Tuesday, February 3, 2026

VISITORS AND THE GARDEN

 Last week we had visitors, a cousin from the U.K. and his wife.  Last time they visited was about 28 years ago when they came with their toddler daughter who is now 30 and about to be married.  

Before they arrived I checked on their breakfast requirements and was surprised when the reply was porridge and fruit.  We have porridge and fruit every day of the year but I make it with added chia seeds, chopped dates and oat milk.  Yes, that would be fine.  They said the porridge was just like being at home so that went well.  Of course we did the walk to the Whangarei Falls but also added in the A.H. Reed Board walk as well.  


On Friday we walked  the Loop at the Town Basin visiting the Hundertwasser Art Centre and the Clock Museum on the way with a stop for lunch.  It doesn't sound a lot but it took most of the day and by afternoon it was 28 degrees and we were both tired.  Home for a cuppa and biccie.

We decided on a sleep in on Saturday morning instead of our usual 6 a.m. start for the Growers' Market.  They headed north along the coast for a swim and on to Kaikohe where they have cycled the Twin Coast Cycle Trail (the brought their bikes over with them).

We really enjoyed their visit and there was lots of discussion about the family tree and exchange of photos.  They also brought a video they took of our property up north when they visited previously.

Meanwhile our garden virtually stopped producing after the storm.  As we didn't go to the Market I have placed an order with Nadia who has an organic garden just down the road from us and delivers vegie boxes. I have ordered the small box plus a hand of bananas although since I placed the order ours have started ripening.  

New flowers in the garden are.  The top photo is the hydrangea that turns pink as it ages.




There is lots of fruit coming on the   Riesentraube tomato and the peach tree is laden.  I hope that the peaches survive the current humid weather.




We had a pleasant Parkinsons' walk yesterday in spite of the 29 degree heat.