Busy as a bee with a bum full of honey!

I am sitting here killing time while the kittens are off having their little kitty ovens removed (spayed).  I am hoping they are fine, sure they will be, but foster mothers do worry you know.

One thing I do know is they are going to be very hungry babies as they haven't had anything to eat since 8pm last night, you know the whole nothing for ex number of hours before surgery.  This was taken last night while they were having a before bed cuddle with me, check out the dogs in the background!!  Look close and you will see Sheba with her green Dino in her mouth.

This was them playing hard out last night,

bet that won't happen tonight!

Oh check out my latest trade me scores.  The Iron Fist shoes arrived in the post today and the Sylvac vase I collected.  The vase reminds me of my grandmother and nana, the sort of style they had in their homes.

Yesterday I called in on a couple of op shops and found some pretty cool things.  A 1979 tea towel $3 (I was a teenager then), a very cute coffee mug $1, and a pair of New Birkies $4 which are going to my sister at the beach.

 

I was stoked when I came across this Fitz and Floyd mug $2, I have had one for years and they are pretty out there.  The silver bangles were $1 each, they were all super tarnished but after a clean they look pretty fabulous.  Not sure if they are sterling silver but one of them has been engraved inside which makes me think possibly, as you wouldn't engrave something on a shitty bangle would you.

I may not have bunches of gorgeous colourful flowers in my garden right now, but I sure do have my share of fungi growing.

All growing in the chicken area, not that the chickens are spending much time there. They have totally embraced their title of 'free range' as at least 5 of the 9 are sleeping in the Jasmine growing on the fence at night!

 

I have plants going to seed and leaves in abundance, oh and look, Bird of Paradise is doing it's thang!!

Last week (you may have noticed this post is in reverse order) I bought this delightful Cobalt Blue Velvet coat at a lovely little recycled clothing shop I visit in Frankton.  The owner is always doing deals with me, to make me more tempted than usual.  I also bought the Peacock velvet burnout shawl, it has bead trim and it is divine!!

Our weather is all over the place lately, the lady and the man in my German Weather Vane are fighting on who is out and who is in these days!

Amongst the remaining flowers and garden art we have some Broccoli just about ready to be consumed.  In fact I had the best raw Broccoli, Cranberry and Pine nut salad with my dinner last night (from the supermarket).

I searched for the colour in the garden and I found it!

My dear friend Lou Lou Belle (Louise) visited me from Auckland last week and gave me gifts.  A hand made crocheted bath cloth and yummy smelling soap, pretty sure it's not because she thinks I stink!!  And some cute as bird shaped clothes pegs that got a trial on my washing. We spent some quality time chatting and laughing, and lunching outside in the garden.  I love my catch ups with her!!

Last Saturday TOF and I went to the spares rugby game that was out of town.  We got to drive on a new road and it was fast,

and scenic!

The game was at a lovely little country place called Hinuera, a farming community and the photographic opportunities were many.  I had to keep reminding myself that I was actually at a rugby game.

The spare went off part way through the second half with a thigh strain, or something like that, but as you can see from the score board, his team won (they were the visitors).

 

 A lichen covered farm fence.

One of many.

The cutest little church was across the road from the rugby ground.  I see it as a dinky little house I could move and live in, others see it as the place of worship that it still is. Either way it is very cute.

We took the back roads coming home as the countryside is amazing.

We crossed the Waikato River via the dam at Karipiro, which is a rather famous spot for competitive rowing.

Our weekend was a long one in New Zealand as it was ANZAC Day on Monday.  I haven't been to an ANZAC service since the boys were young so I decided it was time to get my butt to another one.  I would love to attend a Dawn Service but I am struggling to find a eager companion to brave that time of the day.

The Anzac Service in Hamilton is held in Parana Park where a Cenotaph and Memorial Wall are.  Last year Bridge Street which crosses the river was renamed to Anzac Parade for the 100th year service.

Standing on Bridge St bridge I did wonder if it is now going to be know as Anzac Parade bridge, well after all the parade does cross it.  How glorious the Waikato River was looking on Monday while I awaited the beginning of the ANZAC parade.

The parade was led by mounted soldiers.

Followed by the best band and veterans.

 

 There were Marching Girls,

and numerous groups being represented and an army truck.

And last but not least there were horses representing all the War Horses.

I was pleased to see a hearty crowd of people that like me had decided to attend and honour those that fought for us all those years ago.

Poignant moments like The Last Post, a Minutes Silence, Firing of the Gun (which made me jump), prayers, singing and then the Laying of Wreaths.

Both my grandfathers went to war, and many relatives before them.  Sometimes we get busy with our lives and forget what went on before our time.  I am so grateful I never had to wave off TOF and the lads to go fight in a war.  I think for this reason alone I shall be attending again next year and those after. 

On a happier note, although I miss those funny little extra toes on dear wee Toby I have been told one of the ladies at the SPCA has adopted him, and why wouldn't you.  I better get ready to go pick up my little girls and prepare to give them the very best post operative care ever.

As for my post title today,

my grandfather used to say it when asked

"are you busy?''