Ohh We Have Had a Shaking Afternoon

 Oh since Friday, Marlborough and Wellington have been experiencing earthquakes which I have not felt. Until 5.09 tonight, I was in the bathroom washing the garden dirt of my hands when the floor started to roll, I stood frozen to the spot, then realised it was an earthquake. Shot out calling to my other half and found him standing on the front deck watching our truck parked in the carport swaying from side to side. Then we looked at the future pond container which is full of water and that was spilling out with the motion. It seemed to go on for ages. Half an hour later it was on the web as a 6.9 quake only 19 kilometres deep off Seddon in the top of the south island. Wellington has suffered window breakages, concrete fractured and stock on shelves thrown to the floor. 

I hope this the last of them, it really is not a pleasant experience. I went through many earthquakes as a kid but somehow as a child you find it exhilarating, as an older wiser adult it is the feeling of lack of control over your environment that is so scary - the feeling of vulnerability.
Earthquake at 5.09 Sunday


Despite the earthquake the day has been beautiful weatherwise. Sunny and warm and so I took advantage of it to clean out the strawberry bed and add manure. I also bought three more fruit trees for the orchard.

I am listening to audio books - Ladies of Letters with Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge. Penpals who are scathing of each other in such a "friendly" way.

Last night the other half and I went to see "The Great Gatsby" movie. I have no idea what the reviewers say about it, and I like a chick flick love story, however, it was one of the longest 147 minutes of my life.  I do not recommend it.

The daughter who has been holidaying in Turkey, Italy and London returns to NZ tonight. Flying up to the big city to see her week after next.  Son has recently moved house and has phoned today to see if his dad can fix his bed, seems he cannot get the base to fit the antique bed frame since moving it.  Lucky we are visiting them both, only three days, two nights but we are quite busy at work.

I love these silly poems as I too do not feel my age -

My hat I wear with great aplomb
It makes me feel so bolder
For though I've passed the '50' mark
I don't feel any older
Than when I was a sweet young thing
Just barely out of my teens
And wearing out my platform shoes
And wide bell bottom jeans
But now I have a purple frock
It really is a shocker
All finished off with 'Big Red Hat'
With ostrich feather topper
I know the colours really clash
To me, it does not matter
I'm proud to say, I'm in the club
I'm a 50 plus 'Red Hatter'

Marjorie Ramsay 2008

Red Hatter Poems 

Just feel like a piece of chocolate, but will pass on the nuts.

A Few Hours At James Murdoch Winery

 For those of you who have never been to a vineyard, it is time you took the time to visit.  We bought a great value voucher from Grabone - another must to join, they put up discounted experiences, clothing, food and wine everyday. I buy experiences or food vouchers most weeks. So we drove the mini cooper down to Martinborough. Dave has had work redone on the head - don't ask me I have no idea, just know it is too expensive - and it needs 500km on the clock before it is; I don't know tightened or something. So a good reason to take it for a drive. Arrived at James Murdoch Estate on Dry River Road and straight into a glass of wine. Then with a winemaker out to the vines for a bit of explanation on soil, climate etc. Found the talk interesting, particularly on which canes to  keep in case I decide to put the odd vine in - would be for eating grapes not wine.  Then into the vat room for the talk on crushing etc and another wine to taste.

After the vat room we were then taken to the cave and of course another glass of wine, a bit of an explanation about temperatures, barrels, another glass of wine, this time pinot noir.  The later is my favourite wine, I am a definite pinot fan, gris or noir. After five seasons the barrels that cost $600 each are disposed of. I will have to try and buy one between Dec and March next year. Will make a gorgeous barrel for daffodils, Dave thought as garden ornament. We have a barrel platter that a friend gave us, he makes them for sale in a wine shop in Martinborough - he borrowed some grinding gear and gave us a platter as a thank you.

And while the talks comes to a conclusion we get our final tasting - shouldn't say glass of wine as of course they were tastings, more generous than many I have had at other vineyards

So after the tour our voucher included a platter for two with glass of wine - nice generous glass of wine of our choice. It is a really nice restaurant at the vineyard called Bloom. It seems it is popular for weddings.  Not over priced, the menu is varied with pork belly, fish, lamb shank; just my sort of food.

The platter for once had enough bread on the plate for you to eat all the food. I hate it when I want to spread pate and the bread has all gone.

 When we got home we both went straight to bed for 40 winks, and actually feel sound asleep. 
Not known for stamina unfortunately.  We have been lucky to be the recipient of a complimentary three course lunch at Tirohanga Vineyard celebrating 25 years since the first plantings in September. Will look forward to another vineyard experience.