#spotted

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand A small human (5?) is studiously helping people fill up their water bottles at an old fashioned water fountain in a city square. Officiously asking people to line up politely so he can "be VERY QUICK." People complying while hiding smiles. Two dust and mud covered men (40s?) are rolling down off a mountain biking track and into the city. One calls to the other: "Beers after this?" The other replies: "No beers t'night mate." "But what was the point in goin' for a ride if we can't have a beer?!" A woman (30s?) in a pale blue felted witch hat, wearing a fluffy blue jumper and small circular spectacles is sitting on a bench. Gazing out at people coming and going on a sunny morning. A faint, enigmatic smile on her face. Two rambunctious puppies with very large feet (Mastiff cross cuddle puddle?) are rolling and rampaging through the front garden of a little wooden cottage. A pale grey cat sitting on a nearby fence. Judging from a safe distance. A tiny human (2?) is RACING up to Nan with a big, wide-eyed smile on her face. With maximum enthusiasm she bellows: "NAN NAN NAN NAN." "What?" "I SAW A BUTTERFLY!" Any typos spotted in this post did not manage to spot a butterfly today. If typos spotted, they'll be having a chat with a stranger who can only be a covert witch on holiday in her most cosy hat and woolly jumper.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (30s?) is snoozing on his back on some grass in a park. A fast asleep tiny human (1?) sprawled across his tummy. Both soaking up the spring sunshine as a tūī calls from a tree branch overhead. A man (60s?) has just ordered a serve of ginger crunch and another of caramel slice. His partner laughs, asking: "They BOTH for you?!" He shrugs and says: "Yeah. Life's short, couldn't decide."* A young human (7?) and a border collie are waiting outside a dairy.* Both watching the door with total focus only to grin with happiness when a teen (14?) walks out with two sausage rolls. All sitting in a row on the bench outside, eating their lunch. (One bite for them, one for Dog Friend.) A small human (5?) is staring at a very big (and rather deceased) tarantula mounted, framed and hanging on the wall of a shop. Holding up his hand, then looking at the spider. Then holding up his hand... then looking up at the spider. Then shaking his head emphatically and walking off. Nope. A small human (5?) dressed in a dinosaur hoodie is playing a game of foosball. Doing big dinosaur roars when her players don't do what she wants them to do. Foosball Dinosaur stomping around the table when Big Sister declares herself the winner. (Continued Below)

#Spotted on a Rainy Market Day in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is holding an umbrella up as HIGH as he can to shelter Nan from a light rain shower. Expression solemn. This job is serious business. Nan crouching down a little to fit underneath, wearing a softly amused smile. A woman (60s?) is having a VERY serious conversation with her partner. Expression stern, voice sharp. But what is this? Her partner sneaking a piece of bacon of her plate while she's talking? And then another one? And now a bite of sausage? His eyes smiling cheekily as the lecture goes on. A man (20s?) wearing a hoodie, black jeans and battered sneakers is strutting along. Singing to himself as he goes, only to be stopped by a woman (30s?) who says: "OMG I've had that song in my head all day too!" A young human (8?) is running through the markets, roaring to someone behind her: "I'M GOING BUT I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!" A passing man (60s?) saying: "Isn't that all of us?" A small human (3?) is clutching a wheel of camembert cheese to her chest and wearing a big watery frown. Dad asks what's wrong and she bellows with utmost distress: "MY CHEESE IS SAD!" Dad trying to commiserate in between belly chuckles. (Continued Below)

https://www.evshift.com/534326/detomaso-longchamp-near-lake-tahoe-owner-said-1-of-9-in-the-us-says-its-a-1974-super-nice-guy-i-had-no-idea-detomaso-made-more-cars-other-than-the-pantera/ [Detomaso Longchamp] near Lake Tahoe, owner said 1 of 9 in the US, says it’s a 1974. Super nice guy! I had no idea DeTomaso made more cars other than the Pantera #InterestingCars #Spotted

