Rain and Sun.

Beaches don't feature here too often, but I have walked on 2 different ones in the last 5 days.
Starting on Easter Saturday - that was a scorching hot day and people were swimming in the surf at the Mt beach. We walked for a short while but it was very hot. We had just spent about $80 and an hour an a half at the Rotary Annual second hand book sale...... held in an empty coolstore and has books ,CDs, records etc as far as the eye can see.We didn't get there too early as we wanted the crowds to have dispersed which they had, so we browsed in amongst sensible numbers. I got 8 paper backs, 8 Patchwork and Quilting old mags and booklets and 3 CDs. DH got 10 books and 1 CD. The P & Q mags and books will have a couple of pages copied then be returned to a sales table; only 1 CD will get a second playing, BUT the books are good so far. I enjoyed the first one I have read in the last few days, "Hanna's Daughters, " by Marianne Fredriksson.

(The Mt. beach photo has the bright umbrellas ).

I have been keeping a tally of the number of strawberries I have picked off my plants ; 197 from 6 plants and still going strong - certainly worth growing and covering!

Our younger son is home on holiday from London - we haven't seen him for just over 2 years. He has lived and worked in UK for over 7 years. This weekend we are doing a family get together over in Hamilton; with elder son & partner, brother and sister in law.

Yesterday we 3 travelled up the Coromandel to Hahei to see a property that was for sale - that eliminated that one - too far ; very winding roads - not where I would want to live.( We also looked at some others locally at the long weekend ) The weather was not kind, shower clouds kept darkening the sky but we took a short walk on the beach which was deserted except for some fishermen catching Kahawai and a few others strolling too.One photo shows son in front and DH catching up, another shows the amazing old pohutukawa trees - this one clinging horizontally in the cliff face. The roots making patterns as they are exposed by the elements.

Look What R made FOR ME.

A couple of weeks ago I said, "I'd like to grow some strawberries this summer."

"In my herb garden would be a good place for a few plants." Still no, "Don't waste your time," from DH, so I ventured further. "The Birds would probably get them all.....I wonder if you might be able to make me a lift off frame for over the top?" "Okay,that shouldn't be too hard. "
So I quickly clear one segment of my lovely herb garden pulling out a woody sage plant( I have another ) and weed it all ready for new plants.

Quite by chance because he is on light duties following minor surgery DH had some spare time - Lucky me! He made the frame which looked rather coffin like to start with then today while I went to the supermarket he bought the bird netting .The garden centre that used to be in the city has moved out to between us and the city so we now drive past it all the time - very convenient ! On the way home we stopped for seeds and my Strawberry plants. 6 big beauties in a carrier for "Opening Specials" price. Thank you again; just how many I need!

(Pajero variety, no choice there) The plants are in flower already so I should get some crop quite soon. The frame is light and easy for me to lift off. So I am happy with that.

Spring winds are buffeting us today but things are flowering, so I'll take you for a walk tomorrow if you'd care to come.