Nature’s bounty from the rain

Taking a stroll in the bush right now takes you into a land of growth and plenty. We are awash with toadstool and fungi with swathes of spores sprouting in the moist conditions.  You can’t help admire their tenacity to sprout and spend their short life during...

Baking with a hint of history

I never thought that my New Zealand baking odyssey this year would also be a lesson history.  One of our recent baking exploits took us back to the Boer War and the Siege of Ladysmith to be precise.  Under siege for 118 days when food became scarce it’s hardly...

How would you like to hongi a pig?

A hongi a big thing in New Zealand.  The touching nose routine is something that Fortnum is working hard to perfect.  Never more so when one of the neighbours comes calling. In this case it’s a tame wild pig that’s grown up in a field next door since it...

Mind mapping – the perfect antedote to a southerly

With the rain lashing down and the wind whipping around the house there is nothing better than hunkering down in front of the fire to dream of summer.  After some pottering on the internet I downloaded a marvellous free tool for mind mapping, Xmind.  It’s...

A moment in the spotlight

When the sun in New Zealand shines it brings me immediate warmth and nourishment.  I love the sun and light so right now I’m feeling visually and emotionally challenged.  It’s not full blown SAD but there is no doubt I lose a bit of spring in my step...