Coming Up Close

We've passed the shortest day of the year and now we're nearly a third of the way through Winter. I don't think it's been as cold as it was last year at this time but I do need to buy some new ultra fluffy socks as the ones I have are a bit too thin. Linking up with Skywatch Friday :-)

Despite us having an overcast sun showery day today we still got out for our weekly beach walk. Wasn't too cold and the tide was out but I did get a couple of happy excited inquisitive dogs come up to us to say hi. The one in the distance had a big stick in his mouth he was trying to drag across the sand.... Linking up with Our World Tuesday ;-)

We have at least 3 days of cruddy Winter weather here right now so before it started to turn nasty I got out for one of my walks on Wednesday morning and took this photo of the gray sky with sun trying to peek through the clouds.  True hibernating time I think... Linking up with Skywatch Friday :-)

This morning after I pushed myself to get out walking again first thing (with frosty air coming out my nose) I happened to see a container ship in the distance coming into port. This one is called the Kota Lestari and it's originally come from Port Kelang then Singapore into Auckland then down here to Tauranga. It was moving very fast so I had to be quick in order to take a photo. Linking up with Our World Tuesday for this one :-)

Sooo right now it's been bitterly cold, the wind chill has me wrapped up in winter jerseys, my favourite scarf and beanie so I thought I'd share some photos of a wedding we attended over a year ago...in the Summer of 2015.  These photos were taken at Hamilton Gardens - in the Victorian Flower Garden to be exact. It was one of those humid sticky roasting Summer days we sometimes get. Hamilton Gardens is a huge area consisting of over 54 acres of public gardens for the public to visit and enjoy. It was first started in the 1960s and was originally a rubbish dump covered in blackberries. The wedding itself was held inside the actual Victorian greenhouse so there was loads of pretty colours to be amongst. Outside though there is a lily pond, specimen trees, lawns, formal gardens and curved walks. In the meantime I'll be wrapping up warmly here and dreaming of slightly warmer weather. Linking up with Skywatch Friday today :-)

Frosty mornings are here in the Bay of Plenty. Yesterday morning upon arriving at work I had on a woolen beanie, a woolen cardigan and a scarf and I still had frost coming out my nose. If you have a look in this photo, this is the route I take sometimes when I go for my morning walks. To the left is Mount Maunganui Social Club with it's quirky tables and chairs out the front and next to it is a tall tree which is like many others around town covered in knitted or crochet covers. Apparently a few years ago some of the knitters in Tauranga decided to get together and knit their hearts out. People could donate money towards some of their charities while voting for their favourite tree. Linking up with Our World Tuesday today :-)

We really do get some lovely skies here at the beach...Tuesday morning here's what I snapped as I walked down the main street. Sun trying to peep through the clouds, cargo ship moored in the distance and the reflection of the rays over the water - just perfect. Winter is here, the electric blanket is on the bed, sweaters and long pants are out of storage and the frosty air nips at my nose most mornings. But it's all good - I think after 2 years of being here I"m finally settling in. Linking up with Skywatch Friday :-)

This morning after pushing myself to get out for my morning walk with the frosty air nipping at my nose I took this photo of a bright pink Hibiscus flower after the rain overnight. Lucky I had warm clothes on and a scarf around my neck but I really must get myself a pair of woolen gloves. Linking up with Wednesday around the world :-)

Last Autumn I came to McLaren Falls Park by myself and caught plenty of colours with my camera. Winter must've hit early this year because when we drove up this morning there wasn't alot of red going on. Still, we got some great photos - the air was nippy but sunny and quite a few families around enjoying the scenery and feeding ducks plus campervans parked in places. I just love the feel the crunch of leaves under my feet as I take in the scenery and quietness. Linking up with Through the lens and Our World Tuesday :-)

2nd June - the 2nd day of Winter officially for us in New Zealand. Days are shorter and start to get darker around 5pm-ish. Last weekend we got out and about for some walking time. I took this shot of happy sheep, some shorn and some not enjoying the sunshine out by Okere Falls near Rotorua . I hope you're having fun wherever you :-) Linking up with Skywatch Friday .