Book Loving Kiwis discussion
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Over the Teacups
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We no longer own a cat & our fig tree is getting monstered by birds. So I have remembered a trick from my supermarket days & we have tied old cds/DVD's to the branches as a deterrent. It looks like a really weird Christmas tree now. The theory is that the flashing in the sunlight will scare the birds off.
Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "We are trying a new trick with our fig tree.We no longer own a cat & our fig tree is getting monstered by birds. So I have remembered a trick from my supermarket days & we have tied old cds/DVD's..."
I hung discs over my vegetable garden to stop the birds demolishing my seedlings. Not so bad once they've grown into sizable plants. The damage to seedlings wasn't so bad to begin with, but the birds became used to the discs and attacked them as well as the seedlings.
I thought out of revenge they were eating my crops when they came, but found out the early beans and lettuces were being eaten by my dog!
I've decided I just have to learn to share :)
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& my husband added more discs & we have had a partial success. The mynahs & the sparrows have gone, but the little finchs are not deterred.
So, much improved!👍
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Years ago I watched an episode of Australian Masterchef where one of the contestants dried some fig leafs in the microwave. I tried it - & found out why that is not a thing. Tasted & (after a few minutes) smelt vile.
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We had a very busy week, with two separate lots of guests, so we are enjoying some quiet time.
I am going to weed our petanque court. (I've already started) I'm mad with myself that I didn't get it done before our first guests - one of them is a keen petanque player.
I love the title of this chat! It's a beautiful day here in Wellington but definitely cooler weather, which seems a little premature!
I'm going to Tasmania in 2 weeks for a holiday. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good carry-on bag? Not too heavy or bulky as I have arthritis in my hands and dodgy shoulders! My usual carry-on backpack has become too unwieldy for me.
Many thanks :)
Erica wrote: "What's everyone been up to this weekend? I'm going with my sister and a few friends tramping in Easter so this weekend we did a training walk with our packs (14km) in preparation. Always nice to ge..."I just bought the Penguin Anthology since it's a long wait at the library. I plan to take it to Tasmania with me but have started it already. It's a good book to dip into now and then!
Where are you going to tramp?
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It's a beautiful day here in Wellington but definitely cooler weather, which seems a little premature!
I'm going to Tasmania in 2 weeks for a holiday. Does anyone ..."
Bon Voyage Jennifer! No recommendation for carry on packs - I now use a tiny suitcase with wheels.
I'm going to Fiji for a week in May with my sisters.
I've only got a third of the petanque court to go, but it is very hot here. I might go out again this evening as my husband is cooking tonight.
Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I love the title of this chat! It's a beautiful day here in Wellington but definitely cooler weather, which seems a little premature!
I'm going to Tasmania in 2 weeks for a holi..."
Thanks! And wow, Fiji in May will be a great antidote to our cooling weather!
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Thanks. I feel the need for a break!
My volunteer job is becoming almost consuming.
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Tramp we're going to do is Copland Track down in the South Island. I'm told there are hot pools at the hut which was one of the key drawcards haha!
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Tramp we'r..."
That sounds awesome!
I had lunch with my son who told me all about his latest trip around NZ and I told him about mine! My daughter has now booked to go again. (They are Kiwis).Sorry, no more children to send - I'm starting on friends and family again.
And your NZ travels? Favourite places?
Try the Catlins Anna. South island has many beautiful places but, apart from High Country tussock walks the Catlins comes next for me. If the old car will make it I'll be camping there in May. Petrol's a problem too! I'm about to launch the novella -YA Edo period Japan - and that costs a bomb as promotion is a must these days which means paying for all the adverts, PR and launch party.
Oh P.D.R., I do empathize with you re the cost of launching a book. I wish you all the very best for a successful launch.I don't think I've been to the Catlins. I'll have to look that up. Thank you.
Beach and Bush, Anna, and lovely waterfalls. Lots of native birds and Catlin's friendly people.
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No doubt it has changed since then.
Too many tourists now in the high season, Carol, but great in early spring or late autumn.Yes, lots of alternative type people, shops and buildings. And fiercely fighting to keep the wealthy 'buy a crib/batch' close the bush/beach front' from moving in. They've some sneaky guerilla tactics!!! I hosted the bat scientists at the F&B camp site. They had some neat tricks to protect bat habitat!!!
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Oops! Sorry Carol. Forest and Bird = F&B or Tweets and Twitters which I don't prefer.
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I'm going to Ak tomorrow, then on Friday I fly to Fiji! This will be the first time my sisters & I have ever had a holiday on our own & I am really looking forward to it.
See everyone when I get back!
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I found a kindle murder mystery set in Fiji so I might swap over to that.
Cheers Carol! Close the books, shut your eyes and relax into a lovely restful sleep. You've earned it.
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Sounds silly, but it was nice to eat bananas that tasted like bananas again.
It's so true, bananas, any fruit really, when picked off the tree and eaten taste so much better. Good to know you had a good break, Carol. Sorry about the 'bug' though.
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Fortunately for me, since I don't like extreme heat, the temperatures were mild - round 28 degrees. We had one day in Nadi where the heat was nearly unbearable as there was no cooling sea breeze. So we retreated to our hotel pool!
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How's everyone's weekend been? I've been reading a classic for a change, Far from the Madding Crowd. Enjoying it. Also walking my dog. Feel like that's all I do these days haha but keeps me fit-ish.
Carol Still on Fiji Time! wrote: "I'm back & had a wonderful time,"Welcome home!
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He has just rung & won't be here until Monday.
Again. Sigh.
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I know!
The company seems confident it is just the battery.
The system at the Museum just comes up with the word 'trouble' on the screen. Scared the proverbials out of me the first time, but I much prefer that system!
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We almost never do & last night was no exception. The hill up to our street is quite steep, so they would have to be keen - & our outside lights were switched off.
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I feel we have got off lightly, but we did lose our power for 2.5 hours last night.
Lots of the Coromandel cut off.
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We cancelled the girls coming to stay with us. :(
I'm not quite right yet & more bad weather forecast.
Brilliant sunshine now! :S
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https://www.youtube.com/@WeatherWatchTV
So how is everyone doing? Just had heavy rain here, but stopped as abruptly as it started.
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My husband & I did what we usually do ANZAC morning & read some war poems - this time it was Rupert Brooke.
How about the rest of you.
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I got up a 4:30am and went to our local dawn service which was well attended - an estimated 200-300 people there of all age groups.
Happy Anzac, my partner and I went to the Dawn Service at Mount Maunganui. Went to the RSA afterward for the breakfast then home for a wee nap.Enjoying the rest of the weekend before back at work on Monday.
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All of what you guys have done sounds wonderful!
The girls should be here soon & we are looking to having them for the rest of the weekend.
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What is going on in your life?
Do you have any plans for Christmas?