A Sunny Winter's Day

On Tuesday before going off to Salem's costume fitting for Cinderella, we had a lovely afternoon at one of Salem's favourite parks which is at the top of Hobson Street in Wellington city.

There are lots of good climbing trees and Salem just goes from one tree to the next.

He had to make sure he didn't disturb the pigeons in this tree.  They were having an afternoon nap.

The park has two gardens, the first at the north entrance is the Lady MacKenzie Garden for the Blind which is a lovely scented garden.

It has a lovely little waterfall and pond area which makes a lovely sound.  Kids love climbing over the rocks and of course paddle about in it in the summer.

It's a lovely setting to come and have a picnic lunch or a takeaway coffee.

Along with the music of the waterfall is the gorgeous aromas of all the flowers.  There is the lovely sweet smell of some White Daphne.  There are patches of Lemon Balm, Rosemary and other fragrant herbs as well to enjoy.

Lots of bushes of the usual common pink coloured Daphne.  Yum.  Just love that smell.  I had to pick a little bit to take home with me.  Naughty, naughty!!

No fragrant garden is complete without lavender.  Can you spot the bee in the photo?

Spring flowers are already up and blooming and it is still the middle of winter.

It's hard to believe that this lovely park is right next to a motorway.

Right next to these gardens is the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park.  Katherine Mansfield is a famous New Zealand writer.  Salem's favourite story written by her is "The Dolls House".

There are always plenty of pigeons here.  They are very well behaved too ;^)

More great trees for climbing.
We had a lovely relaxing time in the sun before going off to watch the politicians argue while sitting in the gallery while Parliment was in session.  We both love politics!!!

And of course we managed to fit in a cup of tea and filled our tums at Arthur's in Cuba Street.

And a quick read.

Christmas Eve Lunch at Arthur's

After a busy morning buying all our veges at the Hill Street Market we went and treated ourselves to lunch at Arthur's Cafe on Cuba Street.

The lovely ladies gave us a xmas cracker.  We ordered a pot of tea (which we really needed), crispy potatoes, homemade fish fingers and some bubble & squeak (Salem's favourites).

The fish fingers were soooo yum!!!

 We were in a different room this time.  It just feels so homely and comfortable.

 This greets you as soon as you walk in the door.

There is always lots to look at.  And lollies to help yourself to at the counter.

There was also xmas cake but we were far to full.

Arthur's Cafe in Cuba Street

 Today we went into Wellington and as it was a horrible wet and cold day we decided to go to Arthur's for a nice hot pot of tea and something warm to eat.

We had the Big Vegetarian Breakfast with a side order of "bubble and squeak" to share.

Yum, yum, yum!!!!

It went down a treat and filled both of us up.  Nothing left on our plates!!

 Arthur's is owned and run by the lovely ladies who have Martha's Pantry just around the corner.

But Arthur's is more manly with "manly decor and food.

They do an all day breakfast along with lots of more robust food.

 There are two rooms for dining upstairs as well as more relaxed tables downstairs

and outside at the back of the cafe.

 I just love the antlers.

These photos were taken in the room where we ate upstairs.

Our meal set us up for the rest of the day walking about the city with all the hustle and bustle of the

Christmas shoppers, it was so busy!!!!!