Number 69: Rare Sheep, historic Weaving Mills and 'Lord of the Rings'

The weather was not kind this morning so we headed to Petone to visit a remarkable New Zealand creative success, Stansborough.

Number 69: Rare Sheep, historic Weaving Mills and 'Lord of the Rings'.

Stansborough Mill and Store visit.

Shawni has a wool throw that has caught my eye and she mentioned Stansborough to me. The story of creating and registering a New Zealand wool breed, the 'Stansborough Grey's', sheep whose wool is unusually silky, soft and lustrous.

I was excited to visit their store and mill today, out of the rain and cold.

We were completely enthralled by the business. Stansborough still use Industrial Revolution Weaving Mills from the north of England; bobbins flying, metal clanking, wood thumping, gears grinding; absolutely amazing as we watched the apprentice weaver making up a bolt of fibre for Gandalf scarves.

Stansborough's unique fibre created by their grey sheep was used to costume most of the main characters appearing in the Lord of the Rings sagas.

We met Cheryl, the creative genius behind the business, she shared her story of the farm, keeping a breed of sheep from extinction, learning to weave on the monstrously huge mills, designing her gorgeous range of throws, blankets, shawls and textile heirlooms, which are all innovative and highly prized worldwide and her client list is jaw dropping. 

And now me, I now own a twill weave Stansborough Grey throw. 

Number 68: Foodie pleasure, finding something unusual on the shelf.

One of the pleasures of travel is looking out for the fresh, unusual produce as I potter around supermarkets. I was chuffed to spy something I have not seen or used before - Garlic Sprouts!

Number 68:

Foodie pleasure, finding something unusual on the shelf.

A first for me - Garlic Sprouts.

The label on the long stems of the garlic sprouts promised a light garlic flavor with the texture of asparagus, indeed.

Chopped and lightly sautéed in our Thai Green Curry last night it was quite delicious. Tonight I am going to try the sprouts finely chopped as a garnish with our Moroccan Chickpea Soup.

Number 67: A taste of Dutch Culture, Wellington Botanical Gardens

It's spring in Wellington and the tulips are in flower and a riot of color at the Botanical Gardens.

Number 67:

A taste of Dutch Culture, Wellington Botanical Gardens.

It feels surreal at times that Fred, born in Amsterdam, our daughter born in Johannesburg and now a grandson born in Wellington, share this Dutch heritage and the spring celebrations at the gardens were hosted with all things Dutch. The organ player cranking out tunes, traditional costumes, a miniature windmill and the aroma of chips with mayonnaise, 'poffertjes' baking and coffee.
We enjoyed at all!

Fred and Shawni sharing their Dutch culture with little James.
He was more excited with the duck in the pond though!

Number 66: Watching a so-so Soccer Star

It's Saturday morning and I am off to see James at Little Dribblers, which is soccer and ball skills for little people.

Number 66:

Watching a so-so Soccer Star

Oh my, two year olds on a patch of green grass with all sorts of other distractions like the beach, dogs, Pops and just running wherever they want. Soccer is a long stretch but a bit of fun for little man and Fred managed to capture a few moments, note the orange soccer kit - hip Holland hip!

I can so do my nose on a ball, but elbows - what are they?

Now this he can do well - brunch at a really cool spot on the Petone Esplanade.

Number 65: Walking the Wild South Coast, Wellington

Planning is weather dependent in Wellington. Today was a perfect spring day and what better to plan than a magnificent walk on the wild side far away from the crowds along Oriental Bay.

Number 65:

Walking the Wild South Coast, Wellington.

Our destination was Owhiro Bay to walk the wild and spectacular coastal road to the well-known Red Rocks and then further along to the  seal haul-out at Sinclair Head, to see the huge male New Zealand Fur Seals. 

A new path for Fred and I here in Wellington and a keeper. The snow-capped mountains of the South Island gleamed across Cook Strait creating a quite surreal landscape amid the huge deep blue skies, the black beaches with bleached debris and a calm sea!

Wellington's South Coast, heading out from Owhiro Bay towards the Red Rocks.

The tin red Red Rocks with the snow-capped mountains of South Island across the Cook Strait.

Red, green, purple and grey. Intriguing and complex geology at play, Too much to grapple with so I just enjoyed the scene.

