The 3 of us had a walk in the bush last night and Brian showed me why these huge ferns are called silver ferns . . if you shine a light up under the leaves - they turn silver. Beautiful.  So - here I am in New Zealand. At the moment I am staying with my friends Alysn and Brian Midgelow Marsden on the Tawharanui Penninsula, just inside the Tawharanui National Park over looking Christian Bay.   Kotare House It is a beautiful house with incredible views of the sea in the front of the house and the bush behind. The weather can be a bit like where I live in Ireland, 4 seasons in 1 day. But generally there is a lot less rain!!! Alysn runs an Airbnb from the house, if ever you are traveling on the North Island, I can't recommend this place enough - check it out. Kakariki Room in Kotare House    View over Christian Bay.      View over the bush with Brian terraced raised beds. The planting around the house is very exotic.    

In the garden, a joint quilt by Wilma and Beth. Well I'm here, though it is hard to believe, until I hear the call/croaks of the birds ans see all the beautiful flora and fauna. The flights were great, all on time with great service. I am starting to feel the right way up - though I am waking up as bright as a button at 3am. Hopefully that will get later as the days wear on. I have just returned from seeing a fabulous and very colourful exhibition at The Q Gallery, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. The work is by Wilma Cawley and Beth Miller. This is the first time I have posted the blog from my IPad. I am still learning how to use it, so please forgive the odd layout. I can't work out how to centre things. . . . .  Over the last few days I have been ferried about by the wonderful Robyn Duncan who is my hostess while I am in Canberra. Nothing is too much trouble, we are having a great time.  Robyn knows Wilma and was also keen to see the exhibiti