New Blooms

Lovely day again today. Wifey bought some new blooms last week and they've been showing themselves off in the sunshine today. The colours are quite rich and well saturated - no need for me to enhance the images at all. I'm not sure how big these plants will grow, but presently they look quite lovely. More pictures here if you're interested.

We've managed to tidy up some overgrown area of the garden today, and now my back is suffering the after effects of lifting and digging. Time for a soak methinks.

Weather tomorrow isn't as promising, so gardening may have to wait until we get a dry spell.

Deathly quiet

Glorious day today weather wise, and made even better by going out on the mountain bikes. On our trip we cycled alongside a cemetry. The cemetry was interesting for several reasons; the peacefulness of the place; the decay and brokenness of many of the headstones and plots; the size of the place; the vast number of old and young laid to rest there. Sadly, judging by the state of the plots many of these people have been forgotten by their familes; their memorial only exists thanks to the local council who maintains the facility. It was quite sad. Clearly much care had gone into the selection of the memorial. Furthermore I could imagine a significant amount of money had been spent on many of the headstones and carvings. These people had meant a lot to somebody and been a vital part of many people's lives. Now they are forgotten and in many cases their names have been eroded from their memorials.

It makes you think doesn't it. For what will you be remembered? Who will remember you, and for how long. What will be your legacy?

I suppose it was as a result of reading "Our Hidden Lives" by Simon Garfield and how well I felt I'd got to know the authors of the diaries published in the book. These people would probably have tombstones somewhere in England. The tomebstone would give no indication as to the type of person buried there, yet the journals give a fascinating insight into the lives, anxieties, thoughts and hopes of the various individuals. Perhaps a diary isn't such a bad idea after all? Certainly something your descendants may find of greater value than a decaying tombstone.

Just a thought :-)

Sinking Feeling

Can't say I've felt the best today. Woke with a headache and have felt pretty rough most of the day. Decided to take a walk at Martaetai where we saw a few youngsters learning how to sail. I have a feeling that today's lesson was how to bail out your boat!

Finding it more than slightly entertaining trying to decide who would sink first we opted for some ice-cream and a seat from which to watch the action. Seagulls on the top of the shops were seriously cute ... and the sky? Glorious deep blue with little in the way of clouds. Wonderful day weather wise. Back to the action and thankfully nobody was injured, and nobody sank. Obviously the bailing lessons were worthwhile, understood by all and had been taken to heart :-)

After the ice-creams were finished we headed down the beach for a bit of a walk. Maraetai is really quite pretty and today, with such pleasant weather, it was quite lovely. After the beach walk we headed back home to spend some time in the garden.

The gazanias gave the impression of enjoying the warmth of the sun as miuch as we were. I'm always impressed by these little flowers; so full of colour. Check out my flickr pages for more images taken this afternoon of the various blooms just outside the rumpus room.

Mass Observaion Project

It was some time ago - 2004 I think - that Simon Garfield published his book, "Our Hidden Lives" that presents extracts from the journals of five ordinary people living in England between 1945 and 1948. I've only just discovered the book and it's a gem. I find myself wishing I could meet with the diarists and get to know them better. I'm fascinated also how insightful they can be and also how concerned they are with society at the time. The book is well worth a read.

Summer time is here in NZ, but not all parking meters think so! This means you can pay for 1 hour's parking to get an already expired ticket. The expired ticket permits the local tow company to remove your car. Must be oen of the easiest ways to earn a dollar I've come across yet! Set the ticket dispensing machine to the wrong time and lie in wait with a tow truck.

Visited local Buddhist Temple and weas impressed with the peaceful serenity I enjoyed there. I suspect I'll go back again when I'm feeling stressed or harassed ;-) I've put a few pictures on my flickr photostream. Have a squiz and let me know what you think:-)