60 years!

Diamonds are forever....it is our party season as I record every year, but this year we have an added family celebration.  My lovely aunt and uncle celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this weekend.  It was especially poignent as Brian has been hanging in for over a year for this day.  He spends some hours of each day on oxygen and Fay is tireless in her support and spirit.  They are a testament to the strength of love and support during a long and varied time together.  And, they look fantastic!!  It was a perfect sunny afternoon in my cousins gorgeous garden.

Ruth in her lovely new dress, very garden party  

Shona and my mother (she was the bridesmaid)

Lovely cousins, Wendy and Penny

Fay (standing) and Brian

Nic and Olivia giving Fay a lovely private concert.

4 things

On the way home from a family birthday tonight as a completion of Nic's 'perfect day' he uttered, 'there are four things I would change in the world'
1.  the environment, I would get a better environment.
2.  health.  I would change health so no one got sick
3. school uniform.  I would make it rainbow coloured
4. the colour of the sky.  I would make it green.
...mmm, still processing all of that.  Who'd a thought?

George

We had a lovely relaxed family bbq last night to welcome our lovely George to Christchurch.  Andrew and George made a road trip to deposit George at the 'halls' in time to start uni this week. Yay George.  It is very cool for us to have a new family member in town after 2 decades of just us.  George is also my godson and I have pretty much neglected him for the last decade so now I can make up for that with home cooked meals and really annoying texts to check that he is ok.  He doesn't know anyone at CU but I am guessing with his lovely nature and quiet good looks, he will be sorted in no time.  Great to see Andrew (cousin) too but so little time to catch up.  It has been a year since we gathered for his dad's funeral.  Happier this time but a tinge of sadness as well.  Welcome George

Just finished reading #31

The Third Angel -Alice Hoffman

I read this on holiday too and really enjoyed it.  There were some similarities with the previous book I read which was a bit weird.  There often seems to be connections between books I read which is fun but a bit odd sometimes.  I might share those when I find them in the future.  Back to the story...

Lazy me has cut and paste this from the Alice Hoffman Official Site

This stunningly original and magical story follows three women in love with the wrong men. Headstrong Madeline Heller finds herself hopelessly attracted to her sister’s fiancé…Frieda Lewis, a doctor’s daughter who has run off to London, becomes the muse of an ill-fated rock star… and beautiful, reckless Bryn Evans is set to marry an Englishman while she’s secretly obsessed with her ex-husband, a dangerous and love-besotted New Yorker. At the heart of the novel is Lucy Green, who blames herself for a tragic accident she witnessed at the age of twelve in the same London hotel where the others have found themselves. Lucy has spent four decades searching out the Third Angel, the angel on Earth who will renew her faith.

I enjoy triptychs in all forms, books, films, paintings so the inteconnection of the stories and the sense of location made this, for me a really enjoyable bunch of characters and interesting women.  I would not say it was anything other than really well written and enveloping and a good companion on holiday.

Just finished reading #30

Her fearful symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger

I pinched this bit from somwhere else

'When Elspeth Noblin dies of cancer, she leaves her London apartment to her twin nieces, Julia and Valentina. These two American girls never met their English aunt, only knew that their mother, too, was a twin, and Elspeth her sister. Julia and Valentina are semi-normal American teenagers -- with seemingly little interest in college, finding jobs, or anything outside their cozy home in the suburbs of Chicago, and with an abnormally intense attachment to one another.


The girls move to Elspeth's flat, which borders Highgate Cemetery in London. They come to know the building's other residents. There is Martin, a brilliant and charming crossword puzzle setter suffering from crippling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Marjike, Martin's devoted but trapped wife; and Robert, Elspeth's elusive lover, a scholar of the cemetery. As the girls become embroiled in the fraying lives of their aunt's neighbors, they also discover that much is still alive in Highgate, including -- perhaps -- their aunt, who can't seem to leave her old apartment and life behind.'

