This fascinating book is the true love story of Ned, a Maori from New Zealand, and Katina who is Cretan.  I particularly enjoyed the first part where there is explanation of Maori tikanga/cultural practice and of the development of the Maori Battalion.  The many photographs, together with Grace’s clear and well researched narrative make this a compelling read.  I must admit to skipping some of the later story, partly because my copy was overdue at the library and the fines were mounting.

“Katina’s love story with Ned
is one that simply must be read.”

A warm nor-wester meant the temperature was 18 degrees at 6.15 a.m. when I went out to walk around the Loop.  It’s a while since I’ve had an early morning stroll, and there were lots of new sights.  First of all I saw a couch sitting in the river by the cemetery - hopefully the Council will remove that soon. 

Further round Oxford Terrace a hand-written sign on a lamppost said ‘Slow down ducklings’.  Presumably that’s intended for car drivers rather than fast ducklings.  A little further there was a pair of paradise ducks with just three zebra-striped offspring.  Their families are usually larger, so maybe some had been run over? 

I stopped to gaze over the Fitzgerald Avenue bridge, where a large black swan spread its wings and squawked at me.  I leaned further over and saw another swan sitting on a nest right under the bridge – perhaps there’ll be cygnets soon.

“There’s many sights along the way
when walking at the start of day.”

This latest novel in the Corinna Chapman series is topically set just before Xmas, and is a charming, light-hearted read.   Kerry Greenwood’s plots are always laden with interesting allusions, and the idiosyncracies of Corinna’s neighbours add to the flavour.  A book to relish.

“A seasonal nativity
provides this novel’s mystery.”

Today we had our annual outing in the Santa Parade.  We rode in the back of an old Model A Ford and waved regally at the the thousands of people lining the streets.  Small children, dressed up in their Xmas finery, either stared bemusedly or waved frantically.   This is Stephen’s twenty-first Santa Parade, and the first time that there’s been rain.  Thankfully it was just a few drops at the very start.  Our chauffeur had thoughtfully provided an umbrella, but we didn’t need it.   After we’d been dropped home again many of the floats drove past the Cottage on their way back to another year in storage.

 ”I love to see the children smile
As we ride by in regal style.”

Saturday night in the Botanic Gardens a group of women met to walk the labyrinth in honour of the Crone.  This ritual was organised by the Women’s Sacred Mystries Trust, and follows earlier rituals which honoured the Maiden and the Mother.   Ranked in order of age, and accompanied by bone-rattling percussion, we followed the giant crone image through the trees until we reached the space where the labyrinth had been laid out, marked by twinkling candles.

Crone labyrinth

It was a wonderful to have the experience of older women honoured in a way that is rare in pakeha society.  Each woman walked the labyrinth while a haunting song reminded us that the crone stands at the portal to the afterlife.  At the same time many thousands were attending ‘Christmas in the Park’ at the other side of the Gardens.  Their music occasionally drifted across, but it was never enough to break the labyrinth’s magic spell.

“We mused on power of the crone
who teaches things as yet unknown.”

The Bohemian was our choice for an evening meal after a particularly hard day’s work.  It’s close to home, and we didn’t feel like walking much further.  Sadly the weather was a little too breezy for us to be able to sit outside and enjoy the river view.  I chose fish and chips, billed as a “light meal”, but the plate held more than I could manage.  Stephen’s pizza was equally generous.  The food was good value, and the ambience pleasant but, wanting to unwind, I would have appreciated a little less noise from the other patrons.  It was obvious that they were enjoying themselves.

“Those diners in the large mixed group
were certainly a happy troop.”

Highlights of my foreign travel have been visits to Highgate and Montmartre Cemeteries, and this book had an extra fascination for me because it is set in and near Highgate Cemetery.  The story involves two generations of twins and the possibility of what could happen after we die.  As we learn more about each of the characters new layers of relationship are revealed.  This is a captivating novel, occasionally gruesome, but with much warmth and love. 

“I’ve wandered in amongst these tombs
midst tangled bushes, scented blooms.”

Our green wheelie bin has disappeared.  I put it out last night, full of banksia prunings, and this morning it was gone.  Usually it’s collected just after 6am and I hear the truck emptying it, but this morning I heard nothing which leads me to believe it was stolen during the night.  I rang the Council, but was told I had to wait until the end of the day in case it turns up – surely not likely!

“I hate to be without my bin
what will I put the prunings in?”

This book’s descriptions of life in Kenya were appealing, although the story was not as gripping as some I’ve read before by this author.  Basically it’s about how a marriage can be attacked by external events, and the way these might be dealt with.  A good read.

“Ascending mountains can bring stress
and is it better to confess?”

A friend has gone to hospital for an operation.  I wanted to send flowers and phoned to check on progress and find which ward she’d be in.  The nurse informed me that many wards in the hospital do not permit flowers and the ward where my friend is is one of these.  Apparently flowers remove too much oxygen from ther air and this could be detrimental to the patients’ health.  I’ve heard of this before (photosynthesis?), and seem to remember that flowers were sometimes removed at night, but I’ve never known them to be completely forbidden, even in the intensive care unit.  I asked what else I could send and a basket of fruit was suggested.  Does anyone have any other ideas for gifts for convalescent friends?

“If I was sick I’d love some flowers
to gaze at during lonely hours.”