Last day of winter...

 

 

 

 

 Tomorrow morning I will be extremely happy 

to say good-bye to winter 2021...

 

Winter, Day 7

I have finally made the effort to use the new method of setting up a post. 

I much prefer the previous system, but I suppose I will get used to it - not much choice, really.

 

 

  Waihi Beach on a wintry sort of day.  Mayor Island (Tuhua) in the background.

 

 

Same beach, different day. Manu enjoying the water.

 

 

 

Rainbow behind our house

 

 

Sunrise, with moon.

Sammy

Early signs of spring...?

Our 3-year-old magnolia is covered with blooms this year.

Sadly we have had several storms recently 

which have left it rather battered.

At least Manu is enjoying the sunshine, after a long walk at the beach:

Wet, wet, wet

After months of drought, water restrictions, farmers complaining (rightly) 

about lack of pasture for stock, we have had rain. 

More rain in the last three days that we have had for a year. 

Heavy, heavy rain, complete with thunder, lightning, power cuts and in 

some parts of the region, tornadoes.

Today it finally dawned sunny, with blue skies and mild (for midwinter) temperatures.

I decided to go for a short walk, just to get some fresh air and exercise.
Even took a photo of some bright berries.

Then what happened? 

Rain, complete with wet clothes and total bedragglement.

Ah well, at least the farmers will be happy.

Freedom to fish...

Covid-19

In New Zealand during the pandemic we have had a lockdown structure ranging from Level 4, the most limiting and severe phase, to Level 1 - we haven't got there yet.
We spent nearly 5 weeks in Level 4, only allowed to leave our homes for groceries or medical care, or for a walk or bike ride. A few more freedoms were allowed in Level 3, which lasted for nearly 3 weeks, including fishing (from the shore or wharf, no boats), swimming and surfing. Two days ago we moved to Level 2.

One of the best things about lockdown, in this country at least, has been the general peaceful quietness of streets and beaches.This was the scene at the Bowentown Estuary last Saturday morning when Manu the dog and I went for a walk: no wind, hardly a ruffle on the water, just people quietly enjoying themselves.

Afternoon light

About 10 years ago, a family of five left their home in Texas 

to settle in our small mining town. 

Nicholas Brumder, the father, is a long-time respected ironmonger who went on 

to set up a metal studio here. He has since produced beautifully crafted entrance 

gates, railings, lighting, furniture - and monumental and public works of art.

This afternoon our walk took Manu and me back to 'our' park. 

It was later in the day than we usually go for a walk, and the light was fading somewhat. 

One of the features here is a favourite sculpture of mine; it stands about 6 metres high
and depicts New Zealand native birds feeding from a Kowhai tree. 

My photos aren't very good, but they give an idea of the work.

I found the following photos online; 

they will give a better idea of the size and the beauty of this piece:

 

Last four photos: Waihi Metal Studio

Another day, another walk

Since our Lockdown began in earnest, nearly 5 weeks ago now, I have made sure to go 

for a walk every single day, even if the weather's blustery or damp.

I take my dog and off we go, for about an hour and a half's brisk outing. 

Manu is getting old now - he's 15 - but he still loves his walk, and 

keeps up with me the whole time. 

Today we came across some more lovely autumn colours at this park, 

about half an hour from home. 

The playground is closed off with safety tape; there are no "toy" sailing boats 

being manoeuvered  around the lake by the group of seniors who are usually here; 

even the public toilets are locked. 

But there are still ducks and geese enjoying the peace and quiet, and 

occasional dogs walking their owners.

 I like the way these fungi look, especially when they first pop up, 

but I'm not at all tempted to pick them.

 

 

Please click on the pics to embiggen them - they look better!