I didnt read The Time Travellers Wife and I have no real desire to do that.  So, I came to this book without any expectations and I loved it.  I have read mixed reviews so it is either one you love or not so much. I thought it was a great read for a holiday and the characters and setting were so interesting.  The writing enabled me to visualise everything and I got very tied up in the whole thing.  Don't want to say more, but if you are looking for an absorbing read about interesting people, read it.

holiday snaps

Back from a week of watery fun frolics at Lake Rotoiti.  Sorry there are so many but what fun we had.

Off the jetty for the first of many times

Freedom!!!

Camp'n

It is really hard to get excited about a week under canvas when you are packing the car in the bloody rain.  Just can't get myself excited about the whole thing.  No Totaranui this year so the sun is not a sure thing.  Lake Rotoiti will be lovely but not so much if the sun ain't shining.  As I am finishing the clothes packing I have American Idol on and I just want to say WHAT THE F%&* is VICTORIA BECKHAM doing on the show?
1.  She can't sing
2.  She is really thick/vacuous/dense
3.  She is too thin and makes my eyes hurt
AND
She knows nothing about music....NOTHING.  All she has said all night is 'you look lovely', 'I love your jeans and your hair' DUH!  Honestly, I have never had an opinion about her other than TOO THIN and very very VAIN, however now as you can tell, I have a lot to say about her. 

So, yeah, not around for a week or so.  HAve fun without me.  Ha ha.

at the movies

I got to see the very well reviewed and acclaimed film version of the 'Girl with the dragon tattoo'.  Swedish with sub-titles, the ONLY way this story can possibly be authentic.   No substitute would work.  I was interested to see how they made a very complex and intricate book into a watchable length movie. They focused on the main story of the book and the key handful of characters.  It is an interesting and very disturbing story that was well developed without including everything or missing the essence.  I found some scenes harrowing and the tension was there all the time.  I loved it.  Great story, chracters, location and interpretation of the book everyone is reading and loving.  Excellent.

Just finished reading #29

Bleeding Hearts - Susan Wittig Albert

My little secret and 'sorbet' subject is female detectiove novels.  These babies, I imagine, seldom turn up in bookgroups and never thought of as great literature.  However, they are really fun to read.  People who read them often have a few different detectives whom they follow.  I have three - Kinsey Milhone - Sue Grafton.  I have U is for Undertow on order at the library.  China Bayles - Herbalist and ex attorny living in Pecan Springs, Texas and Stephanie Plum (not strictly a detective).  Being a follower, you get to know the characters, the location and get a real feel for the culture and geography of the area.  I really enjoyed Bleeding Hearts for its mixture of small town characters, herbal facts and stories and the secondary side stories. The misadventure all relates to the heart - bleeding and bruised so a nice theme thing going on.   However, I can't get my head around what China Bayles looks like because there is a giant photo of the the author on the back in her giant 80's glasses and that image eclipses any vision I have of China and makes the sexy bits REALLY hard to imagine.  Good palate clearing reading before I tackle my next dark tale.

New Blog

I have started another blog.  It is about random things from the visual world and it is where I am going to reveal my intense interest in every tiny detail of design in our next house plus other interesting things I find around the place.  Click on the title of this post (above)and you will find it.  I hope you enjoy it.  I am still building it and trying to decide on the look and feel so I think it will evolve.  Hope you like it

Just finished reading #28

Legend of a suicide - David Vann

Literally the nano-second I finished this book I had to Google it ot find out what the hell I was reading.  I spent the latter half of the book rather confused although I was enjoying the writing, if that makes sense.    Turns out the book is actually five separate stories with essentially the same characters.  You can imagine my confusion when once dead people were alive again.  Anyway, the stories really are about Roy and his father's suicide.    It was a bit morbid but not really as the stories were more the 'man alone' style of writing.  Life is what it is and that is it and being set in the wilds and small towns of Alaska the enviornment or setting contribute to that sense of alonenes, escape and wilderness.  Fishing and boats and Hemmingway, if you know what I mean?  I enjoyed reading this book for some reason and found it compelling.  Nice for a change if you don't read these types of books all the time.  Good.

