ANZAC Day

Today is ANZAC day and in New Zealand and Australia it is a major holiday celebrated every year to mark the service of members of the armed forces who have served, fought and died for their country. ANZAC is the acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, the World War One army corp that fought in the Battle of Gallipoli.  They landed in Gallipoli on 25th April, 1915, thus that date became the date for ANZAC day - a day of remembrance and the anniversary of the first major military action fought  by both New Zealanders and Australians during the First World War. 

In Remembrance (and we MUST remember!) of those brave people who fought and died for our FREEDOM, I planted a Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac'  which seemed very appropriate.  We planted a red bottle-brush plant a few weeks ago, so it will be lovely to have a white one as well. 

It looks nice and healthy but is definitely ready to be planted.

I select a place to plant and start digging.

I think the hole is almost big enough.

There you go little Anzac bush.

I stand quietly for a couple of minutes in quiet contemplation for those ANZACs

Thank you for your service.

After planting the remembrance bush I go for a little stroll round the garden.

We have bluebells in the orchard.

I sit in one of the apple trees that is covered with ivy.

So nice up here.

The log store, all full for next winter.

Look at all this wood we collected!

The rosemary is in full flower.

It is way taller than me!

But very fragrant and full of bees which is good.

Back inside I change into something representing New Zealand.

Today is ANZAC day - We must remember.

My little white memorial cross given to me by 'Pop' in NZ a few years ago.

It is very special to us.

Please spare a few minutes today to remember those brave souls who fought for our liberty, freedom and rights... don't forget... we have much to be thankful for... but we mustn't give it all away, our ancestors didn't give up their lives for that to happen.

We must remember them.

Working in the Garden...What type of 'Holiday' is this?!

Hey, I don't call this a holiday, seems much more like hard work!  The only 'holiday' feeling about it is the wonderful weather and fabulous sea view I can see as I'm working...

Still I'm making good progress

Time for a breather to take in that view.  

Oops, sorry forgot to take a photo for you to see.

Now what next...is it time for a cuppa yet?

 

Henry shows Peggy Sue some insect life in New Zealand

So what do you think of Nan & Pop's place Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

It is lovely, replies Peggy Sue.  So warm!

Do you want me to show you round?  Henry asks.

Yes please.  Peggy Sue answers enthusiastically.

This is the fish pond, although there aren't any fish in it at the moment.  Nor frogs unfortunately.  Pop doesn't know why.  Henry tells Peggy Sue.

The lily is pretty.  Peggy Sue says to Henry.

It is a good size.  Henry agrees.  Do you want me to show you some other things?  But you got to promise you won't be too scared.

Sacred?  Peggy Sue asks.  Why would I be scared?  It is like paradise here.

Well...  Henry says...

Can you see up there?  It is a cicada shell.  Which is from an insect which is making all that loud noise you can here.  Mum says that it masks the usual sound in her ears that she says sounds like cicadas.

Peggy Sue gasps a little as she looks up.

Look here it is on my hand.  Don't worry there is no insect in there now, this is just the shell.  Henry reassures her and explains.

Here have a closer look, he says as he holds it out towards Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue is not at all sure, but tries to be brave...but then....

Look, this is a bush weta.  Henry shows Peggy Sue another insect he has on his hand.  It is much bigger than a cicada and has longer legs and a larger body.

Peggy Sue tries to stifle a gasp...it looks quite a scary insect.

Honestly, there is nothing to worry about.  Henry tells her.

Look, it is just sitting here on  my hand.

Peggy Sue isn't convinced and Henry is a little puzzled as to why she can't quite share his love of insects.

It really won't hurt you.  Henry tells her.

Henry leaves her for a while to get over her shock and goes for a wander to see what else he could find.

Oh, another cicada shell!

Henry takes a closer look.

Hey Henry, what have you found.  Peggy Sue calls out as Henry looks around.

Another cicada shell.  Henry tells her.  Come and have a look.

Peggy Sue walks up the hill towards Henry.

She kneels down to have inspect Henry's find.

Oh yes I can see it,  she says.  

Not scary at all is it Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

No, not really, and quite fascinating.  Peggy Sue agrees.

They have a look round to see if they can find a live one...

....they are successful and stand and watch it for a while making its chirping sound.

Helen's Visit: Playing!

Race you Helen!

Whoa, not too fast...I'm still a bit wobbly on here Henry.

Really?  I thought you had ridden a bike before Helen?

Well I think it must have been a long time ago Henry or this bike is a lot bigger than I am used to.

Eventually Helen gains her confidence and we have a fun bike ride.  

After the bike ride Helen enjoys the swing chair.

All we need now is an ice cream!

We look for frogs...

Look there is one!  Helen points out.

Isn't he cute?

I bet Rory is thrilled about all the baby frogs in here.

He sure is!

We watch the frogs for a bit longer, before going to find Rory to tell him about the latest frogs we saw.

How many?  He asks.

We saw at least three baby frogs and several 'almost frogs'  We tell him.  Discussing frogs with Rory is always a good ploy if you want him to do something else as well.

We manage to talk a reluctant Rory into being an umpire for our quotes game.

Yeah!  I got the bulls eye.  Yells Helen.

How did you manage that?

I'm just super good at throwing!  Helen tells me.

Rory looks intently...he is sure there wasn't any cheating going on...

Seems Helen won fair and square.

Rory is pleased...he can go and check on his frogs and tadpoles now.