Christmas at "Headlands"

Major made out like a bandit this Christmas. I did well too, including this wonderful new picnic table for the beach presented by Julia and Mark.

Julia, Mark and Major at the beach with the new table.

Karyn's present to be opened.

It squeeks!



Ann and Bob wrap carefully but I'm getting there.



Another sock bunny from Bob!



New vegie garden



I love my raised bed vegie gardens near the house, but I wanted to grow more than space permitted. The sea conditions are not conducive to digging up more lawn for vegies so I chose a spot in the wetland paddock that we long ago closed to grazing to regenerate native bush.  I wanted a bigger garden for corn, beans, pumpkins, onions and potatoes. My friend Lizzie did all the heavy work, tilling up the hard clay. I helped with loads of compost and cattle pads and friend Kerry delivered three trailer loads of top soil which we forked into the newly fed and broken up clay. Since rabbits and birds abound in the wetland paddock, extreme protection was warranted, as you will see.

My raised bed vegie garden in the home paddock.

New garden in the wetland paddock fenced and ready for planting.

All planted!



All protected!



And growing!



First Monarch of the Summer

I'm rescuing Monarch caterpillars when I find them. Here is the new hatchery--a bird cage my friend Liz donated to the cause and helped me cover in fabric to keep the caterpillars in. So far only one caterpillar has been rescued and hatched, but the season is young!


Old bird cage is a new Monarch hatchery.

He/she flew into the Lacy Oak and blended right in!

Adventuresome guests

Eliza and Kathryn stopped at "Headlands" during their bike tour of New Zealand from top to bottom. Here they are departing Ngunguru.

Paradise Ducks

The Paradise ducks that breed in the little reservoir at "Headlands" were back this year: seven new additions to the family!