More Canterbury Tales

Silent Sunday

2012-01-15T18:42:00.000+13:00

Museum visit

2012-01-12T19:25:00.000+13:00

After all these earthquakes it was a pleasure to visit our museum with Scowly the other week. The exhibits fared pretty well I gather and we are back to having visiting exhibits again. I took Scowly along to the World of Wearable Art exhibit. We have never been to the show, it is now held in Wellington so maybe this year the girls and I might get to see it in person instead of on late night TV...anyway, suffice to say there are some fantastically creative people out in the big wide world whose creations have graced the catwalks over the years.

If you go to the website you will see more of the costumes, at the museum they had signs telling us photographs weren't allowed - BUT I didn't see the signs until I had already taken quite a few pix...and also one of the photos I took a British tourist told me off for taking it. I admit I got a tad uppity at being told off by a visitor as to what I could and couldn't do in my own home town. However I'm sure he didn't notice my sarcasm. Much.

Anyway, I took a photo under the black light at one of the exhibits and then 'played' with it when I got home.

First, we have the original photo...

and then the played with version. I'm not too sure which one I like best but am leaning towards the one below. What say you?

Happy New year (belatedly)

2012-01-11T11:25:00.000+13:00

What an ending we had to our year, and a similar start to the new one...we were seriously starting to think things might have calmed down beneath our feet but no so it seems not. Forget about keeping calm and carrying on....I am almost at the point of Shutting up and Dealing with it.

No progress yet on our rebuild but we're quietly and cautiously optimistic that come next month things will start to happen - most of NZ shuts down in January for holidays anyway. In fact, I will be on holiday myself from the end of this week until 7 February. Yahoo!!!

During my break I hope to get out and find some wonderful sights to photograph, do cooking and spend quality time with the Scowly and the Whovian (and The Stud of course). We have already set aside a day or two for watching Dr Who re-runs - can't wait, and I have been instructed to make a Dalek cake for a certain birthday in August.

AND we will be heading to Wellington for a day or two (to annoy dear Pixie) and to visit the museum and view the fabulous Wedding Dress exhibition.
Watch this space!

We are ok.

2011-12-23T22:14:00.000+13:00

But sick of cleaning stuff up. House still standing. Come on Mother Nature, you Lemon-sucking Presbyterian you, leave us alone!!

A few drops of rain...

2011-12-22T18:07:00.000+13:00

Iris is in a purple funk

dew to rain drops on her junk

We miss you, Mummy

2011-12-19T19:15:00.009+13:00

I consider that I have been a tough nut these past 15 months or so, until I drove past this sign the other day. Erected by the children of Natasha who was killed in her workplace during the February earthquake. I sat in my car and bawled like a baby. And then I went to work. And I was actually thankful that I could.

Go purposefully into this festive season. Make everything count.

This day that is Thursday

2011-12-15T14:24:00.000+13:00

I have a theory that the Christchurch rebuild is going to take longer than it should. We had a phone call last week from a very chirpy young woman requesting that either myself or The Stud make ourselves available for an inspection of the unit that had been installed.

Me - (eyeing up the heat pump on the wall at the house we are renting)what unit do you mean?

Chirpy - the one we installed. It needs to be signed off.

Me - riiight, the 'unit' would be what exactly?

Chirpy (clearly irritated) - the LOG BURNER.

Me - Oh. You mean the one in our own house.

Chirpy - yes of course.

Me - well, not much point really is there? I mean, the thing was installed in the wrong place back in April, but since then we have had to move out of the place and it is all going to be demolished.

Chirpy - no, that's not on my bit of paper here. So when would be a good time for us to some round then?

(Here you insert the sound of a stifled screech from me)

Me - (Speaking slowly and with determination if you will) The burner was installed in the wrong place, you lot were going to come round to put it in the right place ON THE DAY of the June earthquakes. Are you with me so far?

Chirpy - Yes but I just need you to tell me when we can come round to sign it off?

Me - So, when the 5.7 and then the 6.3 earthquakes hit, your lot DID NOT come round that day nor since to do the corrective work. Actually, we rang and told you not to bother and you said thank you for letting us know. Now, the next bit is really important - THE HOUSE IS ABOUT TO BE DEMOLISHED. IT WAS TOO BADLY DAMAGED and we are not even living in it. You still with me?

Chirpy - yes but....

Me - no, there isn't a time that would suit me or The Stud. Sorry about that. Thanks for calling tho'....

Chirpy - so would a Friday morning be best?

Silent Sunday

2011-12-11T17:50:00.000+13:00

Thank goodness it's Friday

2011-12-02T12:58:00.004+13:00

Happy Birthday to me...I have chosen the order of events carefully this year after the fiasco last year...

First, the rule is to remember to eat so there will be cake!

There will be dancing.....

There will be a modest drink or three to keep hydrated....

and cards, of course.....

and then unwrapping a present or two...

Ah yes, the joys of having a birthday this close to Christmas!

Cheers everyone, thanks for coming - last dance anyone?

Tuesday Tipple

2011-11-29T11:16:00.000+13:00

Tuesday is starting to be my next favourite day of the week!

FLIRTINI

1 part vodka

2 parts Champagne

2 parts pineapple juice

Chill a glass with ice, then tip the ice out (it takes up too much booze room!) and add the ingredients - no shaking now or the Champers will spill and I won't stand for alcohol abuse! Settle back, and ENJOY YOURSELF!

Silent Sunday

2011-11-27T13:57:00.003+13:00

The lack of new Dr Who episodes is getting to me!

2011-11-24T13:05:00.000+13:00

My resident Whovian is innovative in her response to my lament about the lack of new Dr Who episodes on the Giggle Box (as my late Dad used to call the TV) and made me some Ginger Bread Ood (I really like the Ood).

In fact, in addition to the baking she also selected a Complete Series of Dr Who DVDs from TradeMe and conned me into buying them so we have been feasting ourselves on the episodes with Rose, and Donna (also known as Gobby in our house) - we didn't notice the first time round how funny the Donna series was, the interactions with DT are fabulous and I'm really enjoying the banter. The hapless Martha isn't a favourite - too needy and dumb according to the Whovian and I found her rather simpering and annoying (especially in the Shakespeare episode).

And then we got Rose the GingerBread girl, with a Darlek studded with M and Ms and a Tardis which might have been iced when too hot!

Tuesday Tipple

2011-11-15T11:56:00.000+13:00

I am in the mood for something fabulous today, especially in honour of my cyber-sibling's success in the photographic world! So, since I am in the Southern Hemisphere and he is in the North, let's have something I have always wanted to see as well as drink...

NORTHERN LIGHT

3/4 ounce light rum

3/4 ounce triple sec (or Cointreau...special drink, remember!)

Sparkling wine (or Champagne, this is a special occasion after all - (push the boat out!) for topping up

1 piece of orange peel

and 1/2 slice of orange for garnishing.

Shake the rum and triple sec together, with ice, in the shaker and strain into the champagne flute. Top us with the bubbly of your choice and squeeze the orange peel over the drink. Perch the slice of orange on the rim of the glass (if you can be bothered 'cos by now you will just be wanting to get it down yer neck!!)

Then, stand facing France and shout loudly "Cheers, Owen!", altogether now 1...2....3

Tuesday Tipple

2011-11-08T16:09:00.001+13:00

I have no idea why, but I am in the mood for Vodka!

WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST
2oz Absolut Mandarin Vodka
1oz Triple Sec
1oz Lime juice (yes, use fresh - it's soo much nicer!)
1 splash orange juice
1 splash cranberry juice
Ice

Put ingredients in a shaker and shake (who would have guessed?) and then strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange slice if you can be bothered.

Then, toddle out onto the deck and slump into your hammock and sip as you listen to these guys....

Friday Foto

2011-10-28T13:52:00.000+13:00

Silent Sunday

2011-10-16T18:33:00.000+13:00

Tuesday Tipple

2011-10-11T09:56:00.000+13:00

Let's see now, what is in the cupboard that we can shake about today then eh?

How about a DARK AND STORMY?

1.5 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
fill ginger beer

In a tall glass filled with ice add 1.5 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and top with ginger beer. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge (optional).

Yes, that's hitting all the right spots...just like this group!

Monday Music

2011-10-10T13:05:00.000+13:00

Another shaky weekend...a 4.8 and several others thereafter with a 5.5 while we were watching the All Blacks play Argentina in the Rugby World Cup. I find it hard to believe how much we are still shaking after over a year! People ask if we are used to it all...that's a yes and a no. Yes because we know what they are, and no because they jump out at you when you least expect it.

Oh, I haven't mentioned that New Zealand is hosting the World Cup rugby tournament? Silly me, where are my manners, I put them down somewhere.....

Oh that's right, I have been distracted...these guys were part of the build up for the World Cup, apparently they had a blind referee (nothing unusual there eh?)

For the record, at the semi finals next weekend the All Blacks will play Australia and France plays Wales. Obviously our household wants the ABs to win. We do.

The colours in my day

2011-10-05T14:44:00.000+13:00

Yellow always makes me smile, it's one of the happy colours don't you think? This tree is along the driveway into our temporary offices, and on blue sky days it is a joy to behold...quite takes my mind off the fact that any second and I will be at the coalface!

These flowers (possibly grape hyacinths??) are in full bloom at the cemetery just down the road from our temporary offices....they are stunning and quite a few of the plots are covered in them. I didn't have enough time to do a thorough 'roam' around the plots, and quite a few of them have 'keep out/danger' tapes around the head stones. I assume it is because of the earthquakes having damaged the masonry and not for any other reason! :-)

Tuesday Tipple

2011-10-04T15:47:00.001+13:00

I've come over all sensible today - we're having a good old fashioned cuppa!
This is my favourite tea for the ordinary 'gumboot' tea time.....

In our 'old' house, I had a cupboard specially for my teas - I had all sorts from Moroccan Mint to Chinese Gunpowder to Russian Caravan, I have moved the cupboard to our rental place (no demolition man is gonna get their meat-pie mitts on my tea cupboard) and all I need now is to find the right cup to enjoy my teas in.

Mind you, my dear friend Pixie sent me a new mug - red and white stripes to slurp from, all I have to do now is FIND IT!

Silent Sunday

2011-10-02T18:35:00.002+13:00

Silent Sunday

2011-09-25T20:18:00.000+13:00

Birthday Babe

2011-09-23T11:39:00.001+12:00

It's my other husband's birthday today. He still cuts a striking figure as he downs his whisky and struts about naked in my head, tickling my fancy as he does so and singing loudly and lustily as a new born.

Happy Birthday, baby!

Whacky Wednesday

2011-09-21T13:28:00.000+12:00

Such a sunny day here and I'm feeling sunny too so let's have a bit of silly stuff eh?

Tuesday Tipple

2011-09-13T17:22:00.000+12:00

OK, because I'm trying to keep life simple this week we're having a quiet wine and thats all...I'm sure someone will drop by with some nibbles. Feel free to take your pick of the cellar, it will be less for us to have to move! We are out of the motel at the weekend and into a 3 bedroom house rental, phew!!

This wee fellow looks like he could do with cheering up too, or a crash helmet at least! He was patiently waiting for his master at the local supermarket.

Now back to the wine, I would actually recommend a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, although it's not quite warm enough weather for me to have one today. I'll find a nice Pinot Noir instead, anyone care to join me?

The house I lived in....

2011-09-08T16:24:00.001+12:00

So, the jury has been in and given the verdict...our house is to be completely demolished and eventually a new dwelling will take pride of place on the remains of our memories.

It's a new beginning for sure, even tho' it will be sad to see our lovely old house in a pile of rubble. It was built in 1923, and originally owned by a locomotive engineer according to the paper work. Sometime in the 60s the owners added a swimming pool which has been both a curse and a welcome respite during our ownership. The pool may well be sacrificed initially to make way for the wrecker and then the builders. New pool too then? Thanks!

Our girls are weepy and unhappy - they have never lived anywhere else (unlike me who has globe trotted internationally as well as nationally) and it is hard for them to accept the premise that a house is more than bricks and wood - it is the people who live there, who love there, and it is the memories created there...we will always have those. And we get re-wired, and double glazed and re-insulated. Not all change is bad.

So this weekend we will be carefully up-rooting the roses, and a few small trees that may be trampled in the demolition, take a few last photos of the way it is...

and then start planning the new place. We have a few things we have always thought we would change if we ever got the chance so it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good and the house we lived in will never truly fall down....

Tuesday Tipple

2011-09-06T13:30:00.000+12:00

Such a fine day, started out all foggy but those days usually turn out to be a cracker like today! Sure, the wind is a little on the cool side but that means the ice in your drink doesn't melt as fast....

CHAMPAGNE JULEP

4oz Champagne (or Sparkling wine if you're budget is like mine...)
2oz Bourbon Whiskey
1 tsp super fine sugar
6 mint leaves

Combine 4 mint leaves with the sugar and a few drops of water and muddle well.

Add the bourbon and stir, strain into a Collins glass, add ice cubes and the bubbly! Garnish with the remaining mint leaves.

Tuesday Tipple

2011-08-30T16:09:00.001+12:00

Gah, where has this week gone? I'm all up-in-the-air, we have insurance company woes like the rest of the city and it is a slow grind getting straight answers from anyone. Plus we're still holed up in the small Motel, a far cry any earlier motel experiences I MIGHT have had when younger and more nimble.
Its enough to make one turn to drink!

Drink you ask?

Oh don't mind if I do....

Cabin Fever Cocktail Ingredients

One mug coca cola
Half a shot After Shock (black)
One shot dark rum
Personal choice ice
OPTIONAL tia maria

Instructions

Pour a half shot of Aftershock Black into a mug, and then a full tot of dark rum *Captain Jack Morgan goes well, good and spicy*. Tia Maria is optional. Drop some ice in, and blast it with some cola. Enjoy!
Half a shot of Aftershock Black is a good amount because it has a very overpowering taste in higher quantities. The fusion of dark spirits here makes a very flavoursome drink that can get you ratted :)

Tuesday Tipple

2011-08-23T16:28:00.000+12:00

Because I remembered...
Ruby Tuesday COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS
5 Parts Gin
4 Parts Apple juice, fresh pressed (clean your feet please…)
2 Parts Lime juice (yes, fresh is better but go with what you have handy)
1 Part Simple syrup (no, not idiot stuff…3 parts water to 1 part sugar)
4 or 5 Whole strawberries
7 Whole raspberries
5 Leaves basil (more fun than mint, and tastier too because I like the slightly peppery taste)
Method
Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with basil, raspberry and strawberry.

Silent Sunday

2011-08-21T16:30:00.000+12:00

Thirsty Thursday

2011-08-18T17:26:00.000+12:00

I tell you, if we're not dodging quakes we're shovelling snow! It is thristy work make no mistake.

