Visitors and pre-Christmas parties

Morning tea at Botanic Gardens with Rose and Tui

It has been a busy few days with end of year parties for two quilting groups, and visits by two lovely people. Rose, the mother of one of Jonathan's friends had an overnight stopover on her way to Palmerston north and it was a delight to make a new friend. Rose lives in the rain forest above Byron Bay and she is a water colour artist, but our conversations ranged wide and deep. Brief visit but we walked our foreshore here at Wattle downs, I had an impromptu lesson on painting, and we had a weather
interrupted walk and cuppa at the botanic Gardens. I hope we can catch up in Palmerston north - maybe take a girls day out painting??

 Then Joan, a good friend Sydney,  called in for the beginning of a week's R&R - another welcome visit. The Botanic Gardens got another visit in the early evening, and we took Peter

The pohutukawa avenue in December - glorious

Joan with one of the sculptures - each disc had a picture and the name of a Vietnam vet

with us, and after my sewing group lunch we went to Waiheke for the afternoon. Beautiful weather, beautiful island and good company! And fabulous sunset coming home on ferry. Walked, talked, and meditated - wish it could have been longer but knowing you look forward to further visits is what makes these visits even more special.

Oneroa beach Waiheke

Coming back on the ferry - the city aflame in the sunset

Peter and Tui helping with the shopping

I have been out in the garden planting, after an expensive visit to Bunnings, and with the weather continuing to be so hot and dry watering is a necessity. When they put the houses in here I think they scraped the soil down to clay, so need to build up the beds - going to be spending lots on compost! Blackberries ripening and hoping the blueberries will be ready soon.

Baby quilt for Wynn - better late than never!

Not enough sewing this week, although I posted off the baby quilt to Kelly and made a little dress for Annabelle which only needs hemming - need to check her length - but I spent up large at the Farmers half price children's clothing sale. I followed that by a basket full of stuff at  Toyworld - bits and pieces - now all I need is some more stocking fillers. Had a brilliant idea for a present for Jonathan, photo later! and the online shopping I did arrived - great photobook for the kids but it was printed in India! It truly is a global marketplace!

Glorious weather, especially now I have mastered getting the heating system fan blowing cool air. So quiet and peaceful here I hate leaving to go out.