Well this is kind of an anticlimax……I took these photo’s on the last day of the year (two days ago!)…..then went away for a couple of days and ‘left’ them on the home computer. Also in my defence the 3g Network was dreadful at Whanga and I did try and upload a different photo using the WordPress App on both the iphone and iPad and no luck. So anyway, this is it. The 365 Year over. A HUGE thank you to Allanah King whose on going comments, encouragement and inspiration have kept me going with what at sometimes (in the depths of sunless wintery days!) seemed like a ‘never ending journey’. Over the year I have become more aware of the photographic ‘moment’ or opportunity and have enjoyed learning the in’s and out’s of operating an SLR camera. I have discovered that I have a passion for Macro Flora photography and plan to enjoy lots more of it in the future!

This is the first present my teenage son has ever bought me with his own money, with no prompting and absolutely no ‘support’ (eg I usually buy them and tell him where I’ve hidden it!).

The photo doesn’t do it justice. It is mounted in a black 3d frame with a red boarder…..the funny bit is he took his 50 hard earned dollars to town (told me later he planned on spending $10 on me and the rest on him!). He saw this in a local gift shop…..liked it……then the saleswoman showed him the switch on the side and that was it, $49.95 later, money all gone. It has a series of tiny LED lights mounted inside the frame and the whole thing shines with a glowing light – just gorgeous.

Doesn’t every little girl just wish she had a magic wand?

Especially a sparkly diamond and jewel encrusted one!

And the verdict……..defiantly not Red…..maybe a very dark Pink?

Not that disappointed though because it has been really intriguing watching the ‘white’ buds slowly turn to a red colour,  then burst out……they almost seem to get darker in colour each day. The perfume is just amazing, I put them right at the door to our courtyard and in the path of the BBQ (where hopefully we will spend the majority of our evening meals at!).

I can see why Lilies are Kim’s favourite flower!

Nurturing a love of books…….

This is an ‘old’ photo I took in Christchurch not long after the Earthquake. I’ve just been playing round with a couple of apps and then iphoto…..

I want to get back on track so that I can finish with a flurry…….not long to go now. Will post today’s photo later and then I’m all caught up.

I think there is something spooky about Magpies – maybe they remind me of all the Crows I have since in Horror movies in days gone by. I must be too old now cause I won’t watch them…..they scare the ba-geebers outta me! This one wasn’t scaring anyone mind you cause it was dead (on the golf course……wonder if it got a ball to the head?)……

Garlic and Parsley Prawns on the Barbie – YUM.

I know I’ve posted a few today but I’m playing Christmas catch-up!

These are four of my favourite Hibiscus flowering in the garden today.

Christmas Sparkles courtesy of my gorgeous husband (and Michael Hill of course!).