No theme today, just some pictures

As I wander, I constantly take pictures. Most of them end up in posts telling some sort of story. 

But not all of them fit a story. Or maybe they fit a story, but a very short one. These first two photos show you why the area we live in is called the Western Heights. 

 I guess it's obvious that I'm standing in the middle of the road for these two, Sturges Road specifically, and facing either toward the city or the Waitakeres.  

I just like the color of whatever this is.  

They spell 'whiskey' wrong here, but I have to admit that they know how to make it.  Allie bought me this very special bottle. 

It was originally produced by the southern-most distillery in the world, in Dunedin. However, when that company closed down production, a number of barrels, instead of being bottled, were stored away.  Years later, these barrels, which had originally held American bourbon,  were acquired by The New Zealand Whisky Company who moved them to a new location and transferred the whisky in them to French red wine barrels for further aging.  This whisky has been maturing for 16 years and it tastes like it. It is so smooth and gentle on the tongue, with a sweet aftertaste. I only enjoy a little on special occasions. On top of everything else it has going for it, this whisky comes in a specially made bottle, with 'New Zealand Whisky' in raised letters on the glass. They named it Doublewood because it was aged in two kinds of barrels. 

Lemons in a front yard

A very young Butia capitata in our front yard. 

Dusk across our neighborhood 

This is no Thomas Kinkade painting, but it reminds me of how that artist would use light to suggest a peaceful setting.    

 A trio of Norfolk Island Pines in a park on Swanson Road

 Hey, it's a hollyhock. I haven't seen one of these for years. I remember seeing them as a kid growing up in Castile Location.  

 A brand new bench has been installed where the old one once stood. Arram and Amiri saved the old one when kids (I'm assuming) set fire to it one night. (It was the same style as this one.)  They had apparently poured lighter fluid into the ageing and hollowed out top of the main support post and lit it. It smoldered all night and the next morning, when Allie and the boys walked by Gus Ward Park, Arram saw smoke rising from it. They dashed home, filled a couple of bottles with water, and returned. Amiri doused the flames while Arram stood by with the second bottle.  

Allie called the city offices to let them know that they might want to check the bench later on, and the administrative wheels started turning. A short time later, the boys received a commendation from the Fire Department, some gifts and their picture with the story in the newspaper. You want to talk about proud?  

I really like this picture. This is located just a few blocks from our house. Even with a grey sky behind it, the various components make up  such a pleasing whole.  The tree itself almost looks like a bonzai to me. 

I'll close this little photo album of mine. I hope you enjoyed looking at it.     -djf