So, in a nod to our recent weather...let's make a Snowball!

Get yourself (and me) a high ball glass, put 1 and a half ounces of Advocaat into the glass over ice and carefully top up with lemonade.

Let the snow fight begin...I warn you tho' I have called in some top class assistance this week (and yes, this is a photo taken in our yard Monday night)...see....

Forget SuperTramp - its SNOWING again!

2011-08-15T10:49:00.001+12:00

Just back from the park, the Whovian and I found another butterfly which I thought was dead BUT when we picked it up and held it in warm snug mittened hands the wee wings started to move......

and it is now in a 'jar ward'....

Our Whovian was 14 yesterday....she wanted snow for the day, the snow arrived last night and this morning there is an abundance of it. I have never seen this much snow so close to our last 'dumping'. I guess these are indeed unusual times. When I mentioned that Christchurch must have annoyed Mother Nature - first earthquakes now snow, the Whovian corrected me. "No", she said " Snow is our reward for putting up with the 'quakes". Her glass will always be half full, methinks! (Some clever clogs has also stated that Christchurch is like a snow globe, if you shake her hard enough!)

This time the propellor heads (aka weathermen) are predicting another 2 days of snow....not sure how happy we will be about that! When it melts with the silt it makes for some very unhappy houseowners. I really feel for those without proper heating and homes.

Driving to work one day last week through the fog. I love a foggy morning as we know we will get a glorious day when it has burnt off.

Things have been rather quiet on the shake front, touch wood!! We still get them but they are smaller and further between, am hoping we're out the other side of that event.

Meanwhile, back at the park....

The pas few weeks have been taken up with working, and the crazy world of dealing with EQC and their counterparts. Everyone seems to agree that our house urgently needs help, but standing about talking won't get that roof and walls straight. We're apparently on a 6 degree lean, and we can now also see outside along one of the floors in the front room where already the bay windows have come adrift...

I have never been on so many lists and had to leave so many messages on phones in my life...would it be too hard for someone to actually answer their phone??

Snow Rescue

2011-07-29T14:12:00.001+12:00

It's been a funny ol' week, but the snow has been magical. I know - it's cold and wet when it melts...and there are piles of very dirty brown/black snow all over the place as the snow melts and mixes in with the quake silt...however, you find beauty in all sorts of places if you look for it.

I may have mentioned before about the park next door and how there is a tree which houses hundreds of Monarch butterflies...the other day when I was strolling through the park with my Whovian Teen making snow angels beside me, I found about 3 Monarchs with their sticky wee feet stuck to snow. They looked so helpless, flapping feebly and trying to move.

I 'saved' three of them....

and put them on a nearby camelia bush to dry out in the watery winter sun.

Sadly, the weight of the snow had broken a large branch of the tree and I found about 8 dead Monarch's nearby, including these two lying together which brought tears to my eyes (yes, even a hardened old hag like me can be brought to tears over some things :-)

If you enlarge the photo you can see that they appear to be holding each other. Nature, I can't figure her out!!

Magical Monday

2011-07-25T16:23:00.000+12:00

Our road this morning.

The TARDIS looking very grand, don't you think?

The Park next door...somehow came out in sepia even tho' I haven't touched the settings or anything. Just magical!

I do have a few heart stopping moments when the snow that has pooled on the top of the roof slides down and thumps onto the bottom story of our house...

Freakin' Fridays, Batman!

2011-07-22T14:37:00.000+12:00

"Good morning", said Mother Nature rudely and wantonly. I tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but she kept on at me for a good 30 seconds - first this way, then that. Honestly, she is insatiable. Unlike my nerves. They're like that extremely old undie elastic and have been worn through.

"Cantabrians can expect a few high 4s in the next few days" chirps the early morning Radio Chick.

By now, I'm so cheered up I could just spit.

But wait, there's more. "The weather this weekend..." (I'm yawning now, disastered out? )

Have a great weekend folks, wherever you are.

Thankful Thursday

2011-07-21T16:25:00.002+12:00

I am having trouble getting out of bed these days, not because everything is in the too hard basket and not even because I'm not really even in my own bed...it's just too darn cold!

However, driving to work yesterday morning the sun was doing it's best to warm us all up...certainly warmed my wee heart to see it like this through the trees and I am truly thankful to be here to see it.

It was one of the many mysteries of the universe that struck me yesterday...the biggest one being this and our Prime Minister's lack of response to quite logical questioning about it. "I'm not telling as it isn't in the nations interests" - say what?? Um, you are an elected representative buddy, you are sure getting paid the big bucks to be answerable to us all. I wonder if my boss would allow me to answer any of his questions like that....yeah, right.

Silent Sunday

2011-07-10T20:19:00.000+12:00

As the sun sets on one thing.....

it rises beautifully and magically on another.....

Tuesday Tipple

2011-07-05T14:08:00.000+12:00

Oh I've just noticed that this is my 502nd post. Hoorah, doesn't time fly when you're having fun (well according to my Granny that's true...).

Pour yourselves whatever you fancy, today is an open bar! I'm having a bottle of champagne while we contemplate our future - not your future and mine, just mine! We had a visit from our insurance assessor's today and it's looks very much like the house will be pulled down and rebuilt (rebuilt when, we have no idea).

So. Here's to all of you who, you have all made my life just that much brighter by being in it. Thanks. Sincerely.

Here's a photo I took on the way to work yesterday morning - such a foggy day, with it's cheeky -2 degrees to ice up our car windows!

Can you spot that hunk of beef? (Simon, not sure if you still visit but take that grin off your wee face - that's NOT what I meant!! :-)

I do love a good fog, something about the silence and the damp...so to add to your Tuesday treat, what do you think of this spot of Kiwi music?

Silent Sunday

2011-07-03T15:16:00.001+12:00

Tuesday Tipple

2011-06-28T12:07:00.000+12:00

OK, so we're down here (but not out) and having to 'make do' as my Granny often used to say. So, whats a girl to do when she's thirsty and it's too muddy to venture out - well, as anyone who is anyone would know - she makes a champagne cocktail with whatever she has to hand!

So, CUCUMBER CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL anyone? (No, best not ask why she has a cucumber to hand...)

1 shot of Cucumber Liqueur in a champagne glass, top up with Champagne. Simple!

Silent Sunday

2011-06-26T15:48:00.000+12:00

Liquefaction Reflection

2011-06-22T11:21:00.002+12:00

My life reflected in a puddle of liquefaction mud...leaves from the Japanese Maple tree lye discarded after a beautiful rosy display, scattered by wind and quakes....

It's actually quite tricky to find beauty in our terrorised city at the moment, I'm sure it is out there but we have to travel past so many fractured houses and roads to do simple everyday things - some days I feel quite ground down by it. But then we get sights like these...

liquefaction puddles on the tennis courts over the back fence from our house reflect the sunset of volcanic ash from Chile's eruption woes....

with the scribbly trees also on display in reflective liquefaction puddles.

Such is the power of nature - beauty and terror together.

At least we know who is in charge!

Tuesday Tipple

2011-06-21T10:52:00.000+12:00

Well, it's been a week or two since we last had a drink together. Sadly you will all have to supply your own glasses this week, we lost the rest of them in last weeks thumpers!

I'm having mine straight from the bucket (sans straw) so stand back....

