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    Pallets, aside from their intended use, can have a number of useful uses. I’ve used them most for gardening projects  – constructing garden boxes and the like.  One only has to do a quick google to get a wide range of ideas for other uses.

    Thats about all for today…been a busy one. I hope to get out for a stroll tomorrow.

  • Web

     

    Golden Web – shot on the Sony Nex about a year ago with the Industar 61 Lens. I recall it being a beautiful golden morning (albeit cold).

     

  • Lest we forget

     

    In Gallipoli, 25th April 1915 2,721 Kiwi and 8,709 Australian soldiers died in an attempt with allied forces to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula. Both sides suffered heavy losses, and the attempt failed. Such losses for relatively young countries however stirred the public, and began the long standing ANZAC relationship between our nations. On rolled WWII and the ANZAC spirit continued. The day marked losses by those in both wars, and subsequently in modern days, all those who have sacrificed sometimes the ultimate in service.

    I rate ANZAC day as one of New Zealands most important, and might write more about this tomorrow. for now however, I’d like to leave you with the song ‘Poppies & Pohutukawa’

    Poppies & Pohutukawa

    Lest We Forget

    We Will Remember Them    

  • Urban Stormwater

     

    A quick wander around yet another new suburban area in Albany on Aucklands North Shore brought me to an urban stormwater treatment pond. Stormwater, around the world, in ever increasing concrete jungles is a huge polluter to rivers, streams and beaches. Travelling around different areas of Auckland (and I am sure elsewhere), we have seen an increase in these treatment ponds around built up suburban areas. Designed to remove sediments and contaminants, as well as offering flood protection, the resulting outpour of water is much fresher and healthier for local wildlife. Perhaps not from the perspective in todays shot, they can also add a nice green/lake visual environment around the suburban area (whilst still being off limits to people of course).

    Shot on the Ricoh GRD IV, switching back to bleach bipass setting. Slightly cropped in Gimp.

  • Guava

     

    I was pleased to see a small guava tree when we purchased our house. Its a berry I dont see around much, and I have memories of guava jam/jelly around at relatives when I was young.

    Searching around the net, I found this tasty sounding recipe from G&H:

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
    • 3/4 cup C&H® Granulated Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup guava nectar, canned
    • 2 kiwifruits, peeled and diced (1 cup)

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; reserve. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. On low speed, beat in half the flour mixture and then the guava nectar. Add remaining flour mixture; mix just until blended. Fold in kiwifruit. Divide batter among paper-lined muffin cups filling almost to the top.

    Bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool muffins on wire rack.

    Image shot on the GRD IV and edited in Gimp.