Time to pack away the shorts and jandals...

...well  until the weekend anyway.  Can't really turn up to work so casually attired can I, not that any of the lads would even notice or mind.  So today it was back to work after three glorious weeks of sleeping in, (yes I actually did) reading books, catching up on recorded programs, visiting, beaching, and generally faffing and chilling.  It's been grand but the time has come to return to earning a living.  The op shops are open and there are bound to be bargains to be found so a bit of cash in my wallet would be helpful.

TOF and I went and collected these huge pavers, 600mmx600mm on  Sunday that I purchased via Trade Me.  There are 41 of them in total and the plan is to lay them out the back in an area we did ages ago that needs to be redone, and made bigger. I scored the lot for $80. I was useless at helping as I couldn't even lift one.  Good old TOF and the dude we got them off loaded the trailer we had borrowed twice as it took two trips.  Huge round of applause for the labourers.

Last week I found this cute little old chair at Habitat for $3.50 and it is perfect for Joe to use.  I love the battered and lived in look it has so it will be not getting any pimping.  Joe says THANKS!

My friend Diane came in from Raglan on Saturday and we went to the Gordonton Country Market.  Not many stalls, I guess they are doing the beach circuit.  But I did come across this gorgeous plant.  A Bromeliad to be exact with the name of Aechmea Gamosepala.  Just look at that awesome flower!!  $6 and there are three plants in the pot and apparently it will produce more.  I like the idea of this popping up around my garden.

Speaking of my garden, finally Maggie the Magnolia has flowered.  Only one at this stage but I'll take it!  This tree was planted at least four years ago and I had almost given up on ever seeing flowers.

 My garden buddies.

Or is that

My watch dogs!!

We have had plenty of rain to help the garden grow of late and it also makes everything look rather magical in my eyes.  I love droplets clinging to plants for dear life before they slide gently to the ground.

The rain has buggered up plenty of holidaying peoples holidays, but you cannot do anything about the weather apart from accept it and deal with it.  And then get your camera out and take pics!!

 

Mind you, I haven't been in a tent.

I'm pretty sure I'm a glamper not a camper!! 

 

My Pohutukawa is at the end of it's flowering now.  The major burst of red is all but over but I quite like what is left once the red falls away.

Thanks to Sue W we had a tasty little feed of peas from her garden.  Don't they look gorgeous all tucked up in their pod?  I planted a row of peas and ONE has grown.  Thinking not many peas will be picked off that.  Sigh!

Thanks Leeane for the gorgeous card (mwa, mwa).

The fragrance of Carnations has lasted well.

  

On the subject of cards, this lovely one from our Vet Clinic arrived today.  All part of the service with our vet and pretty nice.

 Waiting for dad!!

Time for some words of wisdom accompanied with flowers from my garden.  I do not know the name of these but I have been saving the seeds.  Nancy J some will be heading your way soon.

The last of my Poppies have unfolded like tissue paper from their pods, and same with my Gladdies.

The plaits, shorts and jandals are on hold but my breakfast compliments of my girls will continue to be the same each morning.  You cannot beat a fresh free range egg on fruit toast and an old enamel pot of tea!!