The hitch-hiker aka Merv's mate

Got up at a reasonable hour and manged a couple of loads of washing and a phone call before hpx arrived mid morning feeling rather queasy and a little fragile :(

Isn't that just the Universe in action?  Plan to go away for the weekend to escape the stress of almost constant earth rumblings only to fall prey to personal rumblings of a different kind.  It was lovely to meet fellow blipper hpx and to be able to offer some shelter from the Christchurch rumblings for a few hours although I feel she's been robbed of her relaxation and mental 'escape' time because of what sounds like a bug she's picked up since arriving in Nelson :(

Anway, after talking a while and relaxing in the lovely sunshine (and after a quick lesson on the lensbaby!) we decided to venture across town to the Boulder Bank.  There wasn't really too much of great note going on but it was still lovely just to sit and relax in the sunshine once more........this time watching the yachts return from their weekend sailing trips, watching people forage along the waters edge and meeting a couple of very cute wee dogs!

This very strangely coloured mantis was found hanging on to my wing mirror and I figured he must have hitched a ride from home with us.  hpx kindly kept him entertained whilst I drove us all home again to the relative green of my garden.  Very odd looking wee chap, but very cool all the same, and now safe amongst a plentiful supply of bugs for meals!

Later in the evening I had a phone call which set my mind racing - Wednesday could be a turning point.........watch this space!


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Ooh!!  I only found out when I published this shot that it was my 1095th!!!  Yay for the red balloon!  It certainly doesn't feel like 3 years that I've been blipping.  Ah - I feel a celbratory wine coming on ;)