Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The white and the green

Winter has arrived uninvited, even though it is still May. Yesterday an icy blast swept the country, bringing snow to the south. In Dunedin, schools were closed as many roads were impassable. Ruth from Central Otago sent me this photo of her herb garden covered in snow.
This morning in Auckland the storm had cleared and sun was streaming in the windows,
 catching my agave sentinels that stand so bravely in the long planter that runs along my balcony.  In the background you can see some splashes of red. The flame tree is flowering once more, another act of defiance as winter marches on.
 And so I've been able to do my tai chi, well not exactly outside in the sun because the chill of the night is still nipping my heels, but at least behind the ranch sliders, looking out to the view that always delights, and losing myself in the green folds of the agave.

9 comments:

Lynley said...

I love the light coming through the leaves of the agaves.

Our "white" yesterday was hail coating everything at times.

Juliet said...

Lynley, the light was beautiful, just caught by the morning sun. Wow, hail! I hope it didn't do too much damage.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet - we've still got snow in Scotland! Strange weather times .. gorgeous Agave .. and I love the sun streaming through .. cheers Hilary

Juliet said...

Hilary, well our snow is early and yours is pretty late. Strange weather times indeed. Glad you enjoyed the sun streaming through the agave. It brightened my morning.
Thanks for visiting.

Hotly Spiced said...

Amazing how it have become cold so quickly. I can't believe there is snow ahead of winter's official start on June 1. Beautiful image though xx

Vicki Lane said...

Beautiful pictures! The agave is spectacular!

Penny O'Neill said...

As you've all said, strange weather times, but, good to appreciate the sun and its warmth - and the agave! Brilliant contrast to the snow covered herbs. Here, we have rain, and rain, and more rain, already breaking records. I'm working on just enjoying the lush green, Juliet - and, of course, family visiting. Yea!

Juliet said...

*Vicki, thank you. I'm really enjoying the agaves this year.
* Penny, how frustrating to have all that rain, but after our time of drought I've come to appreciate every drop and imagine it filling the aquifers all ready for when it's needed. I'm sure you are finding lots of indoor delights with those little ones there.

Juliet said...

* Charlie, that's right. It's not even officially winter and here we are freezing. I put my thick blanket on the bed yesterday. Some years I don't get it out until well into June. Thanks for visiting.