En Zed

Where was I at the weekend?

Well it was only going to be a matter of time but the Huntsmen found a way in! Fortunately they're just like the spiders at home and can't climb out of the bath although the one in there last night was almost big enough to be able to just step out. There was no option but to give him both barrels with a can of Raid in one hand and a can of Mortein in the other. Word must have got out though and tonight one of his mates was waiting for me on the back gate when I got home from work. Luckily Emily came out to save me and shooed it off with a broom. Tense stuff!

Botanical gardens, Christchurch

Avon River

Last weekend was much more pleasant and was spent in Christchurch in New Zealand. Emily's Uncle John was having a 6oth birthday party and so I decided I might as well pop over there for a weekend away. We only had a couple of days so we didn't leave Christchurch and just hung out with various aunts, uncles and cousins in the botanical gardens and the sea-side suburb of Sumner. It was all very nice.

Sumner with the Alps in the distance

Black-backed Gull

Christchurch is just like home in a way and it was nice to see Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Chaffinch and Goldfinch hopping about among the daffodils. I did manage to add a couple of new birds to my New Zealand list too. The New Zealand Pigeon #41 and the Grey Warbler #42. Great stuff.

Song Thrush

Paradise Shelduck