Today is Friday, March 20, 2020, perhaps an auspicious day to start writing about the situation in which we find ourselves.  I am sure many people will write, blog, vlog, make podcasts, and find other creative ways to express their feelings, and pass the time. I am starting today.

This pandemic is new to us, and whereas many are talking about the flu epidemic of 1918, I remember my mother talking about the polio epidemic of 1947-49, and the enormous impact it had here (and in many countries). The schools were closed in New Zealand, and indeed an aunt and uncle of mine (my mother’s siblings) caught the disease, and recovered from it, with little in the way of visible effects. I remember the huge relief when the polio vaccine became available in the 1950’s, when I was a child.

Having had a serious illness myself, I now realise that nothing is ever quite the same again, as it was before.

Now we seem to be in a similar situation with the coronavirus. News is instant, but every day brings new horrors, new statistics, new stories, and new evidence of things being shut down. I am grateful not to be 70.

My youngest son arrived here from the U.K. just over a week ago, before travellers were required to self-isolate (whatever that means) for 14 days. It is so good to see him and his wife again. This visit has been long anticipated and looked forward to, not just by me.

I decided that I would not go to my usual activities for 14 days.  I was roundly criticised for this decision, but the remark of an oncology nurse helped me to make up my mind: “You wouldn’t want to be the one to pass this on”. Most if not all of the folk I do things with are older (some in their 80’s), most of not all have health issues, and we are all trying to stay healthy and not fall over.

Sadly, the news each day makes my decision seem quite reasonable.

The activities I have cancelled out of include our Art Group, Tai Chi (the last 2 sessions of term one), my weekly hymn singing, and weekly singing at Khandallah. Actually, the singing session was cancelled anyway, but the person who takes it is trying to find a safer way to do it.

I read today that in Auckland all libraries are to close. New Zealand has 11 new cases today, including one in Hawkes Bay. These are all people who have travelled into New Zealand, so not community spread, which I guess is something to be thankful for.

I have to say there have been some really frustrating things happen. The Prime Minister has put a travel ban in place, and now requires travellers from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days, but a person flew to Auckland from Brisbane, found out that his Covid19 test was positive, and then took a commercial flight to Wellington, where he stayed in a hotel and went to the Milk Crate café!!! In another incident, a group of passengers was disgorged from a cruise ship. They were told your cruise has ended, and you’re free to go, which they did. I also find it irritating that people are not being advised to cover their mouths when they yawn. The other day I was shopping in Thorndon New World when a woman yawned, open-mouthed, not far from me. Grrrr!

It is really hard not to do stuff!

I have walked up to the supermarket each day, as I do most days. This morning I explained to two friends I encountered that I couldn’t come close or hug them as I normally would. We have stocked up on tinned food and basic essentials, but today you can’t buy flour or bread; preferred items are restricted, there is still no new TV Guide (which I get for the puzzles, and the movie ratings), and the store is to close at 9 pm rather than 10 pm (they cited the recent “uplift”, which I assume is a polite way of saying “panic buying”).

I listen to Dr John Campbell (north of England), who does a daily update, which is recorded on Youtube. He does a great job of tracking progress of the virus, which he has done since the first cases were recorded. His approach is fact-based, non-hysterical, reasonable and useful.

I also listen to lots of podcasts, as well as keeping up with the main newspapers. While the news websites give one the big picture, the podcasts often provide interesting titbits of information, and real life stories such as the doctor from Northern Italy, the story of New Rochelle (in New York), and the different approaches as people get to grips with this changing crisis. Some parents are relaxing the rules around “screen time”.  I really feel for older people who are not “online”. This must be very isolating for them.

We are torn between wanting to do the things that keep us alive, and not wanting to pass the virus on. I’m not afraid for myself, but I am concerned for my family, their loved ones, and my friends.

It’s fascinating how much everything changes. It must be good for the planet’s health that there is so much less air travel, and that cruises are not welcome, if   not entirely banned.  Although there is probably more personal and medical waste, this has to have a smaller footprint than the extensive use of jet fuel. It has to be good that we all buy less stuff (although there are some great deals out there). On the other hand, many people were really struggling before this, and now whole industries have been wiped out. Who knows how long this crisis will last, and when it will be safe to do things again?  One admires the socialistic response of the US government to give people money. So how are they to spend it, after paying the landlord and the bank, seeing shops and restaurants are shut down? Ah, I know, online shopping will save the day (for the richest man in the world).

One also wonders where the homeless will wash their hands, or just how they will obey a civic order to “stay home”. It’s also been pointed out that you can’t clean a house, or help someone shower, “remotely”.

One of my two favourite cinemas put out a useful newsletter recently. They are doing more cleaning, and more hand-washing, but they also will try and seat people so they’re not so close to each other.

