Another day out lunching in the vineyards.

We had another most enjoyable lunch out with Pastor Judy and Wayne. Intended to go to la Veranda a French style winery and cafe, but unfortunately it was closed for the winter, so we ended up at Allen Scotts winery, the restaurant

food can not be faulted there, it is always fantastic.
The day was rather chilly but up on the attic level where the heat rises to, it was cosy and snug and we were the only people up there - even nicer, our laughter didn't disturb other diners!
Because we were ordering a meal we were offer a complimentary wine tasting. We scampered down those attic stairs giggling like a pack of school children to enjoy some of the wonderful wines made by Allen Scott. A  bottle of Savuignon  was purchased and I decided I needed a glass of bubbles as that was the wine I enjoyed most.So continued my wine tasting! Luckily Erle was once again our sober driver as he still can not drink more than a couple of sips of alcohol.

 I ended up ordering wild boar done two ways and really enjoyed it, the men both had the steak ; considered to be perfection, while Judy chose the pasta, she was not wild about the pasta as it was a bit dry but we did so enjoy our day out again. We feel this will become a regular event, there are so many different winery cafes we truly are spoiled for choice.

Wedding at our Church.

There was a Wedding at our small Church this week  two of the regular people decided to Marry and since they wanted all the Church family there plus the Grooms family they chose to be married during the usual Sunday service. The Bride Maria is from the Philippines and has no relatives in New Zealand, but she is from a big family so she really missed having her siblings company.

I was asked if I would sing during the wedding – amazing as I am only the most ordinary singer and to make it worse they wanted me to sing among others, 

 How Great Thou Art,

 a hard sing at any time, so I was very nervous but the Pastor sang with me and we did quite well I think, I even rather enjoyed being up the front, surprisingly! 

There was a lovely buffet meal provided by everyone afterwards as a Wedding Breakfast, which we all enjoyed. A very happy occasion for us all.

Kayne and our trip to Nelson

Took a short trip to Nelson, as Erle has an appointment at Nelson Hospital with his surgeon.  While driving in towards the city I couldn’t resist taking these photos of the snow on the Mountains and the Nelson coastline with the sun shining on the ocean. Nelson is lovely when the tide is in like this

The Hospital staff were so thorough in   their efforts to let us know just what Erle’s Operation will entail, took two full hours meeting all the possible people who just might need to know him. We were impressed by how thoroughly they prepare for these events that are so traumatic for the patients.

This lovely small tree in full autumn colour was at the hospital, very pretty. A nice welcome.

                                   Kayne

We were so fortunate to be able to meet up with kayne – my handsome 25 year old, Grandson for the evening and to go out for a nice meal together at the Wakatu Hotel, which is just around the corner from his flat. Enjoyed a very nice time with Kayne shared a few drink and games on pokies lots of chat and the meal. Don’t see Kayne often but he doesn't change still the lovely young lad he always was.

As we will have to return to Nelson in a couple of months for Erle’s treatment so will be able to meet up with him again.

My Poor smashed up Shuttle Bus!

A dreadful thing just happened that could have been much much worse, but it is still a real problem.
A big truck that had been working up the hill behind our home had a brake failure. No one was inside the truck which had its hand brake on, when it suddenly started to roll down the steep hill straight down toward our home, but my Shuttle bus was parked outside alone and unattended just waiting to catch the runaway truck! The truck slammed into the side of the van and gave it a glancing blow across the front before thumping into the neighbours fence where it finally came to a halt. Leaving my shuttle completely un-drivable. This was nobodies fault as both vehicles were empty at the time. But it does mean I am now out of a job! Until it is repaired. Thank God no one was injured.

My Shuttle is a luxury model so comfortable to ride in and also to drive, it has many luxury features, it has been a joy to drive. I have driven it for a year and a half and not put a scratch on it, things can just happen any time. Acts of God can strike at any moment.

Ngakuta Bay and Royal Spoonbill.

Went for a very pleasant afternoon drive around the Marlborough Sounds to Ngakuta Bay. Took some lovely sweet goodies from Picton Bakkeryij, a great Dutch bakery, to sit in the sun and enjoy.

 When we drove into the picnic area I spotted a beautiful Royal Spoonbill feeding in the shallow tidal mudflats,
Quickly I wound down the window and took lots of photos.
These are big birds, that are seldom seen. rather like a Heron but with the spoon shaped bill, used to sift out small crustaceans like wee shrimps from the water.
We probably only saw it at all because it was a quiet day with few people out and  about.

Then we sat and enjoyed out sweet treats and also enjoyed the scenic views all around us. A little black Fantail also flew around us, but vanished when I started my camera!

Mother's day.

Mother's day.
Nyle sent me a most beautiful box of flowers from Australia, for Mother's Day, I was so surprised and pleased.

Wasn't able to go visit my Mother for Mother's day as I have had a nasty heavy cold and couldn't risk her catching it. But I am feeling quite a lot better so went to visit today. Took a photo of the lovely pink flowers Nyle sent to her from Australia that pleased her so very much. I also got Erle to take a photo of Mum and me, for Nyle.

Autumn Sun Rise.

I am not really a morning person, preferring to lie in bed as long as possible, but this morning I had an early shuttle job to the Airport in Blenheim. I got up to this wonderful display of God's handiwork and colour, it was almost worth getting up for. Breath taking.