We found these toadstools growing along the path at Waimairi Beach.
Unidentified toadstools
I haven’t been able to identify them but think they may be some kind of puffball. Does anyone know?
“They simply spring up overnight
providing an unusual sight.”
This book is beautifully written with wonderful language and detail. It realistically conveys the emotions of four Jewish women who, having each survived unspeakable horrors during the Holocaust, meet in Palestine in a British internment camp. Having lost everything and everyone they hardly dare to hope that they may have a future in the promised land. The story of how that future begins is based on a true incident and the author gives authentic insights into the determination of those who settled modern Israel.
“Each woman has a tragic past
which led her to become outcast.”
Our aged cat Molly had not caught any mice for months, but this week she’s brought one in three nights running. These are the gruesome remains I found on the carpet this morning.
Of course I appreciate the fact she’s doing her feline duty. I also appreciate that she tends to deposit them near Stephen’s chair. I have no desire to be the recipient of such offerings. Molly is at least twelve years old and we had begun to think that maybe her hunting days were over, but she’s obviously determined to demonstrate that she still deserves her title of Miss Molly Mouse Muncher.
This first novel by P.D. James demonstrates what a superb writer of mysteries she is. It was originally published in 1962 and has now been reprinted as part of the Faber Firsts series published to mark the 80th anniversary of Faber and Faber. It introduces her well known Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh, investigating an interesting cast of suspects.
“The first of James’s thrilling books
with Inspector Dalgliesh and crooks.”
Having been in Italy just six months ago, we couldn’t resist this latest play by Roger Hall. Hall always manages to capture perfectly the characteristics and aspirations of middle-aged, middle class New Zealanders, and this production, telling the story of two couples’ overseas adventures, is superb. I was especially impressed with the multi-purpose set which included a gondola and motor car. I laughed lots, was moved by the poignant back story and enjoyed the happy ending.
The Court’s season for “Four Flat Whites…” has been extended for an extra month because of the huge demand. It’s just been announced that the proceeds for the final night will be donated to the relief of those who suffered in the Samoan tsunami – an extra reason not to miss this very entertaining play.
“So many scenes we recognised
with memories that are highly prized.”
We chose this place for dinner, mainly because it’s close to the Court Theatre and we could get a quick meal before heading to the 7.30 p.m. performance. The Coffee House is located in an old villa, nicely preserved, and it’s years since we’ve eaten there although it’s a good venue for the occasional drink with friends. On this cold evening it was a cosy haven, buzzing with lots of groups. We both felt the need of something to fortify us against the weather and chose the Beef Ribeye on the bone, served with green beans, bacon, almonds, and aioli. This was an okay but not outstanding meal. I followed it with a hot chocolate and brownie while Stephen enjoyed a second glass of merlot. Being a pedant I couldn’t resist removing the superflous letter in cor(r)iander on the nearby blackboard menu.
“A cosy and attractive place
their spelling lacks that certain grace.”
Today being an anniversary we took the afternoon off and headed out for a leisurely lunch. The weather was wet and cold and we were pleased to find shelter at The Fish and Chip Shop in Sol Square. This is one of the businesses linked to Dave Henderson which are currently under threat of receivership, so who knows how long it will remain? The decor is a fascinating mix of 50’s and 60’s retro, the walls covered with different types of orange wallpaper (maybe more 70’s?) and the ceiling papered with aged newspapers. There are formica tables and lampshades fashioned from 5lb Edmonds Baking Powder tins.
At the Fish and Chip Shop
They serve a lot more than fish and chips. Stephen had bangers and mash and I had field mushrooms on ciabatta which were delicious.
“We ordered neither chip nor fish
preferring quite another dish.”
This is the autobiography of an Auckland pioneer in children’s literature. Dorothy Butler’s name has been synonymous with children’s books for many years, and it was interesting to read just how her career developed. The mother of eight children, she shares stories of family and friends in an engaging way that held my attention for over four hundred pages.
“There’s not another that could top
Ms Butler’s wonderful bookshop.”
1837, the year Victoria came to the throne, was also the beginning of my School Certificate History syllabus, so this is the period of British history with which I’m most familiar. Emily Blunt as Victoria and Rupert Friend as Albert are attractive and totally believable. I enjoyed seeing the admirable Harriet Walter briefly as Queen Adelaide, one of the few characters who seemed prepared to give Victoria unbiased advice. From the constraints of Victoria’s childhood through to the pleasures of her early married life this film gives us a sumptuous and endearing history lesson.
“She chose Prince Albert, did young Vic
from all the suitors she might pick.”
The World Peace March moved through Christchurch today, timed to coincide with yesterday’s birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. The crowd of about 100 gathered on the riverbank at the site of Tautahi Pa, just across from our Cottage. There were many banners, including one suggesting that the initials WMD stand for We Must Disarm, rather than Weapons of Mass Destruction.
People gather to start the Peace March
To the left of the photo you can see two of the poupou (posts) which mark the sacred waters where Tautahi and his bride were betrothed. There are three of these poupou, each representing a goddess, the Maori Maiden, Mother, and Crone. After mihi and karakia the Hiroshima Peace Torch was lit:
Lighting the Peace Torch
The crowd moved off on their walk across the central city. They were to stop at a number of significant sites before finishing at the Peace Bell in the Botanic Gardens.
“We need to beat the peaceful drum
and march to show that peace must come.”