There was also some useful advice in this morning’s paper about funerals and tangi – that older folk may wish to say “good-bye” on their own, and not go to the funeral service (which will probably be live-streamed). Oh dear, how will we cope without funerals and family gatherings?

It’s interesting how when things become a matter of life and death, other worrying considerations cease to be important.

I look forward to having a flu jab, singing hymns again, re-joining Tai Chi and my other singing group, and doing other things. Of course, one can do these things at home, but it is much more fun to do them with other people.

For me, it is always an achievement to get there on time, no matter how bad the night has been, or how awful I feel. If I deem myself not to be infectious, I will go. Getting “into the zone” makes it worthwhile.

Hohepa Hawkes Bay had its annual Family Weekend at the end of September, coinciding with the start of the school holidays and and the Family and Caregivers’ Association AGM.

In the past, the Family Association has had a significant role to play in organising this event; this time Santi arranged it all, and there were many improvements, some surprises, and the Association AGM was last event in an action-packed day. JD was standing down from his role as chairperson, and from the committee, so he wanted an opportunity to speak.

The weekend started on Friday evening, with a shared meal at Macaskill House. It was nice to meet the parents and siblings of other residents who live there. We turned up just after 5 pm. There was a woman called Trisha there – I figured eventually that she was Trisha Glover, a newish staff member whom I’d been wanting to meet.

Then we went off with Vicky to see Harlequinade, a play performed at the Clive Hall. It was a very good production, memorable for several reasons: the enjoyment of the audience, especially folk like Vicky, the wonderful music (including Deryn’s violin playing), the way the cast (and supporting cast) worked together and supported each other, and some very memorable performances, including the wonderful clown. Afterwards we took Vicky home, arranging to pick her up at 5 pm the next day.

Saturday began early at 8:45 am with a karakia from Weylan. Then a woman called Constanza was live-streamed from Switzerland (she had recently visited Hohepa in New Zealand). After this Trisha Glover spoke, and showed photos from an Anthroposophical Conference she had attended at the Goetheanum in Dornach. She spoke very well, and managed to make it all seem not too wordy. She stressed courage, and humanity, in our dealings with each other. Pictures of the famous building resonated with me, reminding of other Hohepa buildings I have seen, and of the beautiful and stunning Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona.

We had morning tea outside. Thankfully the weather was fine. The food was good – nice club sandwiches, for the most part. The breaks for morning and afternoon tea and lunch provided plenty of time to catch up with other parents and staff.

During the day there were several presentations by staff, sometimes illustrated with video, which were very helpful and interesting. The “residents” are now known as “the people we support” – a welcome change, building on Hohepa’s motto of “Every Life Fully Lived”. There is a strong Maori component, with three staff members speaking about their work. They involved us all in singing “Te Aroha” (which I also sing with my singing group, so I kind of knew it).
Te aroha
Te whakapono
Me te rangimarie
Tatou tatou e

Then we were taught a Maori song for Hohepa! This went down very well. Santi threatened that next year we will learn the accompanying poi dance as well.

During the lunch break we were invited to take part in an art activity. I made my way to the Art Room, where Eva had set everything up really well. There was room for several participants at any one time. I washed and dried my paper, and then chose three colours to use – green, blue and crimson. My theme was three-fold: faith, hope and love. I wish I had taken a photo of this painting! JD helped, but I did most of it. I signed it with our names and Vicky’s.

In the afternoon we heard from the management team, and then the regional board had its AGM. There were two apologies, but the others, it seemed, (unlike in the past), really wanted to be there. The Family Weekend won out over the WOW Show in Wellington. Subsidiarity was mentioned!

After afternoon tea there was a presentation from Housing New Zealand. Their work complements Hohepa Hawkes Bay’s desire that none of the residents sleeps at the Clive site. They are actively buying up suitable properties, sometimes (ideally) in clusters. It is a relief that Hohepa are no longer engaged in building projects with their spiraling costs, and are really engaged in helping to move folk away from the Clive site.

Finally there was the Family Association AGM. Unbeknownst to us the Chairman of the Hohepa Foundation had turned up, and wanted to speak. JD will remain on the Foundation, and he did get to speak (afterwards being complimented on this and asked that it be included in the minutes).

That evening we shared a pizza with Vicky at our motel, before going to the party (and dance) at the Creative Workshop in Tennyson Street in Napier. The workshop has been open one year (since the last Family Weekend), and there was a birthday party. Despite reservations, it has worked out really well.

It was a busy evening. Vicky declined to dance with me but I did get to dance with JD (even if it was to Mamma Mia!) Although the formal ball had been a successful feature of the Family Weekend, it was nice to have something more casual (and we didn’t have to buy tickets).

Saturday night was a short one, with the start of Daylight Saving. We got away at 10 am and had a good drive back, our only major holdup being north of Otaki. Well done, Hohepa! This was the best Family Weekend ever, in my view. It’s good to feel that we are all more alike, despite our differences.

