Church was well attended this morning, over 20 visitors. The singing was great but marred by my losing the place in one song, I have a bad case of the flu which has made my concentration levels zilch! I looked up at the screen to seen what verse we were on and bingo, lost the place!
One good piece of news is one of the visitors has moved to the area and is a pianist and violinist, said she would be there next Sunday, one can only hope.
We had 43 at our country church for Easter morning, after 23 for the Liturgy of the Nails on Good Friday. Our town church had 16 for Maundy Thursday. We didn't make the Vigil on Saturday evening so unsure of numbers there. Mrs BA fractured her ankle in the early hours of Palm Sunday, so it's been an exhausting week for both of us, but she managed to play for Friday and Sunday morning.
A little bit of extra drama during Friday's liturgy as the 92-year-old mother of a parishioner had a blood pressure drop and fainted. After being laid in the recovery position on the floor of the nave, she insisted that worship go on around her while we awaited the ambulance. After assessment, she was discharged from the ER and home in time for dinner.
That certainly made for a memorable service @Barnabas_Aus! I do hope Mrs BA is not too uncomfortable with her ankle. I hope it heals quickly. Glad to hear the aged visitor was able to go home from hospital quickly.
We've had a very quiet Easter, I made some hot cross buns which have not lasted well. For some reason they turned out very cakey. I also misjudged how much paste I would need for the crosses, so some buns were nominally Christian with uprights only and others were pagan buns with no crosses at all. I did manage to get plenty of fruit into them though and my goodness the yeast, it came to life so quickly I thought it was going to spill out of the bowl onto the tiles where I'd left it in the sun. Managed to salvage everything and get it mixed up OK.
I had a phone call with a friend this afternoon, when the finances have recovered a bit after all the outings with Aged Aunt, I have promised to have a coffee with her. Must do that while we can still sit outside!
Up before dawn to go foraging for wild mushrooms (pine rings and Chicken of the Woods, nothing dangerous) in the misty damp mountains, slowed a little by all the roast lamb and dark Lindt chocolate eaten yesterday. Kept wishing I could dognap a boisterous retriever puppy brought along by his young owner who plans to train him as a truffle hound (we have caches of white truffles further inland). That dog doesn't have an obedience gene in his make-up.
A little bit of extra drama during Friday's liturgy as the 92-year-old mother of a parishioner had a blood pressure drop and fainted. After being laid in the recovery position on the floor of the nave, she insisted that worship go on around her while we awaited the ambulance. After assessment, she was discharged from the ER and home in time for dinner.
Good on her - and a good reason for having cushioned pews!
@Gee D Cushioned pews, ah bliss! The church we attended in our home town has removed it's pews and replaced them with padded seats, at some point I must go over and have a look at how that is working.
I have wondered what's happened with the pews, I'd love to buy one to have and there were a number of memorial kneelers, I also wondered what has happened with those. If they are to be discarded I'd love to have the ones that were given in memory of husband's family members.
@MaryLouise I used to make hot cross buns every year, but got out of the habit when son was unwell. Now that I have more free time, I thought it would be nice to start again. I did make a mistake with the yeast and ended up having to double the mixture, but I'll remember that for next year!
@Gee D Cushioned pews, ah bliss! The church we attended in our home town has removed it's pews and replaced them with padded seats, at some point I must go over and have a look at how that is working.
I have wondered what's happened with the pews, I'd love to buy one to have and there were a number of memorial kneelers, I also wondered what has happened with those. If they are to be discarded I'd love to have the ones that were given in memory of husband's family members.
@MaryLouise I used to make hot cross buns every year, but got out of the habit when son was unwell. Now that I have more free time, I thought it would be nice to start again. I did make a mistake with the yeast and ended up having to double the mixture, but I'll remember that for next year!
St Sanity has loose cushions for the pews, 2 or 3 (can't remember) for each pew. They're worth their weight in gold for those of us who've lost weight as they get older, rather than put more on.
@Gee D I hope the weight loss is due to more walking, being fitter and healthier, not from fading away!
Getting onto the ship early today, as like 11k others, I'll be checking out the Federal Court live feed later this morning. I am sure I don't need to specify why or which case might be on the stream.
I had a lovely phone catch up with a friend earlier in the week. They seem to phone because they are feeling down. I noted their concerns and am pondering how best to respond to those. I can't do a lot, but sometimes I do get a brainwave about things that might help, so just pondering those at present.
It's been a very quiet week here, and I am grateful. I had a lovely time at nephew's baby shower last week, but was tired after having a big day out! As my sister would say, We might be a mad, messed up family, but it's OUR mad messed up family!
