Steve's tree is standing upright again

With lots of talent, two hours of work and two assistants, friend and neighbour Guy Bowden put the puriri tree upright again, supported now by three wire guys. We've decided not to prune it yet. Guy and his wife Sandra own the native plant nursery nearby and he knows New Zealand native plants and trees. He is hopeful the tree will survive because puriri are so hardy. His assistants, daughter Hanna and me, mostly watched in awe although we were able to help with forming the padding around the wire and Hanna had a good go at sawing down the guy pegs. Everyone please say a prayer, novena, chant or whatever for Steve's tree. Major was there giving us moral support. Sorry about the photos being back to front, but I am still getting the hang of posting on this blog. If you are interested in native New Zealand plants, please see Guy and Sandra's web pages at Tawapou.co.nz. Great photos and great reading.

What a Storm!

Last night it blew and blew--gusts up to 130 kilometers, we think (my wind gage isn't working). It's still blowing today but not as hard. Sadly, the gusts blew over our beautiful puriri tree which was planted in memory of our Godson's father, Steve. We are hoping that we can prune it back and stake it back up for new life to come. We can't do anything until the wind stops blowing so as not to damage its roots anymore than they have been damaged. We also lost some branches off other trees and shingles off the roof. There is plenty of work to do tomorrow! In the meantime, we are watching the huge swells crash on the rocks.

Ronald's rainbow

Yesterday was the second anniversary of Ronald's passing. A few friends and I went down to the point to lay fresh flowers where his ashes are and suddenly it started to rain, just as it did on the day of his Memorial Service. And then as we walked back to the house the most amazing rainbow appeared, just as it did on the day I wrote on the Carepage that he had passed. Coincidences? I don't think so. Here is Ronald's rainbow.

More photos from the USA

I'm a bit tardy but here are more photos from my trip to the USA. Above is my Aunt Orel reading to her great grandson Ronnie and Dad and me at his home, both photos by cousin Ron. Below are my photos: Brad with Ginger; Dad and his new car; dinner at the Tuscan Table in Circleville with cousin Ron, wife Milisa and son Ronnie, Dad and Marilyn.