We drove North on Wednesday morning, stopping at Otaki for lunch. Then there was a long delay at Ohau, just past the Kaitawa River bridge. It was raining hard, too. Given the heaviness of the rain, and the delays we’d experienced thus far, we decided to follow our (now) normal pattern and use the Pahiatua Track road to drive to Pahiatua, thus bypassing the Manawatu Gorge. There were no roadworks there (it was too wet for that), and so we made our way slowly to Napier. We chose not to travel north to Hawkes Bay using the Saddle Road – we know the route for that driving south, but not north, where there are several tricky intersections to be navigated. I always check the NZTA website for driving conditions, but they are in some chaos at present. This site used to work quite well.

That night we ate again at a pub in Ahuriri, where we shared bao buns and a pizza. I’ve discovered that I prefer baguettes to bao buns!

Next morning we were due at our daughter’s Needs Assessment at her home. It was good to be at this meeting – it had been rescheduled so that we could attend. It’s evident that while Vicky is doing well, and has achieved greater independence, this is only possible given the support she receives. She’s still capable of throwing “meltdowns”; however now she has to clean them up herself. When she makes herself a cup of tea, the hot water jug is only half full, and someone stands over her while she pours the hot water. She uses coconut milk, and enjoys choosing what kind of tea she will have – often preferring chamomile.

Afterwards we had a long talk to the House Leader, and arranged payment for our daughter’s new bike. We also discussed pooling with the other parents to buy a swing set for the house. There is lots of land behind the house. The House Leader is going to check out the Safety risks.

The next morning we went off to explore cemeteries, and spoke with a funeral director in Taradale. We went to Wharerangi Cemetery up by Hohepa School where we had originally wanted Vicky to be buried (you can no longer buy plots there), and to Western Hills Cemetery, an extension of Wharerangi, and close by it. We bought a plot in the plaque section (as opposed to upright tombstones) – prime real estate, well elevated, with a nice view. It’s pictured above. Everyone was very helpful.

We ate lunch at a cafe in Napier. I had a filled ciabatta roll, and to their great credit, the waitperson gave me a sharp knife with a serrated edge. So often one buys toasted food, and then has a really difficult job cutting the food gracefully so that one can eat it! Not good when you’re “hangry”. After lunch, we were due to pick up our daughter from Clive. We did so, and went to a golf driving range in Hastings. The sun was out, but it was quite windy everywhere. Afterwards we went to the art shop in Karamu Road and bought stuff for Hohepa to do Gelli prints – a gelatin slab and a roller and some pattern makers.

After a trip back to the motel for a cup of tea, we took Vicky out for dinner. But something went wrong – she was a bit tense, and didn’t like her pudding, although she’d ordered the special (sticky date pudding and ice cream) and it was just like the picture! Fortunately there were no dramatics. JD cut up the cake and Vicky ate it.

The next morning there was a Family Association meeting. I washed my hair, had a leisurely bath, and made my way to the bus stop across the road, after first buying a newspaper at the local shopping centre. It was a beautiful sunny day. Once in Napier, I rewarded myself with a mini-doughnut and a long black coffee. JD joined me later that morning.

That evening we had dinner at Vicky’s house – fried rice. Afterwards she danced beautifully with JD. She does seem very happy there – big smiles on her face.

While in Napier, I listened to several podcasts – the Lawfare one called “The Report”, about the Mueller investigations, more Hardcore History (sometimes a very hard listen), and my old friend, BBC4 podcasts – this time specialising in the History ones.
I listened to the Mytilenean Debate, Persepolis, Doggerland, the Poor Laws, the Great Irish Famine, Montesquieu, and one on Alexis de Tocqueville on American Democracy. Melvyn Bragg moderates these discussions very well, usually with three academic experts, who present different points of view. I think I have better figured out how to work this website.

My listening has had me pulling out my Penguin editions of Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon, (yes, we translated extracts of them in Greek sometimes!) and finding out a great deal more about Cyrus the Great. I have learnt so much. I have ordered a paperback copy of A History of the World in 100 Objects. I reserved a copy from the library, but it’s a really big book and I would like to have a copy. While I had it, I looked at a picture of Cyrus’s tomb.

Next day we drove home – it was fine, and good for travelling. We listened to Jim Mora on RNZ.

This film is Finnish, with subtitles. That immediately makes it interesting – plus the fact that it’s about art.More precisely, it’s about an elderly art shop owner, Okavi, who is not doing very well and is looking to retire. His One Last Deal is to buy an undervalued painting from the auction house next door, and sell it for a profit. One wonders what other deals he has made?

He has a kind friend, but a very poor relationship with his daughter (divorced) and his teenage grandson.

