Home again for the 'big, wonderful and very happy day'

What a fabulous, happy, relaxed occasion, surrounded by Mark, David, Emma and her family and their friends. Perfect organisation and even the weather decided to change from the bitterly cold days prior to the wedding, to a very acceptable temperature, dry and pleasant. Certainly better than the torrential rain, thunder and lightning Jim and I had when we married, also in August, but in the northern hemisphere when August weather ahould be okay!

It was such a fun, relaxed affair, even the ceremony itself. david did well with the reading and Mark and Emma looked as if they enjoyed giving their vows. They both looked stunning!

Their entrance for the reception was magnificent and the feast we ate afterwards was delicious.

I was very pleased with my mother- of- the-bride dress which my friend Pam had made for me. It was so comfortable and great for dancing in.

David looked fantastic in his suit, as did all of Mark's fabulous school mates, who had spent so much time at our home at Ryeland Avenue. It was marvelous to see them again, and we obviously all felt thrilled to see one another. What a lot of huge hugs we enjoyed that day!


It was all over far too fast. We had a great get together with Emma's family the day after, and a very informal drink and pizza with friends from overseas before they left. It was great to be a part of it all.
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Christchurch! What a gorgeous place. Despite the building going on everywhere still, there are magical things to see, whether it be the stunning wall murals around the city, or the magnificent Botanical Gardens. I have been there so often, watching them changing at an incredible speed. The daffodil lawns are very special. I have been away for so many years and never been back early enough to see springblossoms and blooms. Spectacular, even when they are just starting.

The snowdrops were stunning, carpeting the banks of the River Avon.

This seat, made of broken china is in the middle of the daffodil lawn. A reminder of the quakes which changed so many lives in Fwbruary 2011.

What a joy it is to see the families of ducks and ducklings walking amidst the shadows. So cute, but sadly rather vulnerable. I fear that there will not be such a large family there when I next visit.

The magnolia trees are spectacular, particularly with the superb deep blue skies behind them. It is a tremendous spring, cold in the morning, but clear and sunny during the day.

Time for lunch in one of my favourite cafes, Antigua Boatsheds, beside the River Avon. Max, the resident cat is looking a little old now, but is totally relaxed despite the constant attention he receives.

Sometimes, he just likes to look around a bit! What a treasure!

It was great to have an evening with my great friends  Liz and Brian at their gorgeous home , with its incredible views over Akaroa Harbour and out to the Heads. Good company and a fantastic feeling of being away from city life, waking to the sound of the bellbirds amongst the native bush. Lovely.

Now I have got used to living alone again( it seemed a bit strange at first),I am really enjoying catching up with many of my friends for walks, cafe stops, movies and tennis. Christchurch has so much to offer provided you keep your  eyes and ears open!