Lockdown

Day three and it is raining heavily outside so it is a true lock-in!!
Hard to get motivated even craft project is not interesting maybe I will have to look to my pencils.

This has been moved to my outside studio and awaits me and motivation. Let's hope motivation returns tomorrow

Loss

View from the Rail Trail should be at the end

This week has been one of loss for me, I guess as we move through life this happens more times than we would wish,
After a lovely holiday with Steve Millie and Carmen in Collingwood Golden Bay, we bade them farewell as they headed south for Christchurch and the long journey back to England. Steve and I are emotionally attached if one can be to one's child we always hate to say farewell.
Daughter Meredith came up for a few days she is loving her job in Dunedin but partner Andy is restless. I fear that she will never settle and my heart aches for her  - a mother's anxiety for one's

 daughter.

Meredith and Carmen in a contemplative pose

Here we are at Te Puia Springs a beautiful clear spring in Golden Bay

Apart from family, there were other issues to deal with my friend Fran's old dog Mollie had to be put down as one would expect she has been devastated but is starting to get through it. I don't think I have a photo of her, unfortunately.

Bad news again last week our friend Warwick Wright died of cancer after only being diagnosed 3 weeks ago all very sad.
Today when I was walking Maxie along the rail trail I was struck by the vastness of my world and the beauty  of it which helps one cope with these sad and emotional vents in one's life

Drove to Lawrence today it was grey and drizzly. I think some of the smokiness was from the Aussie bush fires this was a midday shot taken in Gabriel's Gully the early gold mining site..
This was a shot of the Clutha Dam near last night's motel very powerful.

Clutha dam

Gabriels Gully in the smog

New year's Eve

Here we are in Roxburgh the temp is 32degrees

far too hot.
Left Hawea and camp Duke and headed off to Arrow town to have lunch with the Hills. Haven't seen them since Takapuna days. I think I got sunstroke sitting out in the sun felt awful for quite a time til we got the air con going.
Got to Roxburgh Lodge renamed a garment I had meant to sleep in into a dress much cooler but not commanderstyle!
Met. Gaye Robertson old Mph colleague for coffee with Jennie she hasn't changed. Here is Gaye and a shot of the blue pools on the road to Haast. Finding it hard to manage blog on tablet.

Christmas 2019

Here we are in the deep south for Xmas. Meredith summoned us down so we had to abandon our proposed trip to the East Cape in Princess Margaret.
Arrived in Dunedin in the freezing cold put as many clothes on as posible. What a pity I did not bring my puffer jacket with me!!

Meredith with Coco and friend.

Did a trip to the shops,L went to LanarchCastle which was very nice.

Took a trip to Oamaru visited the Victorian area which was charming. I spotted this little soul just coming out of the book bindery she agreed to the photo forgot to say went to see Janet Frames house in Oamaru too. It's a very pretty town

Went to Lake Hawea for Xmas with Jennie and Kevin had a pleasant day the weather wasn't much! As usual I was glad when it was over!!
Today we went to theCardronna Distillery had fancy find and a platter Graham, Kevin and Graham and I did a tour of the distillery had tastings of gin and whisky all very interesting Andy and Meredith went back to Dunedin we will head south Tuesday morning.
Weather has warmd up thank goodness

In Isleworth

We are over here for 5 weeks which I feel is a tad long for us to be stayying with Millie and Steve but there is nothing I can do about it. Gaham does and never saw it as a problem but I wont write about that  here. Carmen ai delightful and keeps everyone on their toes. This is here and a friend at Syon Park cafe having an icecream with her friend. Carmen on the left and Ariel on the right.

It was a lovely sunny day and the girls enjoyed a rollick in the fields.
Today I did shop til I dropped at Marks and Spencers will need to go back before I leave!!
Carmen is at day care today so all is quiet GRE is away on a fishing jaunt somewhere up North. The weather has gone a bit grey and somewhat cooler.

Today in Samur

Today it was Jerry who took us to the Denpasar market it was all too much for me . Hot and harassed by touts crept back to the safety of the Puri Santrian!! I think I can get the rest of my shopping round the corner.
Relaxed by the beach and pool. Gre went for a snorkel saw a small spratt like fish!!
Balinese meal and dancing tonight here at the hotel