The Traveling Kiwi

I had never been before and it looks like I really was missing something. The classic public toilets of Kawakawa, the Hundertwasser ablution block. The toilets and the new library and park behind are so colourful and quirky, so unexpected in what would have a been an ordinary small kiwi town and I loved it. Once I had seen this I noticed Hundertwasser-ish works of art seem to pop up between here and Whangarei at surprising places and now Whangarei is building its own controversial multimillion tribute, partly built it looks interesting but not quite (yet) the colourful confusion that springs from the man himself.

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On Sunday it will be Barneys 99th birthday, so it seemed the time was right to take him and Stella on their final journey. Barney always said that Whangarei was his spiritual home and that is where he wanted to be finally laid to rest. But in the spirit of his ancestors who travelled to New Zealand from Scotland and then Nova Scotia leaving a little of themselves at each place they lived, we followed his wishes and scattered their ashes on the journey back to Kaurihohore where his parents and grandparents are also at rest.

First was Barney and Stellas home garden which they both loved and worked at constantly for the last 60 years. Then the 18th hole of the golf course that was on their doorstep and a huge part of their lives.

Next the native bush at Mangawhai, the biggest Kauri tree we could find.

Next Bream Bay, Langs beach. A place of special memories both at Langs and on Bream Bay fishing and playing.

The finally to the graveyard at Kaurihohore. A final sprinkle of ashes at the family graves and tomorrow the unveiling and burial in the Returned Serviceman’s section close to brother Errol and his wife. It’s been an emotional journey but one of gratitude and farewell.

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Visiting Christchurch is always fun, but I am sure that herding cats is frustrating for both you and the cats and after tremendous effort there is little result. Something I should always keep in mind when spending time there.

So turning my focus to much more interesting exploration of BOP.

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I was thinking about getting a puppy, I miss the fun and laughs of playing with puppies, but then the practical side makes me stop and realise just how unrealistic it is. Slinky the neighbours black cat would be quite offended if I bought in some competition and of course they do need so much attention it’s probably not the time. Ahhh I do have such great memories of having puppies that sometimes I wish… Then the other neighbour turned up with a Pukeko chick that her dogs found and other dogs were trying to eat. She scooped it up and took it to a rescue. We called it “hope” because that’s all we could do wondering if it would survive. At last check in hope was doing well and… I guess no puppies for me, for now.

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Charging the battery in the car,what a great excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine and slow down on the packing cleaning, sorting, unpacking, painting, markets, deliveries, cancer hui, presentations 😅

But now another break for a quick trip to chch for a week, catch up with the family and see what’s changed in the constant evolution of the city.

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Last sunny day before the rains hit and I was lucky enough to spend it at Hobbiton. I only had my iPhone but I must have taken a million photos. Transported to another world just my size. As I go through the photos more and more will pop up here. I confess to never seeing the movies as I read the books many times growing up, but now I think I may indulge just to recognise places I have seen.

Ginger beer at the green dragon pub was ice cold and served in pottery jars mmmm mmmm mmm I could go back just for that.

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So finally moved into the new house but still sorting and packing 60 years of accumulated stuff. (not mine which makes it even harder) I think I must have gained huge muscles and lost 100kg. Shifting boxes over the hottest days of the year and trying to manage 2 out of control gardens, phew. Waitangi Day market this Saturday and all the organisation and stuff to be ready, I think I could not possibly be tireder if that’s a word. But the light and the view up on Tihiotonga just makes it all worthwhile. I could sit and just stare at it for hours and watch the Tuis in the plum tree and then the lights of Rotovegas slowly come on.

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I grew some Lily’s this year and the fragrance was much lighter than the usual almost overpowering scent. Funny how it’s the scents that I find the most evocative of Christmas, pine, Christmas Lily’s, mint cooking with new potato’s, and not the decorations or music.

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New Year’s Day wander in the cool quiet of the native bush overlooking Rotorua

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Fish and chips at the beach with a side of socially distanced seagulls

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