susie

Another birthday to celebrate on Saturday - on Waiheke Island. And it rained nearly all day. I was hoping for walks on the beach and photos of the sea and distant islands. Instead we mostly stayed indoors in front of the fire. But it was a wonderful day - food, wine, friends. How lucky I am to know Susie.

Reading: Out of winter by Carol Lee

long weekend

Last weekend was another long one with a public holiday on Friday. Each day was perfect - Friday on Waiheke Island visiting friends and walking the sculpture walk, Saturday at this small farm to celebrate a birthday, and Sunday with family. Three day weekends have to be one of the best things.
 
Reading: Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine

winter picnic

We took our little van down to the Clevedon Farmers' Market a couple of weekends ago and stocked up on fresh salad greens and tomatoes, spicy sausage, local cheeses and bread. Then we found this spot on the road to Maraetai to tuck in to our simple picnic feast. That's Waiheke Island across the water. It felt like an adventure - that we'd discovered a hidden treasure - and not that far from the big city.

Reading: Fashionable Selby by Todd Selby. This is a great book. The best quote is "Cats are like living ornaments that don't need dusting" said by designer Natalie Gibson who has twelves cats - Cool Dude, Blondie, Pansy Puffball, Precious, Scaredycat, Orlando, Florence, Sweet Lorraine, Tiger Lily, Archie, Smokey Robinson and Monroe (who was originally called Marilyn until it was revealed she was a tom cat). Meet Natalie here.

Watching: Fargo (TV series) and Borgen

but not so far

Yesterday was Auckland Anniversary Day and a public holiday where I live. So, in my quest for more holidays this year, we spent the day with friends on beautiful Waiheke Island. We walked the sculpture trail, tasted a little local wine, bought local produce - olive oil, honey, lemons and plums - and swam in the sea. Hoorah to that!

The minty drink is nimbu pani made from lemons I bought up North last week and some sugar and salt. It's an Indian summer drink similar to lemonade. Some of my work colleagues just love it so I had to try it for myself. I made this recipe from Sailu's Kitchen. It did taste a little bit electrolyte-sports-drink but I think the lemonade lemons I used are sweeter than regular lemons. Apparently they can be eaten straight off the tree like an orange so probably not a good choice for nimbu pani. We drank it all, but next time I might try limes or, perhaps, Waiheke lemons.

the week that was

I've had a wonderfully busy week - going to the movies (Contagion), seeing my all-time favourite comedian, Eddie Izzard, and spending all day yesterday on a garden tour of Waiheke Island. The tour was an opportunity to visit twelve private gardens and to support this charity.
How was your week?

Chooks, facial hair and trolls

My goal of (at least) a weekly post has been a bit beyond me. But, hey, its summer and who can resist a weekend of sunshine and swimming and vineyards on Waiheke? This is the view from the place we stayed at overlooking Huruhi Bay - just wonderful.

And now the owners have chickens who provide yum free-range eggs for breakfast!

Even if I haven't been creative - others have. Look at these adorable beardy brooches by handmade romance.

But I have done a little shopping and bought this odd troll family. Why? I have no idea. But I couldn't resist. I love the one with the purple hair. I've decided he's the rebellious teenage son! I have a strong desire to dress them up in cute little outfits. But, first, (today!) I must finish a dress I've been sewing for myself. And go to spin class.