Just like the snow, a short time here

We had, for our area. quite a big snowfall, on early Monday morning, 15th August. Des and Pat had arrived from Nanango, Queensland, on Sunday, for three weeks, so Hugh delighted in waking them up at 4.45, “ LOOK AT THIS”  and when the curtains were pulled back, the white stuff covered the lawn, and was  still falling so softly and silently.
This was the view from the dining room at 5.10 a.m. Probably about 5 cm, but that is not definitely measured, just an eyeball estimation!!

This was  taken by Hugh,  just after 7 a.m. The snow was quite thick then, and our footsteps crunched loudly,when we braved the cold air. It melted later that morning, and when we came back after our second trip to Wellington airport, to meet Mayumi and Akiko, there was almost none left. But that night it fell again, big flakes,Mayumi and Akiko delighted to watch it all from the doorway.



Tuesday a.m. and the barbeque cover still had a good coating.Des is filling the wood box, again, with extra thick jacket and warm gloves, he is out today with Hugh to get some more photos of the views from up high in the Ruahine Ranges.Extra layers added for the higher altitude.





Did anyone see us at Wellington Airport on Monday 15th, 4 adults, 2 young ladies from Japan, tears, smiles and much laughter. What a celebration after 9 years,why was I so worried I might not recognise them,of course we all knew eachother,  and now 5 days later they are home again.We hope they come again, and not another 9 year gap this time round. Photos to come after I email and ask permission to publish.

Quotation of the day, from Robert Bridges , “ London Snow”

"When men were all asleep the snow came flying,

In large white flakes falling on the city brown,

 Stealthily and perpetually settling and loosely lying,

Hushing the latest traffic of the drowsy town"

True words for last week all over New Zealand

Cheers from Jean

Perspectives and views from others

In the last few  weeks we have lost 2 good friends, and I realise that attending a funeral is part of a grieving process. we were not able to be at either one, distance of travel for Howard , such a good long time friend, going way back to Papakura and hunting days  with all the family and friends, and for dear Lucy in Auckland, we did not know at the time.This lovely lady came from Cyprus to live in New Zealand some years ago, a sprightly little lady who  became involved in many activities in their area, embroidery, music group, art, gardening. and no doubt many more.

Hugh has been out on a lovely winter’s day, and these come from his camera.
The  St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church at Komako, on the Pohangina Valley East Road, was  established  in 1926 with money donated by Mr and Mrs Handley, who then farmed at Springvale . The money came  from  the income from one season’s wool clipping. This area was once a thriving community , with a sawmill, store and post office.  Did  the Sunday parishioners come on horseback, in horse and cart, or maybe some of them had a car.I’m sure there were many happy and some sad services held there.

He started the day with this photo of a beautiful sunrise near Colyton, at 7.30 a.m.
Raumai Bridge over the Pohangina River, not much water now, Were Hugh’s thoughts similar to those of William Wordsworth when he wrote  these lines 

“Composed  upon Westminster Bridge.”, 1807

“Earth has not anything to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty”

Hidden in the leaves of this huge Totara Tree is a wood pigeon, finding wonderful camouflage in the greenery.

Quotation of the day, Anonymous

The perspective of some creditors is , that in their view,

 insolvency is a hatch,catch and dispatch process.

Cheers from Jean