Cheery son had an online meet yesterday with a person who will give him some mentoring around thinking about study/career/job seeking options and it was good to meet them. It takes a bit of pressure off us and for that I'm grateful. We have been getting him sorted re some new medications and stopping others and some days my headspace is completely filled up!
@Gee D I hope the weight loss is due to more walking, being fitter and healthier, not from fading away!
I had a lovely phone catch up with a friend earlier in the week. They seem to phone because they are feeling down. I noted their concerns and am pondering how best to respond to those. I can't do a lot, but sometimes I do get a brainwave about things that might help, so just pondering those at present.
Not fading away yet! We do quite a bit of walking, to and from coffee shops mainly, but also just generally around the suburb. A recent find has been a cafe a few stations closer to the city. It's only open a few days a week, but is very pleasant, just sitting outside under cover. A walk to the next station south, where we can get a good range of greengroceries and then a train back home.
Phone calls like the one you refer to can be difficult, but think of them as an honour. You're someone the caller trusts and for whom you provide an open ear.
Thinking of everyone on the east coast who will receive a large dump of rain today. We are sitting just outside the warning area, but are hoping for some moisture today. The last few weeks have been hot and relatively dry and I'll be glad to see some refreshment for the garden.
I've popped out this morning to get a script for son and rain was only light. I am anticipating rain might get a bit heavier later in the day and thought it would be good to be off the road in peak hour. Husband normally rides motor scooter to work, but I've sent him in the car this morning.
I just read a news item about the weather on the east coast of Australia. I hope everyone manages to stay safe and dry.
Today I noticed I had somehow enlarged the print on my computer. I am really happy that I have done this and hope it stays that way as it's much kinder to my eyes.
A lot of heavy rain today in Sydney & it’s heading south. Up to 132 mm in Wahroonga ( upper North Shore) and around 100 mm so far elsewhere. Flooding in Chipping Norton ( SW suburb near George’s River); roads under water and there is the possibility of an evacuation order. No one dead so far; there is always the odd car washed off a small bridge or into a large stormwater drain…
Been steady rain here in the Valley, just falling with virtually no wind. Except when we were exiting the supermarket, when we were hit by a squall, thankfully of warm wind, but unwelcome just the same.
A lot of heavy rain today in Sydney & it’s heading south. Up to 132 mm in Wahroonga ( upper North Shore) and around 100 mm so far elsewhere. Flooding in Chipping Norton ( SW suburb near George’s River); roads under water and there is the possibility of an evacuation order. No one dead so far; there is always the odd car washed off a small bridge or into a large stormwater drain…
We are at the next station south from Wahroonga and had solid rain much of the day. Also cold for April. For pedants, on our line it is north or south, not down or up. Railway down is continuous uphill and the sensible decision was made within a year of the line opening to keep it north and south.
We have a decorative rain gauge that is incorrectly marked, that is the marking start about half an inch up the side, rather than from the bottom. Taking that into consideration I think we've had about 50mm of rain as the gauge was half full and now is overflowing. The rain is heavy so I can't be bothered to go outside and empty it. There are a number of community activities planned for today that are all battling on. I do hope the schools get good support from their communities for their fetes.
We also live quite near a sediment pond, which has a small jetty going out towards the centre. I've not measured the height of this, but I estimate it's very low, probably about half a metre high off the ground maximum. Sometimes I see people fishing from it, or standing and watching the water birds. Today the jetty is nowhere to be seen and once the rain stops it will take a couple of hours of water draining further down the system before it reappears. The water from here travels down to another very large artificial lake. I've had a peep out my window and the ducks and the ibis are nowhere to be seen, they have very good sense! I'd love to be outside hoeing the last of my weeds, but I think I'll leave that for Monday when it's supposed to be a bit clearer, I think there is some further rain expected tomorrow.
Glad to hear others are managing in the wet, I hope you got home to find no leaks @Sojourner journer
Sorry to hear about all the rainstorms over in NSW.
Weather has remained mostly lovely during my three weeks in Auckland, on the other side of the Tasman. No big adventures on this trip, just easy times indoors and out, lots of nice meals with good friends, and delightful autumn sunshine.
Especially nice down at Waiaku (glorious sunsets at the beach resort there) and on Waiheke Island (where there was some yummy mango lassi ice cream, amongst other indulgences…)
Back to the UK on Monday - with enough Whittaker’s in my bag to keep my mood up until the British summer arrives. Or should that be ‘if’?
