You see here’s the thing, I live in the northerly part of a South Pacific Island mainly because that is where I have ended up and also because I don’t like being cold.
You won’t find this softy moving south of the Bombay Hills because
a) the earth shakes
b) it gets cold
c) no one has invited me
Yes marvelous eating and drinking things are produced further south and clever and funny people live there, but anywhere thermals has to become part of your daily wardrobe is just not for me.
You can then imagine my consternation this week when it has been bitey cold for days on end and white stuff (not cocaine – I don’t live in Ponsonby) has been found on the ground on the mornings. Not happy. We have been having brilliant days of sunshine, which are great for the soul, but my goodness once that sun goes down it is bitter.
We even had big frosts up at Okahukura Lodge this weekend, even though it is 110km north of Auckland. But it did make for some pretty pictures.
Aotearoeans who deal with this sort of cold and more on a regular basis, and with lot less complaining you have my upmost respect. You are all amazement and the backbone of this country. In the meantime this hothouse flower will continue to drain the National Grid keeping her footsies warm.
I am actually very lucky that Mr Brett having previously resided in Wellington* for a few years has clever heating strategies. Our house has double glazing – fabulous. We also have heaters with timers so rooms warm up before you get up in the morning. I am sure that having these clever strategies implemented had nothing to do how the intensity of my whining increases with the level of my discomfort.
I also know that I am incredibly lucky that we can afford to heat our house and have enough blankets and all the things that make winter bearable. I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like living in an uninsulated house and unable to afford heating. Pretty bloody crappy that is for sure.
That is my winter grumble out of the way, no doubt before too long I will be able to start on my Spring Equinox rant. Good times. I know you can all hardly wait.
While this has been a very lighthearted moan about the winter there is a wonderful group of people out who call themselves The Aunties who work with Women’s Refuge to help keep vulnerable women and children warm and safe. Here is a link to their blog because I believe what they do is so very important and unfortunately necessary.
http://www.aunties.co.nz/2015/05/08/how-you-can-help-us/
Apart from complaining about the cold, and tormenting Mr Brett – you know the usual stuff, the week was fairly quiet. We did go and see the Auckland Theatre Company production of Rupert by David Williamson. It is about Rupert Murdoch, and I thought it was very funny and clever. It just helps to remind you what an old villain he is. (if you needed reminding) His mother lived till she was 103, so we probably have another 20 years of him controlling our media landscape. Lordy.
One of the most telling things for me was at the end of the play they put up a screen showing the media outlets he controls. Crazy. For one person to be in charge of so much. Just incredible.
Just incredible in another and far more positive way, is this Nathan Friend back flip that lead to a fantastic try when the Warriors beat the Storm at Mt Smart yesterday. The sheer athleticism just blows my mind. And as you know I have attended a handstand class. Shaun’s side step and backward pass isn’t too shabby either. A fantastic win to the Warriors – now fourth on the table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEorIWAGos0
Meanwhile my Dragons are going through a wee slump. Some of their players are injured and things just aren’t going their way. But they will come right. The world renown philosopher Phil Gould probably summed it up best writing for the SMH this morning
All teams go through an injury run at some stage of the season. Some get it worse than others. The Dragons are just having their bad run right now. Never mind. Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
What Phil said. Maybe I will use that for my inspirational tweet next week. Because frankly, ” I hope you boys have all got a nicely ironed hanky and clean undies” doesn’t seem to be working that well.
In other exciting (for me at least) League news. The dates for the Auckland Nines for next year have been confirmed – February 6 and 7. Hopefully the Dragons will want me back again to hang around and keep out of their way at the same time. I will still be going regardless as it really is a fantastic event.
One event that I do plan to attend this year is this one.
The fabulous Anika Moa had a Face to Face interview with Marlon Williams – who I had never heard of. (I don’t get out much) The interview is funny, but 7 and a half minutes in, they sing Hine E Hine together and both their voices just blew me away. As Mr J Campbell of Auckland would say Bloody Marvelous.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11478112
Anyway lovely people keep warm and safe. And a shout out to Sister Julie for sending through the lovely photos of Noosa looking so sunny and fabulous, I really did appreciate them I did.
He Konei Ra
Natty
*Actually if you want to hear moaning, have me visit Wellington when that Southerly is ripping through – bloody hell. Might be another reason why I have never been invited to live there.
nattybugle 