Looks Like the Pōhutukawas Got it Wrong...

The Pōhutukawa is a tree endemic to New Zealand. It has bright red flowers that bloom in late-spring and as such is nicknamed the "New Zealand Christmas Tree". For me the sight of a Pōhutukawa in full blossom always brings pleasure and the hint that summer is on the way.

It is said that if the Pōhutukawas bloom early its going to be a long hot summer. This year they did bloom early - when we returned from our Tasmanian trip in mid-November most of the trees in our neighbourhood had bloomed and their stamens had created a carpet of red on the pavements. But it seems the trees got it wrong because while we have had a couple weeks of lovely hot sunny weather, for the last week or so it has been miserably stormy. The temperature high at our place on Saturday only reached a mere 15°C...that is what we might expect as a mild mid-winter temperature! Thunder storms, squalls, torrential rain and powerful winds have swept across most of the country causing flooding, landslides and, sadly, some loss of life. 

Thankfully it has only caused us minor inconveniences. First, our daily walking routine has been constrained. Second, the rain and wind has prevented the bees from pollinating my bean plants, so the lovely healthy plants I have been cultivating for the last six weeks will only yield half their potential crop. On the plus side the miserable weather has given me an excuse to plonk my butt down at my work table and spend more time on the ruined urban buildings, and here they are...four end/corner pieces.

First, is a heavily damaged brick urban building. Only the wooden shed in the back yard is in any sort of condition.

Second, is a large building. Pretty much all of the internal flooring has collapsed.

Third, is a totally destroyed building.

Fourth, is a big thing...a café or restaurant of some sort.  Clearly the place has taken a direct hit that has collapsed the roof and blown out the front doors!

These are the last of the urban buildings - phew! Here they are, all ten of them, in few different street arrangements.

Still to come is rural building specifically designed to fit a tank inside, that half completed. Then it is on to some American Civil War buildings.