Blueberries.

 

 I've been out picking blueberries. Such a labour intense job when they are this small variety. There are 3 plants in a cage ( bird protection is essential ) 2 are  called Oneal and they fruited earlier and are in bud again now. They are easy picking and large. These ones came from the middle tree are called Blast. The fruit is barely larger than black currants if you remember those. These tiny ones have a parentage called  Rabbiteye  and are ever green. The Oneal have different parentage called Southern Highland.

 Back at the orchard I started growing them in 2005 as friends gave me a plant as a gift. That one and 4 others were called Blue Dawn or Tasty Blue.

 They are a great easy plant to grow but must be totally bird proofed but allow bees to get in.( so not too fine mesh ) Lots of water is good. They are high in anti oxidants.

These are  the bigger Oneal variety. Almost marble size.

A Very Warm Busy Harvest Time.

 

 Luisa plums coming ready right after the Billington have finished.

 

 The most perfect tomato picked so far ( after several buckets full.)

 It weighed 315 grams.

 Courgette or zuchinni has almost become a dirty word. Just so many...some getting too big by hiding.

 A large savoury scone tray bake I made at the weekend. We ate some but I cut it up and froze 3/4s. Our own tomato and tomato paste and herbs . Pity I had to buy the cheese and olives.

 I spent all this  morning cutting back the passionfruit vine which was collapsing. Hope it survives. It was my own fault for not cutting it back hard after last years crop ( of over 500 ) 

*****

 This is how far my fancy ball of wool went.

 I am joining in now the best match I could find but its the wrong ply so I am doubling it.

 I also made one cushion cover.

 Roses struggle in this heat, even with frequent watering. These buds opened in the vase. Lovely smell. Pretty face.

Good Read.

 

 I have just finished this book. I  really enjoyed it . Fiona writes a great tale. Hard to put down. 

fionamcintosh.com/books/     I have read about 8 others by her and this would rate with the best.

                                                        ***********

Home grown sweetcorn is a favourite of ours. I microwave the cob with some of the green outer still on, for 2 minutes 10 seconds. . Cool for a couple of minutes, peel and slather with butter and lemon pepper.

Less Not More.

 5 days into a new year already and not a great deal to show for it.

 I did complete this new jigsaw in about a week after Christmas. A rectangular shape is quite unusual.

 My eyes are okay. I am still putting drops in 3 times a day. I am finding the constant changing of reading glasses and dark glasses a trial - not used to it. My previous glasses which I put on in the morning and took off at night did everything for me. I didn't appreciate how convenient they were. Maybe when I go back to my optician we can work out something more convenient for me.

 The Billington plums are ready and the tree is loaded. The Grandsons helped pick some by climbing the tree.

 R has pickled 2 large jars ( In vodka )

 

 My friend Jan gave me this beautiful wool. She got it on her recent travels in Europe.100% merino and so so soft.

 I've started knitting it but will need to find  similar to have enough for a  simple scarf I have started knitting.

I have decided to try and do less....of some things. Record keeping. I didn't buy a diary to write up each night for this year.(I have previously done that for years and years )

 I have plenty of other lists and records. Books Read. Plants planted.  Sewing projects work notes.

 And of course the occasional blog post.

Busy Time of Year.

 Yesterday was our 57th Wedding Anniversary. It is a busy time of year and it's all to easy to just overlook the date, so we went out to lunch.

 Realizing traffic into the city would be so, so busy we went the opposite way. We went to Omokoroa and had lunch upstairs at Alma.

 While we waited for our meals to be cooked we had a great view of the surrounds.

 The water here is calm and shallow, so ideal for little people to play and splash about and learn to swim. There are 2 jetties. One seen here where boats can tie up or folk can fish and the other where the ferry to Matakana Island  loads and unloads. It was really busy.  Vehicles waited patiently in a queue, some lucky ones under trees. 

 The ferry seen loading here.

Side on as it takes off the number of vehicles on board parked two by two can be seen, 16 plus I think. If the tide is right it can return in 20 minutes. There is also a kids playground mostly under trees or sail and plenty of space for picnics. Also adequate parking.

 We enjoyed our time there.

Seasons Greetings Dear Readers.

 Relax and enjoy .

Happy Christmas Everyone.

 

🎅🎄

Things are Looking a Bit Different.

Things are looking a bit different because on Monday morning this week ( 18th ) I had cataract surgery on both eyes. The right one first and the second one 5 minutes later. The actual procedure under the microscope was surprisingly quick. No pain or discomfort just strange noises and bright lights. Such a nice surgeon and nurses.

 The drive home( as a passenger )  was rather scary as it was pouring with rain and the  traffic was heavy. At that stage I was seeing double and there seemed to be cars and lights everywhere. I was glad when we got home as I was feeling nauseous. As soon as I got out of the car I was fine.

 I have recovered very quickly and am remembering to put my drops in 3 times a day. I can see very clearly mid and long distance but am wearing hobby glasses to read, text and use the computer. Not sure if this will change. I may still require reading glasses. Driving should be so much easier. I can see clearly across the estuary and use binoculars again. Looking in the mirror is a bit of a shock - all those wrinkles!

 What am I finding difficult. Not gardening! Feeling naked without glasses. ( wearing provided sunglasses outside or in bright light )

 I can see a bee in this pohutukawa flower ( click to enlarge ) and I can see the first bananas forming on our plant. We have the first 2 bunches forming rapidly - very exciting.

 

Baking and Sewing Today.

Much needed rain and drizzle here today.

 So fruit mince pies it is. Everyone  in this family seems to like them better than Christmas cake so I'm making heaps of these instead. They freeze well.

 ( click to enlarge )

 My Quirky Garden wall hanging is 99 % finished. I just need to stitch the hanging sleeve at the top, take out the pins and give it a press. It has a wooden rod through the top. Hope it hangs straight. I've measured and remeasured.

 Here you can see the top stitching around the edge .

 This is the bright bold backing fabric. I had nothing grey to match so decided to go bold. If I get tired of the front I can flip it and look at this amazing fabric.

 *****

 Brightness in the garden outside too.

 There are lots of these dotted along the big border. Yesterday Today and Tomorrow (or Brunsfelsia I think.)

 A new red pompom Dahlia is just about  out.( the round pompom will form more.)

 Hydrangeas of all colours except pink. Blues, purples , lace cap and regular. Here the white is flowering way  down in the  fruit tree area . It's always best before any flowers fade and brown. It will be liking the rain. It will plump the plums up too.

 The vege garden is doing well. It has been hosed every second day.