Wot, you didn't visit the best Island - shame on you!
Actually it's Rakiura (Stewart Island) the blob at the bottom of the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu). I visited there while my house was being fixed during the quakes. Seeing as my accommodation was being paid by insurance and I wanted to get out of Christchurch I decided to make the most of it. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Glad you have enjoyed your stay. I bought some of that Choc Cross Bun Chocolate that I'm posting to my brother, along with some Oat Milk (plant based) Chocolate. I keep hoping he will see the light and move back here, but realistically, I think the best I can hope for is for him and his wife to come and stay for a few days in February. Still it's better than not seeing them at all.
The first of our winter storms should hit the Cape by Sunday with a high risk of localised flooding. We've cleared gutters and checked storm water drains in the road, have torches and buckets for roof leaks, a pile of library books.
@Huia if I never see another hot-cross bun, I'll be happy. (No doubt I'll feel differently by next week!)
Me too, although I was lucky to have friends turn up and take some off my hands, which as kind of them
I've just read that unless thirty million dollars is raised by the end of August then the restoration of Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, badly damaged by the quakes in 2011 will be mothballed.
*The Catholic Cathedral, which had to be totally demolished, was to be built on a different site, but may yet be re-built on its original site. I'm not sure of the reason for this possible change, but there has been a change of Bishop since the original decision was made.* At one time building was also held up by a rare breed of seagulls nesting at the site and work had to be put off until the chicks were ready to leave the nest.
* I'm less sure of the information about the Catholic Cathedral and would be happy to be contradicted if anyone knows differently.*
We have a decorative rain gauge that is incorrectly marked, that is the marking start about half an inch up the side, rather than from the bottom. Taking that into consideration I think we've had about 50mm of rain as the gauge was half full and now is overflowing. The rain is heavy so I can't be bothered to go outside and empty it. There are a number of community activities planned for today that are all battling on. I do hope the schools get good support from their communities for their fetes.
We also live quite near a sediment pond, which has a small jetty going out towards the centre. I've not measured the height of this, but I estimate it's very low, probably about half a metre high off the ground maximum. Sometimes I see people fishing from it, or standing and watching the water birds. Today the jetty is nowhere to be seen and once the rain stops it will take a couple of hours of water draining further down the system before it reappears. The water from here travels down to another very large artificial lake. I've had a peep out my window and the ducks and the ibis are nowhere to be seen, they have very good sense! I'd love to be outside hoeing the last of my weeds, but I think I'll leave that for Monday when it's supposed to be a bit clearer, I think there is some further rain expected tomorrow.
Glad to hear others are managing in the wet, I hope you got home to find no leaks @Sojourner journer
Thanks house was dry indeed but better yet the rain blew away around 6 am. Nice to dry out but even better to be able to walk 2 km to Christ Church St Laurence ( 2 km from home near Central Station) for an all day choir workshop then get home again without being drenched.
The Aussies on the West Coast for the Survivor type TV programme have had an earthquake and a couple of aftershocks Fortunately for all of us, it wasn't the big one expected over there, which some expert has said could lead to Christchurch shaking for 8 minutes (I hope to be dead before then).
The epicentre was off the coast near Greymouth and the quake was measured at 5.1, which is a decent size. People as far away as Auckland reported feeling it, but I was fast asleep (that's my favourite kind of quake).
To add to the excitement the Tsunami warning sounded this morning, but it was only a (well notified) testing of the system, which happens every year at the end of Daylight Saving.
I'm making 6 litres of soup today to share with a friend. He will bring one of his chainsaws over next week to cut back some rampant vegetation.
Almost time here to make stock ( usually chicken with a few veges & a pig’s trotter for added gelatin). First quinces of season @ Paddy’s Market yesterday so bought 6 ( weighed a ton carting home by bus). This morning poached & bottled them: x4 750 ml jars so very pleased.
I am thinking of the South as a possibility for my 60th birthday trip - which I am astonished to find is now less than a year away. How did that happen?
Hope the soup turns out well - it’s shifting to the soup months now, for sure.
Great to have friends who are handy with tools! I think I may need someone with a chainsaw to sort out my garden back home too, when I get there.
Anyway, I have had a traditional (for me) last day of the trip, at the museum and the art gallery and taking in a stroll in the parks.
Meanwhile, Storm Kathleen is raging in Blighty, but with 26 hours on planes starting tomorrow, I hope it will be long gone by the time I land…
Almost time here to make stock ( usually chicken with a few veges & a pig’s trotter for added gelatin). First quinces of season @ Paddy’s Market yesterday so bought 6 ( weighed a ton carting home by bus). This morning poached & bottled them: x4 750 ml jars so very pleased.
