Symbols of Spring

Today we walked along the daffodil lawn, where the flowers are just starting to come out.

By the bridge fern fronds are unfurling.

“It seems that spring is almost here
although the day is cold and drear.”

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Wide Wings

The black swan was at the Margaret Mahy playground again today.  This time it was on the grass, and as I watched it spread its wings.

This made me think of the Tai Chi move ‘White Crane Spreads its Wings’.

“Perhaps the black swan knows the form
or maybe just likes to perform.”

 

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Dining with Di

An old friend from Auckland was in town briefly, so four of us had dinner at the Carlton.

This pub, which has been completely rebuilt since the earthquakes, was the first in New Zealand to serve beer on tap and the first to have a beer garden.  Almost all the other diners were men.  Is this because the Carlton specialises in steaks?

Di and I have been friends since the early 1970s, and it’s very rarely I spend time with someone I’ve known that long.

“It’s great when an old friend appears
someone I’ve known for forty years.”

 

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Sprung Spring?

Today we are again basking in warm sunshine.  The weather was mild enought for me to have breakfast outside (admittedly at 9am).

Plus, our very first daffodil is flowering.

You can see from the adjacent white violets that this is definitely a mini daffodil.  Is it possible that spring is sprung?  Or will we back to winter next week?

“Warm weather is a welcome thing
uncertain if it’s truly spring.”

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Riverside Restaurant

In days gone by, even for a while after the earthquakes, our favourite place for a special dinner was Tiffany’s.  It had a wonderful situation beside the river and excellent food.   Sadly it changed hands some years ago, and with all the demolition and roadworks the replacement Regatta is struggling.   We had a platter there in 2014, and were not particularly impressed.  Recently they offered a Devonshire Tea for two for $10 on ‘Grab One’, so we thought we’d try again.

Bookings were requested, but we were walking into town and unsure when we’d get there, so waited until we reached the Container Mall to phone.   I was told that the scones weren’t ready yet (at 11am – presumably no-one else had come for morning tea), but that we could have slices instead if we wanted to come then.  Crossing Durham Street was a challenge with cones and fences, but we made it.  Regatta displayed a cabinet of food with no sign of any other customers.  We sat outside and enjoyed the river view, together with chocolate brownies and hot drinks.

Good value for $10, but sad to see how much the restaurant has declined.  Obviously they will be hoping for better times when more of the rebuild is complete, and they probably get some custom from people visiting the Memorial Wall.  I just wonder whether they will survive.

“This restaurant has passed its prime
and now waits for a better time.”

 

 

 

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Parked Picker

This cherry picker was parked across from our cottage overnight, and is still there at midday.  I wonder why it was parked with its cage extended.  Do you know?

“This cherry picker way up high
stands out against the clear blue sky.”

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(P)Seudo Snow

At The Colombo this morning we found they’d decorated the place to look as if there was snow.  We couldn’t help thinking it looked more like Ziggy had been sleeping there.  Our armchairs sometimes have a similar fluffy look.

At Red Current we again thought it could be Ziggy lying there, but closer inspection revealed a cushion.

We visited Spotlight who have an incredible range of all kinds of homeware and crafty things.  Their shop is so different to other upmarket places in The Colombo.

After shopping we needed refreshment, and The Cheeky Sparrow was our choice.  The Colombo has a range of exotic eateries, but this is the only one that offers cheese scones, plus excellent hot chocolate.

“On visiting The Colombo
was not impressed by pseudo snow.”

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