WHEN asked what he loves about his wife of 60 years, Gonville resident Keith Morrison launches into a story about pigs.
"She accused me of spending more time at the piggery than I did with the family - and I couldn't argue with that," the 83-year-old former farmer said.
"When the sows were farrowing I'd be half the night over there making sure the little fellas were all right."
Decades on, wife Barbara Morrison is a little more understanding.
"Once you've started a job, you've got to finish it," she said. "I must have been in a bad mood to accuse him of that. I told you he's always patient."
The couple married on May 28, 1955, when she was 24 and he was 23, and with their 60th anniversary approaching it was time to reminisce on what they loved about each other. Patience was the top of Mrs Morrison's list. "I love all of him but probably most his patience. He's always patient with me about things, he won't argue. He's always there to support me. We just love each other deeply."
When asked again what he loves about his wife, Mr Morrison appeared to think for a while before his eyes filled with tears. "She's always so loveable," he said as one of his daughters wrapped an arm around him and held his hand. "She had to put up with a fair bit of sickness ... during that time she was always ready to help me."
Mr Morrison has dealt with asthma, which eventually stopped him from working as a dairy farmer, and both partners have had cancer scares.
They met when Mr Morrison, described by one of his daughter's as "tall, dark and handsome" asked his red-headed future wife for a twirl around the floor at a dance. They were engaged for 18 months before marrying on a sunny afternoon at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, and held their reception at the Upokongaro Hall.
Mrs Morrison remembered the morning being frosty, and having to stand on a piece of old carpet with her bridesmaids during the pre-wedding photos because the grass was wet.
They chose the date because it was a Saturday, and because the cows didn't dry off until the end of May.
The couple had a "good start" to their married life, with family members giving them a cow shed and herd, as well as a section of land as wedding presents. They now have five children, 12 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren with another on the way. Two of their daughters, Kathy Rastad and Shirley Campbell, came all the way from Canada to celebrate with them. Their other children, Helen Cowen, Angela Brownlie, and Chris Morrison are closer to home. Ms Cowen said they were "the best parents out".
"They haven't changed. The only change is that dad's got a head full of snow-white hair and mum's hair isn't quite as brilliant."
Mrs Morrison said she and her husband were "Christian soulmates".
"I guess if we didn't believe what a help the Lord is we really wouldn't have managed to do all the things we have done ... I really think he brought us together."
The couple didn't believe they held the secrets to a long and happy marriage. However she felt it was importsant to respect each other's right to an opinion, and to not "waste time" sulking after arguments.
Their anniversary is today , but they will hold a celebration for friends and family on Saturday.