a christmas house

 Last Saturday morning I awoke early to the sound of crunching, munching. Looking out the window it was a very pastoral view of the cattle on the farm where my friend Stephanie and her man Ian live. Steph and I were on a mission, heading for a car boot sale with our stuff to sell.

 A few minutes to catch my thoughts and refresh with cats Miro and Olly quite settled by my feet where they had been all night.

 Taking in the view out my window, in the distance there was a low mist hiding the view of the east coast and Rangitoto Island.  We were soon on our way to Beachlands where we set ourselves up and waited for the customers. Alas it was a quieter day than usual and our selling was not very successful which cant be said for my buying as I spent more than I earned. Oh well, maybe next time.

 The day after, on my way home from church I paid my usual visit to my friend Janets place for a coffee and a catchup.

 Heading up the path you may be able to see all the Christmas decorations. Janet made the snowman which lights up at night along with the rest of the house. Even the hedge is filled with lights but I'm afraid my phone camera is no good for night pics.

 Knock on the door, though thats hardly necessary as the dogs announce my arrival.

 This is what I love about villas, their huge hallways, so lovely and wide allowing furnishings and decorations galore.

 A gathering of bears ready to sing carols I think. They sit on a family eirloom seat.

 Santa and his reindeer ready for the big night

 Lots of Christmas goodies on the bookcase

 A lovely hall stand from trade me. Such pretty additions to a period home.

 Into the lounge for the ultimate tree festooned with old and not so old baubles and tinsel

 And at night over 300 lights

 Still in the lounge is this lovely big dresser with some of Janets collection of old china

 Don't forget me says Mr Snowman

 This is one of three cabinets of trios that Janet has been collecting for just a few months

 It all started with one set and the disease set in till now there are over a hundred. They are all so beautiful and of course an investment dear.

 Into the master bedroom and there is a fireplace adorned in Christmas finery. The Huge eagle hanging above is actually a paper tole masterpiece made by a relative of Janets and just recently sent to her from her home country of Canada. It is quite breathtaking.

 On the bed is a quilt Janet made called Oh so pretty, and I can still remember her coming into our shop and picking out the fabrics. It is so pretty and I think it was about her 2nd or 3rd quilt. Another bug she caught quickly.

 This is the spare room with another iron bedstead and very prettily decorated

 with such things as this special antique wash stand with everything a lady needs for a morning wash.

 The part of a quilt that you can see covering a little vintage sofa is the first quilt Janet made.

 Across the hall is the music room where Larry has his drums and other instruments and the computer. He was busy here and a little shy so I didn't intrude any further.

 And so there is a bathroom of course with this vintage washstand and a roll top bath

 But now its tome for that coffee in the kitchen diner

 With another fireplace fully adorned below

 this wonderful plate wall.

 Refreshed and caught up it was time to be farewelled by Dixy and Pebbles

 And return home

 where I must declare the trees are now fully clothed

 And my cottage garden is flourishing . It is such a joy to see those tiny plants grow so fast

 and now this glory

 The rich blue is clarkia and the decoration is a plate with dish and vase all bolted together on a stand and wallah a forever flower made by a very talented neighbour.

 I move it around as the mood takes me

 These voluptuous flowers are Godetia which I love. They remind me of those flowers that the old style magicians used to pull out of their pockets.

 The Penstamens are another favourite and I am thrilled with how they have turned out. It was just a small punnet so I didn't know what colours they were.

 The Cosmos just keep on flowering

 But now I am on a mission to finish oldest grandsons quilt for his Combie  van as he is setting off for the South Island after Christmas. He's only been waiting for it for 2 years so I better get down to it.

So now its nearly Christmas and I want to wish you all a jolly, merry, time with family and friends. May the Peace , joy and hope of Christmas fill your homes and the ones you love , with blessings, Trills.xx

The sparrows plus

 I nearly cried with frustration when I saw that some of the pics of my last post didn't make it so here they are . My delightful interlude with the sparrows at the cafe in Mt Eden. This wee chap thought my sandwich looked good enough to share

 Then the others thought they'd join in. They were so brave and cheeky

 Even hopping onto my lap when irt came to the sweet bun

 It was as delicious as it looks with cream drizzled with blueberries and of course my favourite cider.

 After doing so many walks in Mt Eden I was enthused to get going again with my walking at home.
My most regular walk would be around the block as I call it. It takes about 40/45mins at a brisk pace so is quite good for my health in all respects, and I love the roadside viewing. These are the lovely rambling roses that festoon country fence lines this time of year and I love them. Most however are seen as we zoom past in the car too fast or focused on the destination to take photos.

 This little cottage is just down the main road from us and in need of some tlc. It is rented so will remain as is I guess.

 It also has one of those lovely rundown, almost falling down garages. They make good photographic studies which I would like to put on my to do list when I get a proper camera. Hey Santa!!

 Introducing Charlie Horse, an icon of our town who is often found in comical situations in the news, always raising a laugh. Here he is standing very sedately in the corner of the horse paddock doing his best to look real

 No. Here is the real thing and I don't think she is very empressed with Charlie Horse and maybe a little afraid that he might get stuck into her food which is due to arrive anytime.

 A few doors down there is my friend Janets home. Yes she has a lovely villa, and yes I am a bit jealous. She and Larry have worked hard doing it up and every Christmas they decorate inside and out lavishly with lights and decorations. You may be able to see some of them in this pic. I will take you on a proper visit one day.

 Around the corner we cross over the railway line that carries the vintage steam trains from the nearby Glenbrook steam railway. It goes right into our little town and is quite an attraction.

 Here is Dianna, my favourite of the fleet, at a busy day back in March I think. We also went on a days excursion not long ago. It was great fun.

 Another lovely cottage that is lovingly cared for. Fancy a cuppa on the veranda?

 Now back along a pastoral road and there was a bank covered in these. As a child we called it shivery grass as when you shook it it rattled. I haven't seen it for years and it was a thrill to see it here.

 I love this time of year along the roadside with the margurite daisies and the blue is agapanthas which has become a noxious weed in NZ, but the blue is a lovely mix with the daisies and they continue to thrive everywhere.

 A pastoral scene at the top of the hill.

 A very Kiwiana roadside scene as I walk down our road on the home stretch.

 A lovely big spread of daisies to sustain me for the steep hill ahead.

Then its home again, a good stretch and a welcome sit down on my swing with a cool drink. Hope you enjoyed the walk with me. 

Its all go now leading up to Christmas. I have my UK mail away but the local will be tomorrows job. Christmas gifts for our family are to be second hand or home made. We've done this for a number of years now and its fun and keeps the gift giving spirit with little outlay. 

I will try to get back before Christmas but if I don't I hope you all have a very happy time with friends and family,

Thankyou for dropping by, blessings, Trills