August 11, 2024

Special Birthdays

Ramona celebrates her 96^th birthday on August 11.  We’re honored to be part of this amazing woman’s family.

Debbie Crane celebrates her birthday this week.  I’ll never reveal her age.  However, it’s one thing we share in common.  

Well-loved Uncle Matt enjoys an August birthday.  He’s flanked by his brothers Jeff and Kevin with nephew Trevor on his left. 

Are we in the desert again?  This unusual bloom stands out in a xeriscape landscaped yard near the entrance to Shakespeare Park.

The rolling hills of Shakespeare Regional Park.  We spend five days a week in an office, so we explore our surroundings every Saturday. 

 

The silver backed fern, a symbol of New Zealand.  The Māori believe the fronds stand for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power.  Apparently, the undersides reflect moonlight, making them useful if navigating pathways at night.  We see them used on clothing and in every souvenir shop.

We hiked up and down the beautiful farm-like hills.  Rick feels perfectly at home in such settings.

Not Kiwi birds, but fun to watch.

The beautiful waterfall splashes serenely in a secluded part of the park.

Yarbroughs, Smiths, Tanners, Saunders, Rick and I met at Wild Fire restaurant in downtown Auckland to bid farewell to the Saunders.  The menu is similar to The Rodizio Grill, with a lot of meat choices.  The company provided the best part of the evening.

Sister Hillier’s husband serves with the Area Presidency.  They attended important meetings in Papua New Guinea last week.  So, we played hooky and headed to Hamilton for a Wednesday afternoon session.   I drove the car, and she provided all navigation.  There are countless round-abouts.   It does take two to navigate the roads here.  We made a fine team, and I enjoyed becoming better acquainted with this amazing sister. 

I enjoy every opportunity to visit the beautiful New Zealand Temple.  As we drove home later that evening, the scaffolding-free Auckland Temple lights illuminated the freeway.  We look forward to its dedication.