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A very small indignant dog (Chihuahua cross incident report?) is MOST offended that her human has had the TEMERITY to eat the last of a biscuit without sharing it with her. Shaking in moral outrage with a tail slightly wagging just in case a course correct is required and more biscuit is available. A teen (13?) and Nan are sharing a pottle of hot chips while waiting for the bus. Heads resting together. Solving the world's problems one bite at a time. A couple (80s?) are holding hands across a cafe table, smiling at each other as steam drifts from their cups of coffee. Every now and then bursting into great peals of laughter at something the other has said. A big fluffy tabby cat has noticed that her human is home. Racing through the garden, meowing like an air raid siren only to stop right next to Human's legs. Stropping back and forward only to be scooped up for a welcome home snuggle. A small human (4?) is walking behind Dad in a supermarket, saying: "Dad if you caught a really big fish, could it eat you? Not a small fish but a REALLY BIG fish?" Dad shrugs: "Dunno Buddy. Maybe." Small Human human looks unconvinced: "Why?" Any typos spotted in this post are absolutely pancaked after a very busy weekend finishing up a 27 days writing festival. If typos spotted they'll be remembering the amazing dinner their wonderful friends cooked them last night. There's nothing like a tummy hugging meal to make a typo feel loved.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two small humans (5 & 7?) are skipping either side of Dad down the street. Holding his hands. Their school bags bobbing up and down on their backs as they excitedly tell him about ALL the things they did at school today. A woman (20s?) wearing colourful clothes, is sitting on her pushbike waiting for the light to turn green. Smiling to herself as she does a little dance to the music in her earbuds. A small moment of happiness before she rolls on to the rest of her day. A small human (4?) is dinosaur ROARING and STOMPING towards a cafe door. Dad asks him to open it and he pushes and pushes and PUSHES. But what is this?! The door is too mighty for Small Human T-Rex's arms? Time for Dadosaurus to come to the rescue! Two small humans (3 & 5?) are piecing together a wooden jigsaw. One's technique involves considered thought before trying to see if a piece will fit. The other is going for a ram-it-in-and-see approach with added industrious GNNNRAAAAR noises. Both seem perfectly content with this arrangement. A young human (8?) in a tie dye hoodie is hovering next to Dad while he eats his breakfast in a cafe. Her fork is poised. Her attention is focussed. That hash brown will be hers the minute Dad is distracted! Thwarted! Dad gobbled it up in one bite! Hmm... what about that sausage though... (Continued Below)

#Spotted in a Cafe in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (50s?) is packing a bright red suitcase into the back of her car. She crouches down, patting a silky terrier on the head, saying: "Alright m'darling. Are you ready to come for a drive?" Silky terrier gives her a tail wag and is picked up for a smooch as he's put into the car. A red cloud kelpie puppy is sitting on his human's lap at an outdoor cafe table. Eyes sharply focussed on his human's pen as she does a crossword. Mind controlling the words onto the page. A small human (3?) is sitting at Mum's feet in a cafe, frowning grumpily at the Rubik's Cube is his hands. He's not sure how this thing works. All he knows that he does not disapprove of all this blue on the red side. Hmm... maybe Dad can fix it. Three men (50s to 70s?) wearing variations of plaid and blue jeans are listening to a younger man (30s?) with a very new looking moko* and a booming cheerful voice tell them about a recent trip. Sharing news about aunties, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews over coffees and sausage rolls. A serious looking couple (20s?) are sitting at a corner table. Holding hands, expressions earnest. But what is this?! A small human at the next table (3?) roaring: "I'M A TRAIN! CHOO CHOO!" Serious couple now stifling smiles. Maybe not so serious after all. (Continued Below)

Hey lovely people. Every now and then you'll come across me mentioning a public piano in one of my #Spotted posts, often the one at my favourite fruit and vege shop. Well, here's that piano being played beautifully recently. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BK4RnHroF/ (I know it's a FB link but it's worth it.)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) is MOST DISGRUNTLED with his pushbike. Hands on hips, glaring and stomping as he lectures its prone form. Pushbike appears completely unrepentant but Small Human is determined to keep lecturing until it gets the idea! A woman (80s?) with sequinned purple trousers, a tuxedo jacket and a black lacquered walking stick is striding down the street. Posture immaculate. Style personified. Later seen in a bar window, sipping a classic martini. A tiny human (1.5?) is toddle-running down the street, abruptly stopping in front of people she meets and holding up a sheet of stickers. Gifting little sparkly smiley faces to strangers. Getting smiles of thanks before she zooms off to spread more joy. A border collie approaches some traffic lights with her human and looks at him expectently. Human nods and Border Collie jumps up and boops the traffic crossing button with her nose. Both waiting patiently until the little man turns green. A small human (4?) has decided that Mum is talking nonsense when she says that chili sauce is spicy. Small Human waits until Mum's distracted, dips in her finger and... HUFFPUFF! Face turning red. Trying to pretend to Mum that nothing's happened here. Nothing. At. All. Any typos spotted in this post are rather chuffed with the sparkly smiley faced sticker they were given today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking for a good spot for the sticker on their fridge. It deserves prime place.

