From my back deck

A night in the park

The festival of lights is on at the moment and apart from lights in Pukekura Park there are all sorts of other things going on, including music pretty much every night.  So, last Tuesday a friend and I went to hear a local group

 and then took a wander around to see this year's lights including the black light area

and these fabulous jellyfish floating above the lake.

Cauliflower

For some reason the blog software is playing up and I can't insert a photo today.  If I could it would be of six cauliflower that may, or may not produce something I can eat.  I suspect I'm going to have much more luck with the herbs and the rampant self-sown pumpkin.

Things I miss

I've just got back from Sydney where I spent Christmas.  It was wonderful seeing family and friends but it also made me realise there are a few things I miss.  Friends and family obviously.  Big cricket matches, at this time of year the Boxing Day test match in Melbourne that takes over conversation even if you don't follow it normally.  We don't talk about the cricket here, it's too depressing.  But it's also the little things like this, the isle sign in a local supermarket.  I love the 'wierd food' isle!!

Also finished

Our new space out the front of the library, no longer a construction site!

 

 

My karanga course.  Karanga is the māori call that welcomes you and signals many other things.  This is part of the class on graduation day last weekend.

 

And the latest piece of street art.  Painted on the side of a local gallery, the clock tower on the main street and a commentary on a possible version of the future.

Kiwi Advent

Well, Pukekos actually.  Our children's staff have created a wonderful bookey advent calender, each Pukeko hides some wonderful holiday reading.  I love Pukekos, they have a fabulous quirky walk that includes a tail flick and these guys certainly brighten things up.

Finished

We have handed in our final assignments and class has finished for the year.  We are all mightily relieved but not sure what we are going to do with our Tuesday nights.  What do you do in this situation - put down a hangi and get everyone together for a final celebration.