Autumn crocus

It has been a very long, dry summer

a few weeks ago we had our first rain event 

and hoped the long dry was over

no such thing, we had almost 2" in one go

and not a drop more

it confused nature even more,

spring bulbs are popping up

plum trees are in full blossom 

and

my autumn crocuses, Colchicum burst into bloom

which only lasted for a few days 

as the heat came back . . .

at least they were brilliant for those

precious few days

please click on the photos to see more detail

Linking with 

TODAYS FLOWERS,

 I Heart Macro
and OUR WORLD

OUR WORLD - Happy Easter !

Wishing a Happy Easter to one and all

who celebrate this Christian feast

and all those who celebrate Spring and the

renewal of life in general.

For the first time in my life

I was on my own on this day,

not lonely, just at peace and happy to be alive.

I pray for peace on this beautiful planet 

in these troubled times . . .

Linking with OUR WORLD

OUR WORLD - A special wedding in the family

Seldom do I put up such a personal post

but it was such a happy occasion 

that I could not just keep it for myself.

my very special grandson (left) and his best fried 

awaiting the bride

under a splendid Eucalypt on a hill in a vineyard

his beautiful bride arrives

looking like a princess from a fairy tale

the happy couple cutting the cake

as  their wedding present, his baby sister and partner

both chefs,

did the catering for some 140 guests

and a great time was had by all!

Linking with OUR WORLD

OUR WORLD - more from my NZ trip

A rare sandstone outcrop

a high-rise for many birds

and home to ancient petroglyphs

there is such a lot of wisdom in this sign

if you read the fine print

unfortunately, as in many places.

sacred sites and ancient petroglyphs

have given way to graffiti

and senseless destruction

happily, at least now, it is securely fenced off

Linkung with OUR WORLD

SkyWatch - The Land of the Long White Cloud

Summer clouds in New Zealand

I'd love to go back to the Land of the Long White Cloud

where so much goes on in the sky

Linking with SkyWatch

SkyWatch - watching the day fade

After a long day's drive across New Zealand's

South Island,

we found this splendid hotel in Wanaka

with views across the lake and the snow-capped mountains

with the statutory G&T in hand

we watched the last rays of the sun 

catching the mountain tops

darn it, it's hard to take photos with my phone

while hanging on to my gin with the other hand

and leaning over the balcony 

 trying to photograph around the corner

happily I stayed safe after all and

was able to enjoy the pink clouds

reflecte in the lake

and my G&T

Linking with SkyWatch

OUR WORLD - Along the New Zealand coast

Heading further down the coast,

green grass and these twin oyster bays

a quaint house in Warrington

and a couple of shots of the splendid railway

station in Dunedin

Linking with OUR WORLD