https://www.evshift.com/526205/mercedes-benz-190-sl-in-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/ [Mercedes-Benz 190 SL] in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil #InterestingCars #Spotted

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two black swans are coasting along on an inlet as the tide comes in. Four little grey cygnets bobbing on ripples behind them. Fluffy blue clouds overhead in a vast blue sky. Snow on the mountains beyond. A woman (20s?) is holding the door of a cosy local cafe open for five women (70s-80s?) who are all wearing colourful clothes and jewellery. Thanking her before heading to their regular table. Chattering like a small flock of raucous birds of paradise. Four women (20s-30s?) are walking along a footpath in a neat row, all pushing prams with tiny humans (1ish?) inside. Heading for a nearby park to set out picnic blankets and to enjoy some lunchtime friend time. A very tall and burly man (60s?) with a big bushy beard is walking into a still-winter-cold sea. He gets up to his knees and roars: "Woo!" Then gets to plum height and bellows: "GRAGH!" before finally diving in. Emerging from under a wave with a big leopard seal grin. A flock of sheep are dotted out on a green grassy hillside in a meandering valley. Woolly rocks soaking up the sunshine. Baaing back and forward as the mood strikes them. Any typos spotted in this post spent a delightful two hours driving out to their favourite steampunk cafe in a nearby country town today. If typos spotted, they'll be stopping off to go for a walk on the way home. It's that kind of spring day.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A group of five women (late teens?) in jeans & t-shirts and sundresses are all standing on a footbridge over a meandering river. Laughter ringing over the water as they watch it flow to sea. The sweet smell of camelias in the air. A tiny new human has decided that she is MOST unhappy. Dad's trying with the back pats, the gentle bouncing, the rocking back and forward but NOPE. Bleating like a little lamb as Granny collects her for a snuggle and then... Quiet... (New Dad looking VERY relieved.) A woman (40s?) is trying to take a selfie of herself, her mum and her aunt. All howling with laughter as they realise every picture is of their nostrils, their chins and of the crumbs from the cake they've just been enjoying. Oh well! They're having fun anyway! Now for more cake! A man (20s?) is sitting in a sunny spot in a cafe. Eating a sandwich with all sign of enjoyment. Looking dreamily out the window. A laptop bag by his feet. There's work for later, but for now this time's for him. A tiny human (1?) has decided that she'd rather like to chomp on the lunch menu Mum's looking at. Mouth open expectantly. Watching... Waaaatching... Mum distracted! Ha! CHOMP! (numnumnum) Any typos spotted in this post are enjoying a very sunny spring day. if typos spotted they'll be contemplating an afternoon nap after a very busy weekend, maybe with the window open so they can enjoy all the nice flower smells in the air.