FRENCH CONNECTION

Shot of Cognac

½ Shot of Amaretto

Pour ingredients into a glass over ice, stir, and serve.

Saturday Song

2011-06-18T21:48:00.000+12:00

Update

2011-06-16T07:59:00.001+12:00

Had a crap week thusfar. We had to return to the Tardis but as from yesterday we can flush again. It looks like our house will have to be rebuilt, our builder reckons that if he had been allowed to make the repairs he recommended to the EQC we wouldn't be in this position. However, the place is now on a lean towards to road so unless it can be braced we will have to move and it will be knocked down. The land appears ok so we should be able to rebuild on the same spot.
I have been a tad stressed and we have been madly packing up all our belongings especially the irreplaceable ones for storage and safe keeping until we know for sure what we have to do.
I have farmed the kids out to the neighbours at night and they go back to school today (no doubt to get out of helping to pack and clean...)
Anyway, gotta get cracking. Hope you're all ok where you are and that those of you with ties to Christchurch - your loved ones are safe. xx

AND P.S. - yes, cats and rabbits present and correct!

A Royal Flush

2011-06-08T21:41:00.001+12:00

Got a note from our Council today - we can flush our loos!

Good bye Tardis, you've been a legend!!

Long weekend

2011-06-06T15:06:00.000+12:00

Yahoo, we have a long weekend...it's also our wedding anniversary (16 years) and we had a small celebration dinner last night. The Stud is really a good cook, lcuky for me, all I have to do is keep the drinks topped up and the conversation flowing! The sad thing is it is hard to get a topic of conversation without reference to shakes and quakes and things that go "bump' in the night!

This morning we were treated to a thumping 5.5 quake...nothing more broken at our place except maybe a few shattered nerves. I've been on edge all day however there is a bottle of Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc in the fridge which I can hear calling my name so am looking forward to chill'axin' later. I still hate drinking from plastic champagne flutes but needs must!

My new temporary office is about 8kms out of the city, and these guys are now my neighbours....took this on the way to work one morning last week. The cattle were really nosey and came over to see what I was doing and then promptly went back to eating. I guess I wasn't interesting enough!

Tuesday Tipple

2011-05-31T11:15:00.003+12:00

It's been awhile since we had a tipple together hasn't it! The universe (well, my small part in it anyway) has conspired against me in that I haven't any glassware to serve my drinks in. And by the looks of it, I shouldn't be in a hurry to replace it all anytime soon.

Anyway, there is always the picnic-ware (or a bucket and straw)...so, what do you say that we try one of these:-

Tom Collins
1 tablespoon sugar syrup

Juice of 1 medium lemon
Shot or two of Gin
Stir all and add 4 ice-cubes. Fill with soda water, stir again, and serve

Now this clip isn't a farewell to Christchurch, it's just a song that means a bit to me at the moment as our city is so changed. I miss it the way it was and the way it will be in future. I went for a drive about the city to the edges of the cordons and looked down the streets that are so devoid of people, buildings and life....having a 'sorry for our town' day.

Burnt Offering from a writing class...

2011-05-14T19:55:00.000+12:00

A few years ago, I took a writing class. It was fun and i met some great people, but the main thing it taught me was that I'm a bit of a lazy/sporadic writer. Sometimes it's all I do and then I go for months not bothering. I also find that I write better when I am meant to be doing something else!

Anyway, at this class the tutor read us a story and then told us to write it ourselves, the concept has to remain true to the 'real' story but we were free to put our own stamp on the tale.

I'm not too sure now who wrote the original story, but here, keeping the same names for the main characters, is the re-write that I did....

The Burial (c) - Amanda Stephens

Mary peeked into the small shabby room where the twins were sleeping peacefully, satisfied they were asleep she tip-toed down the hall and looking into the room to the left could see that Megan was also asleep. She made her way in the dark back down the hall and into the kitchen where her younger brother Romey was waiting anxiously. “Well?”

“Yeah, they’re asleep. Let’s go.” She pushed open the door and stepped out into the night. A nor’west wind blew warmly and the stars winked brightly in their brooding nest as Mary, leading Romey by the hand, opened the shed door and grabbed the handle of the faded green trolley. They paused in their efforts to drag the trolley through the shed door to look at the body on the trolley. Their father. Fine last night. Happy as a sandboy, every one said that about Roy. This morning dead. “As a door nail,” Romey had said although Mary scolded him that he really didn’t know what that meant and shouldn’t have said it.

Sighing with effort and sadness they moved the trolley through the gate and out onto the west paddock, Mount Torlesse almost invisible in the darkness. In the distance they could hear weka’s calling out and occasionally the gentle hum of freight and cattle trucks slowing down as they travelled through Sheffield before heading out on the nearby highway to the West Coast. “Smells like rain,” Mary had often heard their father say that but for some reason it wasn’t until this very moment that she knew what he had meant. From where they were standing it looked very much to Romey as if the whole of Sheffield had disappeared, not just his father, but Mary assured him that they just had their lights out on account of it being so late. “Although maybe the Worrall’ s are up because they got a sick horse,” she added.

The body lurched suddenly as the trolley hit a tree root. Romey whimpered. Mary checked that the body was still on properly and they continued heaving the trolley through the tussock, making their own track as they went. Romey cried out as he grazed his leg against a bush.

“You’re going too fast.”

“We’ve got to keep on, Romey,” Mary panted, pushing the trolley into her brother’s legs to get him moving again.

Romey sat down, dirt and tears staining his face. “We shouldn’t. We’ve got to tell.”

“I’ll do it myself then, cry-baby. Do you want the welfare to split the family all up? At least after Mum died we had dad to look after us, now its up to me to keep us together. That’s what we have to do - stay together,” she slashed at the beech trees with her spade. Romey tried to get his eleven year old brain round the prospect of not being in the family he knew so well and loved so much. Maybe they would all be sent to different towns? “Probably different cities!” Mary muttered darkly. Romey got up and together they tugged and pulled, effort rippling through their frail bodies, as they manoeuvred the overloaded trolley. Reaching the place Mary had picked out earlier in the day, a final shove sent the trolley shooting over a dip and into the dry river bed. Mary started to sob. Romey stood looking in terror at the stiff figure that had been his father such a short time before but was now lying grotesquely and awkwardly, mouth gaping like a fish out of water. He shuddered.

“M-Mary, we could go and get Mr Jackson,”

“No – nobody can know about this. I told you. I told you.” Her chest heaved and she wiped her hand across her face, down over her soiled dress. “Come on.” She strode over to the body. Her father. Her dear father. Hot tears pricking at her eyes, she angrily grabbed the once-loving arms and pulled with all her 14 year old strength. Anguish marked her face as she slowly dragged his body to where she had dug a shallow grave that morning. She rolled her father’s body over and into the grave so that he lay face up. “So he can see where he’s going,” she explained as soothingly as she could to Romey who stood crying wretchedly by the mound of dank dirt.

Mary gasped as a light, warm rain began to fall softly from the bruised sky.

“I want to go,” Romey pleaded, kicking at the trolley, his hands firmly in his pockets.

“Just help me here then we’ll be finished,” Mary wheedled, handing her younger brother a trowel. Romey gingerly took it and threw a trowel full of dirt into the grave, it landed heavily against his father’s shoes. Crying out, Romey ran off through the paddock leaving a sobbing Mary feverishly piling dirt on top of her father. She carefully placed stones and tussock over the grave and went to leave but something gleaming in the wet moonlight caught her eye. Her father’s pipe. She picked it up and caressed its bony handle against her cheek. As the aroma of the tobacco stamped itself into her very being she wiped her eyes and set off across the paddock after her brother, dragging the trolley effortlessly this time, the pipe snug in the pocket of her apron.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-08T20:55:00.000+12:00

Thirsty Thursday

2011-05-05T10:50:00.000+12:00

Having just experienced our first good shake in our new premises, I think it's time for a drink!