The film is interesting on several levels. For one thing, it’s always raining in Helsinki, although people don’t appear to live badly – that is, apart from his daughter, who seems to live on a unattractive construction block outside the city, with little in the way of pavements or amenities.

The art shop also seems dark, although it is quite spacious, as is the proprietor’s apartment. The shop has many paintings, and he doesn’t go for the current fashion of having them backed by aubergine painted walls. They are not, in my view, great paintings; even the Seascape, which a couple show interest in buying, doesn’t appeal to me.

But the painting he buys at the auction house (Dubrowski’s) grows on one. At first, one is a bit ho-hum about it, but later, after he has brought it home, it looks wonderful (reminding this viewer of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Salvator Mundi).
Okavi has to borrow the 10,000 euros (plus costs) to buy the painting. He sells his late wife’s jewelry and goes to other extreme measures to buy it. One wonders why his only daughter didn’t get her mother’s jewelry.

We enjoyed this movie. It was an interesting and thought-provoking tale of loneliness, old age, a failing business, and fractured family relationships, with an interesting view of Finland and some rather nice paintings.

We are enjoying the Exhibition series about famous artists: lately Degas, Young Picasso (including his Blue Period and his Rose Period). We are looking forward to films about Rembrandt and Van Gogh. These films always provoke a good discussion.

Recently I went to a University of the Third Age lecture about famous art thefts. Wow!

My friend Josie passed away recently. Today I went to her funeral. It was a special occasion. It was obvious that Josie had been a special friend to many.

I knew Josie from Tai Chi. She had been a tutor for the Beginners’ Class, which I had gone back to and attended for a time, until I was stung by guilt to move on to Continuing One. Others advised me that I should be in the more advanced class, and there was a waiting list for Beginners. Part of the reason that I stayed was sheer laziness: Beginners’ Class was easier, there was no form work: we did lots of walking to Tai Chi (reduced in later classes), the Flexibility and Balance Set, and then, after a break, some more balancing and breathing exercises and the Lotus Qi Gong. Afterwards some of us would have coffee and something to eat at Kaizen Cafe. This was how I got to know Josie. All the tutors at Tai Chi are wonderful, but Josie was very special.

Josie had a beautiful smile, and she was very accepting and welcoming. We spoke about travel. She had traveled much alone. I was to learn much more about her at her funeral.

After I moved into Continuing One Tai Chi, I learnt from a friend that Josie was unwell. I had known that she had reduced lung capacity. Then recently I learnt that she was dependent on oxygen, although she still maintained her Tai Chi relaxation and breathing techniques. So, while it was sad to learn that she had died, it was not unexpected. It turned out that Josie was almost 75 when she died at Wellington Hospital, where she had been for about two weeks.

It was special to be able to attend her funeral, which (conveniently for me) was a few days after her death, and was to be held at St John’s Anglican Church in Bassett Road, Johnsonville. Thankfully there was to be a Christian funeral.

The beautiful church was full by the time the service began at 12. Josie’s brother introduced himself to me when I arrived. For a long time I knew nobody there, but there were several Tai Chi folk whom I spoke to afterwards.

What a nice funeral service it was. We sang The Lord is My Shepherd, and Praise My Soul. The text was 1 Corinthians 13, (the whole chapter) which we also had at Alfred’s wedding: “Love is always kind…” I thought about how these things are so much more meaningful for me now…”when I was a child….I reasoned as a child”. There was a lovely reading from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 5, scene 2, culminating in “The readiness is all”. Generally speaking, we cannot determine the time of our birth, or our death. There was a beautiful prayer in Tokelauan.

There were four wonderful tributes, and we were told there would be an opportunity for further tributes over refreshments in the Hall next door, after the funeral service.

During the tributes and afterwards, I learnt a great deal more than I had previously known about Josie. She had been to Wellington Girls’ College, ( a few years before me, so our paths had not crossed), she spoke French and Italian, and got 1st Class Honours in her MA in English Literature. Unlike me, she had got a scholarship to Oxford to Lady Margaret Hall. She had also lived in France for several years, and in India, where she held a senior position with the ILO. She also loved books. At WGC she had been head prefect and proxime accessit to the dux.

She had no children of her own but inherited six step-children when she married her Greek husband in the 70’s (six weeks after they met). He was several years older than her, and died well before she did. Her step-daughter, Jane, who had flown over from England for the funeral, spoke most movingly about her and her affection for Josie. She spoke of Josie being more like a big sister than a stepmother. Josie’s husband was buried in a double plot in France, where she was going to join him in death, but when one of her step sons died, Josie gave up the plot for him so that he could be buried with his father. That was an example of her generosity.

The only person with anything negative to say about her was one of her nephews. He spoke about his reluctance to see tourist attractions in Vatican City when he was in Rome with his family – he just wanted to practise guitar in his hotel room. Josie got a bit cross with him and said that he really should visit the Sistine Chapel and other famous sights in the Vatican Museums that she and his parents wanted him to see! This person was a member of Shihad!

