Life
For the last few weeks I’ve been so busy with all the showbiz associated with launching my new book that I have become very weary and unable to concentrate on other issues such as maintaining this journal.
Now that I am back in Alexandra in the sanctuary of this three and a half acres of wild garden my spirits will, I hope, be restored, my heart strengthened. The lilac are in bloom, the peonies not far behind. They give me solace.
Albino Hare
Here’s a coincidence. Last night I stayed with friends who live in a most interesting house on several beautiful acres just out of Alexandra. it was clear that their land, like much of this region, has a severe infestation of rabbits. Rabbits have changed this landscape, nibbling plants so close to the ground that when the wind blows the topsoil is carried away forever.
Jazz, their cat, caught a young rabbit last night before our very eyes as we sat, alfresco, sampling some of the wine that this region is famous for. It was a gruesome yet riveting sight. I took out my camera but couldn’t find a photo in it.
This morning when I got up, rather late by my standards, there was Jazz with yet another young rabbit laid alongside the previous night’s kill. Again I couldn’t find a photo, I found it hard to watch as she gnawed away at the victim’s neck.
Later this afternoon, three friends from Nelson turned up here at Henderson House. As always, it was a delight to see them. As they were leaving, Tim said that a few days ago they had bought something that he thought that could be interested in. Disappearing into their caravan he emerged with this stuffed albino hare. I took one snap of it. It could be a keeper.
The Hounds of the Lord
A few days ago I was in Dunedin, two and a quarter hours drive away. I could live in Dunedin. I love university towns but unfortunately it is the only city in New Zealand that has this quality. Students bring so much texture to a culture.
Dunedin’s architecture is so intact, relatively anyway. It’s a joy to wander around to gaze in awe.
This is a Dominican convent, now empty. (Sorry about the vehicles, especially the SUV) When I was a young man and not too mature I lived for two years in Aquinas Hall in Dunedin, a Dominican run university hostel. I used to go to Mass most days.
In those days I was a believer, in fact I was a fervent Catholic. Hard to believe now especially that I understand more about how Dominicans were are at the forefront of book burning and torture during The Inquisition. Savonarola was a Dominican hero. I’m sorry to say that I am glad that he got his comeuppance one day in Florence when he was hanged and burned. (Some records say that the hanging bit was skipped.) Below is a photo of where it happened.
However this will soon change because at Clyde, a lovely little historic town less than ten minutes drive away, a 50 seat theatre is under construction. A boutique theatre, just like the one in Arrowtown it will have an attached cafe.
Problem is that it is progressing quite slowly and by the time that it is ready my time here will probably be up and I will be returning to the North Island.
Spring in Alexandra
This area is famous for its spring display, in fact there is even a blossom festival held here every year. At present a vivid green is appearing on many of the trees.
I am trying to photograph blossom, but once again, as with autumn colour, it’s a well trodden track and very hard to find something original to say about it.
This view is from my bedroom window.
The Dunedin Chinese Garden
Recently after 8 years in the planning, this large garden with accompanying buildings opened in Dunedin. It has been built as a tribute to the contribution that Chinese people have made to the history and prosperity of Dunedin and Otago.
The Garden was prefabricated and assembled in Shanghai on a site identical in size and shape to the one in Dunedin. It was then dismantled and transported to Dunedin where it was reconstructed. Workers came from China to complete this task.
