Early Autumn Down Under

My garden is losing it's energy - slowly and quietly 
giving in to the demands of Autumn

A host/ubiquity/quarrel of Sparrows.
I couldn't think what a group of sparrows was called
I consulted Mr Google
and I found these names here - and thought they were quite interesting!

An amazing Autumn sunset

Some of the delicious fruits of Autumn

Oh how I love these figs - given to me by one of my work mates.
I poach them in a little white wine, add a drizzle of honey
and serve with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream. Oh so yummy!


I'm joining
Fast Five on Friday

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you for visiting!

At Home - Five on Friday

I've been under the weather for almost  week.

I caught the dreaded viral flu from one of my work colleagues.

He told us all that it was a viral flu and therefore not contagious - not so.......

I've been in bed most of the time

taking all the potions I could lay my hands on

and sending my dear one out to the chemist for extra supplies

as the need arose!

This is the first day I've felt like getting up and doing anything

constructive.

Luckily I had all my photos for this post edited and ready to go!

My husband was late planting our vege garden this year.. for various reasons

but we are starting to reap the benefits of his hard work.

I picked 2 beans last week - not much one can do with so few
 except snap-freeze and wait for more to come!

These are Scarlet Runners - still our favourites after 47 years!

The Gardener here insists on growing Beefsteak tomatoes every year,

they are good eating and particularly good for preserving and freezing.

I usually make several batches of Pasatta

to use as a base in Ratatouille, Lasagne and other Autumn/Winter dishes.

However I enjoy the the small cherry tomatoes
sometimes they're called grape or plum tomatoes.
Wonderful for adding to salads.
My Gardener planted one plant but sadly
it was the only tomato plant that curled up it's toes - wouldn't you know it!!!!

I'm joining Amy for Five on Friday

thank you for bringing us all together Amy!

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you all for popping in to say hello

I know time is precious in the business of our lives!

Five on Friday

Sorry Amy, I'm a little late joining,
 it's been a busy week for me!

1. It's been a sad week as Gerald one of our dear friends
died last Saturday. We celebrated his wonderful
life on Thursday morning with many great memories,
stories and song.

On the same day John, the husband of Vee
one of my blogging friends was called home.
Many of you will know Vee who blogs at 
A Haven for Vee.

My heart goes out to both families.
Please remember them in your prayers.

2. It was such a beautiful winter's day
without a cloud in the sky.
We decided to make the most of it and drove
out to Clevedon and along the Kawakawa coast.
The bird life was abundant
mostly Oyster Catchers and Dotterels.

The Dotterels are harder to see, in the bottom photo.
They're well camouflaged, blending in with the sand
and shells on the beach.

3. The last dandelion.

4. The Liquid Amber trees are at their best in
late Autumn. I love the prickly seed balls
which look like conkers.

5. This little yellow bird sang me a song

as I chatted to her/him!

I've no idea what type of bird - do you recognise it!

I'm joining Amy for Five on Friday
Thank you for hosting.

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you for visiting and especially my friends
who have left me a comment!

Autumn Blues in the Garden

For the last couple of weekends I've been busy
re-planting my garden pots with
winter flowering bulbs and annuals.

Grape Hyacinths are one of my favourite Spring bulbs.
I planted 20 bulbs around the rim
 of the large bulb planter,
with 10 scented Double Freesia bulbs in the centre.
I think they should make a good display come Spring.

It was cold and wet the day I planted them,
the weather changed a few days later
back to sunshine and warm temps...
next time I checked the Grape Hyacinths were up!
Perhaps I'll have to plant another lot
for a Spring display.
The weather has been totally out of whack this season!

I love spending time poking about at the garden centre
checking out the new plants on offer.
With our small townhouse garden I've learnt to
be selective and not to buy on impulse!
I've also learnt to put more time into
researching and planning my garden beds and pots
and keeping to a theme.

Then again.... I simply couldn't resist the little bird house
with the pretty blue roof!
And there were the gorgeous new
pink and blue gardening gloves
they were just waiting for me, I know it!

Are you a self controlled shopper like me?!

I'm joining Jeanne for Blue Monday
and
Judith for Mosaic Monday

Take care and
be kind to one another

à bientôt



Shane

Thank you for your visits!

Autumn Five on Friday

This week I thought I would highlight

Autumn related moments in my week.

I've spent the last two weekends

re-doing my garden pots.

We are lucky in this part of the world

where we can still have colour in the garden

during the cold bleak days of Winter.

This pot above contains Primulas, Pansies,

Forget-me-nots and Sweet Alyssum.

Our fruits of Autumn include Persimmon, 

Tamarillos and Kiwi Fruit.

This dainty Royal Doulton coffee cup

picturing the grapes of Autumn.

Meet my newest garden friends

Mr & Mrs Goosey Gander.

I found them on my trip to Morrinsville!

I'm joining 

Amy for Five on Friday

Thank you for hosting.

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you for your comments!

Moments in My Week

Autumn colours and Autumn light

filtering through the trees

"When Autumn leaves start to fall"

makes me think of the beautiful song by

Nat King Cole.

(I tried to insert musical notes here, to no avail. 

If you know how to do this could you please let me know)!

Morning Glory is everywhere - climbing banks, trees and

anything else it can find.

On Thursday our embroidery group met at Rose's home

which meant a drive from Auckland to Hamilton.

As always we had such an enjoyable time

catching up on each others news.

Rose made a delicious chocolate cake topped with

Red Kiwifruit and strawberries and we

had whipped cream on the side!

I hope you've all had an enjoyable week too!

I'm joining 

Amy for Five on Friday

Tanya for Willy Nilly Friday

Mimi for Five Star Frou Frou

Susanne for Friday's Fave Five

Nancy for Random 5 Friday

Cath for Fun Friday Favourites

Thank you all for your visits!

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Moments in my Week

Autumn has arrived

slowly and mildly this year

we're still in short sleeves and no added layers

and I've kicked off the extra blanket

we added a few weeks ago!

I visited the cafe in the park for an ice cream

after a long leisurely walk.

It was lovely to see so many families and large groups
taking advantage of the mild weather.
Lots of children riding bicycles and playing ball games
while their parents chatted with family members
and friends.

There is a large area with barbecues and wood provided,
with plenty of tables and seats although most groups
were sitting on rugs spread out on the grass.

Relaxation
is so necessary for shaking off the stresses
of daily life!

A walk along Milford Beach
is another way to unwind,
recharge the batteries
and just enjoy being part of this wonderful world!

~My last Dahlia~

Such a disappointing show this year.
Most flowers were chewed before they opened.

A naughty brown beetle was found to be the culprit!

I'm opposed to using nasty sprays in my garden.

Next year I will be more vigilant
and keep an eye on just who is nibbling plants

and remove them one by one if necessary!

My new coffee mug at work - it gets filled twice a day.
The added benefit are the inspirational words too.

I'm joining 

Amy for Five on Friday and

Tanya for Willy Nilly Friday

Thank you ladies for hosting.

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you for your visit today
if you leave me a comment I will come and visit you too!

Country Fences New Zealand

I spent yesterday in the countryside

meeting with clients.

My job is in the dairy industry

and I love getting out of the office

and meeting them on farm.

It was a balmy Summery day

even though the calendar says differently 

and we are officially in Autumn.

It also gave me the opportunity

to take some photos to share with you here!

I'm joining Tex for Good Fences.

Just letting you know I'm still researching cameras

so I'm very interested in your recommendations.

I'm looking for a camera with a great lens

that can capture good detail of a distant landscape

as well as taking close ups 

of flowers, insects and birds.

I know I may need a separate lens for close-ups.

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane