The perks of house sitting

Last weekend I had the pleasure of house and cat sitting for daughter Jindina again. 

I am always happy to keep Piper company. She is such a sweetie, and now that we have had to say a final goodbye to our dear old Moggies recently, it was lovely to have Piper cuddled up on my lap purring.

I also love Jin's flat with this wonderful bay window with its flowing filmy curtains, and it's close proximity to Mt Eden village and a short bus ride to Auckland City central. Always a treat.

Being Friday I was thrilled that Sarah at Sew Love Tea Do had a Sewcial evening planned and I had booked myself in.

Treat number one. It was a great evening meeting other sewers, knitters and crafters. I had also fossicked in the nearby charity shops scoring a few bargains. 

Saturday was ANZAC Day. I avoided all the public gatherings and watch memorial services on TV. Then my dear friend Steph came through for lunch and an afternoon of stitching and crafting.

I continued with my new Autumn ripple blanket. A commission for Jin's birthday in July.

Sunday I paid my tribute to Daddy Don, up at the war memorial museum. Don was Mums first husband. They came to NZ as newly weds. My brother was born, war broke out, Don signed up for the NZ army, he was killed at Casino in Italy, mum returned to UK, and eventually married Dons brother, my Dad who was in the RAF. I was born after they returned to NZ.

So ANZAC Day always has special significance for me, as it does for many folks.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. 🇳🇿🇬🇧❤️❤️

I'm going to leave it there. To carry on with entertaining times following these memories just doesn't feel right.

I hope if you have special people that you remember at this time, or on Remembrance Day in UK, that you can remember and pay tribute in a way that comforts and consoles your soul.

Abundant blessings, and love, Trills.xx❤️❤️

Home sweet home and memories

I've lapsed again. Busyness and distractions like Instagram. But I have been enjoying being home without any big stresses. We had had a run of them since before Christmas.

Our holiday was sooo good. Quality relaxing times.

Each beach we stayed at had its special treasures.

I gathered shells, and driftwood for future crafty fun and was struck by how different the gifts of the sea were from each beach.

As well as the beaches there were the towns we passed through and stopped for refreshments. I was very keen to stop in Kawakawa where Hundertwasser has left his creative mark

Along the street and I had to visit the loos which have become a town icon.

I love the bottle wall.

Taking a closer look at these poles I'm of a mind to try making one for my garden. Maybe with a solar light on top. I see the use of coloured pots etc. so starts another collection drive.

Back home, I have been thrilled with the garden and it's visitors. There have been three Monarchs enjoying the flowers.

I was able to pick some Dahlias for the table. My favourite colours.

Even super colours in the vegi patch.

Autumn produce. Now to clear for new plants.

Meanwhile Kerry has been felling the last huge pine trees.

Cooler evenings have sparked a new ripple blanket in Autumn colours.

And we struck gold down in the paddock.

Golden days, and golden memories. Hope yours are too.

Bye for now, love and blessings, Trills.xx

Crazy days and holidays

It has been too long my friends. Far too long! But at last I am back in blogland. I have ventured in Instagram land and do enjoy the one pic and a caption plus the interaction with others. So many interesting, creative and talented people out there. So let's crack on here.

The weekend following my last post was very busy with the vintage harvest festival, organised by our tractor club and with Kerry being Vice President we were heavily committed in preparations and the running of the event.

Tractor pulls to test the strength of the old tractors were fun to watch.

Genuine horse power is always popular.

The old Foden steam truck was a great attraction.

There is always a great show of the stationary engines.

The scones cooked by this gentleman on the old coal ranges were delicious.

And the big band and singer filled the air with nostalgic music.

I was kept busy a lot of the time keeping our men fed between their stints on the harvesting machines which I didn't get near

But I did manage to visit the lovely Maureen and her colourful stall of clothes. She drives her very big bus to the various shows, selling her wares.

The jacket on the left is one that Maureen embellished with doilies, and the one next to it is from Tibet. Interesting layers of tee shirting cut and patched to great effect.

Yes! Of course I bought something.

This awesome patched skirt which I think will look very good with tan boots for winter. 

But there was still some heat in the days and after all the frenetic busyness of recent times we were due for a holiday, so the following weekend we set off.

Doesn't this look sooo good. Our campsite at Uretiti, just South of Whangarei. We travelled right to the cape but silly me, I left my iPad connections at home and didn't get my wifi thingy boosted so after a few days I was down to my phone and camera.

But not before I had managed to capture some super sunsets.

Moon rises.

Stunning beach scenery.

Cool evening strolls.

And stunning sunrises. There is soo much more I want to share so I will be back very shortly.

I'll let this lot process then be back with another installment. Bye for now, 

Love and blessings, Trills, xx