Peggy Sue Down Under in New Zealand

So what do you think of Nan & Pop's place Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

It is lovely, replies Peggy Sue.  So warm!

Do you want me to show you round?  Henry asks.

Yes please.  Peggy Sue answers enthusiastically.

This is the fish pond, although there aren't any fish in it at the moment.  Nor frogs unfortunately.  Pop doesn't know why.  Henry tells Peggy Sue.

The lily is pretty.  Peggy Sue says to Henry.

It is a good size.  Henry agrees.  Do you want me to show you some other things?  But you got to promise you won't be too scared.

Sacred?  Peggy Sue asks.  Why would I be scared?  It is like paradise here.

Well...  Henry says...

Can you see up there?  It is a cicada shell.  Which is from an insect which is making all that loud noise you can here.  Mum says that it masks the usual sound in her ears that she says sounds like cicadas.

Peggy Sue gasps a little as she looks up.

Look here it is on my hand.  Don't worry there is no insect in there now, this is just the shell.  Henry reassures her and explains.

Here have a closer look, he says as he holds it out towards Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue is not at all sure, but tries to be brave...but then....

Look, this is a bush weta.  Henry shows Peggy Sue another insect he has on his hand.  It is much bigger than a cicada and has longer legs and a larger body.

Peggy Sue tries to stifle a gasp...it looks quite a scary insect.

Honestly, there is nothing to worry about.  Henry tells her.

Look, it is just sitting here on  my hand.

Peggy Sue isn't convinced and Henry is a little puzzled as to why she can't quite share his love of insects.

It really won't hurt you.  Henry tells her.

Henry leaves her for a while to get over her shock and goes for a wander to see what else he could find.

Oh, another cicada shell!

Henry takes a closer look.

Hey Henry, what have you found.  Peggy Sue calls out as Henry looks around.

Another cicada shell.  Henry tells her.  Come and have a look.

Peggy Sue walks up the hill towards Henry.

She kneels down to have inspect Henry's find.

Oh yes I can see it,  she says.  

Not scary at all is it Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

No, not really, and quite fascinating.  Peggy Sue agrees.

They have a look round to see if they can find a live one...

....they are successful and stand and watch it for a while making its chirping sound.

Some dolls that came home with me from New Zealand

While I was in New Zealand my Mum gave me a doll.  I am not sure of the age, probably around the 70 or 80s.  It is made from hard plastic and has a crying mechanism - when the doll tips it makes a crying sound.  She is marked Estrela,, and she is Made in Brazil.  The number on the back of her head is 10712-33  M14.  If anyone out there knows anything about these dolls I would be very interested to know more.  She is not the usual sort of doll I would have, but the fact that my Mum gave her to me makes her very special.   She is wearing what looks to be like a young childs dress.  I will have to make her something that fits better.  I have given her my Mum's name, Pauline.

While I was away with my friend for a few days we stopped in at a 'garage' sale.  I found this little fellow which became our car's mascot for the journey.

A Steiff Peter Hedgehog (Mecki) 

My friend thought he was very ugly, but I think he is kind of cute!

Another doll find I had was a Lammily Doll complete in box at a country market day that is held once a month in my parents local village hall.

Here she is complete with her box.

Out in the garden.

I will try and do a full review of this doll at some stage.  Not sure if she will stay with me or head on to pastures new.  She is interesting.

Lastly, I picked up a $1 Bratz doll from an op shop with the thought I might try making her over after seeing these being done early in February before I left for NZ.  I had been looking in our local charity shops for a couple of months, but they don't ever seem to have any dolls in them any more, let alone these Bratz dolls.   On my return I see lots have been trying this out and jumping on the 'band wagon'.  I am sure mine will turn out a huge disaster, but a bit of fun and worth a laugh I am sure.

Here is the poor girl as she is at the moment.

They are pretty unusual dolls, not especially pretty with their garish make up and big lips and clod hoppy shoes.  I wonder how she will turn out....?

Wren visits Haruru Falls

Wren enjoyed walking to Fairy Falls in Kerikeri on the Thursday... she especially liked to practice her balancing skills and at every opportunity you could find her walking along a narrow beam...

The following day was time to head back down South again...and she enjoyed stopping off at Haruru Falls in Paihia.

Having been quite a dry summer the falls weren't at their full strength.

Sometimes it is nice to just sit and listen to the falls.

Waving hello!

Not sure who she has spotted!

I hope they waved back!

Wren on Orewa Beach, New Zealand. 5th March 2015

Wren's first visit to a beach was in New Zealand, and what could be better than the glorious Orewa Beach where I used to work many years ago.

The weather was just perfect, fabulous sunny day, blue sky and wonderfully warm.

Wren enjoyed walking and climbing along the rocks.

Nothing quite like exploring rock pools.

She had such a fun time.

The waves softly lapped on the shore.

A very enjoyable walk along the beach was had.  It was quiet, peaceful with hardly anyone on the beach.

Muriel Makes Etsy Shop

I have had an Etsy shop for a few years now, but not really used it - I thought it was about time I did and have finally got down to listing some clothes in it.

There will be clothes for all sorts of dolls including Sasha, Gregor, American Girls, Makies, Hitty and Tressy.

You can find my link by either clicking on the side bar or here.

For every item I sell I will be donating £1 to an Alzheimer's Charity.