I'm keeping it very simple today...head to the local wine shop and see if you can find a bottle of Pinot Noir. I recommend John Henry Hudson from Martinborough, in our North Island. It is quite 'beefy' for a Pinot Noir and plays well with others!

I had to take my car for a warrant yesterday, the guy said it would take half an hour so I grabbed my camera and went for a walk while he toiled away under my bonnet and spun my wheels. The garage where all this activity was happening is only a block away from my old workplace, and here are two photos which took my fancy....

This one... well, the colours!! I adore autumn colours and we have so many of these beautiful trees swapping their summer duds for rust and orange, red and brown. Plus the sparrows as you can see are taking full advantage of the fact that there are hardly any cars on the streets at the moment...

Now remember when the kids were young and you would read them stories, one of the favourites for my two girls was the Crooked Man story...you know, not the kiddie fiddlers or the naughty bankers of todays folk-lore but the genuine crooked man who had a crooked leg and lived in a crooked house - I found his house!

I wonder how it is still standing, the angles must be just right or something when you consider the initial earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks. They just don't build houses like they used to.

Autumn leaves when she arrives!

2011-05-02T19:08:00.000+12:00

It's been difficult trying to find the time and enthusiasm for blogging lately, not that I haven't thought about everyone and have even called in to a few places to see whats been happening. I haven't always left a calling card but rest assured I have wiped my silty feet on your mats, read your mail and raided your biscuit tins!

We finally got access to our work building last week following the destructive earthquake on 22 February. I have to say it was weird going back into the place after leaving it in such a hurry in fear and panic on the day. To get back to the building we had to register at a check point, don hard hats and hi-vis vests and ensure we had suitable footwear. That done, we were rounded up into a tent and given a safety briefing before being loaded onto a bus and driven to a point near our building. All very military.

Once at the building, we were given another briefing (what to do if another aftershock hit and stuff like that) before being given just one hour to get what we needed, carry it up/down the stairs to waiting wheelie bins and we were off! Luckily, our office is on the second floor, those poor sods on the fifth floor were looking knackered very quickly. Most of my stuff was in a sodden stinky pile on the floor, ceiling tiles hanging loose and mould everywhere. I left most of it there, no point carting that sort of stuff away unless it was to the tip and there will be time enough for that later.

Thankfully Mother Nature was kind and we had narry a cough from the old bat, exactly one hour later a whistle went and we were ordered out and back to the bus etc.

So, we then got to cart everything to the temporary offices we are trying to work from this week and from now on. It is a far cry from the inner city carpeted premises near shops that we were used to but none of that really feels important yet. I suppose it will one day but for now it's all I can do to get my feet working as a team! On the home front, the house is looking better and despite losing all three of our fireplaces we now have a log burner installed for winter. We could have done without the 5.2 shake on Saturday morning, but the Propeller Heads reckon the Faults have all but done venting and we can look forward to quieter times....I guess we will just have to wait and see and make sure things are nailed down anyway!

My two kids have to bus across the city to another high school where they are sharing a campus. It's not ideal. They don't start lessons until 1pm and the last lesson is at 5.35pm, they then board a bus and bus home again not getting home til around 6.30pm. The lessons are shorter (45 mins each) with a 20 minute break at 4pm for a snack. Rather them than me! This will probably be their lot for the rest of the year at least, their own high school is 'munted'. Still, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger so on we go.

All over the city there are empty lots and piles of rubble, we struggle to recall what the buildings used to be. But Autumn has arrived with her rustic charm and I for one am thankful for many things.

Silent Sunday

2011-05-01T20:47:00.000+12:00

Silent Sunday

2011-04-17T16:14:00.000+12:00

On it goes.

Mary at the Window

2011-04-11T16:27:00.004+12:00

Yesterday I did a drive around the remains of our city, and was amazed and saddened all at the same time. However it would be naive of me to think that this hasn't also been a time of great photographic opportunity.

The Catholic Church was badly hit, I have posted photos of it before. Those photos were taken at night and it was magnificent and majestic. I think tho' that even now, with it's crumbled walls and domeless entryway it still manages to summon an emotional response that is both majestic, magnificent and horribly sad. It seems to me that there will be resources to rebuild this Church.

The former glory will probably be rebuilt, it will become a case of "remember when..." but for now, Mary waits at the window...

I have 'played' with the effects of this photo, it almost looks like it was taken when it happened, and Mary still watches from her window.

Silent Sunday

2011-04-10T09:59:00.000+12:00

Moving on

2011-04-04T22:04:00.000+12:00

I am exhausted by the aftershocks. They sneak up and rattle the bejesus outta ya and they're gone, kind of like a bad curry.

At the weekend I tried to dodge them, to no avail BUT I did find a few new places of interest....fixer-uppers if you will

and some old means of transport to get there!

Anyone want to tag along? Decorating ideas welcome, and a chocolate fish prize if you see me in the pix....

OR, those who may be traumatised by all the goings on in the world may prefer to mediatate, there is an option for those of you too!

So, who's going where?

Silent Sunday

2011-04-03T17:43:00.000+12:00

Weird Wednesday

2011-03-30T13:20:00.001+13:00

You can find some pretty weird signs while driving about Christchurch at the moment, saw this one while taking my Scowly ice skating last week! (To get the real 'joke' you will need to click on the photo to make it larger). :-)

And this one I spotted a few days ago, I suspect there's a lot of it about at present.....

Tuesday Tipple

2011-03-29T11:53:00.000+13:00

Todays tipple comes to you with a bit of skirting around the builders and my apologies for any dust that may be in your drink.

In fact, I think I'll keep it simple today. Here, after a beer....

Silent Sunday

2011-03-27T09:44:00.001+13:00

above, after Sept 7.1 quake......

below, after Feb 6.3 quake....

Tuesday Tipple

2011-03-22T17:48:00.000+13:00

So today, we're having a

Champagne Cobbler

3/4 ounce maraschino
3/4 ounce triple sec
2tsp lemon juice
1 peach half, diced
2 maraschino cherries
2 grapes
sparkling wine, or champers to top up

Fill the cocktail glass one-third full with crushed ice. Mix the maraschino, triple sec, and lemon juice together in the cocktail glass. Add the fruit to the glass, top up with sparkling wine, and serve with a spoon.

Now I admit, this drink takes a steady hand (something even I struggle with espeically recently), however it's worth it.

And now for something completely different, a spot of mischief for your enjoyment....

Monday Monday

2011-03-21T15:42:00.000+13:00

I couldn't concentrate for a Silent Sunday, too much going on in my brain. We have a builder here now who has managed to weather-proof the walls that fell out during the 'quake, so long draft!! The lathe and plaster that fell and cracked still falls and cracks, mostly annoying in the kitchen. However, whats a bit of plaster dust between friends eh?

The drapery down the road created a fun photo opportunity for the reflections blog that I haven't joined yet but keep meaning to...

