SUMMER DAYS, FLOWERS, BIRDS AND OTHER THINGS

What a beautiful day we have had here. There's a cool breeze coming into the lounge and tonight is quiet and peaceful. Such a wonderful place Tauranga is.

Although rain was forecast for today it didn't come to anything. The garden could do with a good soak and shortly I will gather up the hose and get on to it.  Water restrictions are now in place with hand-held hoses after 8pm and before 7am daily. Just enough to keep the plants healthy.

We have noticed a haze in recent times coming from the Australian bush fires. What a  terrible time they are having over there: So sad that the koalas are now functionally extinct. I haven't been fortunate enough to hold one, but I have a beautiful photo of my granddaughter Tanee doing just that.

We are fortunate to live as we do. Every day is spent wandering about without having to be anywhere in particular. If only it could be this way for many other families. Life is short and for those less fortunate it is stressful. I remember well how different things were when I was a child. From memory, most families lived above the breadline. Mums were at home taking care of the family, baking, sewing their clothes, knitting jumpers and so on. Children arrived home from school to find Mum there. Happy events were shared of the day and Dad would arrive home from work to a cooked family meal ...  ready and on the table by 5 o'clock or thereabouts

After the dishes were done the family often played cards, listened to the radio or spent time with friends. Children played outside until dark before being called in for a bath and off to bed. Homework was done; children headed off to bed secure and well-loved.

I believe many problems that exist today are due to insecurity and difficulties at home. It's the way things are today. Both parents working to bring in enough income to cover the basics, rent, mortgage, and bills they struggle to keep on top of. The disparity that exists is wrong!

Time to change the subject ......

Craig's new diver's watch ... 200 meters water-resistant. He bought it today as his other needed replacing. His was a good buy, but mine was even better ...................

Just $9.00 ... would you believe? Bought from K-Mart last week. I stumbled across it out of the blue and did not expect it to last or keep the time. How wrong I was.

End of another day and soon enough it will be dark. I can hear the birds singing their last song of the day. All is well.

Red petunias peeping mischievously from their tub. Showing off as always.

Could it be survival of the fittest? Everything packed in together and loving every moment of it. Everything grows more healthily in the company of others. For a start, they respire. This in turn keeps the plants moist and less watering is needed.

I toned down the tomato planting this year and there's more than enough to keep us going for a good while yet.

Gardens well-mulched retain moisture, encourage insects, birds and the balance of nature is there.

More clippings left to dry and will end up being tossed around plants and trees. Ecology in full swing as nature intends.

Camellias, citrus and roses share space.

Our day is closing in. Time to catch up with the news.

Cuttings do well in the birdbath and Kit seems happy to hop up for a drink. The birds don't seem too fazed about the interlopers either. We all muddle along together and make way for each other. Just as life should be.