When I first stayed with Shell and Robin Alexander in Indianapolis, USA in 2004, they had a very young Yorkie named Toby. He took a liking to me from the start and would sit on my knee and come up to me at the table. When I next arrived to stay in Coatesville in 2010, he was pleased to see me and had not forgotten me. Likewise the last time I saw him in 2014. What a dear little dog!
Sadly he has passed away. Goodbye old pal!

Remembering Pat.

My great friend and soulmate Pat died twenty weeks ago today. He was a great gardener and loved the New Zealand native bush. He always found walking in the bush a source of peace as well as energy. Some Mondays he would go to the wetlands in Pauatahanui to plant fledgling trees with the Forest and Bird Society people. He planted all the native plants and trees here at 117 Holborn Drive in the fenced off area. Bindi, my cat loves to look over the area from the garden shed roof.
Pat had a vegetable garden of his own and grew such vegetables as carrots, parsnips, courgettes, turnips, pumpkin, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, beans, silver beet, spinach and tomatoes. One year he grew quinoa and amaranth. He did not realise how tall they would grow!!