What we See on Our Walks

The following bits of graffiti are from under a bridge in Umbagong District Park.

Meanwhile the stepping stones are almost submerged beneath the water, and the path is overcome with thistles. 

We hiked up Condor Hill as our 40th trig. The start of the walk was easy-going enough, along a fire-trail, and then we had to bush bash through brambles and fallen tree trunks straight up to reach the summit. 

I wasn't planning on it, but okay...

Views from the top, where as you can see, there were lowering clouds surrounding us. It was hot and humid, hence the wild woman with crazy hair look.

There's no obvious trig as such, but we found bits of concrete and iron rusting about the place at the top of the hill, and we presume these once market the spot. 

Once back down it doesn't look so hard, even if I do make the terrain resemble a black-and-white horror film. 

Okay, so it was actually just a little bump, but it was very steep and tough going, honest!

In the evening as we walked back from the pub, the moon was putting on a light show through the clouds. It's not a great picture, but it made me think of one of my favourite Depeche Mode songs.

The moon is shining in the sky

Reminding me of so many other nights

But they're not like tonight. 

Purple Lady (and her mother) gave me some mint that had been growing wild in their garden. I love mint but have always managed not to be able to grow anyway, despite everyone else saying that it spreads everywhere like a weed. I was happy to receive the gift and it made a great contribution to a white wine spritzer while watching the women's tennis final at the Australian Open.

46: Growing stuff

As I may have mentioned before, I am the opposite of green-fingered, and between me and the harsh Central Otago climate, most plants in my possession end up dead.

However, we have had periods of sun and rain that are apparenlty conducive to good growth spurts, so here are some things in my garden I have managed not to kill. And, yes, most of them are weeds; so what?

Week Nine: Gardening update

We are going to have lots of lovely lemons - look at all this flower and bud action on our tree!

A few months ago the Mischievous Minx sent me a cryptic text saying, 'Rhubarb at Mitre 10'. It is now flourishing in the garden with broad leaves and blushing tips.

Mint and rosemary are also putting on a fine showing.

I am proudest of all of these teeny tiny tomatoes, grown from plants given to me by the Bad Fairy.

Of course, everything is overseen by Lord Chester, the gardening cat. Oh yes, he is so helpful!