Travelled over to North Shore, Auckland yesterday (Sunday) and had a look around Mt Victoria and North Head, 2 extinct (we hope) volcanoes with amazing views of the city and Rangitoto, the volcanic island in the harbour. Stood on the roof of the folk club but didn't fall in. More birds added to the list, including a red beaked gull that tried to eat the car.

Today it's raining (well, it is Autumn here) and grey, but still warm out - to us anyway!

Mother has improved somewhat since we saw her on Wednesday and Friday... she was sitting up for a while and we had a good chat. She's still frail but is on a high energy drink that will give her strength. I appear to have acquired her larger cross stitch pieces as she's no longer able hold the frame up, but she's still got plenty to do when she feels well enough. Don't tell Manitas - he thinks there's far too much in the house already. Don't let him know either that we're probably going to a shop devoted to quilt making... I could spend a week and a large fortune in one of those places!!

Well, must away and get Limpit into the shower.

LTS