We have an abundance of quinces out here in autumn, we enjoy the fragrance of ripe furred quinces.. Not the easiest fruit to cut up but that pink-amber colour and taste makes for a very good preserve.
Fished out very dark, green-tinted sunspot-prevention goggles to watch the moon eclipse the sun for four minutes and then discovered the eclipse will not be visible from South Africa. Winter storms lashing the Cape with solar panels on roofs torn off, oak trees uprooted, highways flooded and social media hysteria. My partner unwell, so made chicken soup.
Fished out very dark, green-tinted sunspot-prevention goggles to watch the moon eclipse the sun for four minutes and then discovered the eclipse will not be visible from South Africa. Winter storms lashing the Cape with solar panels on roofs torn off, oak trees uprooted, highways flooded and social media hysteria. My partner unwell, so made chicken soup.
At least you did not have to lay out any money. Keeping your partner in our thoughts
Cold change this afternoon; day started as balmy 17C; by 4 pm 13C wind and rain. What was I thinking???!!! welcome autumn; blanket on bed and stockings/ cardi tomorrow🙀
My partner very unwell with colon inflammation, power and water down most of the day. Chicken soup a panacea. Weather and temps bouncing up and down like a yoyo.
I hope your partner gets well soon MaryLouise - that sounds nasty.
Yesterday's maximum temperature was 26c today's is meant to be 25c! It's autumn for goodness sake! From today onward an absolute deluge of rain is forecast for the west coast of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island). There is a possibility it may also hit north Canterbury, the region I am in, but I'm hoping it goes to the rural area which is still in drought.
My goodness, that is heaps! Did any of the drought area get any rain, Huia? I didn't do anything but read a book and watch TV yesterday due to light but steady rain for most of the day as well as a cold snap! My gosh, freezing!!! I'm too stingy to put the heater on as it takes a few hours to heat up, so throws all around for the whole family!
The drought area is showing little black rain clouds in Thursday and Friday's forecasts - mine is too. We need it too as it's dry here. I did have other plans though.
As I understand it the wind blows over the Tasman Sea from Australia picking up moisture. It hits the Southern Alps and the moisture falls as rain on the West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) Christchurch (to the east of the Alps) gets a hot Nor'west wind, a bit like the Mistral in France. The is an arch of cloud in the NW of the sky when this wind is blowing.
The wettest inhabited place in NZ is Milford Sound on the southern west coast which has an average rainfall of 6816mm, (and sandflies galore - I spent a night there once and was covered in bites despite being slathered in anti-sandfly cream. Sandfly bitten eyelids are very uncomfortable) whereas Christchurch's average is 618 mm.
There was a lot of nonsense on the web about it being a terrorist attack aimed at the Jewish commmunity ( many in and around Bondi Junction). Surely people must realise that on a Saturday afternoon observant Jews are at home after morning shul….
Horrible and there would have been more deaths and injuries if the copper had not shot the assailant.
Thank you for all your thoughts. Bondi Junction is about 30 km from where we live, and we've never been there. Still, it's a shock to realise that an action such as this can happen in the same city.
It’s about 3 km from home & I rarely go there, and almost never to Westfield. Saturday afternoon the Westfield shopping complex is normally heaving with people; imagine Hornsby on steroids.
Prayers for all concerned with this senseless act. One of the songs we had at church this morning 'Comfort, Comfort all my people' by Robin Mann. This was chosen by the Rev last Monday, little did any of us know how appropriate this would be today. The Spirit moves in mysterious ways.
Prayers for all concerned with this senseless act. One of the songs we had at church this morning 'Comfort, Comfort all my people' by Robin Mann. This was chosen by the Rev last Monday, little did any of us know how appropriate this would be today. The Spirit moves in mysterious ways.
That hymn sounds like perfect timing after such an appalling incident. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the attack.
My partner is home after surgery and the autumn weather is gorgeous, aloes just beginning to redden the hillsides. I am busy with more chicken soup and carrot/potato and broccoli purees, hankering after grilled duck breast but that is not for invalids.
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One good piece of news is one of the visitors has moved to the area and is a pianist and violinist, said she would be there next Sunday, one can only hope.
A little bit of extra drama during Friday's liturgy as the 92-year-old mother of a parishioner had a blood pressure drop and fainted. After being laid in the recovery position on the floor of the nave, she insisted that worship go on around her while we awaited the ambulance. After assessment, she was discharged from the ER and home in time for dinner.
