About

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 England.  I like to write poetry as well as this blog, and belong to two poetry groups.    In 2016 I retired from a  long term position as Manager of Volunteering Canterbury.  Much of my time since leaving paid work is taken up with various voluntary roles.  For exercise, I walk, do daily stretches, and go to a weekly exercise class.  To relax I like to spend time with friends, potter in the garden, read novels, and watch a little television (Midsomer Murders, Dr Who, Bones, etc.).  I love it when readers leave a comment on my blog.

I originally started blogging to document my first trip to England.  That was back in 2006, I got hooked, and have been blogging ever since.

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 changed completely and my blog documents that change.  Previously our paid work, shops, and many entertainment options were within easy walking distance.  After the earthquakes we needed to take a car to find most of these things.  One positive outcome from the quakes was that we adopted a refugee cat, Bentley, who provided good company, and comfort when the earth shook.  Sadly Bentley died in late 2014.  We now have a new cat called Ziggy.