Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Sunday 10 July 2016

Colours in the sky

 

Early morning sky from our place, November 2014

Morning sky in November 2014

This morning dawned with a chilly start, and a night that saw me watching the Ladies Singles final at Wimbledon, a 1 a.m. start here in NZ.  A little sleep deprivation is OK in moderation .

Tomorrow, the Men's Final … there is Andy Murray, a man from Scotland but his country of sports is Great Britain, so I should show heaps of support there, as my Mum, Grandma and Grandfather were all born in Scotland. Then, on the other side is  Milos Raonic, born  in Titograd, SFR Yugoslavia (now Podgorica, Montenegro),

but his country for sports is Canada, his residence is Monte Carlo, Monaco.

And thinking of all my friends in Canada, maybe this is where my allegiance should be.

Today I had a short time  outside, in a sheltered place in the garden and soaked up some Vitamin D. Our Ginger Boy did the same late this afternoon. As the sun moved round further to the west, some of that warmth vanished, and then he moved to another spot.

Late afternoon sunshine on Ginger Boy

Snowdrops are flowering, and this shrub  in a large planter has these delicate creamy flowers. I would be so happy for an identification.

IMG_2950

 

I pass on Josh’s thanks for all your comments yesterday, he had flown back from Rotorua this morning  and was busy getting the next semester’s  schedule, unpacking and  seeing  the Wellington harbour from the window . I suggested that he look ay my blog and see the photos there, and scroll down to the end. He did…. “ 16 comments, that’s great”  …he was so thrilled, many thanks from me too. A comment makes so much difference to a day, and I know how I value each and every one.

The next Semester  at University begins tomorrow, and a paper on Antarctica is on the list.

I wonder how many of the students knew about the Medevac and followed the story. The other day I listened to an interview on CTV with  the 5 men and one lady who were the crew and engineers on those flights. So humble, they all acknowledged the backup from so many people  in all parts of the world, that enabled this to  begin  and end safely.They did not dwell on their own skills, bravery,  or the fact that they dared to travel on this dangerous journey.Instead, they told of how they sang  “ The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, 2 verses over and over,  to entertain themselves on the 10 hour flight from Rothera to the South Pole. A meal of Buffalo Steak, some sleep, then a 10 hour return to Rothera.

Photo below, courtesy of CTV news.

South Pole

The Kenn Borek flight crew shared details of their risky South Pole rescue mission, July 5, 2015.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ A ship in port is safe,

but that is not what ships are built for”

Greetings from Jean

15 comments:

Out To Pasture said...

Your early morning sky pic is beautiful, Jean. I find that the camera seldom captures the hues seen by the human eye. Ginger Boy is such a handsome lad and his coat colours perfectly compliment those of the foliage.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jean! Beautiful sky image. Good luck to Josh on his next term. I love the shot of your sweet kitty in the sunlight. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

Barb said...

Here I am in CO drinking my tea and reading about your NZ sunshine (love Ginger Boy). We have 3 year old Sam just now - I hear him stirring downstairs,waking for a new day of adventure. I think of you and Hugh often - hope you are both well. I'm not on computer a lot this summer, but try to keep in touch occasionally. Hi to all.

Carol Mattingly said...

I don't know the name of the flower, but it is beautiful. I rarely photograph sunsets/sunrises, but I love to see yours. Sounds like cooler weather ahead. Carol

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

Ginger Boy's outlook on life is a good one---follow the sun & don't stress.

Pretty hot & very, very humid here today so I'm kind of envying your cool weather. Granddaughter was in the State Softball Tournament the weekend down in the southern part of the state. They had to play four games today to work their way back up to the championship game after losing a game earlier. They got second place. Same thing happened last year and I worry about them playing so much on such a miserable day.

Ali Honey said...

Your flower looks like a Grevillea.( alba ) There are many white and other colours . Suggest a google images search if you want it's full name.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, so cute on singing 'the lion sleeps tonight.' :)

love your ginger boy.

The Furry Gnome said...

Great sky photo! And good luck to Josh in the new semester.

Mystic Quilter said...

Wonderful sky Jean, I love being up early to watch the sun rise, All congratulations to Andy Murray for his win!! Ginger Boy is in the perfect spot, we all should move around with the sun I think!

Unknown said...

Love your quote today and your beautiful sky picture.

Unknown said...

Love your sky photo and today's quote.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Hanging on to our internet connection,taking a coffee break and catching up with you Jean. What lovely photos...you do have a great eye. Haven't a clue about your plant except it is so pretty with both spikes and bumps. I'll chime in too with what a handsome fellow you have there for company. Keep warm and cozy.

Jim said...

Jean, I always learn something from you. This time that Milos didn't live in Canada. He is having a good influence on all of the younger tennis players in Canada.
Your 'winter weather' sounds lovely.....a lot like Vancouver, B.C. where we lived for a few years.
I read about that rescue. What a brave and courageous crew indeed.

Jenn Jilks said...

Ya, Canada! Raonic was born elsewhere, but he did grow up in Canada. His 'formative years!'
The rescue team was amazing, wasn't it?

Marionz said...

Found you through quiltville, loved reading your blog think I will hang around for a while for more pictures and news I am also in NZ