We had a 5.1 jolt last night that broke a lamp in my daughter's bedroom, and scared the crap out of us but we're ok really. Considering we've been living with earthquakes/aftershocks since 4 September 2010 you'd think we would be used to them. They're sneaky in the way they just happen without much warning, if we're outside we do get to hear the rumble first but often at night when we're indoors with Tvs and such going you don't get that spilt second warning.

On the brightside, haven't been able to return to work yet - our building is in the process of having it's fate decided after the one next to it collapsed into our stairwell.

Cheers, and I hope you've all got your emergency kits stocked and at the ready. You never know....

RIP Gretel

2011-03-16T13:52:00.000+13:00

Poor wee Gretel, he didn't like earthquakes and the aftershocks have taken their toll. Last night he was looking a bit sad and this morning I noticed he hadn't eaten and was very listless. I carted him off to the Vet, but sadly they were unable to save him and Gretel died about 15 minutes afterwe got there. Apparently as a survival technique rabbits rarely show they are unwell until it is practically too late. I still feel terrible about it tho'.

We had a wee burial service for him and the girls have accepted that this can happen.

Tomorrow will be another day.

Tuesday already?

2011-03-15T16:10:00.000+13:00

Wandering down the stairs this morning, caught this sunrise glimpse through one of our few unbroken lead light windows. Such a pretty sight to greet me, before the wind whipped up some silt and dust (note to self, make sure the undies and sheets are well-shaken before use, it's the little things that make your day isn't it!)

Tequila Sunrise

1 and 1/2 ounces white tequila

Orange juice for topping up

1/2 slice orange

3/4 ounce Grenadine

Pour the Tequila and orange juice together into a highball glass (over ice). Float the slice of orange on top of the drink and pour the grenadine on top. Serve with a stirrer stick.

Silent Sunday

2011-03-13T21:48:00.002+13:00

Random shots after the quake

2011-03-12T10:28:00.000+13:00

Our hearts go out to those in Japan after the devastatiing earthquake and Tsunami - makes you wonder whats going on with those tectonic plates!

This wee daisy just managed to keep it's head above the liquefaction in our yard - in some places it was 6 inches deep. And very stinky.

The forces of nature were so strong on 22 February 2011 that not only did they topple buildings, they also smashed up the cemeteries, here you can see several headstones that have come to grief.

One of the telephone providers has made all local and some international calls from phone boxes free. This guy looks to be settling in for a long chat...

And fearless Ernie takes a well deserved break from post-quake duties. He's chillaxin' in the one bit of yard that escaped too much silt and liquefaction.

We're still getting more than enouogh aftershocks, the house shakes when large trucks rumble past, but we had some help from the Victorian police a few days ago and they helped us shovel out debris and cart bricks to a waiting skip to be taken away so the place looks much tidier...well, sort of. Managed to get them to pose with our Police Box...(which has taken on a new life temporarily, might post about that later) in the meantime, keep safe, keep your loved ones in your hearts and send good vibes to Japan. xx

Silent Sunday

2011-03-06T15:20:00.008+13:00

Silently the light stole through the holes in the walls,

unlike the noisy fireplace falling down

and taking the wall with it.

Whats happenin' dudes?

2011-03-03T22:51:00.000+13:00

Sorry I haven't posted before now, been up to my armpits in liquefaction and debris. However, since we got water yesterday I have washed that shite right out of my hair and have time for a quick post before hitting the dusty straw that is my bed.

Firstly I want to thank yu all for your concern and comments, very heartening and I have missed you all very much.

To say that I was scared at 12.51pm on Tuesday 22 february 2011 would be an understatement. I thougth we had got used to the way of life that was a few shakes here and there, with the odd biggie...not so. And now I have the luxury of doing it all again, tomorrow it will be the 6 month 'anniversary' of ur 7.1 earthquake. I'm hoping Mother Nature will let it pass without comment. The 6.3 saw me having to clamber over things in my office, a colleague had to garpple with my door to open it and we shot thru like corks outta a champers bottle for the stairs, which were covered in dust and bricks which had falled into the stariwell from the neighbouring building. I picked a fine day to wear my new shoes with the F*** Me heels!! I have scapes and bruises all over my legs and arms from the trip oput of the building but I managed to get my camaera and take some photos in the minutes after it all before grabbing my car and heading home (along with half the city) as my two girls were at home alone - having a teacher only afternoon at the high school meant they had been let out of school at 12.15pm. They must have been terrified, but the Scowly One got her sister our of the house and they went to check on neighbours before waiting for one of us to some home from the relative safety of the front yard.

I'm really tired but will post a photo of what I first saw when I was brave enough to enter the house, I HAD to rescue the one remaining bottle of Deutz champers form my birthday....

The house is badly damaged but we will rebuild and we will get on with it. There is little point doing anything else! :-)

Tuesday Tipple

2011-02-22T11:04:00.000+13:00

You will be thrilled to know that instead of encouraging you all to imbibe, I shall also be encouraging you to EAT something nice and nibbly to go with the Tipple.

I have a friend who works in an area concerning alcohol consumption rules and regs and I am sure she will be delighted with this innovation.

So, let's get crazy today. Let's have a.....

KAMIKAZE

ice cubes
25 ml Vodka
25 ml Cointreau
25 ml lime juice cordial (if you like a really sour drink, just use real lime juice)

Put ice in a small tumbler and pour over the Vodka, Cointreau and lime juice cordial. Stir well and have a seat - then drink up!

Have some Devilled Brazils to go with it.

225g brazil nuts
50g butter
10ml olive oil or corn oil
5 ml each dry mustard and paprika
5 ml each of celery salt and garlic salt.

Slice nuts fairly thickly (hard to slice 'em think anyway), fry gently in butter and oil for 3-4 minutes or until a pale golden colour turning them often. remove from pan, drain, and sprinkle with seasonings. Serve hot or cold 0- they're delicious either way!

And because I'm feeling mellow, we can cruise along with Otis! (Fill me up, Bar Keep!)

Tuesday Tipple

2011-02-15T16:12:00.000+13:00

I am starting to think we need more Tuesday's in the week, is that bad?
Yes, I know I have posted this one before, but I like it so here it is again!

Between the sheets

3/4 ounce Cognac
3/4 ounce light rum
3/4 ounce Cointreau
1 dash lemon juice

Shake all ingredients together, with ice, shake and strain into cocktail glass.

In my previous post I neglected this clip, so here it is now for your enjoyment and edification! Apologies for those who don't like lyrics, this is the best I could find.

Anti-Woo

2011-02-14T09:35:00.000+13:00

Valentine's Day, also known as Biggest Disappointment Ever Day. Altho' I am sure there are people for whom every day is Valentine's Day (quick, pass me a bucket...) I thought that I would pay tribute to the Anti-Woo today. Our radio stations are making me ill with their lovey dovey music selections, the rose pimps are all out in force so here are some of my selections for my radio station if I had one, in no particular order:-

Boom Boom Out Go the Lights - this would have to be one of the least romantic and certainly "un-pc" songs ever. I like it. In fact, as a bit of useless knowledge and a boring fact our Scowly Teen LOVED this as a baby when she was in her Jolly Jumper.

Dump That Chump - again, this group never fails to get their sassy messages across. Self explanatory I think for this one.

The richest man in the graveyard - I have several CDs by this group - can you tell?

And Eartha Kitt is a must have for the anti-woo list. Well, ok maybe I just like this song...

So the wrap up my list, how about this one from the J. Geils band. I'm sure I have missed heaps, so what would you have on your list of Anti-Woo?