Then there were several prayers, culminating in the Commendation and The Committal. There was to be a private cremation later.

After the service, we went to the Hall next door, where there was lots of food, tea, coffee, juice, water, wine and beer. This occasion was MC’d by a Scottish gentleman, who did a great job. He had a loud speaking voice, and was very good indeed at getting everyone involved and ensuring they felt comfortable. First there was a Scottish Grace, then we were invited to get something to eat and drink, before further tributes and songs took place. I had been reluctant to go to the Hall for refreshments, but I’m pleased that I did.

There was a rush to get more chairs out so that everyone could sit down. Then there were several more tributes. We were all encouraged to join in with the Grace, with singing songs, this culminating in a saying a Scottish toast, and then drinking to Josie.

After this I said some goodbyes and left, meeting JD in Johnsonville. I am so pleased that I went – eschewing scrabble, a film in Khandallah, singing in Karori, and a film festival movie. What a wealth of things to do! I am happy with the choice I made.

Yesterday. No, I haven’t seen the movie yet. I have seen the trailer. I really like this wonderful song.

But back to reality. Yesterday was a strange day.

Tai Chi restarted for Term 3. I think we were all pleased to be back, although the ladies I enjoy talking to weren’t there. Some of the tutors were missing as well. Unfortunately we were growled at!!! This was not a good experience. It was difficult to hear in the Hall too, with one leader’s voice dominating proceedings. I don’t go to Tai Chi to be challenged! I go because I believe in its philosophy, it’s gentle, doesn’t require a change of clothes, and sometimes for me it’s an achievement just to be there, getting to Mana by 10 am, especially if I’ve had a bad night.

Afterwards I did not hang around, and caught the train into Wellington. I think Metlink have taken carriage off the train – it is quite busy now, but it’s good to see the trains being well used.

I had lunch at The Old Quarter in Dixon Street – a delicious Banh Mi and a long black. It was (unusually) not busy here.

Then I headed off for Matthew’s Memorial Service at the Methodist Centre in Taranaki Street. Matthew was Professor Matthew Trundle, formerly of the Classics department.
I was quite early so I sat down outside the (now closed again) St James Theatre. I hadn’t dressed quite right – I was a bit overdressed for Tai Chi, but under dressed for a funeral service. The day had begun frostily with heavy condensation and beautiful sunshine, and I expected it to be warm in the early afternoon, but instead by 1 pm it was cold and drizzling with light rain. Having said that, it has been a really mild July here, despite cooler mornings and evenings.

I saw many well-dressed people walking up Taranaki St, so I figured that, early as I was, I had better go and be sure of getting a seat. I went with some trepidation, not knowing who would be there.

The Wesley Methodist Centre is a lovely wooden church, an heritage building, which reminds me of both the St John Presbyterian Church in Dixon St, and St Peter’s in Willis St. I sat beside the lovely Hannah Webling, almost the only person I knew there. She told me about an acquaintance of mine, whom I also tutored for, who has had a stroke and is still at Kenepuru Hospital.

I had assumed, from the church venue and Matthew’s son being called Christian, that this would be a Christian service, but it was not so; there was a reading from the Iliad about the funeral of Patroclus (close friend of Achilles, killed in the Trojan War) and we sang William Blake’s Jerusalem. Evidently Matthew had planned this service. There were no prayers.

Before the service Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and Pachelbel’s Canon were played. Other than that, there were several tributes, and two slide shows. Matthew’s wife was one of the first to speak. She said many kind things about him but noted how untidy he was and how he was always ready to argue, even if she didn’t feel like having a discussion!

Some had come from overseas to speak, including a friend from Canada, and David Rosenbloom from the US; I had taken one of David’s honours papers on Euripides’ plays, and had tutored for him, when he was in New Zealand. David gave a very affecting tribute. Matthew came across as a very gregarious person, with a loud, booming voice, generous with his time, who made an effort to keep in touch. After the service, Matthew’s wife left the church first – apparently unsupported.

I remembered Matthew well. I first heard him lecture at a Continuing Education Course run by VUW on ancient empire – the Assyrian, the Persian and the Greek Empires, which I found fascinating. For my graduate diploma in Classics I had started out doing a Stage 1 course in Greek history, which I then changed (104 for 401) for the Euripides drama paper. I also did an Honours paper on the Roman Empire with Matthew. My topic was the three Punic (Carthaginian Wars) against Rome, in its progress towards Empire. My main memory is of him dressed as a hoplite, a Greek soldier. He was a popular lecturer and promoted regular meetings of the Classical Association. I have been to his house several times but did not meet his wife or young son.

