Easter

This was taken on my first visit to Ekatahuna back n the 80's. In those days Ekatuna was almost a mythical place that epitomised what was rural back blocks New Zealand. I was excited to be there. I think this was the only snap I took there. I was instantly drawn to the tractor parked out side the church. Then I also noticed the two church crosses and the powerline between them. This reminded me of a well known story in a well known book. I also liked the Oleria hedge. We had one like it at home when I was a sprog. Whenever I smell the strongly perfumed flowers it shoots me straight back to South Brighton all those years ago.

New symbols of Christchurch

This is part of Colombo Street, between Cashel and Lichfield Streets.
Hi Vis vests, Road Cones, Empty Spaces and Wire Fences are now so much part of our towns' landscape.

Playground

Motukara domain just off the main road to Akaroa is the final resting place of this ex lifeboat. What a neat piece of playground equipment. The instuctions on how to use it were still in place. This sure beats some rusty old tractor. It was a great space to shelter in when it started to rain. I like the idea of a boat on dry land, no sea sickness.

Selwyn Huts

A recent Sunday afternoon drive took us to Selwyn Huts, just a bit south of Christchurch.
There are two settlements near where the Selwyn River empties into Te Waihora
(Lake Ellesmere). The one we stopped at is the nearest to the lake. These are humble, honest baches that give their owners a great of joy and pride. Most are used by fisherfolk and game bird shooters, some are permanently inhabited. We were very graciously invited into one by proud owner. Dennis gave us a complete tour of his bachelor house. The two top pictures are of his place. He was trying to sell his boat. I'm sure he'd love to hear from anyone who was interested in it.

Traffic Cones

Virtually every street in Christchurch is festooned with cones, warning us of a myriad of hazards, or directing us away from them. They also make great megaphones as per top pic.

Caravans

Many years ago the thought of a caravan made me unwell. The idea of going to a caravan park and hanging round with same people year after year was not attractive.
Times change, I now see great beauty in some of the older more humble caravans. I would love to have one for the backyard.
I wish I could remember where I took the top pic of the green one. I've never seen another like it. The bottom pic was at Birdlings flat around about 1986. I enjoy the shape and tiny windows. Note the cars in the background, not a single Japanese model among them

Decoration

This is a prototype for a range of Christmas decorations I'm thinking of producing.
We were looking after our friends house over the holidays. This was the perfect time to road test this gorgeous creation. It was hanging for at least five weeks before it was 'discovered'. There was a huge amount of squealing and repulsive horror as it was plucked from the back of the Christmas tree.
Councelling maybe required. It was not put away with the many treasured heirloom decorations. There were mumblings about festering and contamination. It now hangs proudly among the daily school notices and other domestic emphora.
To discust and revolt is the reason blokes exist.