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two plastic dinosaurs (A pink diplodocus and a blue stegosaurus?) are having a very involved and quite physical conversations on the windowsill of a street-facing office window. Two small hands holding them. A wild head of red hair just visible over the top of the sill. A dapper man (70s?) wearing a knitted cardigan and straw trilby is sitting on a park bench. An old fashioned Casio tape deck by his side playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Smoking a cigarette and smiling faintly at a quacking duck waddling by. A small human (3?) is very proud of the red plaid shirt he is wearing. Plucking at the woolly fabric and exclaiming loudly to Dad. "THIS IS VERY WARM DAD. I AM SOOOO WARM." Beaming when Dad says: "They ya picked the right one, didn't ya?" A man (50s?) is standing by his car, demolishing a big slice of pizza with gusto only for some cheese to drip onto his shirt. (Oh no!) With a laugh and a sigh, he says to a passerby: "I can't take myself anywhere, can I?" Before good naturedly finishing his lunch. A tiny human (2?) in denim overalls and a pink jumper, hair in bouncy pigtails, is doing a waddle-stomp next to Mum as they walk down the street. Singing a stompy song with utmost enthusiasm. A huge grin on her face as she goes. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A man (30s?) in full cowboy getup is sitting on the tailgate of his ute* in a city-centre carpark. A thermos and lunchbox by his hip. Strumming a guitar and singing in a soft baritone while consulting a small notebook at his side. A border collie asleep behind him. A portly man (70s?) is strolling along. Hands clasped behind his back. Tummy leading the way. Stopping to admire a plant here, a flower there. Expression content. Meanwhile his portly dog (terrier cross gravy boat?) is toddling by his side. Snuffling and huffling at the cars driving by. A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand, pulling her past a roadworks site from digger to digger. Regarding their mechanical dinosaur frames with rapt admiration. Roaring back in Mechanical Dinosaur Language when they make noise. In his element. A bohemian couple (80s?) with flowing silver hair, in seventies corduroy chic, are nestled side-by-side in a cafe booth. Snuggling up as they drink their hot chocolates. Heads bowed together as they giggle at something secret. A lumberjack of a man (60s?) orders a coffee and a Portuguese tart and takes a seat at an outside table where his basset hound is gnawing a big tasty bone. Both enjoying their treats with an air of happy gusto. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming In Aotearoa New Zealand: A tall man (30?) in sturdy hiking gear is standing in line for coffee with his partner. He reaches into his pocket for his wallet and pulls a very odd expression before pulling out a roll of toilet paper. His partner exclaims: "What's THAT doing in there?!" He shrugs. "Made sense at the time." A tiny human (2?) is taking holding his little brother's hand very seriously as they cross the road. Walking next to Little Brother's pram with great gravitas. Big Brothering is a VERY serious business indeed. A flock of seagulls are all bobbing on a tranquil stretch of river. Convivially floating towards the sea. Flashes of white feathers as they duck under the water, here and there. A woman (80s?) wearing a big fluffy woolly jumper, with fly away silver hair and a fae air is wandering down a tree-lined street with a mishappen cup of coffee in hand. A tubby black staffy waddling at her side. Both stopping to admire (and water) some daffodils before wandering on. A man (30s?) is blowing up a pink balloon as a tiny human (2?) watches on, doing a little excited dance. Dad's cheeks puff. And puff. And PUFF. And... (OH NO!) Maybe he blew it up a little TOO much. Oh well, he's got a spare! (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A woman (70s?) approaches a friend while holding a potted rosemary plant with a big blue bow around the pot. Grinning as she hands it over, saying: "Happy birthday darl!" Her friend asks. "Rosemary?" "For remembrance." Her friend exclaims. "How could I ever forget YOU?!" They share a big hug. It's the cafe lunchtime rush. Every table is full. A queue at the till. People still approaching from down the street. And a bustling server still finds the time to do a little ninja-move dance to make the barista laugh. Grinning as he heads to the kitchen with arms overladen with dishes. A man (40s?) is sitting at a cafe table with a vintage Monopoly box (70s edition?) in front of him. Opening the lid and carefully lifting out the money and playing pieces. Holding the boot up with a faint, thoughtful smile. (4) A man (50s?) is approaching his garden gate when a huge fluffy cat darts out. Meowing an enthusiastic hello. Brushing first this way and that against his legs and asking to be picked up for a big snuggly hug. Purring like a cuddly little tractor. A man (80s?) is talking to a woman (40s?) over a pot of tea. He says in a booming voice: "Your mother was my sunshine. I'll never go a day without missing her. Lit up my life and still does. Pure sunshine." He nods emphatically. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (3?) is MOST AGGRIEVED. Tears streaming down his face, bottom lip a wibble-wobble. Mum says: "What's wrong?" He wails: "I bit Braden and he didn't THANK ME!" Mum sighs. "You bit your brother and you want him to thank you?" "YES! He ASKED me to bite him!" A tiny human (2?) has a rather special shiny black feather in her hand. She's flouncing through the shampoo aisle of a supermarket. Flitting her feather here. Flapping it there. Beaming and whispering: "Magic! Magic! Magic!" as she goes. Two women (18 & 50?) are walking through a big department stall. The older says to the younger: "It's a bit scary to work here at first but you find your feet quickly." She gives her new colleague an encouraging smile. A tiny human (2?) is riding a push-along bike down the footpath next to dad. Roaring "BRUMBRUMBRUUUUM" as she goes. A laughing passerby says to Dad: "Sounds like the muffler's gone on that bike. It's a loud one!" Dad grins: "Loud since day one, mate! Never a quiet moment with this one." A man (20s?) wearing a suit, with morning shower-damp hair runs into a cafe, skids to a stop at the counter and orders an almond croissant. Saying: "Gotta fuel up. Big day! Running late." Before skidding out the door again and run-walking down the street. Croissant crumbs trailing behind him. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A tiny human (2?) is holding Mum's hand, pointing at a digger hard at work. Looking at passersby with an awed expression. Trying to communicate the majesty of what they're witnessing. A server is roaming around a cafe with a coffee in each hand. Looking here Looking there Laughing and saying, "This place isn't THAT big, I have NO idea where they've gone!" Seen still wandering with coffees over five minutes later. (Seen sneakily drinking a coffee a little bit after that.) A woman (60s?) is grumpily directing her husband as he reverse parks a ute* piled with firewood into their driveway. He's grumping out the window: "I can drive ya know. " "Then why're you trying to run over my rose bushes?" "They looked at me funny." She bursts into laughter. A small human's (3?) nose is pressed up against the window of a toy shop. Making direct eye contact with a pink plushie toy that looks just like a friendly muppet. Absolutely enraptured. A no-nonsense woman in an apron grins as a couple (40s?) moseys up to her cheese counter. She says: "What'll it be this week, team? We thinking soft, hard? Strong? Mild? Or should I just surprise you?" "Surprise us!" (Continued Below)