The good life!

Number 64: Aesop Concept Store and Indulgence

'Indulgence: an occasion when you allow yourself to have something enjoyable; especially more than is good for you.'

Number 64:

Aesop Concept Store and Indulgence

So I completely understand that indulgence is who I am. 

Having admitted this I have to have at least one blog post for this year of 100 Different Things about an indulgent moment.

My indulgence of choice; a visit to the Aesop signature store situated in a Wellington landmark, the 1930's Art Deco Change House. And what a magnificently designed space, abundant use of natural timber, brass tap ware and muted light. As is my want I indulged in this iconic Australian brand of skincare, it was physical and sensory, a herbal tea drink, a sense of occasion and just a little theatrical, thanks to Josh.

An indulgence, Aesop in Wellington.

Number 63: Buggies Go Bush, a morning at Zealandia

Blues skies, no wind and just perfect for our first visit to Zealandia, a conservation success right in the heart of Wellington. The fencing keeps out the possums, stoats, cats and rats, so the birds are able to flourish as do the other creatures. It is a true gem.

Number 63:

Buggies Go Bush, a morning at Zealandia

Our little bug at Zealandia.

Wednesday is story time at the Cafe, so we joined in, James less so as he was more interested in playing with an ice-cream truck - such a little boy! Only the girls sat attentively. 

The paths through Zealandia are such a pleasure, deep into indigenous bush with tui's calling, kaka's flying across, kereru flopping into the trees and I even glimpsed a saddleback. 

We all loved the closeup views of the prehistoric tuatara too. 

A morning at Zealandia.

Number 62: A fluffy and choosing wellingtons, Wellington indeed.

One of the joys of being grandparents has been the experience of shopping again for babies. And shop we have, from New York to Paris and all sorts of places in between, clothes stores and book shops being my favorite!

Number 62:

A fluffy and choosing wellingtons, Wellington indeed.

Babyccino and fish chocolate, after shopping relaxing!

One of the best shopping experience was the summer sales at Galleries Lafayette where Fred and I spent hours looking at baby clothing for James, the July before he was born. We came away with bags from Catimini an exciting French children's brand.

A memory of shopping in Paris.

And here we are, taking our little man for our first shopping experience with him.

Less leisurely, less designer, but still a treat. 

The goal were wellingtons, his shoes of choice to go to Daisies and to work in the garden with his Dad. All he wanted was the adult sized wellies and he was a bit disappointed that they were not an option! 

Any shopping spree has to end at a coffee shop where we had flat whites and James a babyccino. Got to love it all.

Shopping for wellingtons with Pops.

Number 61: 'Curious Creatures and Marvelous Monsters' at Te Papa.

Our first art exhibition for kids with James at the Te Papa National Museum, a landmark here in Wellington, and an exceptional, world-class museum. With a exhibit called 'Curious Creatures and Marvelous Monsters', I couldn't wait to see James' response.

James interacting with one of the oddities of Michael Parekowkai's Detour Exhibit.

Number 61:

'Curious Creatures and Marvelous Monsters'

Magical, monstrous and imagined creatures from Te Papa's art collection put together in an interactive and creative way to entertain and amuse little people. 

And James was certainly intrigued, opening 'mouse' doors at floor level and peeping into the art, looking through portholes at strange creatures, touching, listening, drawing and playing. 

It was magical and a delightful outing for Nan and Pops with our little man.

Arriving at Te Papa, braving the sneaky cold wind!

Curious Creatures indeed!

Marvelous Monsters.

Number 60: Our birthday boy

It has been a most anticipated occasion, getting to New Zealand to join in all the birthday celebrations. Our grandson is two, simply wonderful.

Number 60:

Our birthday boy.

A little boy; waking up to singing, candles and loads of presents, is the next generation and how I love the awareness of the circles of life. Shawni remembering her special birthday parties and here she is, a dedicated mother, creating beautiful moments for her child. 

I love the story of the small car that James is playing with, it's a Mini that belonged to my father and we brought it with us, yet another circle of memories.

"Car" James playing with my father's little green Mini.

"Cook" Craig and Shawni hoping for a little Junior Masterchef!

James loving his 'zoom zoom' 2nd birthday party!

James' at Daisies celebrating with his friends.

