PADDY'S PICKS FOR MAY

PADDY'S PICKS FOR APRIL - SOMETHING COLORFUL

SHARON'S PICKS FOR APRIL - SHARON THE BIRTHDAY GIRL

I was trying to find a photo of just you alone but I wanted one of you not only looking beautiful but looking happy as well and had to include someone who mean't a lot to you (your family) so Happy Birthday sis, hope you have a great day.

PADDY'S PICKS FOR APRIL - SIMILAR

Same use (candle holder), same color, same pattern, different shape.

YUMMIE FEIJOAS AND CAPSICUM SPREAD

Capsicums are very abundant at the moment so today I made a Capsicum spread which is yummie with cream cheese and crackers. I thought I got this recipe from you Jacky but you don't remember it so maybe I didn't. Anyway here is the recipe and I did double the quantity. It didn't seem to thicken up so I added some cornflour.

Capsicum Spread
2 large capsicum chopped finely
3 tbspn sundried tomatoes
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cloves garlic
Simmer until thick and put in container.

We were so lucky Peter's friend has a beautiful feijoa tree and last Friday brought around a huge bag around So today I stewed about half of them to put in the freezer. I know you girls must miss them as they are harder to get over there aren't they. Mind you if you buy them in the shops here (which I refuse to do as they fall off the ground in a lot of peoples home trees) and they are very expensive.

JACKY'S PICKS FOR APRIL - MORE PURPLE

These fancy auburgenes were taken a couple of weeks ago at the conservatory.

SHARON'S PICK FOR APRIL - OLD HOUSE

This is Ellyme cottage in Parnell. It was open to the public today but my leg was sore so I just took some outside shots. The three posts in the front are a bit distracting but it shows it from another angle.

PADDY'S PICK FOR APRIL - HIDDEN IN THE GARDEN

My vegetable garden has bolted away and my pour buddha is hidden in the background. This is the second time I have planted Kale and the first time was in pots and didn't do very well. This time has done well.

PADDY'S PICKS FOR APRIL - FRINGE

Now that's what I call a shaggy fringe. I am still not able to get out so this is out of my file. Isn't he cute, must annoy him as far as affecting what he can see with his fringe so long.

SHARONS PICKS FOR APRIL - SINGLE FLOWER

This very unusual flower was taken yesterday at the conversatory in the Domain. It stood very proud in the entrance. I love the detail and patterns. I think it is part of the carnivorous family and I overheard someone say that the bugs fall into the flower and then die but not sure if this is the flower they were talking about. These photos aren't enhanced afterwards but sometimes I find it hard to get the lighting right. I am also having trouble seeing through my viewfinder and have to work out on my computer and to change the focus  from the screen to the eye piece.

JACKY'S PICKS FOR APRIL - PURPLE

Today I needed to get out of the house so we went to the Conservatory in the Domain. They had some fantastic unusual tropical plants and vegetables. These beautiful water lillies had lights above them and I was fortunate to capture a beautiful light reflection.

This was taken at the lavender farm. There are so many shades of lavender from very light purple to dark purple. This is Peter's favorite flower which I learned that Lavender is the language of love and also many healing qualities and is used in a lot of cosmetic products. I like it too but don't like it when it dies off.