Cousins at play

After all the rain yesterday, today began a little better, and I was easily able to have my run without worry about being rained on. Tide was nearly fully in, and no shore birds to be seen, apart from the ubiquitous gulls. In a large pohutukawa near the shore by the playground, I heard and then saw a confident and aggressive tui. He chased away four intruders, or a single intruder four times; only once having to fly after it. The little compact doesn't have the resolution to allow a decent photograph, although one I got was pleasing to me.

After breakfast my Sydney based grandson (Master 4) asked to go to the beach. It was cold and windy and grey. Not quite raining. Thought it would be a good idea, as all four were full of energy. We made it down the cliff path through trees with only a bit of sliding (on wet leaves) and falls by the two youngest.

Tops off and into the water, the two Aucklanders led the way. Then followed about three quarters of an hour of playing in the waves (not at all big), running on the sand, kicking and throwing the ball, and digging in the sand. All had a lovely time, as did son and me.

Climbing back up the path warms even the coldest child.

By mid day the rain had returned and it continued much of the afternoon, with clearing in the evening to reveal a brilliant full moon which could well be the blip of either Jesafly or Tsuken.