Number 59: A new home in Khandallah, Wellington New Zealand not India

A Wellington suburb named for the old Khandallah Homestead built here in 1884 during the Railway expansion by Captain James Andrew. He had just arrived from India so the streets of Khandallah have mainly Indian names.
The suburb is our home for the next month.

Number 59:

A new home in Khandalla, Wellington New Zealand not India

A home in Khandallah, Wellington.

After long and very eventful flights from South Africa we are settled. Since my last visit Shawni and Craig have bought a new home in Khandallah.
The weather and jet lag are keeping me indoors so I have been pottering, enjoying the glorious views, the lush vegetation, getting a feel for this new space in our lives and being with James.

Number 58: Streetfood of Norwood

I have been home here in Norwood for the month of August and I have consciously embraced 'hygge': slowing down; taking pleasure in the textures and warmth of winter in my home, my quilts and mohair blanket; a fire in the kitchen and special time with a friend, baking and making soups; candles and incense; knitting for my little man in New Zealand; a huge mug of tea watching a favorite TV series; going to bed early; keeping travel to a minimum and walking everywhere; sitting in the sun on the veranda watching the birds; reading copiously;...
I have been decluttering my photos on my laptop too and looking for special photos for my Instagram feed and I am smiling as my choice for this morning was a foodie memory from Saint-Emilion in France, a two star Michelin fine dining experience while this blog is about the streetfood of Norwood!

Number 58:

Streetfood of Norwood.

Among these gentle, restful winter days Fred and I have ventured out on our walks to explore the tastes of the streetfood around us for our blog.

My first story is a street vendor called Octavia, we pass her each time we walk on one of the busy intersections coming into our suburb, she is shy and was a bit bemused by our interest in trying her food. 

All you need to is a few coins in your back packet to buy from Octavia, everything is one rand. We bought 'vetkoek' a South African staple, a delicious ball of fried dough, crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside - serious walking carbs! 

Meeting Octavia.

Meeting Sam, Baker Brothers, Norwood

The next story is Sam, he is a new entrepreneur along Grant Avenue in Norwood. 

He is a baker and hails  from the famous Ile de Pain in Kynsna. He has opened a bakery in The Factory courtyard and our walks now incorporate a pop past Sam to pick up our bread and croissants - I cannot possibly embrace 'hygge' without the freshest of breads! 

Also making their mark on our streetfood adventuring during August are Sumting Fresh and Baha Taco.

'Sumting Fresh' is a small Norwood eatery, with young vibey 20-somethings selling great to-go food - the business also does food trucks and markets around Johannesburg. We took an exhausted Justin, who had been caring for Ingrid post her hip replacement op, to try out their legendary Gujon Chicken and Gua Bao. Crispy, tasty and very moreish. 

Of course, no streetfood exploring in Norwood is complete without Mexican flavors, so I headed off to Baha Taco with Janet, as a treat to see her off on her trip to Europe. The nachos hit the mark as did the vegetarian taco's with haloumi.

Streetfood eateries along Grant Avenue in Norwood.

Number 57: Gifting my hair to CANSA

One of my daily practices is to be lighter in the world, I look with intent at my spaces and everything in my places.

I declutter, I repurpose, I gift, I regift, I pass it on, I donate, I arrange, I trash, I organise, I use, I make, I fix, I share, I consume, I provision with a light hand, I purchase when replacing...

Number 57:

Gifting my hair to CANSA 

The practice is creative and highly rewarding. The cumulative effect of many years of this practice has been remarkable. Sometimes the actions I take are very small, like passing on hangers but sometimes, like today, the actions are far more meaningful to me.

Today I took out a small plastic bag from my trunk. My hair. Three long plaits, cut when I was 13 years old. Looking at my photos, these thick brown plaits feature in all my school photos. Mom made a special moment of the trip to the hairdresser, took photos and then kept the hair for me. Now, 5 decades later I am looking at my hair, remembering and know that it is time to let my couple of meters of hair go and to keep just the memories that are wrapped up in the plastic bag.

So to honor my mother, who died of cancer 25 years ago, I am taking my hair to CANSA's Head Office in Befordview. They accept donations and have wigs made which are given to cancer survivors who need it most.

A photo taken by my Mom the day I went to the hairdresser, age 13 and my couple of meters of hair.