ANZAC DAY

This morning we went to the Anzac Day Memorial Service in Kamo.  I also went last year and a lot of thought is put into  planning of the service.

After that we drove down to Laurie Hall Park in Whangarei itself where the Dawn Service was held to see the crosses and wreaths.

In the photo below there is a Monarch Butterfly on the front cross.  Unfortunately, it has its wings closed in the photo.

There were too many people standing in front of the wreaths to get a photo of the whole table

I have some large gaps in my garden now as I had several large bushes and lots of day lilies removed yesterday.  It looks better already and we sprayed the weeds that are left today and, when they die, I will replant.  Several other areas are planned for this treatment - watch this space.

An Autumn Walk

We have had some good rain - Sunday 70 mls.  although some of it was a bit too heavy and just ran off.

Anyway, this morning was fine again when we walked Sophie.  I have a "new to me" camera - much lighter than my usual one and, when I used it on the Monday Parkinson's Walk, the pictures were not the best so I took it this morning after fiddling around with the flash.

The following is result.

RAIN

12mm yesterday and 25mm today - yipee.  It was nice and gentle.  More is needed and forecast.

Should be able to get the winter vegies in the ground soon.

Parkinson's Walk Easter Monday

I didn't go on the last Parkinson's Walk as I attend an Alzheimer's Carers' Meeting on the second Monday of the month but did go on the one on Easter Monday.  It turned out to be a most enjoyable walk with the mists making it visually stunning.

There were people out in their boats, skydivers, a helicopter and also a commercial plane that I just caught the tail end of as it went in to land.

Autumn

Daylight savings ended last night and it was good not waking in the dark this morning.  We took Sophie for her walk around the park and the leaves are starting to change colour.  Yesterday, when we did this walk we had trouble getting parking as the Soccer season had started and the fields were full of children and their parents.

Will try and get a photo of that next week.

Whangarei Heads Easter Arts Trail

On Saturday we went on the Arts Trail - a first for both of us.  It was most enjoyable.  I didn't take any photos of the art on offer which was varied from glass blowing to jewellery to wood turning, painting and furniture.

At the Taurikura Hall we were most impressed with the gluten free jaffa cake - an almond and orange cake with chocolate ganache.  delicious.

The views from the houses and galleries were amazing and varied even with properties that were next to each other

We started with a slight (unintentional) detour to Pataua South and watched the children jumping off the bridge

                                        The sculpture above moved with the wind.