Month: February 2016

Grey warbler

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As I work at editing a thesis this morning, I can hear the distinctive song of a grey warbler outside the window. This tiny bird is endemic in New Zealand and there is a huge population of them all over the country. Yet I have never seen one. Hence the use of this wonderful Forest & Bird image instead of a pic of my own. Apparently it is only the male riroriro that sings so beautifully – amazing that such a loud sound can emanate from such a small body. It is delightful to hear and a welcome accompaniment to my work.

 

Blue-sky day

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It is a perfect summer’s day in Auckland today and I took a walk around the Orakei basin. It’s the kind of day on which I remember my mother saying “Look at the sun shining on the water” when I was a young child. For the first time I was aware that on certain days when the sun was shining and the sea was not too ruffled by wind, the water took on a shimmery, glinting appearance and watching it made your heart lift. Since then I have noticed how few days there are like this, despite the lingering feeling that all the days of my childhood were shiny and bright.

Picnicking at low tide

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We had a sushi picnic at St Heliers Bay on Sunday. Most enjoyable and the food was delicious. The tide was out, which gave the kids (like the little guy in the pic) plenty of scope for exploring the shore. It was quiet on the grassy banks where we were sitting because the Weetbix kids’ triathlon had just finished and everyone not involved had stayed away. The weather forecasts in New Zealand often mention sea breezes and we could feel them on Sunday – so wonderful to sit outside in the middle of the afternoon and feel pleasantly warm. The breezes also billowed in the sails of the numerous boats out on the water.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day breakfast with my daughters on a beautiful summer’s morning in Auckland – possibly the best way to spend the day despite being thousands of miles away from my valentine. Delicious pancakes with plums, raspberries and almond slivers served on Granny’s china in the garden.

Auckland botanical gardens

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It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer’s evening, walking through the Auckland botanical gardens with friends, admiring the various pieces of sculpture scattered throughout the extensive space. All one’s senses were engaged – plants, flowers and works of art to look at, the aroma of herbs on the breeze, birdsong and the sounds of children playing, the smooth lines of some of the sculptures inviting you to touch them. One work called Lens had a granite disc in the centre, which was warm to the touch despite the heat having gone out of the day.

Peace and quiet

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One of the most attractive aspects of life in New Zealand is the peace and quiet. I really miss it when I’m away. It seems even our vegetables are peaceable! I laughed when I saw this sign at a local market but bought a “peace” of  pumpkin and we had it roasted with our dinner that night – delicious!

When the shadows lengthen

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At the end of a long summer’s day in Auckland, it’s wonderful to go for a walk and enjoy the cooling air. There are many beauty spots to choose from – beaches are ideal. Nowhere is cooler than at the water’s edge and one gets views of boats with billowing sails and islands in the distance. Everyone is out – walking, jogging, cycling, sailing or foraging for pipi. There is plenty to look at and room for all on the wide shore when the tide is out.