Bird's Nest...

Whilst doing the evening stroll around the orchard We noticed that a bird had made its nest in one of our Crabapple trees. It wasn't long until the eggs hatched to reveal the fledglings. It won't be long until they have flown the nest, or until the Crabapples are ready for making jelly.

February has flown past - Happy 'leap year day'.
See you tomorrow for the first in our Manly March series.

Manly March...

In ancient Rome, March was the first month of the year and was named Martius after Mars (Ares), the god of war. In Italy, March was the first month of Spring, and was the logical point for the beginning of the new year (and the start of military campaigns). January became the first month of the calendar year either under King Numa Pompilius (713 BC), or under Decemvirs, about 450 BC (Roman authors differ).

The numbered year began on March 1 in Russia until the end of the 15th century. Great Britain and her colonies continued to use March 25 until 1752, which was when they ultimately adopted the Gregorian calendar.

The god Mars embodied masculinity, virility, and a passions for war (ultimately directed towards lasting peace). This March I shall be posting the Manly March series, dedicated to the masculine lifestyle (nb: masculine ≠ thuggery, rednecks or other borish stereotyping).

Deco Debriefing...

Well, it was a great weekend. Well organised and well attended - as you can see, heaps (well over half of the people there) were in 1930-40s attire. Two Cruise ships had come in that day, bringing with them over 4000 tourists as well. Here is a pictorial synopsis of the weekend...

The day kick started at noon with the annual parade of vintage cars...

The motors provided a stunning backdrop for fashionable flappers and the dashingly dapper alike...

There were some traditional takes on Deco fashions...

and some not so traditional ones...

During the festivities, the armed forces put on several displays and performed ceremonial duties...

and military outfits were de rigeur for some...

Then the Red Checkers put on an amazing display of Aerobatics during their airshow...

They were flying mainly over the bay, I guess for safety.

The beach itself was lovely, with a clean blue sea and a display of yet more vintage automobiles...

And the amateur photographers were out in force (myself included)...

There was a swing band, called Brett's New Internationals. They were really good. Unfortunately they don't have an albumn out, but I really think they should...

During the day I became fascinated with the vintage hood ornaments / car mascots..

I can remember seeing Lalique car mascots years ago on the BBC Antiques road show and being wowed at the time. So in the afternoon I decided to make a study of some of the 200 bonnets on show. Here is a selection of my efforts...

There were also quite a few vitage motorcycles on display...

and even some traction engines...

We stayed with friends who offer boutique accomodation on the bluff hill overlooking Napier. They also run a great wine tour company called Vines and Views. Definitely the friendliest and best value tour of the Hawkes Bay Viticulture tours, run by Ross, who has worked in the viticulture industry for years.