Life at No.22, Monthly Updates, Snapshots of Tauranga

Snapshots of Tauranga #23

Suzanne

It’s a jolly, ho-ho-ho, and a happy, merry time of year. Isn’t it?

The trees seem to agree. As you walk through Tauranga, depending on the tree or street you encounter, you’ll see red or purple blossoms. This year, the blossoms began appearing in early November, which is quite early. This shift in nature is a sign that we’re expecting a hot summer, and so far, it has been right on cue.

The beautiful blooming view of a Jacaranda from No.22 – Tauranga just happens to be the capital of NZ for the Jacaranda.
My happy place and Les’s by the ocean
Close-up of a Pohutukawa flower

It’s a funny time of year when cheerfulness is on top of the agenda, and frowning is frowned upon. So, here’s the dilemma: what if you don’t feel so cheerful and like an imposter when you smile at the world and marvel at all the cheerfulness? Being stuck in a state of ho-hum instead of ho-ho is just how it is for some. Don’t get me wrong; we are making the most of our days. Why wouldn’t we? Be silly not to, wouldn’t it?

Tauranga Harbour

Ways to cope are distractions using our minds and energy, some more interesting than others. No surprises as to the one that tops the list for me and which has been incredibly supportive, fun and challenging is my basketball group.

I have significantly improved this year; there is still plenty of room for more tips and lessons. I will always be forever grateful to be a part of this group of fun-loving women who keep pushing their physical and mental boundaries out as they age. Not to say other women in my life aren’t less supportive; it’s a different relationship belonging to a sports group.

This week, we (S.W.I.S.H. – senior women into shooting hoops) had a wonderful lunch together, with Thursday being our last day and tournament; this is where the “nice girl hat” gets whipped off, and the battlefield is prepared for action, winning is supreme. Well, sort of joking. We all know it’s serious stuff on the court for that last hooray before the summer holiday break.

I’m pleased to share that I won a Most Improved Player of the Year medal at our tournament. It was such an uplifting way to end the basketball year, and we look forward to 2025 with positivity.

Other distractions will find us absconded to another beach, a bach for a week over Christmas and another 10 days at the end of January. We are looking forward to having a break and the opportunity for family and friends to visit in a relaxing place. Where are we going? Ohope Beach. More on that little gem of a holiday in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, our apartment smells divine, with the warm, inviting aroma of baking wafting through the air. Les plays a vital role as the biscuit tester and has happily and enthusiastically taken on that role.

Tis the season to bake, overeat, and just be blardy merry. Cheers, everyone.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

35 thoughts on “Snapshots of Tauranga #23”

    1. The trees are beautiful, aren’t they? I used to be more involved in Christmas, but now I find the commercialism overwhelming. What I truly enjoy is the baking, and Les certainly enjoys the eating part! I hope you have a peaceful holiday season, Jude, and that you stay safe from any major storms that may come your way.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Your photos of the blooming trees are so beautifully composed. I love that you have a basketball group — sounds like a ton of fun. Congrats on your medal. Baking and overeating I can certainly appreciate this time of year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Eilene. I think baking is wonderful to share when most of us have everything else we need or want. For me, nothing beats homemade shortbread and cake at this time of year. Have a relaxing time over the festive season, Eilene.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Congratulations! I love the jacaranda trees. I also resist the forced “cheer” of this season. I’m not feeling it, but put lights in my front window not in celebration but as a disguise. Some years/moments are just better than others.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Always fooled by your sunny Christmas season. It never seems quite natural, coming from the northern hemisphere as I do. But I do sympathise with not feeling ‘merry’ to order, Suzanne. Sometimes it just kind of sneaks up on you. And in the meantime, so good to have your basketball mates! Can I put in a request for cheese scones, please? I’m quite happy to share them with Les.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Jo, we loved our Christmas times in Spain and Türkiye, even a cold one in France. Funnily, we were brought up with all snowy festive things and some still decorate their trees as if we do have a cold one. Les loves cheese scones actually anything with cheese. I’ve just made a Christmas cake and it smells divine cooking. A ginger ale fruity cake. We will enjoy our time over the festive season, it just feels odd to be merry if you know what I mean.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to Suzanne Cancel reply