My name is Ruth Gardner, and I’m a Pakeha New Zealander, married to Stephen. We live in a small colonial cottage in the Avon Loop area of central Christchurch. We have two adult daughters, Cathryn and Louise, who live in London. I’m the manager of Volunteering Canterbury, a registered charity. I’m also a celebrant, doing mainly weddings, civil unions and namings. (My website for this work is www.ruth.org.nz). For exercise, I try to walk as much as possible. To relax I like to spend time with friends, potter in the garden, read novels, and watch a little television (Midsomer Murders, Dr Who, etc.). I love it when readers leave a comment on my blog.
After the earthquake on Tuesday 22 February 2011 our cottage was within the Red Zone and behind a military cordon for fifty days. Our lifestyle has changed completely and my blog documents that change. Previously our paid work, shops, and many entertainment options were within easy walking distance. Now we need to take a car to find almost any of these things. One positive outcome from the quakes is that we have adopted a refugee cat, Bentley, who provides good company, and comfort when the earth shakes.
Hope you have a wonderful time, I will enjoy tuning into further blog whatever blog means.
One of the wonderful things about wordpress blogs is that they bring you into other worlds that inspire you and enlighten you — like realruth! I’m so glad I clicked on a link from a post you’d made somewhere else and ta da — there you were. Best, BL
Delighted to see your comments on The Paua Tower; so glad you enjoyed reading it. I am currently writing another historical novel set in Christchurch and Lyttelton in 1923.It is called Passing Through.
Good to read your blog.
Best wishes,
Coral Atkinson
I think we share an enjoyment of Midsomer Murders!
I may never visit another English village again though
Just a wee note to say how much I enjoy the occasional wander around your blog.
I have bought the house I have lived in for six years and because the mortgage will not allow me to live in it I have renovated a large rumpus room (formerly a dry area bar)and am now enjoying living in a “Shed for a Bloke” and am about to rent the house.
I note your interest in birds and trees, and here I am surrounded by many of both.
Our choir recently had its seventh birthday.
Best regards,
Rex
Dear Ruth we were looking at a rental property just down by the holiday inn a couple of weeks ago and were intrigued by the signs in people’s windows. Thanks to your site I now know what its all about. I cant recall reading anything in the local papers about it. I enjoyed reading your posts. The Avon Loop is such a special place to live, you are very lucky. PS we decided not to rent the wee house, it was too expensive. As part of my studies at teachers college we also learn a mihi. Kia Pai tou ra. Lisa
10,000 steps! That’s great. I was just reading that 10k steps was ideal amount of walking everyone should strive for everyday and that one should try to measure how much they walk on an average day to see how close they come to that goal.
Dear Ruth,
I came across your blog by chance- following a link from a link, etc. Just to say I think it is wonderful. I read your restaurant reviews and find myself nodding. As another chch resident I find I relate to a numnber of your posts like that.
anyway just to let you know you have a local fan, and to say keep up the good work.
Hi Ruth
Great to meet and discover a new coffee shop in Cotter’s Lane last week. And, of course, to get some more book titles to look out for.
I love your blog – makes great reading. I noticed you had read Joan Didions’s book – it was one of my best reads this year. Keep up the recordings Ruth. You’re an amazing woman. Lucille
PS regarding the 10,000 steps per day. Do you wear a pedometre (sp?) and if so is it a good one? I have tried a couple and they have been useless.
Lucille – Lovely to get your comments, thank you.
Yes, I do have a pedometer. I’ve been wearing one for nearly two years now. The first one I had (expensive) was really good, but eventually gave up the ghost. I then bought a cheap Warehouse one (via Trademe), which was useless. The one I have now I bought from the Diabetes Assn (only $20), and they told me it had been recommended by Consumer. However, it definitely over-records. It can be adjusted, but not far enough. I have to admit it’s been a while since my weekly average has exceeded 10,000 steps per day. Lately I’m lucky to make 9,000, but my intentions are good.
Have just caught up on your blog Ruth. I love it. In view of my move to the Capital on Tuesday I particularly enjoyed your views and news of Wellington.
Lucille
Hi, had to reply to the watch Dr Who comment. We do and I think they know we are out there – the female lead is now a mature female. Will follow up on liberating books idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ruth,I wrote you a comment a while ago but you did not reply.I was asking about the korotangi.Do you or any in your family know any more about the circumstances of your ancestor,Richard,finding the bird? I would be very grateful if you would reply.
Richard Wallace-pondlifeuk@hotmail.com
Thats just,pondlifeuk@hotmail.com
Ruth, could you put an RSS feed or Twitter link on your blog so that we can keep up with your posts.
Wonderful to find a fellow follower of Midsummer & Spooks, and of course reading and cats. I have four cats and three dogs – none of which like it when I read because they always try to distract me when Im at a good piece in the book.
Nicole, thanks for your comment. Most of my reading is done in bed where there is room for the cat and the book.
I don’t know if you’re online at the moment – but I just wanted to say I heard from Cathryn that you’re OK after the earthquake, and I hope you’re dealing with all the shock and aftermath as well as can be expected. Be strong.
Many thanks for your continuing blog on life within the cordon.
I had hoped to see pictures of the state of Oxford Terrace Baptist Church – but having read your comments about your walk home I am not surprised that you stopped taking photos.
Thank you for the photos that you have posted though.
Having ‘dipped’ into your blog on several occasions in the past I am so pleased that you have come through this latest cruel act of nature relatively unscathed, and that Christchurch still has at least one 150 year old property left.
Ruth, your comments and experiences make interesting reading and I feel relatively informed about living in inner Christchurch now.
do you have an email address? are you on ancestry.co.uk ?
Hi Ruth,
I’m doing some research on 300 Manchester St as this building is currently being demolished and found your blog because of your post about the Perfection Ice Cream factory. I think this was on the same site (Manchester/Salisbury corner?). Do you remember how long it was on site there?
I’d love to chat to you about this via email.