Another beautiful day by the beach began with breakfast on the balcony, then a walk on the beach.

Then, back to the balcony with sandy feet.

A drive past the bays on the peninsula was sublime on this gorgeous day. Taiaroa Head and the Royal Albatross Centre was a marvel, with nesting albatross visible on the hillsides and, suddenly, the appearance of albatrosses gliding across the sky. They were hard to photograph, but I did snap horned brown merino sheep under a pōhutukawa.

Later, I caught up with friends – with chooks.

A barbecue completed another perfect day with the newlyweds and family, four dogs and a cat.

First there was a post-wedding barbecue in an idyllic setting with rustic features.

Next we visited Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

Late afternoon and it was time for cheese and crackers and elderflower cordial on the balcony overlooking the buzz of St Clair Esplanade.

We finished with a risotto dinner at Salt. This restaurant/bar was formerly an art deco house.

It’s another beautiful day at St Clair. Young surfers are heading out.

Yesterday’s wedding was a bright, sparkly celebration too, full of collective warmth and love.

There was thoughtful organisation, nice touches, a beautiful setting and dancing.

Some things caught my eye:

Photos were taken of every family and friend combination and the bridal party had photos on the beach. As the sun set, bride and groom had photos on a tussocky hillside where sheep were grazing.

Formalities over, the dancing began to a band playing songs we all knew. Even our most elegant 95 year old was dancing to the beat!

From twilight sea views with lights along the promenade, to snuggled up while rain clouds rolled over obscuring the hills, to a stunning view of light and shadow as the tide rolls in this morning.

Six hours after leaving home, Mum and I relaxing with this view.

A surfing school is in action in this photo. There are people walking and jogging and dog- walking; there is lots to see.

The sound of the sea and the crashing waves will lull us to sleep tonight.

It’s been four months since I’ve had the egg chair and I don’t know how I did without it. I’d had the idea for ages, but thought it would be colonised by the chooks – the name tempted fate for a start. Once the last of them fell off her perch, it seemed safe to give it a go. Fortunately Felix hasn’t taken to it as he doesn’t like the swinging motion.

I love the swinging motion which has lulled me off to sleep many times. It’s great as a reward for work done during the day, such as staining the garden furniture or working in the garden. Or when needing a rest part-way through a job.

I can watch the washing dry, watch the sunset, observe the birdlife and the bees, notice that the tomatoes are beginning to turn red, see that watering is needed for particular plants, enjoy a cool drink myself, read and think.

I highly recommend it, as Diana said of married life shortly after marrying Charles. I’m sure the egg chair and I will have a happier time of it.

Where’s Felix? Mum often asks. She is pleased if I tell her he is on her bed.

On Christmas Day:

He inspected her walker which she brought home from Burwood Hospital.

December 23

After being out in the rain, Felix dried himself vigorously with the hand towel.

Friday 29 December:

He likes warm, dry towels fresh off the line.

Wednesday 27 December:

A felted wool coaster is fun to chew – without inflicting any damage, fortunately.

Tuesday 2 January:

Felix likes to patrol the perimeter.

Thursday 18 January:

Today, after a hot 32C day, he cooled off in the vegetable patch on the pea straw.

Friday 19 January:

We both enjoyed the cool back garden this evening, Felix on the lawn (the sprinkler now on the vegetable patch), and me in the egg chair. The last of the sun made the tree tops glow.