Town and Around

January was a very hot month which we spent mainly at Waiheke, backwards and forwards in between other people going over for a few days. Took some photos of Katie Gold ceramics at the Artworks Community Gallery. She is from Upper Moutere and I bought one of her vessels a few years ago when we were visiting Nelson and environs. Dieter liked the metal pukekos just outside the gallery door.

Dieter explored Onehunga one day and took photos of the old library building, which was formerly the Council building many decades ago. The other building was a school and may still be if I am not mistaken.

Last Saturday was our goddaughter Jane's wedding to Adam which took place at her parents' lodge in Karapiro.

Happy New Year

Hope the New Year has got off to a good start. We had a very restful week in Waiheke, with me leaping into action on the jam-making front once D went back to work on the Wednesday. I made a batch of plum and feijoa jam two days running so will be well-supplied for the year ahead. We are not usually over there when the plums ripen and the tree is laden this year. Stewed some for the freezer and took home a couple of kilos for eating, leaving the rest for our guests and the birds.

Ponsonby is very quiet - people are in holiday mode. D retires tomorrow and has mixed feelings. Hope we have a harmonious time at home and he is not dissatisfied with my company. Will have to plan some trips away for the following months and go on local outings every few days.

Yesterday I went to Titirangi to the Colin McCahon house. It has been restored and reminded me very much of our original Waiheke bach. How a family of six managed especially in winter I can't imagine. Will go back and have another look and take in the sight and sound presentations which you can experience if you open cupboards etc.

Also called in to see an artist friend who has a very eclectic house with retro contents and wonderful subtropical and lush vegetable garden out that way.