Coming Up Close

  Some more unique photos from our Fiji holiday about 5 years ago. We were wandering about Sigatoka one particular day and I noticed this street market. We were here in Winter but the daily average temperature was in the 20s (celsius) and the locals were selling their food. This one was part of the market but it was inside this warehouse. Lots of local vegetables and fruits. This was something I didn't recognize but I was later told it was called a " Bitter Melon " which has a long history as being used in traditional medicine but it is a member of the Squash family where it is often stir fried, used in soups or stuffed. Linking up with  Tuesday Treasures ,  Happy Tuesdays  and  Wordless Wednesday .

  Last week after a hair appointment I wandered around the 2 main streets of Greymouth to see if any other shops had their Christmas decorations up. This one selling posh household wares had their tree up in the window, if you can just see the top of it then you might see my reflection also in the window. I read a few days ago about someone on Facebook having a digital/social media break. I think this is going to be important to me so my goal for the rest of the year is to spend less time online. I think it can become too much involved in life. Linking up with  Weekend Reflections ,  The Weekend Roundup   and   Mosaic Monday .

  Much of November so far here has been overcast with the odd sunny day but mostly cloudy with showers of rain - so not very interesting for example today we have thunderstorms forecast. We are hoping that come December the skies and temperatures will be a lot more warmer.  I've just about finished filling up a Christmas box for my only grandchild who lives in Auckland. Last time I put in goodies like play doh and a kids kitchen toaster - this time there is a pretend pizza for her kitchen, a chef's outfit, butterfly wings and books. There seem to be so many things to buy for kids these days, more of a selection than what I had back in the day. Linking up with  Skywatch Friday  and  Tom's Signs .

  Another photo from the Fiji archives - 5 years ago. These sculptured faces were placed among most of the gardens within the resort we stayed at. I think they show the indigenous history of the Pacific Islands. I'd love one for my garden.  Linking up with  Tuesday Treasures ,  Happy Tuesdays  and  Wordless Wednesday .

  This fish mural suddenly showed up on one of the bumps at the local skatepark yesterday. I have no idea who the artist is but it's nice to see some colour among the grey cement. Linking up with Monday Murals  and  Mosaic Monday .

  Spring has really hit here in New Zealand/Aotearoa. We are having alot more sunny warm days which means I can get outside into the garden more but we are also getting the odd rainy day. Unfortunately this photo is a wee bit blurred but this dog didn't have to wait under the entrance very long for his owner to come out of the shop in town. Thank you for the helpful hints about dealing with sciatic pain. At the moment it comes and goes - one minute it feels like it's getting better and the next it's not but so far the only thing helping is a hot water bottle. Some of the medication that has been suggested in comments is not available here. Linking up with  Weekend Reflections  and  The Weekend Roundup .