I don't know what's sadder than a crippled butterfly that can't open it's wings? This poor bugger was unable to fly so I took it from flower to flower patiently waiting for it to feed before moving it to the next pollen laden feast. Shelley fed it sugared water that evening and it was still going strong the next day. Still frigging sad though. I hope what little we could do helped...
Bog sage grows profusely in late summer and autumn. Its untamed stalks twist through gardens and sway in the winds of early winter. They remind me of the wild origins of so many of the species we plant today. This photograph was taken with a terracotta bird feeder in the background. I love the rich contrast of colours - feels good enough to eat :-)
I am definitely in awe of the exuberant beauty of flowers. In fact, I have had to restrain myself from uploading more images from Shelley's garden. This was from my last visit in late summer.
The other member of the dynamic duo of cats myself and Shelley own. Cats are so good at relaxing - just watching them chill out is peaceful. Perhaps that is the secret to serenity...
There's nothing quite like Pasifika to say welcome to Aotearoa. The festival which is held in the height of summer has been going from strength to strength, and is a fantastic showcase for the Pacific peoples which have given New Zealand, and especially Auckland, such a distinctive character and culture. It always seems to be held on the hottest day in summer. It's crowded thoroughfares are packed with clothing and food stalls. Each Pacific nation has its own area where shows are performed regularly throughout the day. It's a great, but chaotic day out!
My apologies to my small and persistent legion of blog readers. It's been ages since I've updated my blog and I have much to post at least in terms of images. I hope the random (unseasonal) order in which my posts will appear it's not too disconcerting. Enjoy.
The names of the fallen are inscribed in marble on the highest floor of the War Memorial Museum. Poppies were tacked onto the walls by relatives and loved ones. The museum was crowded with people many coming to pay their respects and to remember New Zealand's sacrifice in lives. The casualties of the New Zealand forces overseas were tiny compared to countries such as France and Germany, but in a small country such losses had an enormous impact. It seemed appropriate to be visiting the museum on Anzac Day, and to be there with my godson, Louis, his father, Dylan and closest friend, Mark.
I haven't been to Auckland Zoo since they were a client of mine. It seemed like a good idea to take Emily, Mark and English cousin Elaine on such a trip. And it was! Even the Tuatara came out to play although the glass on his (her?) enclosure wasn't very accommodating from a photographers point of view. A fun sun drenched day marred only by my desire to feed the odd rug rat to one of the many delightful creatures that call Auckland Zoo their home :-)
Moments later the photographer had a nasty accident...
*snigger* read more
on Butterfly