#Spotted at an Indie Bookshop talk in Aotearoa New Zealand: An author (30s?), looking a little nervous, a little excited is greeting guests. She's complimented on her dress which is decorated with mushrooms, holding the skirt out and looking down at it with a happy smile. The smell of paperback books and potential wafting on the air. A small human (5?) is not quite sure about all this book chat. He's being very good. And very quiet. Hugging Dad's leg with both arms. Studying the room with a sleepy expression. Dad's hand gently resting on his tousled hair. An author (30s?) is asked a question about the favourite line she wrote in her latest book and she is a little bit flummoxed. But never fear! A member of the audience has a review at the ready with quotes in it and happily reads out her favourite. The room erupts into appreciative smiles. An entire book club (20s-30s?) files into the front row in an independent small city book shop. Books piled on tables and shelves everywhere. They're here on a mission. The author is a friend and they WILL fiercely support her. Numerous people of all makes and models are filing into a bookshop for a book talk, stopping by the counter to ask the owner after her much beloved dog who's chilling at home. Bookshop dogs are best dogs and this one's well missed tonight. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (4?) is walking along, hands waving emphatically in the air as he declares with an air of MAXIMUM gravitas: "I have so much to do Mum!" SO MUCH to do!" A woman (40s?) is rolling her wheelchair along a tree lined street. A big bouquet of lilies on her lap. A big goofy dog (Labrador cross muppet?) with a waggy tail trotting at her side. Friends on an adventure. A woman (30s?) in running gear is chatting to a friend as a very large dog (mastiff cross house?) polishes his personal whatnots at their feet. She laughs and says: "He wasn't meant to be a big dog! When we got him they said he was a runt! And look at him now! MASSIVE!" At a bus stop: A small human (5?) is fidgeting and wiggling and squirming as Dad painstakingly fixes her pigtails. Making sure her scrunchies are just so. He's got all the patience in the world today. In a cafe, two women (80s?) are learning towards each other. Talking in hushed tones as one efficiently halves a cheese scone and butters each side for the two of them. Extra butter for her friend. Any typos spotted in this post are rather sleepy beasties today. If typos spotted, they'll be looking at their to do list and then wondering if they can sneak in a short lunchtime snooze. Snoring not mandatory but entirely probable.