Waiheke

Escaped the big smoke for a dose of island sunshine which was very enjoyable.  Alternate weekends in Auckland are enough especially as we are out and about in Auckland all week anyway.  The visit this time was short and sweet seeing we weren't planning a voyage but when the weather was so sunny and balmy warm it seemed a very good idea.  Relaxed at the bach Saturday afternoon  and evening and went to Oneroa this morning, first to Mass at St Peter's where a Franciscan by the name of Father Bernie presided, if you use that word in this modern world of ours.  Probably not.  Anyway he was entertaining and told us all about how he worked as a lay missionary and a priest in the Pacific in earlier years as his response to the call we all have to preach the Gospel and spread the Good News. 

After that had a cup of tea in the foyer, bought a raffle ticket for a blender (if I win it I can replace my big heavy Kenwood cake mixer and blender with this less cumbersome number).  The Kenwood belonged to my Aunt Dorothy who always referred to equipment by its brand  eg the Frigidaire, the Hoover etc. 

She was a very good cake baker too and slices and biscuits of the healthful variety with plenty of dried fruit.  Puddings and pies were always good too . Gooseberry pie, raspberry pie, apple dumplings spring to mind.  

I also have her food processor which I use for making pastry and slicing the grapefruit for my chunky marmelade.  Brought back a bag full from Orewa on Friday so they will get sliced this week sometime.  

Wandered along Oneroa Beach in brilliant sunshine, enjoying the view and the sound of the waves breaking , then repaired to Solar, the cafe with the best muffins in town - feta, onion and spinach , and, cinnamon, date and blueberry (crammed full of blueberries too), accompanied by a latte in a tall glass.  Forgot to take a picture of it all before we had scoffed the lot.  Did take a picture out the window though, the one with the orange flowers.