Happy New Year

I've been lucky with the weather here in Tauranga. Only rained on a couple of days and, until today, hit has been a pleasant 20-22c. Today (Dec 31) it is at 25c and sunny.

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The photo above is of dear Dad pruning the Port Wine bush. Yes that is a chimney pot to his left. Dad has wired it up with a light inside! This is part of their back garden.

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I've just had my first haircut in a year. Soooo much lighter on the bonce. Dear Mum's friend, the lovely Heide, cut it for me. Heide's cat is even fatter than my 7 kilo Zebby!

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Super best wishes for the New Year, I hope 2009 is a kind and happy year for you all.

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(haven't forgotten to post about xmas dindins - just haven't got to it yet. Hey, been busy watching the cricket test over in Melbourne. South Africa not only Beat Australia but also won the test series. We are very happy with the result!)

Merry Christmas Folks

It has been a beautiful, laid back celebration this year. We've all been wearing shorts and short sleeved tops with bare feet. Thankfully it hasn't been sweltering though - About 22c max.

We've eaten well without feeling stuffed! It didn't rain and, best of all, the 7 hour lamb was a great hit. Will post more tomorrow including piccies of the lamb - making the most of access to dear Dad's digital camera.

Dear Mum has had a wonderfully relaxed day - I very happily did all the cooking.

Hope your day is peaceful and as full on or relaxed as you want it to be.

Huggles to all from Mickle minus Zebbycat - he is holidaying at his vet's cattery while I'm up in Sunny Tauranga

Dear Dad, Happy Birthday for the 16th

Dear Dad, I hope you have a wonderful Birthday tomorrow, December 16th.

Sit back , relax and enjoy your day.

No need to hide - I don't get up to your place until next week!

I promise I wont come up with any more daft/clever ideas like "why don't you cut down that silly little fence?". Or if I do you have every reason to call me names and ignore my suggestions.

Will bring your present up with me on the 23rd . Looking forward to cooking for you and Mum, and enjoying your company.

Zebby-cat sends purrumbles - relax, he wont be coming up with me.

See you soon, love and huggles, Mickle xxxxx

Grateful Thanks for Awards - My First!

I've been very tardy acknowledging this. Apologies to Stephen Bess over at http://civileyes.blogspot.com/ , he gave me this international award a wee while back. Then Debs Lehner,at http://lehnersinfrance.blogspot.com/ (only they're back in the UK) gave it to me recently as well. I was stunned and humbled to receive this from two incredible bloggers that I very much admire. Thank you kindly Stephen and Debs.

Debs kindly added this as well - superior scribbler? Deb's has yet to see how incredibly messy my handwriting is - How did you guess, Debs? Seriously I'm very honoured as I don't find writing comes easily to me.

Summer here? - it has been raining now for 9 hours. (And yes, I've yet to get my head around setting up links).

Have a happy Monday folks, there is 2 & 1/2 hours left of it here in Wellington

The New Zealand Christmas Tree

The Pohutukawa Tree.

It flowers just in time for Christmas.

I saw the first flowers out on a tree on Friday.

The flowers vary from scarlet to deep, dark red.

The trees form multiple trunks which make them great for climbing,

only don't try this when they're flowering - the pollen will have you itching all over!