We've had a very quiet Easter, I made some hot cross buns which have not lasted well. For some reason they turned out very cakey. I also misjudged how much paste I would need for the crosses, so some buns were nominally Christian with uprights only and others were pagan buns with no crosses at all. I did manage to get plenty of fruit into them though and my goodness the yeast, it came to life so quickly I thought it was going to spill out of the bowl onto the tiles where I'd left it in the sun. Managed to salvage everything and get it mixed up OK.
I had a phone call with a friend this afternoon, when the finances have recovered a bit after all the outings with Aged Aunt, I have promised to have a coffee with her. Must do that while we can still sit outside!
@Cheery Gardener good for you baking your own hot-cross buns!
Up before dawn to go foraging for wild mushrooms (pine rings and Chicken of the Woods, nothing dangerous) in the misty damp mountains, slowed a little by all the roast lamb and dark Lindt chocolate eaten yesterday. Kept wishing I could dognap a boisterous retriever puppy brought along by his young owner who plans to train him as a truffle hound (we have caches of white truffles further inland). That dog doesn't have an obedience gene in his make-up.
Good on her - and a good reason for having cushioned pews!
I have wondered what's happened with the pews, I'd love to buy one to have and there were a number of memorial kneelers, I also wondered what has happened with those. If they are to be discarded I'd love to have the ones that were given in memory of husband's family members.
@MaryLouise I used to make hot cross buns every year, but got out of the habit when son was unwell. Now that I have more free time, I thought it would be nice to start again. I did make a mistake with the yeast and ended up having to double the mixture, but I'll remember that for next year!
St Sanity has loose cushions for the pews, 2 or 3 (can't remember) for each pew. They're worth their weight in gold for those of us who've lost weight as they get older, rather than put more on.
Getting onto the ship early today, as like 11k others, I'll be checking out the Federal Court live feed later this morning. I am sure I don't need to specify why or which case might be on the stream.
I had a lovely phone catch up with a friend earlier in the week. They seem to phone because they are feeling down. I noted their concerns and am pondering how best to respond to those. I can't do a lot, but sometimes I do get a brainwave about things that might help, so just pondering those at present.
It's been a very quiet week here, and I am grateful. I had a lovely time at nephew's baby shower last week, but was tired after having a big day out! As my sister would say, We might be a mad, messed up family, but it's OUR mad messed up family!
Cheery son had an online meet yesterday with a person who will give him some mentoring around thinking about study/career/job seeking options and it was good to meet them. It takes a bit of pressure off us and for that I'm grateful. We have been getting him sorted re some new medications and stopping others and some days my headspace is completely filled up!
It will be good to have a quiet day today!
Not fading away yet! We do quite a bit of walking, to and from coffee shops mainly, but also just generally around the suburb. A recent find has been a cafe a few stations closer to the city. It's only open a few days a week, but is very pleasant, just sitting outside under cover. A walk to the next station south, where we can get a good range of greengroceries and then a train back home.
Phone calls like the one you refer to can be difficult, but think of them as an honour. You're someone the caller trusts and for whom you provide an open ear.
I've popped out this morning to get a script for son and rain was only light. I am anticipating rain might get a bit heavier later in the day and thought it would be good to be off the road in peak hour. Husband normally rides motor scooter to work, but I've sent him in the car this morning.
Today I noticed I had somehow enlarged the print on my computer. I am really happy that I have done this and hope it stays that way as it's much kinder to my eyes.
We are at the next station south from Wahroonga and had solid rain much of the day. Also cold for April. For pedants, on our line it is north or south, not down or up. Railway down is continuous uphill and the sensible decision was made within a year of the line opening to keep it north and south.
We also live quite near a sediment pond, which has a small jetty going out towards the centre. I've not measured the height of this, but I estimate it's very low, probably about half a metre high off the ground maximum. Sometimes I see people fishing from it, or standing and watching the water birds. Today the jetty is nowhere to be seen and once the rain stops it will take a couple of hours of water draining further down the system before it reappears. The water from here travels down to another very large artificial lake. I've had a peep out my window and the ducks and the ibis are nowhere to be seen, they have very good sense! I'd love to be outside hoeing the last of my weeds, but I think I'll leave that for Monday when it's supposed to be a bit clearer, I think there is some further rain expected tomorrow.
