Week 52: Eat, Drink and be Merry

I've not really done much photography this week as I've been far too busy eating, drinking and being merry - often too merry to remember to take photos. But here are a few examples of what I mean: Christmas Day breakfast...

...and lunch, which was lamb steaks with green olive, white bean and lemon salad, accompanied by cocktails - Him Outdoors models a bizarre - say no more.

Further culinary delights include the outdoor healthy option breakfast (fruit and muesli) in a vain attempt to cleanse the liver.

Chester got a buzzy bee toy for Christmas. As you can see, he loves it - he displays this affection by attacking it with teeth and claws and chewing off its antennae.

He then prowls around the garden to ward off any would-be bee thieves.

Meanwhile the clouds write wispy messages in the sky above our street.

Week 51: Loopy about Lupins

I love lupins. I don't much care that they are considered to be weeds. So are daisies, and they are my favourite flower. Does this say something about me or the classification of flowers?

The name derives from the Latin, 'lupinus' meaning wolf, because the plants have a tendency to ravage the land where they grow. But outbreaks of these voracious lupins can make runs and bike rides around the Wakatipu Basin quite glorious.

They are hardy too and can withstand the wind and showers that buffet them as they sweep through the valley. They stand sentinel along the roadside in a riot of colour.

Week 50: Christmas is coming...

Christmas is coming and some locals are getting into the spirit. This Arrowtown house is emblazoned with festive cheer.

Meanwhile, Nature puts on her own spectacular displays of light and colour over the surrounding hills.

Week 49: Much Ado About Rehearsals

Apart from the odd triathlon and drink with friends, my week has mainly been taken up with peparation for Shakespeare on Location. Between planning costumes, venues, songs, schedules and notes, I've even managed to hold a few rehearsals - here's one from Much Ado About Nothing. Hero and Ursula "walk in the orchard" where they lay "false sweet bait" for Beatrice to overhear.

"The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish

Cut with her golden oars the silver stream,

And greedily devour the treacherous bait:

So angle we for Beatrice."

"But Nature never fram'd a woman's heart,
Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice."

"And therefore certainly it were not good,
She knew his love lest she'll make sport at it."

"But who would tell her so? If I should speak,
She would mock me into air, O she would laugh me
Out of myself, press me to death with wit."

"She's limed I warrant you,
We have caught her Madam."

"What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?"

Week 48: How does your garden grow?

Here's a sight you won't see everyday - Him Outdoors doing some gardening. This mainly means planting some herbs and repotting the lemon tree. My friend, Cara bought me an 'English rose' for my birthday. I am notorious for killing plants but have put this one by the front door to remind myself to water it.

Other things found in our garden include a wood carving, some wild pansies and a cat.

Blue skies, bright sunshine and surrounding hills make a great backdrop to all this activity.