Category: Seasons

Breathtaking Sunrise


We had rain, rain and more rain the whole week.

Thursday morning I opened my curtains just before six am. The sky was breathtaking, I had to take some photos.

6 am still dark but awesome
half an hour later

    Spring indeed!


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    Trompie agrees with the spring idea.

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    Kowhai tree

    Kōwhai (Māori pronunciation: [kɔːɸai] or [kɔːfai]) are small woody legume trees within the genus Sophora that are native to New Zealand. There are eight species, with Sophora microphylla and S. tetraptera being the most recognised as large trees. Their natural habitat is beside streams and on the edges of forest, in lowland or mountain open areas.[1] Kōwhai trees grow throughout the country and are a common feature in New Zealand gardens. Outside of New Zealand, kōwhai tend to be restricted to mild temperate maritime climates.

    The blooms of the kōwhai are widely regarded as being New Zealand’s national flower,[2] although they have no official status as such.[3]

    The word kōwhai is also used in the Māori language for the colour yellow, because of the colour of the flowers.[4]

    The spelling kowhai (without a macron) is common in New Zealand English.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dwhai

    Another toadstool!


    Last three to four weeks we had unusual weather. It was still just over 20 degrees C which is quite hot for this time of year. We also had a lot of rain too.   The warm weather brought two cyclones. Cyclone Debbie was the first one and less than a week it was followed by cyclone Cook. Debbie did not reach us in the lower North Island but cyclone Cook brought heavy rain and strong winds.  People were asked to put their long weekend arrangements on hold because some roads were expected to wash away, slips could also occur.

    As soon as the weather cleared again I found more toadstools popping out. I found these on the lawn on the roadside.

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