Living the good life

This is a sneaky holiday post from the bach using Jonty's new HP mini. So far eating too much chocolate and swimming for hours on end.  Man it is hot and even at this time of the night there are at least 20 surfers still out there.  The last two nights have seen a huge impressive swell coming in from the north.  Nic has had two fab says on his boogie board and also had his first surfing lesson with Jonty.  I think he stood on the board for about 1 second.  I was impressed.  This morning we started out with a 2 hour round trip walk up to the trig station at the top of the hill as it was cool and windy but by lunch the beach had started filling up and the surf was cranking. We pottered around int he surf until the family arrived for a bbq dinner.  Delish.  Julian and I polished off a nice bottle of wine and the night turned very mellow.  Almost bed time.

Two movies in two days

...it must be holidays.  I could go to the movies everyday so getting the chance to indulge two days in a row is pretty blissful.

Firstly, Sherlock Holmes...
Loved it.  I am not a huge fan of the books and perhaps have let myself down a bit but denying myself the chance to enjoy the subtle brilliance that Arthur CD has developed in his character.  Holmes is a total geek and I would have to say I thought the movie version was brilliant.  Definately sexed up for the 21st C and probably lacking in integrity for the perfectionist but who cares?  I loved the pace, the detail of the set, the action and adventure, the relationship between Holmes and Watson and did I mention the stunningly gorgeous Robert Downey Jnr is Holmes?  I melt at the very sight of that man.  Although weather beaten and wrinkled he is still a gorgeous man.  Aside from my misguided love of a movie star, the film was just bloody good fun.  It was dark and mysterious and you can see the hand of Guy Ritchie in the direction with lots of gorgeous stuff happening.  Can't wait for the sequel.  Thanks to Jonty for choosing it.

Last night Alex and I got together to enjoy Julie and Julia.  What a sweet film.  I know some have said it wasn't 100% acurate in the portrail of events but it was lovely.  I went home and Googled it and visited the blog and even thought about making a few of the recipes although I am not a huge fan of traditional French cooking.  I like Amy Adams for her down to earth qualities and anything with Meryl Streep is a winner.  She was great.  Loved the love story of her and Paul, whether that was accurate or not, it was charming.  I suspect it was totally accurate.  I think I might have to persue some of her books.  I am sure I am not the only one.  Another good holiday film.  Felt excited to be out and about and in the imaginary world for a few hours.

Just finished reading #27

One Day - David Nicholls

Great book.  Funny and interesting especially for those of us of a certain 40+ age group.  Dexter and Emma hook up at the end of their university days on the 15th July 1988  (St Switherns day, by the way) and remain friends for the next 20 years.  The book chronicles both their lives on that same day every year and cleverly depicts context through popular culture, music and some politics of the time.  Most of all it is a great yarn,  about two people growing up through their 30's and 40's.  David has written beautifully and every word is in its place.  Loved it!

Richness

Contemplating Christmas ....grandad
love

Friends
Nice...

crackers

friends and family

sunny garden (you can just see the bbq spit roasting the turkey in the background)

pink perfection

Cruising in the garden

Nic's childrens table with adornment and'activities'

The haul
*******************************

What you CAN'T see due to the need to abandon the camera for cooking and hosting duties

• 2 x 1.5 hour Skype sessions with Louisa and Co in Leicester
• Skype session with Jasmine in Dunedin
• Chatting with Philippa in Troutbeck
• Julian, Lesley and Ria enjoying pudding in the backyard in the late afternoon sun (yummy panna cotta, chocolate roulade (thanks Marie - Anne), fresh raspberries and strawberries
• Present opening
• The SPREAD mmmmm
  
  ...ending on a sad note, thinking about a young colleague waiting to meet the angels, people who can't bring together a happy Christmas for all sorts of sad reasons

...and the winner is

...jeepers, that was something I hadn't thought of, having to pick a winner out of my friends. So, here is what I managed to come up with....K and A and Lou are my lovely friends and family and there are presents under the tree for them already. Peach is a mate and he wins the main prize because it was really funny and I REALLY miss him and miss laughing a lot at work. Now, Jus is new bloggy friend and is also really funny so I bought her a little something at Ballantynes last night, in the form of a decoration, that I think she will really like. So THANKS you guys for sharing your stories. I loved them all and each on had memories for me attached which is very special. So thanks again.

