A cat and numerous birds

Today I am joined by Lucy, asleep in the chair with the yellow cushion. Company on this oftentimes grey day. And outside, on the bird table, a collection of small feasting finches. Two, rather yellow in colour, are collectively known by me as The Yellow Peril. Mynas, of which there are a fair few, are, again, collectively known as The Bully Boys. Mynas are so strange, and I've decided that is, at least in part, because they walk rather than hop. Pukekos, of course, are also walkers, walking as if they were wearing flippers on their feet. I must say that I am pleased they have not again invaded the small bird territory and helped themselves to the food.

Photograph/Liz March

Cabbage roses

I received an email from Liz this morning. A photograph from her garden. A rose she described as giving her much pleasure. Well, I can see why. I always think of these roses as 'cabbage roses', due in large to their tight petal formation. Such a rose used to grace the front fence here. Originally from the far north, it had been taken by cutting from Kemp House, an 1800s early settler dwelling in Keri Keri . Its history fostering the romantic notion that it had been packed with special care by some modestly dressed English gentlewoman and transported onboard ship all away to New Zealand. Along with her nervous hopes for a good life in this far off land on the other side of the world.

Photograph/Liz March