Early Morning Gem

Now that family have left our shores to return to Berlin, Germany, we are settling back to situation normal. We miss them, that particular precious branch of our ever-growing family tree. However, we have other branches closer at hand to enjoy, which helps ease the ache of absence.

And we have our memories of an amazing couple of months. And images, both mental and in digital form. (I have also printed out family group photos and grandchildren cutie-pie pics for albums ... you cannot beat the real thing when it comes to photos - or books for that matter).

Here are some memories of a trip south we made to my birthplace, Orepuki, Western Southland:

Gemstone beach keeps Orepuki on the tourist trails ... I remember as a kid keeping on our bedroom window sill, jam jars full of water to keep my stash of gemstones bright and colourful - until an algae-green sludge smothered their attraction and I had to throw them out again, allowing the rain and air to keep them instead.

My son and I treated ourselves to a sunrise visit to the beach. Magical.

Back at the place where we stayed, we exhibited our hoard on the outside table.

I recently ordered and duly received, a beautiful book from Britain. 

I guess it's a universal thing, this thing I have for stones. (I'd include shells and beach glass).