Silent Sunday

2011-02-13T16:42:00.000+13:00

Tuesday Tipple

2011-02-08T11:14:00.000+13:00

Look, I know some people don't want to know this but it's been so hot here lately that this weeks quaffer is very simple. You won't break out a sweat making this baby!!

Spritzer
chilled white wine
chilled soda water

Pour equal quantities of ingredients into a wine glass.
Thats it. Go ahead, have some....

Silent Sunday

2011-02-06T18:41:00.000+13:00

Freaky Friday

2011-02-04T09:06:00.000+13:00

I completely forgot what I was looking for on YouTube last night after I found this...this one's for my darling boy, Ernie.

Tuesday Tipple

2011-02-01T18:24:00.000+13:00

Thank goodness - it's Tuesday. I've only been back at work two days so far but crikey, am starting to think we need more Tuesdays per week!!

How about a HARRY'S PICK-ME-UP

1 ounce cognac
2 tsp lemon juice
2 dashes of grenadine
Sparkling wine or champagne for topping up

Shake the cognac, lemon juice and grenadine together with ice, in the shaker then strain into a champagne flute. Top up with sparkling wine.

Actually, am thinking prehaps I should get a sign on my forehead saying "top up with sparkling wine or champagne", wonder how much trouble I could get in to!!.

Enjoy the drink and 'pretend' you are where ever you want to be...

Silent Sunday

2011-01-30T13:10:00.000+13:00

Good Bad Guys

2011-01-28T21:52:00.000+13:00

I have been thinking, during my last week on holiday, that I should bore you all with my idea of good bad guys. You know, the guys that we love and hate. That pain us and make us shudder with excitement in the same sentence, or evil glance. The "yes but would you be ok if your daughter brought him home" kind of guy. So, in no particular order, really....

Leslie Grantham.

OK, so he has a checkered past - what bad guy hasn't? He was briliant as Dirty Den, the first time round anyway. I wasn't too fussed on him being brought back from the dead in East Enders and felt he didn't really deliver the second time round but who knows, maybe I had grown out of Dirty Den by then. I did think it was great that he was felled by a dog shaped thing in the end, classic.

He went on to other things of course, and I still rate him as an actor. But he's not son-in-law material, is he.

Sean Bean.

Ah delicious Mr Bean, without the dumb humour of the OTHER Mr Bean. Not that the OTHER Mr bean isn't a great actor, just for the purposes of this exercise he hasn't got a lot going on.

I didn't like Sean baby in Sharpe, even tho' some sites claim that is where he got 'sex symbol' status. He just never did it for me, he seemed gawky and out of sorts.I saw him in some movie as a bank robber and that was when I thought, hmmmmmmmmmm - noice! And thats not the thoughts I would be wanting about a son-in-law!

Michael Hutchence.

Ok. slight deviation (in more ways than one) from the actor side of things but this boy was from our side of town down here. AND he was naughty, very naughty and we like that. But probably not as a son-in-law.

Ray Winstone.

yes, I have gotten into trouble before by stating that I thought Ray is sexy. And I still think that.Even tho' this might be an old photo.

He played a baddie in a mini series I saw a couple of years ago but he really had me hooked several movies ago and certainly for Henry VIII. However, I'm not convinced he's son-in-law material.

So, I could go on but you've probably already started snoring. If you haven't, who would you think twice about if your daughter/son brought them home?

Tuesday Tipple

2011-01-25T17:14:00.000+13:00

Living way down south here, I have a fascination with the Northern Lights, would love to see them! However, in the meantime I'll have to settle for one of these...

Northern Light

3/4 ounce light rum
3/4 ounce triple sec
Sparkling wine or champagne to top up
1 piece of orange peel
1/2 slice orange

Shake the rum and triple sec together, with ice, in the shaker and then strain into a champagne flute. Top up with sparkling wine and squeeze the orange peel over the drink. Perch the slice of orange on the rim of the glass. Enjoy.

Portrait of a rainy day

2011-01-21T17:20:00.001+13:00

Our wonderful, joyous Whovian, New Teen...in the rain taking photos of her own. I love this wee gal. I couldn't post the clip (embedding disabled by request) so I hope you enjoy the song all the same.

I love this beach, rain or shine. These guys hover about waiting for people to drop themmorsels, usually they score fish and chips! It's one of the best places in the world to take your fish and chips to eat, either strolling the beach or huddled in the dunes, depends on the weather.

How to wake up early while on holiday

2011-01-20T09:14:00.001+13:00

Top Tip- live in an earthquake zone! We had a nice start to the day...a 5.1 just after 6am followed by 3.4 and a 4 around 8am. I have given up trying to sleep in. Last time there was this kind of pattern (or "swarm" as the propellor heads call it) of shaking there was an even bigger one every two hours. It's currently 9.10am so let's see what happens next eh? You're welcome to come along for the ride at Geonet. Apparently we have now had 4, 432 shakes since 4 September 'quake.

Today I'm taking the kids to see an exhibit at the Art Gallery (presumably it's still standing) from a chap called Ron Meuck which we have been looking froward to for some time now. Our youngest is especially keen to see the giant baby (personally I think it will make my eyes water...)

So, for something that might make the rest of you cry, I found this clip on YouTube. Enjoy!

Tuesday Tipple

2011-01-18T23:04:00.000+13:00

I am starting to enjoy this time off, no going back to work until 31 January for me! All that ironing has really made me work up a thirst...

Since the rain set in this morning, and we have quite a bit of surface flooding in our road I thought I should whip up a Hurricane 2. This is a spicy evening cocktail...

3/4 ounce Cognac
2 tsp Pernod
2 tsp Vodka
ice

Shake all ingredients together in the shaker and strain into a glass. I'd use a coicktail glass with the shorter stem, and kick back and listen to this....before mixing yourself another one. You deserve it!

One way to know you're still on holiday....

2011-01-17T18:55:00.001+13:00

One way to know you're still on holiday is when you find yourself doing the ironing instead of reading a book, right? Possibly I have that round the wrong way. However, I am worried about my reaction to the ironing.

Never mind that I actually ironed work shirts which I know are not mine (surely the days of wives doing all the ironing are well and truly over??), when I had finished each shirt I hung it on it's hanger...and to my dismay when I had finished and was about to cart them all upstairs I had put one of the shirts the wrong way round on its hanger. Instead of being able to neatly hang them all in the wardrobe in one go because the hanging bits all faced the same way, I had to struggle along with 3 facing one way and the last one falling to the floor and having to be put on the hanger the RIGHT way and then being put away. When did I start to be concerned about this, does Martha Stewart know about this?? When did I start putting words like "hanging bits" on this blog? Do I need a champers, darling or what!

I think I should go back to doing what I do best, you know - the kind of things that The Stud married me for afterall...lounging about and doing stuff all...I don't think I'm cut out for housework.

Silent Sunday

2011-01-16T20:14:00.000+13:00

Tuesday Tipple

2011-01-11T23:30:00.000+13:00

Today's toast goes to my relatives currently hunkering down semi-safely in Brisbane, especially my niece trapped in her house with 3 children aged under 4 years....am starting to wonder what our family has done to annoy Mother Nature (earthquakes..now floods!!) Anyway, one of the following should help take the edge off....

Brandy Zoom

1.5 ounces brandy
3/4 ounc light cream
2 tsp honey

Shake all the ingredients together, with ice cubes, in the shaker and strain into a cocktail glass.

