Short Days, Wet Weather.

 The shortest day produced these which are now smiling from the kitchen bench and filling the room with smells of Spring.

Jonquils and Paper Whites ( narcissus )

I've finished a Few Things.

Feeling yukky with a cold has kept me indoors far more than usual.
 Although moving at a slow pace with not much energy I have finished making 5 of the padded fabric coat hangers for our Exhibition Sales Table. 

I have used up all the scraps of batting I had so 5 it will be. I have continued in 30 minute sessions cutting fabric squares to make into charm packs. I still have many scraps to go but will keep at it.( I can remember when first starting quilting buying some charm packs to get a greater range of fabrics )

 I finished reading one book and started another. My current read is a true story and I'm finding it so interesting. "The Necklace," by Cheryl Jarvis. I will be passing this one on to my lady friends when I've finished it.

 I'm feeling on the mend today but will need to take care ( and warm clothes ) as temperatures are forecast to drop. Later tomorrow we are travelling down to Taupo ( its way colder than here ) to my Uncle Frank's Funeral early Tuesday morning. He was in his 102 year so had a wonderful innings. I remember blogging about his 100th birthday party 2 years ago. He is my last close relative  of my parents' generation.( my Dad's younger brother ) 

 Taken from upstairs out the bedroom window the cherry tree colours are a delight on the tree. Not so much when I have to pick them up. Most can be mowed up but hundreds find the way into corners and onto gardens. They are great in the compost!

Some Bright Spots in the Winter Garden..

This Cineraria is currently on one of the outside tables where I can see it out the window.

These Spider lilies are nearby. Bulbs saved from my childhood garden ( still with me. ) 

The Zygocactus is flowering. ( Christmas cactus in the Northern hemisphere. )

 Just to prove I have other colours. This new Vireya called  Just Peachy is happily flowering at the front gate.

 With so many Cherry trees we also have leaves....far too many leaves. I spent several hours cleaning them up from the corners and nooks and crannies.

 R mowed up the ones on the big lawns. Today was the first afternoon I felt warm enough to garden for about a week.

 During all the rain I picked these as they were getting trashed.

 Still don't know what rose it is for sure.