Monday, January 27, 2014

Friday Flower: Frangipani/plumeria





In South East Asia, this is known as the grave yard flower, and plants are seen in Muslim cemeteries. When I was living in Singapore, in Nanyang University, at the entrance to some apartment blocks, the authorities had planted two Frangipanis on either side of the entrance. There was some talk about this. Why of all flowers did they grow the Frangipani.

Recently I joined 2 online gardening forums, and Frangipani became plumeria and has become very popular. It puzzled me very much, and today I plucked the encourage and ask them why.

They told me, people no longer become superstitions.

In the South Pacific, ladies wear them on their ear.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora or flapjack.


While I had abandoned my plants to my computer. this is one plant which has not abandoned me. It has blessed me with many babies.













I am the proud owner of this unusual succulent. It has red edges and is bigger than the size of my palm. It has fleshy, paddle-like leaves that resemble the shape of a clamshell as though I am closing my palms together.


That is Kalanchoe thyrsiflora  or flapjack. This has given many babies  that it was bending backwards. Despite the cold, I went and removed the babies, and also did an experiment, I put a pot at the leaves and see if it will root. and send the mother plant to retirement.



http://tinaspicstory.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/weekend-flowers-45.html


http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.co.nz/


Dan Bremnes and Tear fund.


 











Dan Bremnes was in MT Albert Baptist Church this morning. He spoke to us and reminded me of freezing Canada when I was a student there.
Dan is a truly gifted Canadian worship artist and grew up serving on his local church worship team in Canada. He is immersed in writing, performing, arranging and recording music. He was at MAB on Sunday 26 January with TEARfund(inbetween playing at Parachute Festival). He is an awesome communicator and musician, Dan came with Gavin, senior product Manager, Beth, Sheena and Sharron.




http://www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com/

Cottage Sweet Cottage 
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/


floralfriday: cosmos flower






http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.co.nz/

I am linking my blog post for Heather, whose son was murdered. They are trying to get a bill to pass Cameron's law to make eye witnesses to be responsible.

http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/support-bill-for-camerons-law.html

https://www.facebook.com/CameronsLaw/info



Photo: For Rina Shimamura  pink and white cosmos.  for Soldjagirl Isdetermined

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Western Spring's and Australian Coot.





An adult Australian Coot had just dived into the lake and made this ripple. Not sure if it is mum or dad. It was getting food for the chick. Both mum and dad was in the area.

This was in Western Springs. This is awesome and is why I like to go to Western Springs. You never know what interesting things you see.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

ABC Wednesday/Red/Save the world. My WorldStock bags.



I just retired my first Worldstock bag, and bought a new one.  Some friends ask why I travel with a tatty old bag. I reply that when I carry this bag, I won't be robbed.

I am saving the world when I use these bags.

My bag,
My bag,
friends laugh at my tatty bag.
Why don't you buy a new one,

Why?
It is perfectly okay.
I love it, I had it for years.
Nobody will rob me with my tatty old bag.

She's served me well,
She's part of me.
Today, I got another of the same make.
What am I going to do with my old bag.
 


http://www.overstock.com/26549/static.html?TID=WORLDRDSP_ABOUTWORLDSTOCK

About Worldstock

There are artisans around the world who create exquisite handcrafted items. Because they are small-lot producers, they have difficulty accessing the U.S market in this age of mass distribution. The expense of transferring their goods from remote villages would create an unaffordable price for consumers. In 2001, we realized the potential of combining forces with these artisans; and thus, Worldstock Fair Trade was born.

The purpose of Worldstock Fair Trade is not to make money, but to create thousands (someday millions) of jobs for artisans in the most destitute regions of the world. All net profits from Worldstock Fair Trade are donated to fund philanthropic projects in several countries, including Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, and Nepal.

Our mission is to provide customers with small-lot produced goods at an affordable price. By doing so, we locate products made by craftswomen and craftsmen from around the world. We emphasize sustainability, choosing environmentally friendly products that won't burn up natural or human resources. We strive to provide our customers with exclusive products, including handcrafted clothing, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, and much more.

Worldstock, making a world of difference.



Saturday, January 18, 2014

Friday Flowere, blooming freesias.








Freesia plants stem from bulbs, so they should be planted in at least groups of three in high-quality composted soil. Grow freesias directly in the ground or in containers.

Freesias grow in my garden and bloom in winter. y daughter loves the perfume.

http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.co.nz/

I am linking my blog post for Heather, whose son was murdered. They are trying to get a bill to pass Cameron's law to make eye witnesses to be responsible.

http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/support-bill-for-camerons-law.html

https://www.facebook.com/CameronsLaw/info

Friday Flowers: a spring flower. freesia

Photo: Rina, more green.
freesias is a great way to add fragrance to your own home.My daughter loves it.
http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.co.nz/

I am linking my blog post for Heather, whose son was murdered. They are trying to get a bill to pass Cameron's law to make eye witnesses to be responsible.

http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/support-bill-for-camerons-law.html

https://www.facebook.com/CameronsLaw/info

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Friday Flowers: Unusual Bird of Paradise.






This is not an ordinary Bird of paradise. When I was little, my dad always pointed out things that were an oddity. These flowers came out from the same stalk. It looks like they are twins. In normal cases, one stalk has one flower.

Please click on my older post of a normal bird of paradise flower.

http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.co.nz/

I am linking my blog post for Heather, whose son was murdered. They are trying to get a bill to pass Cameron's law to make eye witnesses to be responsible.

http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/support-bill-for-camerons-law.html

https://www.facebook.com/CameronsLaw/info

Monday, January 13, 2014

Ruby tusday: Red Silk top

Photo: My  mum's sister Kong Wah Sum went to Bangkok and bought this silk top. It was exactly like the top a young New Zealand TV actress wore yesterday.  I hardly saw my aunty, something like 4 times in the last 40 years, yet she gave it to me 2 years ago when I dropped in in her house. She insisted I stayed over night. She died last year, and I wonder if I should give it to her grand daughter Leanne Wong or Michelle Wong in Australia.

My  mum's sister Kong Wah Sum went to Bangkok and bought this silk top. It was exactly like the top a young New Zealand TV actress wore yesterday.  I hardly saw my aunty, something like 4 times in the last 40 years, yet she gave it to me 2 years ago when I dropped in in her house. She insisted I stayed over night. She died last year, and I wonder if I should give it to her grand daughter Leanne Wong or Michelle Wong in Australia.


Friday, January 10, 2014

Campbell Aero Classics

 Yesterday, there was an earthquake in Christchurch. I recall in November 2011, I went flying, I don't mean flying in a commercial jumbo plane or Fokker friendship. I flew in a tiger moth. Yes, I mean tiger moth.

I went to Christchurch to visit my old friends. They took me to Loburn, to visit Ivan and Sandy Campbell. We were all excited as we drove to North Canterbury to Loburn Abbey airfield, as we knew we were going to fly in this special plane. Our oldest "pilot" today was my Kai Ma, Mrs. Chew, aged 81. Paki Paki.

Thoughts of Jean batten conjured in my head. Ivan and Sandra make their own planes and are the creators of the World's only Class leather hard shell flying helmet. Ivan gave us flights and I am so grateful for their generosity.

We all had a marvelous time, looking at the picturesque snow laden mountains, the paddocks, the horses, the sheep and the cows.I also saw the earth quake ravaged Christchurch.