.

Keep well.

blessings,

Diana

Wiliam Wordsworth

 

I wandered lonely as a cloud,

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

*****

I remember learning this poem by the English poet William Wordsworth in our English class when I was at high school but can't get beyond the first verse these days. So that's what we have above. I thought of it as soon as we saw the daffodils along the side of the motorway. We had to take a short  detour from our normal route to get the pictures but that was no problem. 

Does anyone else have these things spring to mind when you see or hear something like this?

Blessings,

Diana

Lets Blog - Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4

 

Let's Blog!

Welcome once again friends to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and how about talking about blogging this week since it's something we all do anyway.   

Get yourself a cuppa, come sit down at your computer and let's think about blogging for a bit....

Blog is short for Weblog, a log or diary on the World Wide Web or internet.   Your journal or diary can hold personal stories, ideas, opinions of all kinds and can be private or public as you wish.  It is an excellant way to document your life or interests.

1. Why did you begin blogging?  

My niece mentioned she was blogging and I had no idea what she was talking about but she showed me her site and I thought "if she can do it so can I". So I had a go and found I enjoyed it. I started off trying to copy her upbeat style but decided that wasn't me and so now it is more "me".

2. What benefits does blogging offer you?

It keeps my brain active. I'm at an age where the words don't always come as easily as they used to so I need to keep it exercised. And I get to interact with people from all over the world - how cool is that?

3. Have you made friends from blogging?

I like to think so. I appreciate when you take the trouble to comment and although I've never met any of you I look forward to reading what you've been up to and how you're faring in your corner of the world.

4. Where do you get ideas for things you blog about? Do other bloggers influence you?

Sometime other bloggers will give me an idea but I like to take my inspiration from what is happening around me including what is going on with the family. And I do enjoy taking part in a collective blog like this occasionally, it makes me think!

So if you want to join in or read what others have to say join us here at  https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/

see you in a few days,

keep well,

have fun

Diana

Church and cake.

 It's been quite a special day. 

This morning was the first service of our new church plant here on the Taieri. Our new pastor has been here for several months and there has been a lot of background work and prayers going on to get us up and running. But today we did it with a small group of just 25 plus four children. We're meeting in a school hall and it was freezing with snow on the local mountain. Some mentioned bringing cushions and a blanket next week :) But the morning tea and conversation afterwards in the staffroom was lovely and warm and I met new people which is always good.

And then of course it is Father's Day and so both the girls arrived over to see their Dad and bearing cake. 

It was great to see them and catch up with the news over tea, coffee and cake. Vanessa and her hubby have just arrived home from their holiday in Perth, Australia and so we had a fun time comparing notes on our respective holidays and travel experiences. Only the second time travelling to Aussie for Vanessa and her hubby's first time. He's a real homebody and I don't see him going again any time soon :)

We're anticipating a phone call from Aaron and Sofi this evening, it would be unusual for them to miss calling on a special occasion.

And with that I will finish.

Keep well until next time,

Diana