Birthday Labradors LOVE balloons ...

I don’t know who said this, but it’s so applicable at this moment in time.

“When everything is falling down around you, I’ll surround you. I know you’ll shine!”

Rainbows filling my world again.

It was the hound’s birthday yesterday ... she’s a whole 3 years old! That means I’ve been in this amazing country for almost 3 years ... that’s freaky .... and a little scary!! 

It’s a timely reminder of how important it is to live each and every minute and to enjoy whatever it is you’re doing ... or at times, NOT doing. To NOT be “doing anything” can be such fun too!!! 

Our ramble yesterday, as is usual on Fridays, was a little later - it gave me time to fasten a birthday ribbon around the hound’s collar and gather up her balloons for the beach. She just LOVES balloons ... and I LOVE watching her antics when she’s got one. I had thought she’d be scared of them but she isn’t ... she thinks they’re marvelous!  One minute it’s here and she’s trying to get her teeth into it ... and the next minute it’s gone ... and she has this confused look on her face ... it’s classic!! BALLS that POP!

We took 5 balloons to Ladies Bay but only 4 made it there still in one piece ... she managed to pop one as we left the house, 3 more got popped on the beach and she kept one to show Indy what she does with them, when we met him and Julia and Anna at the view site ... Anna being the 7 year old daughter of Julia’s cousin. 

Our ramble yesterday was a long one - it had to be to make up for not being able to ramble today. She chastises me with woeful eyes when I have to leave early for a market ... talk about sending me on a guilt trip .... she’s an expert at it!

It was beautiful on the beach yesterday

I really enjoy the Parnell market, even WITH the early start ... I get to PEOPLE WATCH .... and it’s one of my favourite past-times. Sales weren’t great but the compliments were flying ... praise of my photography and of what I create ... and of the visual display of the table. I could bask in all that praise for hours!!  One elderly gentleman stood in front of the table for well over 10  minutes ... when I asked if I could help him with anything, his reply was “No thank you, I just want to wallow in it  - your work is beautiful”.  I could have kissed him!

Would you believe it .... I met ANOTHER lovely couple from SA! What is is with markets and meeting people from SA ... I love it!

Next Saturday I get to participate in the Crafternoon Tea market ... I’m so looking forward to that one.  It’s a bustling vibrant artsy market with lots of variety and originality .... a sensory overload for the eyes!

One of my favourite views ... my bay with Rangitoto in the background

This weekend’s been a great one so far - it got off to a really good start with my Sharks beating the Blues here in Auckland. We went with Carol and Pete to watch the game ... it was awesome! I’m not sure what was more fun ... watching the game - and it was a tense one .... or watching Carol’s reaction to what was happening in the game! She was on the edge of her seat - hands over eyes at times .... she desperately wanted the Sharks to win ... and win they did!

I had a brief moment of sympathy for the Blues and Pete ... they had moments of brilliance and deserved the points they got ... but it was fleeting .... SHARKS rule!!!