Happy Mother’s Day!

A Morning Walk at Taitua Arboretum

Julie wearing a red beanie and sunglasses - Taitua Arboretum - Hamilton New Zealand - standing in a forested area with tall trees in the background on a Beautiful Blue Dome Day - blue sky evident. — ^{Julie – Taitua Arboretum – Beautiful Blue Dome Day in the Wonderful Waikato}

I didn’t get to spend Mother’s Day with my mum this year – sadly… unfortunately… but I will get to see her in a couple of weeks.

We spoke on the phone… my sisters and I bought her a voucher so she can buy a beautiful windchime she’s had her eyes on for quite a few months. The chime will be a medley of our gift vouchers and one of her grandson’s. She’ll definitely be #smilingontheinside every time she hears it chime. Which means that us three girls will also be #smilingontheiside with her.

Calving …? in May…?

mother cow cleaning up her newly born calf after birth - Mother's Day 2025 - Taitua Arboretum - Hamilton New Zealand — mother cow cleaning up her newly born calf after birth – Mother’s Day 2025 – Taitua Arboretum – Hamilton New Zealand

It’s far too early for calving, yet Alan and I couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw a brand new calf – still wobbly on its feet – being cleaned up by its mum on Mother’s Day (11 May 2025). #smilingontheinside

Calving isn’t meant to start until July – yet here we are in mid May, with babies already!

Arboretum Walk

Twas such a Beautiful Blue Dome Day (BBDD) in the Wonderful Waikato, walking around the Taitua Arboretum was definitely a #smilingontheinside place to be.

Our timing was good – there were only a handful of cars in the carpark when we arrived. Which was in complete contrast to when we left – cars almost queuing up waiting for an empty park.

White Rooster in carpark at Taitua Arboretum - Hamilton, New Zealand

Sports Tracker Route - Taitua Arboretum - Hamilton New Zealand

As is pretty typical in many New Zealand country carparks and roadside laybys – we were met by a very proud rooster.

I’m contemplating returning next weekend, because the last time we were there (53 weeks’ ago) more trees were in their fullest autumnal glory than we witnessed yesterday.