All this fits in rather well with some podcasts I have listened to recently – Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. I have particularly enjoyed the three King of Kings ones, although they can be hard to listen to, at times. One of the benefits of podcasts is that there is always more to learn – how did I miss that last time? I must have had some sleep, after all, when I first listened to that. I think that Matthew shared Dan’s interest in warfare, which I do too, in a detached fashion.

I realise that one must discriminate over podcasts, but some of them are really interesting. This guy quotes ancient sources, especially Herodotus, and says when his sources may have clouded views.

After the Memorial Service I did not stay for refreshments (always tricky, if one can’t sit down). It was 2:45 pm, so I caught the first bus to Johnsonville. There, I met an old acquaintance and caught up with her.

That night, it was podcast time again – I listened to lots of them – BBC4 about the anti-vax movement, climate change, and the need for sleep (yes I get it!) and I picked up Dan Carlin talking about the battle of Marathon. Wow! quite exciting. Quite a day.

We drove to Napier on Thursday afternoon, after I had been to singing. We had lunch at the River Cottage Cafe just south of Otaki. It was overcast but there were good driving conditions. There had been an accident on the Expressway, and the southbound lanes closed, but it was open again now. I remarked that it was nice to travel in good conditions, but after Woodville we struck fog, deep fog, which persisted until around Norsewood.

We got safely through to Napier, checked into our usual motel (lots of room, a spa bath, thick towels and bathmat, and a coffee machine!) and headed for Portofino to have dinner. But this was again closed – for earthquake remediation. So we went to the Boardwalk instead.

The next day JD dropped me in town and went to his meeting. I bought a newspaper, went to the Farmers’ Red Dot sale, and had coffee and a delicious mini-donut at Adoro. Then I went shop-browsing!

I looked at Wardini, the wonderful bookshop, the Antiques market, and other stores. Ujazi is no longer open, replaced (3 weeks ago) by The Tennyson Cafe. It had been refurbished. I had lunch there. It was good, but quite different from the old Ujazi!
Afterwards, I bought a warm vest (on special) from Postie Plus.

Then I headed off to look for the Dalton Street bus stop. I found it, and the correct bus, travelling to Hastings along Kennedy Road. As it was before 3 pm, I could use my Gold Card. The route numbers were a challenge, but the Internet was useful, this time. The bus stopped just past our motel.

That evening we ate at The Thirsty Whale pub in Ahuriri with our daughter and four other friends.

The next day JD went to another meeting and after a lie-in, I caught the bus into town. This is quite powerful, especially now that I know where the bus stops are! It was very cold here each morning – on 0 degrees C or even -1! I bought the newspaper, and had coffee and a doughnut again. The bus stop had a wet seat and no shelter.
JD finished early and we had lunch at Cappadonna.

That evening we each had a delicious Banh Mi for dinner back at our motel. I needed to have some spicy food. Even JD enjoyed this. There is a good outlet near our favourite New World supermarket in Greenmeadows. You can’t eat there, but the food is good to takeaway.

The next day it was fine and calm, and the sun shone, despite a chilly start. We walked along the Marine Parade, along with many others, and went to the market where we’d been at Christmas time. We had lunch at a very nice cafe, next to the rather boring Paper Plus Store. (What has happened to Paper Plus? They used to be quite inviting stores). Many retailers were closed, it being Sunday.

After 3 pm we picked up our daughter. We took her to a Golf Driving Range in Hastings, and then went to Lone Star for dinner – her choice! We went early at 5:30 pm but they were really busy. We had a nice meal. One big improvement with our girl is that she now eats much faster! She doesn’t bolt her food, but she doesn’t take ages, either. She chose cranberry juice to drink again.

On Monday we were due to dine at our daughter’s new house. She seemed very much at ease here. She dances with Paul – it’s nice for her to have someone to dance with. She is developing friendships, and is less individualistic. She seems more aware of the house community.

On Tuesday there was the IDP meeting at the Clive boardroom at 9:30 am. Our daughter chose to do art instead of coming to the meeting! It was very interactive and went well. She is so much more independent now! That’s a relief, as is her sleeping off the Clive site. She sleeps well now, and has much less anxiety. At a recent parents’ meeting in Wellington, many said they could no longer have their son/daughter at home. Many cited anxiety and attachment issues. Our daughter seems very well and happy, and seemingly chronic problems like her eczema and hayfever have gone away. She is thriving in her new living environment, and even making friends. Long may this last!

Her activities include going to Clive each weekday to the Craft studio, doing music and speech there; doing singing with other residents on Fridays; doing folk-dancing; doing lots of art; her household goes to the RSA on Tuesday evenings and she enjoys Shake, Rattle and Roll at the Napier Baptist Church. At home she makes her own bed, dresses herself, does her chores, and helps with food preparation.

One big improvement in her situation is that four staff members work in her home, thus providing consistency of care and expectations. One of them is Thai and does massage! We have met them all, and are very impressed by the House Leader and her team. The greater abilities of the residents mean that less staffing is needed – a welcome outcome. At night there is a “sleep over” staff member, rather than a “wake over”.

