To start the year

It was not my intention to post another heron. However, I woke too late this morning to take a morning run.

S and I (and daughter J) had a quiet evening last night, reading, doing puzzles and generally relaxing. Until 15 - 20 minutes to midnight and the change of the year, when I poured myself a glass of Glenlivet French Oak Finish, J a glass of Laphroaig, and S a glass of Selaks Gewurtztraminer/Reisling dessert wine. We then went out to the cliff edge to toast the New Year. A number of our neighbours had saved fireworks from the 5th of November (the only time citizens are allowed to buy fireworks in NZ), and were letting them off.

We were enjoying the cool night air and the stars and the general feeling of celebration from around us. And then, as the year changed, an organised fireworks display began from near the northern end of Snells Beach. Same as last year. And again we had a grandstand seat to watch, albeit through the pohutukawa branches and leaves, and around their trunks. A wonderful 10 - 15 minute display, bits of which J recorded with her iPhone camera.

Thence to bed and I slept long and deep, to wake later than I ever do. As today is the birthday of S' brother's eldest, who is briefly in NZ from London, and we were standing them a birthday lunch, I was involved in helping with the preparations. A lovely meal prepared by S, who also made a great birthday cake, and an enjoyable lunch was had by the five of us.

I therefore got out for a jog around the water's edge late this afternoon, in search of birds. Hoping for something less usual. However, this photograph most pleased both me and S. It is good in large.