Sunday, April 22, 2012

Looking backwards and forwards at the same time

Do you play the piano? Here is just one of the ideas springing up around our city in the form of 'gap fillers' projects. This piano actually does work, if you don't mind it being off key in some parts - which if you sing like me then you won't mind at all! Some empty sections which once housed buildings or shops or houses have activities such as Petanque, or an old fridge converted into a library and then one's like this with a piano! Great idea don't you think? 


Here is Mother Mary reflecting over what is left of her Basillica....

And here is another exhibit, 185 chairs - marking the number of deaths in the February 2011 earthquake, there are even some baby seats and high chairs..very sobering. What impresses me the most is that there does not appear to be even a shred of graffiti on any of these things! We still have our soul.

On the home front, we finally received a payment from EQC for the damage done to our home in the 7.1 shake in Sept 2010 (the evil beasty that started this chain of events) - progress methnks. Plus they have decided (well, this week anyway) that our home IS 'buggered' afterall and we will now go back to being on track for a demolition and rebuild! Talk about two steps forward and five steps back...however am cautiously optimistic that all the past month of meetings and firm dicsussions have paid off this time!

8 comments:

Lady Mondegreen's Secret Garden said...

Good to see your post Amanda, with progressive news. Only your Sept 2010 payout. Blimey. There's a way to go yet then? But good to get back to the demolish/rebuild scenario I suspect.
I love the piano. I haven't seen it or the chairs yet. Strength as always to you.

Anonymous said...

The last two pictures are very moving.

Please have you all a good Sunday ahead.

Owen said...

Please may it be so, that you can rebuild your house, and thus begin to rebuild your life. I can't imagine the sort of limbo this must have been for months and months. I tentatively raise a toast to this potentially positive news ? Be well Saj... and indeed, very sobering, all those chairs.

Lynne with an e said...

Indomitable spirit, incomparable sense of humour, serious reflection, cautious optimism, and a bit of off-key singing--that's what keeps me coming back here for more! All that's missing is the tipple. Very encouraging that your listing house has been put back on board for the demolition/rebuild. Fingers crossed!

Steve said...

About time the EQC got their arse into gear. I hope things finally start moving for you now... in a positive rebuilding sense.

Marginalia said...

Things still rumbling on then.

Lots of earth/seaquakes in your neck of the woods. Are people thinking they might be moving south?

Rol said...

Fingers crossed that this is a step in the right direction.

The Sagittarian said...

LADY - Thanks, mate. I don't like to rush things...
ROBERT - thank you!
Owen- I have reserved a seat for you...
Lou- and for you...
Steve - and for you....

Marg - and for you, with fireowrks...honestly, am sick of the shaking things. My kids now talk about putting stiff where they won't fall down! When I was their age, it was about where things wouldn't be found!!

Rol - yep, please!!!