Birds

We had to go to a newer hardware store on Saturday because our regular store didn't have what we needed. It turns out the newer store had been open for 13 months!

On Sunday we went back to have a proper look at the newer store, Bunnings Warehouse, traveling up and down every single isle. Surprisingly, Meg is the one that enjoys surveying hardware stores! It's bigger, the staff are nicer, and it had some stuff we'd never seen in Nelson. The old store, Mega Store, has a nicer garden section and cafe, but we'll be back to Bunnings for hardware and wood.

While eating the fund-raiser (for school boy hockey team trip to Invercargill) hotdogs in the car, we noticed a lot of birds at the sports field across the road. In the pic, they look like white spec between the sign and the pole.

It's an Grey, Rainy Day

And we got nothing. Ben decided he isn't even going to try today, so he's putting up shelves in my stash room right now. I hope your Sunday is a bit sunnier and nicer.

Road

Baby Tui

Wave

in the distance...

Fern

Attracted by the water drop made by gentle rain.

Rain

A raining scene from the sunny Nelson. (About 6:00PM, yesterday)

Little House

Bench

A cosy bench at the front of kitchen entrance of the Melrose House. It's just behind the hill (right hand side) on previous house shot.

Evening Walk

Washed Away

At the Tahunaui Beach. A sand castle washing away by the tide. I wonder who made this fantastic castle. It's getting warmer for people to play at the beach.

Here is an example of different frame and different process.

Tamarillo

Our friend Ronette gave us some from her garden. Tamarillos, or tree tomatos, are gorgeous looking fruits, but don't let the good looks deceive you, they are terribly sour and bitter, best eaten stewed. Which is what I'm doing right now.

The first time we came across these were when we holidayed on the Cook Islands, before we moved to NZ. We bought six, washed them, and put then in a fruit bowel in our room. I couldn't help myself and bit into one, and it was so sour I shrunk 6 inches instantly. Not believing that was the way the fruit was supposed to taste, I picked up another one immediately. The rest went into the garbage.

A few years ago, I bought a bunch and made chutney with onion, chili and raisins. As usual, I didn't consult any recipes, but mysteriously I got spectacular results, but I've never been able to replicate it. I might give it another try this year.

Close Up

Close up to the some of lighting fixture.

Melrose House

Some inside feature. This is a skylight at top of the staircase.

Melrose House

This is one of the historic (heritage) building.
Reading from the plaque at entrance:
"Built circa 1876 for Charles F Watts Esquire. (John Scotland Architect) Gifted to the citizens of Nelson under the will of Noel Percy Adams."
... And ... this is why we were there...

Okaaaaaayyyy....

Trafalger SQ

Haroo Sushi

Owned/operated by a Korean couple, I think, but not bad at all. I prefer the rice a tad softer and vinegary, but great for affordable and healthy lunch. On Bridge Street.

Flax

I found this outside the Suter Art Gallery.

The Golden Boy

On Sunday, we had lunch with Trish at Morrison Street, then had a wee walk in Queens Gardens in the sun, and ended up with Callum's coffee at The Suter. In the Gardens, we noticed the fountain cherub had been painted gold, (must be newish, but not sure when,) which led us to have a closer look.

Trish started wondering what it is he's holding, and what it was around his leg. We know there's often tree stumps or cloth around sculpted leg for strength, but it wasn't entirely clear. Her verdict was a tree branch in his right hand, a towel wrapped around his leg and in his left hand!! To me, it looks like he was holding a torch first, but they cut the flame off and put a plate on his head.

Better interpretations, anyone?

Afternoon at The Queens Gardens II

Afternoon at The Queens Gardens I

Student Accommodation

Shot from my favorite seat at the Polytech Library and proof real life can be more amusing than a stack of art books, sometimes.

Extreme Language

No, I didn't have a cup.

Discovered Last Friday

No, I haven't seen the exhibition yet, but nice to find the book collection point for the big annual book fair to the right.

Magnolia

I thought the shapes looked like coral under the sea.

Lunch at the Suter

Our local public art gallery, The Suter, has a fabulous cafe which is open from 9AM to 4PM. The gallery from 10.30AM to 4.30PM (I think), so I like being dropped off 10-ish and have a nice cup of coffee before I do business. I swear Callum's coffee is one of the best in town right now. Last Friday Ben and I had a lunch date, and Ben, the fussy coffee connoisseur, approves. The meals and desserts are fabulous as well, and portions generous.

Oh, and they have a lovely gift shop with handwoven stuff and whatnot...

A Tight Fit

The home of bus-reversing champion?

Kayak In The Morning

At Tahunanui Beach.

Fountain - Night

Runner up as usual.

Theme Day: Night

From the hill, we can see almost entire town centre. Here you can see the city council building (clock tower) on the left to the cathedral on the right and beyond.
Turn the lens to left to see this.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Here is a another iconic place in Nelson at night.