Peach, I need your new address pronto to get your prize in the mail. And Jus, same with you. I will set a thingy on the blog to send me a message.

Love you all lots

Nic's week

Last night playing the ukulele for the first time, singing with Emily and totally stealing the show...well I thought he did. This was the piano teacher end of year celebration.

If only bat made contact with ball, however, the energy and enjoyment far outweigh the skill right now.

Writing to Santa - '...can I please have a new school bag. Green please....'

Loving that Jasmine

Getting ready for the 'Hoedown Throw down' class party at Grace's.

Before we I sign off I want to say how much I love the first five 'present comments'. They have made me laugh and cry a tiny bit. Now I have to choose...eeek.

Happy 300th post Christmas

Hi my bloggy friends. This is my 300th post and as it is Christmas I thought I would send a present out to someone in bloggy land.

I don't have a huge readership but I know there are some regular readers who don't comment as well as those who feel moved enough to make a comment. I love hearing from you.

Sooooooo....

Please leave a comment telling us all about your most favourite Christmas present and why you loved it. In a week I will pick the one I like best and send you a wee Christmas pressie for your tree. (see, it is made of little people holding hands??? ohhhh)You can leave a comment with out being a blogger, just go anonymous and then we can hook up later.

Really looking forward to hearing from you all...Love Sally

Social 2#

So, how has it been? Thanks for asking Jus. I have been trying to summons the strength to write about it. Like you I am fairly knacked. I have to admit out loud that I piked on a few things. Oh the shame...

Tuesday lunch, very fun and delicious and post upholstery class drink, very nice. Will post a picture of the chair sometime soon.

Wednesday - Party at Jasmax...very fun!! Had a great time, so great that I was late for my next bit and had to sprint down there without changing and also without my wallet that I had inadvertently left at home. Still, financially bailed out by Alex, I enjoyed the evening. Picked up a few books too. Lovely people.

Thursday - Bishopdale breakfast, Very pleasant. Sadly after a full on day at work, I piked for drinks outside at the Dux. Shame.

Then on Friday I piked for an early breakfast for Khrys but did catch up with her in the afternoon. Friday farewell drinks didn't happen either... got caught up at the pub with the people I was meeting with in the afternoon then had to get into work to pick up stuff for AFFIRM the next day and then Jasmine was in town. Shattered by then.

Saturday....a stunning morning at AFFIRM and then afternoon shopping and cooking for Lesley's birthday. Great night, a groaning amount of moreish food and bubbles.

Wayne taking an amazing amount of care in his drawing of what he would like to see in his Aranui library Our first photo wall contributor A photo wall close up. Very proud of this. Gorgeous Clare with the wheelbarrow of books

Saturday - The children at the birthday party. Of all the photos these are the only publishable ones. Not one adult managed to smile nicely for the camera. Love these little faces.

Sunday night was a repeat as we needed to get through the leftovers. OH DEAR GOD!! Seriously, I put on 1kg last week. Sunday - The gingerbread house (on Acid) I made with Nic, Olivia and Ben

Today! 12 stunning cupcakes courtesy of a supplier. Made by Cup Cake Parlour...the box looked exactly like this. I couldn't resist. It is just all too much, in a very good way. Heading for a lie down soon. More little gatherings are materialising and I know I am going to explode.

Sorry about the GIANT post but the next is my 300th and I want to save it for something.