Slow Horses

One of my favourite series from 2022, Slow Horses is back with season two. In fact, it was back late last year, but what with travel, Christmas, and visitors, I never got around to watching it. Not until last night. We completely binged our way through it. So much so that we just had to …

Finishing a book

It was a long book, though one that I enjoyed reading, an easy read, although sometimes I had issues with the approach and/or the characters. I haven't quite figured out how I feel about it yet, but I am glad I read it, and it was so satisfying to finish it to keep my progress …

Baking

Every so often, it's just fun to do some baking. And eat it too. I baked some cheese scones this morning. First time in a while, and they were delicious. I halve the recipe because it's just the two of us, and that means I can do it more often. My husband loves them, though …

Flower Photography

Another beautiful day reminded me that I had a new macro extender for my camera. I bought one some years ago, but it never worked properly, as it wouldn't always lock in properly. I'd bought it cheap from a supplier in the South Island. However, on a trip in 2021, I'd had to go to …

Just a beautiful day

It was just a beautiful day today, with nothing urgent to do except read a book that is due back at the library soon. So I made some iced herbal tea, swept the deck, outdoor table and chairs that sit under the pine trees, and put up the large shade umbrella. It took some time …

Redactle

I have a new obsession. I love puzzles, and I blame my puzzle-loving sister for introducing me to Redactle. It presents a Wikipedia article with most of the main words redacted. You then have to guess the words which give you enough of a hint to either guess the subject, or search Wikipedia to find …

A new hair style

I haven't had my hair cut since July (I think) last year. I meant to get it trimmed in November, but got vertigo, during which it is recommended not to put your head in a hairdressers' washbasin, then visitors and the December rush (the hardest month of the year to get a hair appointment) and …

Dinner with friends

Another gorgeous evening, spent outside in the garden of our friends, with simple barbecued lamb and salmon, delicious salads, and strawberries and ice cream. They invited long time friends, who we had met a couple of times before, and we enjoyed wine and good conversation with them. It was all very relaxed. So nice to …

Khao nee-o and gai yang

One of my favourite meals in Thailand is khao neeo and gai yang, or sticky rice and barbecued chicken. Served with Thai sweet chili sauce of course! Of course in Thailand I get to eat this with its traditional accompaniment, a fiery green papaya salad or somdum. I can't get green papaya here, so focus …

Letter from a war zone

My husband is in the final throes of sorting out all the belongings and memories from his parents. He has done his brothers, nephews and nieces an extraordinary service that they will never understand or acknowledge, by scanning all the genealogy information, photographs, and other keepsakes. One of those came to light today, one (I …