Thursday, November 13, 2025

Books and Reading.

 Last weekend we went to the Lions' Used Book Sale at the race course. It is always well attended but not too crowded by the time we got there. There was as usual an extensive selection of books; puzzles;  sheet music; tapes and  CDs.  I only looked at books for myself and the 2 grandsons and jigsaws. R looked for his own books. We came home with this haul.



On our  old bookshelf we have reference books and keepers. Among them is my ( about ) 66 year old copy of Companion to English Literature. My Mum bought it for me when I was in the 3rd form. I used it a lot then and at Teacher's College and occasionally ever since.



The book  I am currently enjoying is in large print ( never had that before and don't need large print )is Emma - A modern Retelling, by Alexander McCall Smith. I enjoy his writing. Before I started this I refreshed my memory of the original Emma by Jane Austen using my old Companion.



This new retelling uses all the same or similar characters. Direct quotes are in bold. I'd recommend this for a light, satirical read.


Wednesday, November 05, 2025

Now it's Fruit Tree Flowers.

 

 Feijoa Flowers. ( related to NZ pohtukawa tree )

 Lemon tree. All citrus looks like this ( mandarins; oranges; grapefruit and Tangelo )

apple tree



strawberry( sorry a bit blurred ).

Avocado.



persimmon( Buds only just forming but stay green like this.)
 and passionfruit



  Not today as   this one is plum but it has already set fruit so have the pears.












Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Today it's Flower Photos.

 

 Gazanias near the clothes line.



 Philadelphus that has great fragrance.
 Graham Thomas rose.

 A new rose called Attention Seeker from a local grower Rob Somerfield.
 
 A mixed planting under a cherry tree with dark maroon snapdragon flowers.

 
A fabulous coloured Sweet pea. (   I will be saving seed off this one )

 The same bright colour on the banana. This plant belongs to elder grandson. He planted here beside our ones.










 



Monday, November 03, 2025

Vege Garden Photos.

 A few warm sunny days without strong wind has seen us both working a lot in the garden. Both vege and flowers are flourishing. Some watering of new plantings is necessary.