We had lunch at the St Germain cafe. For out evening meal we went to Cafe de Laos, only to find it closed. So we went to one of the pubs in Ahuriri, where we had been before. This proved to be a good choice: we shared a pizza and shoe-string fries, but there were several platters we could have shared, and sliders. I had a very nice non-alcoholic cocktail that wasn’t too sweet. For pudding we shared panna cotta and a flour-less chocolate cake.

The next day we drove back to Wellington. The weather was all right, but there were lots of roadworks, and there was lots of traffic. We had lunch at The Long Black Cafe in Woodville, much better in its new incarnation. we arrived back to be delighted to find a letter handwritten by our daughter. Shortly afterwards, Sinead had her baby daughter.

Front page news today in the Dom Post is Neil Kirton’s story about the Hohepa Hawkes Bay site at Clive – the site of the adult community (as opposed to the children’s community and the one Hohepa School at Poraiti). The good news is that the site’s vulnerability, accelerated already by climate change, is now being taken seriously, and it is intended that residents will no longer live or sleep there.

So that’s the good news, now made public. But – and there are several buts – did Neil not consult with anyone before going public? Comments are disabled for the article – probably a good thing. Firstly, we don’t talk about disabled people now. They are perhaps folk with “special needs”, who need a bit more care than the average person to look after themselves and be socially acceptable; but they have extraordinary abilities, many of which we look upon and admire. These folk are often very artistic – they do wonderful painting, weaving, sculpture, woodwork, crafts, and are usually very musical, often displaying extraordinary talent. They love to sing and dance. One of the great advantages of Hohepa is an acceptance of them, not wishing to “normalise” them.
They are not materialistic, not competitive, are very tolerant, and enjoy being alive. Most of the people involved in their care admire these residents and their tolerance and levels of enjoyment, while being able to cope with what are at times challenging behaviours.

Next, while the Clive site is termed a “haven”, which is the way many of us see it, there is no mention of anthroposophy in the story! It would have been anthroposophical, by the way, for Neil to have consulted before going public in this manner. Anthroposophy underpins the way things are done here – the philosophy of “curative education”, the wonderful organic food (before this became so important), the celebration of the changes in the seasons, and all aspects of natural beauty, and the “back to basics” principles of the rhythms of life.

The Hohepa community at Clive goes back a long way, to the gift of Sir Lew Harris, who, I gather, was largely responsible for Hohepa owning this beautiful site.

And it is a beautiful site: peaceful, rural, with large, gracious trees, lawns and gardens; places to walk – you can walk along the stop banks; the homes are great – each one a household, so that you get the feeling of being in a peaceful, well-regulated community, rather than an institution. The Hall has been a wonderful venue for many events; the workshops, the shop, and the offices with a separate boardroom are all appreciated too. The iconic site here has been a wonderful venue for the Hohepa fair and Christmas markets, where Hohepa has welcomed the support of the wider Hawkes Bay community.

This site has been vulnerable for a long time. There was a major flood in 1867, but there have been several since then. Ever since Vicky went to Hohepa School in Poraiti in 2006 we have watched the Hawkes Bay river levels with some anxiety, especially during heavy rains. Even during a drought the Clive River always looks very full. People have talked about camping at Clive only to have to leave quickly when rain made camping dangerous. Then in addition to the flooding threat, there is also the risk of abnormally high tides, and storm surges. We have seen how there can be high waves at any coast, in fine, calm weather, apparently without wind to raise their height. While all of New Zealand is vulnerable, and especially the Napier region, and we accept that, one wouldn’t want any of our residents at Hohepa Clive to drown. That would be a ghastly way to go. They need protection against such vicissitudes.

In 2017 the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie struck New Zealand. It was a tough season: there had been major hurricanes in the US, with Harvey causing severe flooding in Houston; Irma causing major damage to the US, and Maria causing devastation in Puerto Rico (and other places). We were very concerned about our eldest son John and his family in Atlanta, where there were several trees down, blocking roads, and schools closed, in addition to the wild weather.

But Debbie was local, and was predicted to strike Auckland. In actuality, it caused major flooding in Edgecumbe, and struck Hawkes Bay with such severity that there were power cuts and several trees down, causing roads to be closed. So the people at Clive could not have (been) evacuated, even if they’d wanted to, never mind that the bad weather was not expected to hit Hawkes Bay. Some Aucklanders felt cheated – I think they got off lightly! This event really brought home to us how dangerous the beautiful site at Clive is now.

Of course you can’t replace the Clive site, with all its history, and memories, of life, death, and festivals celebrating the rhythm of life and the seasons; but you can do the same wonderful things at another site, and make that iconic, too. I am grateful to be a part of this welcoming community.