Silent Sunday

2011-01-09T22:51:00.000+13:00

Miracles

2011-01-07T14:43:00.000+13:00

Well, I call them miracles...nature is amazing, and even though we have had over 4,000 aftershocks since 4 September she can still surprise me! For example, this tree stump with it's 'limpet-like' lichen, amazing how the stuff can grow and keep growing!

and raindrops on roses (forget about kittens with mittens or brown paper packages tied up with string...)

my most loved miracle is this beautiful quilt made for me by my dear friend Pixie and delivered in person, as a right birthday treat it was too and I love it dearly. This is one of the most wonderful things anyone has ever done for me and I appreciate more than I can tell you. And yes, that is us two under the quilt, can you guess which one is me?

Tuesday Tipple

2011-01-04T21:07:00.000+13:00

'allo, 'allo! Come in night hawk....

Today I feel like a Francois Bise. Sorry Steve, there is fruit involved!

1 tablespoon raspberry puree.
Champagne for topping up

Put the raspberry puree into the glass (a champagne flute) and top up with Champagne. Voila.

Feet up, steroe remote handy....its You and Me babe, let's go....

Something good from the quake zone

2011-01-03T11:28:00.000+13:00

Now we know what to do with them.....

The sands of time are flying again

2010-12-31T09:21:00.000+13:00

This year has sure been one heck of a ride. We've had personal tragedy, we've had earthquakes, mining disasters and floods...and you know what? We're still standing.

Thanks to all who have visited and commented and cared, much appreciated. I wish you all a happy, safe and wonderous New Year with new things round the corner and those you love close by.

Cheers everyone, here's a poem that we read at our nephew's funeral earlier this year (jhas it really been six months??) and I think you will find it an inspiration for the following years to come.

So, charge up your glasses (those regular visitors here will have theirs at the ready, for any newbies there's a glass on the bench, help yourself...) and singalong to this ol' late night favourite. Happy New year. xx

Not so silent Sunday

2010-12-26T09:06:00.001+13:00

Had a lovely Christmas day, sunshine and warmth...plus family and chocolate and bubbly - what's not to like!?

What we didn't like were the 3 aftershocks during the night and the belter that got us outta bed at 8am! I feel so sorry for those families just a street away from us with port-a-loos still and those round the river, am betting they spent the night huddled under their tables again. I have checked GeoNet and the biggest one was 4.2 followed by a 3.7 half an hour later, then a 2.7 which we felt as it was quite shallow. The 3.8 at 8am was the last straw for us, time to get up! The New Teen was already in osition in her doorway, all sleepy eyed and cross that the perfect Christmas had hit a bump. I think we've been slowly getting used to NOT feeling the shakes as much and now we're slightly back on egde. Mind you, as my Grandmother would say "Worse things happen at sea". PS Since posting this we have had several more shakes, so far we have had 11 since 2am....

I tried to get some photos of the blood moon the other night, but too cloudy. Did manage to get some nice pix of them!

The deep pink was captivating. Anyway, in honour of the kinda night we had - enjoy this music from our Aussie 'cousins'....and a happy Christmas to you all, where ever you are.

Tuesday Tipple

2010-12-21T22:02:00.000+13:00

I am guessing that no-one wants to hear about our 32 degree heat today? No?

Ok, how about this then....

Red Passion Lemonade

5 parts Alize Red Passion
2 cans of lemonade
1 whole lemon

Cut the lemon into wedges, fill a glass bowl or jug wuith ice. Add ingredients, pour into tumbler and garnish with mint tip. Chill-ax!

Silent Sunday

2010-12-19T15:51:00.000+13:00

Wistful Wednesday

2010-12-15T12:35:00.000+13:00

On Saturday we scattered our beloved 17 year old nephews ashes in the hills above our city. On one side of the (above photo) hill you can view the Port and out to sea, keep swimming and you will eventually get to South America!

To the other side (above) are views over the city and on to the nearby Mountain ranges. There wasn't a breath of wind, and as we laid our boy to rest 3 bell birds suddenly shot out of the bushes, circled around and 2 flew away with one remaining for about 5 minutes in a cabbage tree overhead, almost like it was checking to see if all was well before it too flew away. Just lovely.

Rest easy, Matt. We love you and miss you so much.

Silent Sunday

2010-12-12T23:18:00.000+13:00

Tuesday Tipple

2010-12-07T11:29:00.000+13:00

Happy Margarita Day!

30ml Tequila (why did the Mexican throw his wife off the bridge?)
15ml fresh lime juice (sure, use the bottled stuff but you can tell the difference)
30ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
ice
salt for glass rim

Rub rim of glass with lime slice, then dip in salt to coat the rim. Pour all ingredients into shaker, shake, then strain into serving glass. I use wide rimmed Margarita glasses but a champagne saucer would do. Garnish with lime slice. And yes, I know...I know, you just wanna kick back, glass in hand and SING ALONG TO THIS...

A significant day

2010-12-02T12:30:00.000+13:00

Happy birthday to me.

Apparently I used to go nuts to this song! Some might say I have stayed that way.....

Tuesday Tipple

2010-11-30T09:41:00.004+13:00

OK, so we're starting to edge towards the silly season and I thought, let's start with the Christmas Cocktails! Usually by now I have started to flavour my vodka with Christmas tea - try it, you will find the vodka gets that Christmas pudding kind of taste and it's actually quite nice!

However, this one will get your glow on....

Candy Cane Martini

1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
1 ounce club soda
crushed candy canes for garnish

Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes. Mix vodka, schnapps, and club soda with ice in a cocktail shaker; strain into prepared glass. Too many of these might turn you into the Christmas Ho Ho Ho so take care, you know what they say about Bad Girls....

Silent Sunday

2010-11-28T10:43:00.000+13:00

More Canterbury Tales

Silent Sunday

Museum visit

Happy New year (belatedly)

We are ok.

A few drops of rain...

We miss you, Mummy

This day that is Thursday

Silent Sunday

Thank goodness it's Friday

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

The lack of new Dr Who episodes is getting to me!

Tuesday Tipple

Tuesday Tipple

Friday Foto

Silent Sunday

Tuesday Tipple

Monday Music

The colours in my day

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Birthday Babe

Whacky Wednesday

Tuesday Tipple

The house I lived in....

Tuesday Tipple

Tuesday Tipple

Cabin Fever Cocktail Ingredients

Instructions

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Thirsty Thursday

Forget SuperTramp - its SNOWING again!

Snow Rescue

Magical Monday

Freakin' Fridays, Batman!

Thankful Thursday

Silent Sunday

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Liquefaction Reflection

Tuesday Tipple

Saturday Song

Update

A Royal Flush

Long weekend

Tuesday Tipple

Juice of 1 medium lemonShot or two of GinStir all and add 4 ice-cubes. Fill with soda water, stir again, and serve

Burnt Offering from a writing class...

Silent Sunday

Thirsty Thursday

Autumn leaves when she arrives!

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Mary at the Window

Silent Sunday

Moving on

Silent Sunday

Weird Wednesday

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Tuesday Tipple

Monday Monday

RIP Gretel

Tuesday already?

Silent Sunday

Random shots after the quake

Silent Sunday

Whats happenin' dudes?

Tuesday Tipple

Tuesday Tipple

Anti-Woo

Silent Sunday

Tuesday Tipple

Silent Sunday

Freaky Friday

Juice of 1 medium lemon
Shot or two of Gin
Stir all and add 4 ice-cubes. Fill with soda water, stir again, and serve