Towel

As I lept from the shower the other morning, I gazed down and noticed the towel had morphed into what I think looks like a cow head. I've observed this sort of behavior before. There have been many times I swear I can see creatures or faces amongst the folds.  

Picnic

The urge to throw down a rug and eat outdoors is a strong and primal one. There is almost a feeling that your'e doing something a bit naughty. Now that the warmer weather has arrived the desire to eat outdoors becomes even more attractive. This pic was taken some time back in the mid 80's

Fish n chips

This greasy little collection of fried goodies was my first foray into the world of takeaways that was taken away from me after my Myocardal Infarction. Fried foods are sadly not too good for the heart. Rumour has it, it's not just the fat and salt. The actual act of frying at high temperatures changes the molecular structure of the food, which apparently can be harmful to the body. This is extremely sad because it tastes sooo good. Where and how the fish are harvested and masacred also concerns me.
In New Zealand we have a quota system that means a few big industrial companies own the rights to harvest thousands of tonnes of certain fish species. Anything else that strapped and killed in the massive nets must be dumped back into the ocean, along with this criminal waste of life, any of the target species that does not fit the automated filleting machines is dumped. 80-90% of the fish caught in New Zealand waters are exported to countries who have already fished their own oceans bare. We as a  country also import some of the same species we catch, Australia and Chile.

Spuds

Cleaned out the vege cupboard the other week and discovered these beauties writhing about.
How on earth does a spud that is locked away, in the dark, inside a continuously heated house know when to start sprouting? I will be liberating these Desiree's into the garden within a few days.

Hose

There's a hint of the worm in this pic. Is it going in or coming out? I'm also reminded of a Robert Mapplethorpe photo.

Worm

This juicy looking critter was unearthed in a patch of native trees I planted years ago. It was a lot firmer to the touch than one would care to imagine. I was a little unsettled. Again I relish these close encounters with our seldom seen fellow travelers.

Shoes

These are the shoes I was ranting about in the last post. The fingerprint soles leave cool imprints.
I only paid $10. A fine investment I feel. Brown shoes have always appealed to me. Black has never attracted me, it feels too corporate and and conformist. These have become my special occasion and visiting shoes.  I sense a new series brewing along the lines of favourite apparel... I'll work on that.

Boots

No animals were slaughtered to make these boots (sadly I fear a few may of been consumed by the crew on the ship that transported them here from China). I'm not normally a shoe/ boot person, however when Helen came home with these synthetic stunners I was impressed. I'm even thinking of seeing if there are any in my size. Normally I purchase my footwear from op shops or markets, for a mere few dollars sometimes they're even still warm. I purchased some great Italian leather shoes as a bit of joke, now I love them. Next time it's a sunny day I'll drag them into the studio and snap them.

Popeye

One of the local stray cats generously gifted us a rodent the other week. The skill and dexterity it takes to pop out a rat eyeball is something to marvel at.

Close Encounters

Our only native venomous spider, the Katipo looks like it's dressed to partake in some sporting endeavor representing New Zealand. This wee beauty was found lurking in a pair of discarded jeans at Birdlings Flat. There's a rumor that they are related to the Black Widow. This is a female, the male is non toxic is much smaller and less flamboyant. To me there is as much joy and excitement in an encounter with these less loved and treasured creatures as when you experience a shared moment in the wild with other more popular and famous critters.

On the other hand walking beside a Southern Right Whale along the Tolaga Bay wharf was pretty amazing

Car

This fine specimen of the auto designers art was spotted on a wall in Gore, I think, many years ago. It must of taken a long time to paint. Maybe it was in an ex car sales yard or someone was trying to illustrate a hover car of the future? I find it way more pleasing and talented than all the torrid vandalistic scribblings and sprayings that blank walls attract these days.

End Papers

There has been an accumulation of these waste products of late that have been begging to be snapped.
Desperate days!

Overwhelmed

The love, support and generosity of Family and Friends has overwhelmed me. We have dined like royalty on all the delicious meals that have lovingly prepared and hand delivered. The amazingly generous and thoughtful gifts have touched me deeply, very deeply. It gives me strength to know that when you step in a dog turd on life's footpath, there are so many wonderful people there to jump in and help you get ready for the next steps with clean shoes.
A massive heart felt thanks to everyone who has wished me well. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Myocardial Infarction

Life took another unexpected detour last week. I spent some time staring at walls, lots of sleeping, having tests and being continually monitored. Heart attacks strike so quickly. I am so grateful to my dear dear wife Helen who had the presence of mind too call an Ambulance, being a bloke I would have just stuck it out and hoped it would go away. It's strange being wheeled about on a stretcher, only seeing what's above gives very few clues as to your location, it felt like one of those doctors and nurses medical, disease of the week TV dramas, I always poo poo and harass Helen for watching.
If I was going to nominate a profession that deserved much more recognition and remuneration, I would pick Nurses. The job they do with such grace, humanity and dignity leaves me in total awe. Thank you. Im at home now on very strict rest rules. Hopefully this may give me some to to think about future snaps.

Tekapo

A few snaps from a recent trip to Tekapo. The top pic is of the lake with a a magnificent concrete structure that looks to be connected to hydro electricity production. The next down is at the bottom of the the lake over flow gates.
The bench and apples are tucked away on the main road.
Tekapo seems to have numerous pine trees that have two main trunks. Could be something to do with the extremes of hot and cold weather or maybe the rabbits chew on the saplings?

Fairies wear undies

I find something a bit disturbing about a Fairy flashing her undergarments in such a blatantly flirtatious manner. It also seems a bit ordinary, I thought there was more mystery. This little one was glimpsed in a widow on the main street of Reefton.

War Memorial

I've been intrigued by War Memorials for yonks. This one in Reefton on the West Coast has to be the most well tendered one I've seen. The living floral tributes are bedazzling.

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.