Quailing

Baby quail are so very tiny they disappear into the plants they are foraging amongst darting and dipping their heads …

Hangehange perfume

The air is fragrant when I step outside Still Heady A distinctive honey-like scent with a hint of vanilla Perhaps …

Eek

In the corner of my eye from behind my right shouldersomething leapt at mein a shadowy cornerof the bathroom my …

After the storm

142.6mm of rain fellhere at Opara in the past 5 days This most recent storm eventthe result of another tropical …

Rippling

The harbour is glassily calm today No wind, not even a gentle breeze Wispy clouds above bright sunshine So still …

Home in the Hokianga

Our house nestles into the top of a promontory overlooking the harbour Water stretches in all directions as far as …

Swallows on the wires

A large flock of swallows dropped in today for late afternoon snacks from the bug larder furiously swooping and scooping …

Late summer sunsets

Early May Hokianga sunsets are absorbing performances the subtly morphing colours sensuously etch the skyline ……slowly concealing the layers of …

Summer is ending

The swallows (warou) are moving awaynow the cooler weather is arrivingbut a small number remain nearbyand bring joy as they …

Garlic preserving

A good day for preserving garlic (despite all the peeling needed) So. Many. Options. – garlic honey (good for cold/flu/covid …

Caterpillars

this monster black caterpillar has suddenly appeared in my planting trough where fat green caterpillars have been feasting on my …

Pampas drifts

The pampas seeds blow on the wind Like snow Piling up in shallow drifts in corners and crevice Clinging to …

Possums

Possums are hungry and seem fond of apples We are catching a scavenger most nights…. lately mating season Luckily our …

Fruitfulness

A small box of mixed produce from Twisted Citrus deliciously ripe firm and ready to eat plumspears passionfruit grapefruitand avocados …