Glad to hear others are managing in the wet, I hope you got home to find no leaks @Sojourner journer
Weather has remained mostly lovely during my three weeks in Auckland, on the other side of the Tasman. No big adventures on this trip, just easy times indoors and out, lots of nice meals with good friends, and delightful autumn sunshine.
Especially nice down at Waiaku (glorious sunsets at the beach resort there) and on Waiheke Island (where there was some yummy mango lassi ice cream, amongst other indulgences…)
Back to the UK on Monday - with enough Whittaker’s in my bag to keep my mood up until the British summer arrives. Or should that be ‘if’?
Actually it's Rakiura (Stewart Island) the blob at the bottom of the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu). I visited there while my house was being fixed during the quakes. Seeing as my accommodation was being paid by insurance and I wanted to get out of Christchurch I decided to make the most of it. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Glad you have enjoyed your stay. I bought some of that Choc Cross Bun Chocolate that I'm posting to my brother, along with some Oat Milk (plant based) Chocolate. I keep hoping he will see the light and move back here, but realistically, I think the best I can hope for is for him and his wife to come and stay for a few days in February. Still it's better than not seeing them at all.
@Huia if I never see another hot-cross bun, I'll be happy. (No doubt I'll feel differently by next week!)
I've just read that unless thirty million dollars is raised by the end of August then the restoration of Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, badly damaged by the quakes in 2011 will be mothballed.
*The Catholic Cathedral, which had to be totally demolished, was to be built on a different site, but may yet be re-built on its original site. I'm not sure of the reason for this possible change, but there has been a change of Bishop since the original decision was made.* At one time building was also held up by a rare breed of seagulls nesting at the site and work had to be put off until the chicks were ready to leave the nest.
* I'm less sure of the information about the Catholic Cathedral and would be happy to be contradicted if anyone knows differently.*
Thanks house was dry indeed but better yet the rain blew away around 6 am. Nice to dry out but even better to be able to walk 2 km to Christ Church St Laurence ( 2 km from home near Central Station) for an all day choir workshop then get home again without being drenched.
Garden(such as it is) is happy, however
The epicentre was off the coast near Greymouth and the quake was measured at 5.1, which is a decent size. People as far away as Auckland reported feeling it, but I was fast asleep (that's my favourite kind of quake).
To add to the excitement the Tsunami warning sounded this morning, but it was only a (well notified) testing of the system, which happens every year at the end of Daylight Saving.
I'm making 6 litres of soup today to share with a friend. He will bring one of his chainsaws over next week to cut back some rampant vegetation.
I am thinking of the South as a possibility for my 60th birthday trip - which I am astonished to find is now less than a year away. How did that happen?
Hope the soup turns out well - it’s shifting to the soup months now, for sure.
Great to have friends who are handy with tools! I think I may need someone with a chainsaw to sort out my garden back home too, when I get there.
Anyway, I have had a traditional (for me) last day of the trip, at the museum and the art gallery and taking in a stroll in the parks.
Meanwhile, Storm Kathleen is raging in Blighty, but with 26 hours on planes starting tomorrow, I hope it will be long gone by the time I land…
We have an abundance of quinces out here in autumn, we enjoy the fragrance of ripe furred quinces.. Not the easiest fruit to cut up but that pink-amber colour and taste makes for a very good preserve.
At least you did not have to lay out any money. Keeping your partner in our thoughts
Yesterday's maximum temperature was 26c today's is meant to be 25c! It's autumn for goodness sake! From today onward an absolute deluge of rain is forecast for the west coast of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island). There is a possibility it may also hit north Canterbury, the region I am in, but I'm hoping it goes to the rural area which is still in drought.
As I understand it the wind blows over the Tasman Sea from Australia picking up moisture. It hits the Southern Alps and the moisture falls as rain on the West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) Christchurch (to the east of the Alps) gets a hot Nor'west wind, a bit like the Mistral in France. The is an arch of cloud in the NW of the sky when this wind is blowing.
The wettest inhabited place in NZ is Milford Sound on the southern west coast which has an average rainfall of 6816mm, (and sandflies galore - I spent a night there once and was covered in bites despite being slathered in anti-sandfly cream. Sandfly bitten eyelids are very uncomfortable) whereas Christchurch's average is 618 mm.
Horrible and there would have been more deaths and injuries if the copper had not shot the assailant.
That hymn sounds like perfect timing after such an appalling incident. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the attack.
My partner is home after surgery and the autumn weather is gorgeous, aloes just beginning to redden the hillsides. I am busy with more chicken soup and carrot/potato and broccoli purees, hankering after grilled duck breast but that is not for invalids.