Monthly Archives: May 2024

One serene afternoon, following a heavy rain that had swept across the North Island, the sun gently caressed the damp ground, illuminating the fallen leaves. The wild weather had passed, leaving behind a calm anticipation for the impending cold season. 

The sight of the leaves, a kaleidoscope of colours strewn in a seemingly random pattern, was a breathtaking spectacle, a vibrant testament to the artistry of nature’s palette. 

Leaving the fallen leaves to bask in the sun’s warmth, they gradually transform into compost, ready to nourish our vegetable and flower gardens. And there’s Ben, our playful pup, leaping into the pile of leaves with unbridled joy. 

Our two other dogs walking around and sniffing the rabbit’s scents on the ground. 

Rabbits are busy collecting scrap of food, grasses, rotten vegetables, and fruits in the garden. 

Plenty of wood was stored in the barn, which is ready for our home’s fire heating. 

Hark, it is only May going into June, and the winter is not here. 

“Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.” Muhammed Ali

This morning, on my way out from the Hamilton City Council, where I was teaching staff to learn our language—NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language)—it was a beautiful, chilly morning with sunshine basking the golden, yellow, and brown leaves on the ground. Oh boy, it was a cold morning after leaving our home in Eureka, and it was 3°. 

 One of the staff told me that Hamilton City was 1°. Ouch! 

“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love — that makes life and nature harmonize.” — George Eliot

I reflected on the past videos, especially those by Hamilton Lake/Lake Rotoroa, during the lockdown. Here are the video and photos.