RUST

 My worst fear with my garlic has materialised.  It has rust.  Garlic is not something I have grown before (apart from the odd clove stuck in somewhere and forgotten about).  I did everything that Mr. Google and my books told me to but I suppose it is the wet weather that has brought it on.

Doug sprayed it with copper and I have just cut off the infected leaves.  I now have my fingers crossed.

YACHT RACE

 Yesterday, for our Parkinson walk we went to Beach Road in Onerahi.  It was a glorious day and a lovely walk.  We hadn't been walking for long when we came across a man coming ashore and he told us that he had been setting a race course for a yacht race that was due to start in about ten minutes.  

On our way back the race was on.  It was lovely to watch and there were a lot of contented men standing on the verge with their control boxes steering their remote controlled yachts around the course.  

                                                 

As usual we walked for about an hour and then went to a local cafe for our caffeine fix and socialising.

WIND

 Always busy in the garden especially in spring.  Unfortunately we have had some strong winds which broke several foxgloves.  These ended up in this week's vase with some Rosemary that needed pruning and some alstroemeria.

BUSY

Not only has it been a busy time in the garden but Doug has had problems with his medication since his stroke.  He was prescribed a beta blocker which slowed him down.  He was having trouble walking up the drive and, on the Parkinson's walks, only just managed walking with slower walkers at the back.  

About a week after he was discharged this came to a head when he was doing his sit ups at night and had only done a couple when his heart 'played up' and he ended up with a panic attack and no sleep.  The next day the surgery was most apologetic as a doctor was sick and they couldn't fit him in so he went to the pharmacy and stopped the beta blocker.  He saw the G.P. the following day but his  anxiety and sleepless nights continued and he has had several visits to the doctor with 3 different prescriptions.  

Finally, last night Melatonin worked leaving him feeling good today and not all drugged up.  We just hope it continues to work.

On a happier note one of the ladies on the Parkinson's walk asked Doug if he would donate a painting for a raffle for Parkinsons so he framed the one below for them.

WHANGAREI MARITIME FESTIVAL

Whangarei Harbour is used by Mariners from all over the world to overwinter, shelter from hurricanes and have maintenance done.  A group of them formed The Black Ball Yacht Club and they organize the Maritime Festival.  This is its second year but the first time we have attended.

 

                                                      The R. Tucker Thompson is a training ship

 Below one of several small steam boats is sailing past with passengers

An excellent group singing sea shanties

Some of the crowds

There were a lot of dogs all on leads and very well behaved

A former Auckland Pilot boat

Some more small steam ships

SATURDAY

The first weekend since the clocks went forward for daylight savings and I overslept so we didn't get to the Growers' Market until just after 7.30 a.m. only to find that all the tomatoes had sold.  I was able to get some good plants though. A punnet of beans, a couple of tomatoes, a couple of cucumber and some spring onions.  The plants are very reasonable and good quality so I am growing less from seed. 

On leaving the Market we pass the Library so I went to drop off a book that is due and noticed this bike with the wisteria growing in its basket.   I couldn't resist taking a photo to share.

Have a good weekend.

WATERING CAN

Well more of a cross between a bucket and watering can.

Recently, I read about the Hachiman Japanese made designer watering cans and ordered one last week.  I was pleased with the overnight delivery (from Auckland) and am very pleased with the can itself. I got the large size which is only 5 litres but so well designed.  It feels quite sturdy and is easy to fill. There is no rose to block up and it pours well along the grooves.

We have a worm farm and I also make weed tea and a sieve fits in the top perfectly to strain both of these .

 It could perhaps be a bit larger but I am thrilled with it.