I was uncharacteristically disciplined today. No play before work and chores complete. The Bassets said I was a total bore and since the sun was shining they wanted out to play. In truth I was just putting off the inevitable first click with the new camera. The... I can’t help but think of Fantastia every time I see a red cap toadstool. I have expect them to don a chinese coolie hat and start dancing through the Kaitoke forest. Plain fantasy I know but it helps to let the mind go wild after the intensity of coaching... Companionship is an important part of life. And this is just so in the kitchen garden where the carrots have been making friends with Marigolds. These are orange beacons amongst the predominant greens and as well as bringing colour to the garden they’ve kept... The passing of the seasons is something I have come to appreciate more as I get older so I’m pleased we planted deciduous trees in our garden. It’s a welcome blast of colour against the backdrop of native bush. Their full autumn fanfare won’t... Just as I was starting to despair at the onset of autumn as the first step towards winter I was reminded of the wonderful colours to come over the next few weeks. These trees line the Hutt River and are a barometer of the changing seasons. 