Almost one year ago the Wellington Regional Council changed the public transport systems. We had come to terms with the way the system worked, but it had to change. I firmly believe that the “genius” who devised these changes has never traveled on a bus. Dave Armstrong memorably called it the “busastrophe”, although the train system was affected too. I was directly affected: the bus that goes along my street, and stops at the nearest bus stop, no longer goes beyond Johnsonville. I have to change buses to go into town. However I was determined to get to grips with the new system, and not join the crowds of complainants. That was then!

They changed everything – the timetables, the routes, the buses themselves, made 100 bus drivers redundant, and then had a shortage of bus drivers so that some services couldn’t run. They introduced hubs so that instead of taking a bus to one’s destination, one would have to take a bus to one of the new (unfinished) hubs, find the correct bus stop for the remaining journey, change buses, and pay again. They also changed the payment system. They had worked at great legal cost to contract a company to run the system at the lowest cost, achieving savings by – you’ve guessed it – reducing pay, taking on newbies, and then not giving them decent rest, toilet or meal breaks. Many passengers felt sorry for the drivers – the ensuing chaos was certainly not their fault! They were new to driving buses, and didn’t know the changed routes. We passengers missed the familiar faces of former drivers, who for the most part were kind, cheerful and thoughtful.

Recently legislation came into effect providing mandatory breaks. We were advised that to allow for this, some services would be cancelled.

Those of us with Super Gold Cards generally don’t have to get to work on time, so it doesn’t matter so much for us, but the frustrations of those employed, to now have to catch two buses, to see full buses drive past them, or not turn up at all, must have been immense. Never mind that people should be using public transport instead of driving their cars to work, many of them drove to work in order to be sure of getting there at all.

New drivers also did not know the new routes, as they attempted to drive big new double-decker electric buses around Wellington’s many notoriously steep and narrow streets. Shortly after the change, there were Metlink staff on the buses to indicate the routes that should be taken. I guess it’s good that new double-decker buses are electric, and not burning fossil fuels; are they quieter? It’s very hard to have a cell phone conversation on the bus.

Apparently buses no longer stopped at Wellington Regional Hospital (a common destination), or Wellington Zoo. I gather this has changed now.

The hubs were not ready, so in addition to the confusion of buses operating randomly, and the welcomed electronic sign boards often telling nothing, or fables, the stops shifted. There are three official bus stops in Johnsonville, a great many parking spaces have been removed, and one has to cross Moorefield Road – sometimes. The bus stops always seem to be in windy spots. I guess the WRC can’t help that, but the shelters should offer more shelter, as well as seating. The Johnsonville Hub remains difficult to get to – one takes one’s life in one’s hands, looking for a pedestrian crossing, crossing the busy car park, often in the wind, avoiding reversing cars and trucks.

There’s another beef, too: the electronic sign board doesn’t tell which buses go from which stop, so its usefulness is limited. If a bus doesn’t turn up, it disappears from the signboard, after previously showing as Due. This has a certain logic, but how does one know if it’s late, or cancelled? Also, the Number 1 bus can go to Churton Park, Grenada Village, or Johnsonville West. The number 19 loops between Johnsonville and Churton Park, but always says it’s going to Johnsonville, which is technically true; it goes via Churton Park, using a different route from the number 1 to Churton Park. Confusing? You bet. This loop functions half-hourly, so coming from the CBD, one tries to coordinate at Johnsonville and catch the 2:50 pm bus using one’s Gold Card, sometimes unsuccessfully.

The routes are seemingly random, too. One bus to Johnsonville climbs up Onslow Road, going along Homebush Road and through Khandallah, then through Broadmeadows, coming to its destination at a new stop opposite the Johnsonville Railway Station (yes, one has to cross the road, there).

Another bus to Johnsonville takes the Newlands off ramp coming up the Ngauranga Gorge, and does another “scenic trip” through Newlands and Woodridge, thus effectively making it impossible to catch the 2:50 pm loop service to Churton Park. One time a bus came to Johnsonville from the CBD very quickly; maybe this was a one-off. Another time I caught a number 1 to Churton Park, only to have it swing up Stewart Drive towards Newlands. The driver apologized for going in the wrong direction, when this was pointed out to him.

Anyone over 65 holding a Gold Card turns into a pumpkin at 3 pm in Wellington on weekdays, meaning one must board a passenger service (why do I use that old-fashioned word?) before 3 pm if it’s going to be free.

Along with all the changes, the use of a snapper card is strongly encouraged. This means that those using it must log on and off. It’s probably faster overall; the driver seldom has to take issue a ticket, and indeed it’s preferable to have the correct change, if this is necessary.

It used to cost $2 to travel from Johnsonville to Churton Park, now it costs $2.50, if you travel after 3 pm. Recently I saw an older person using a snapper card for after-hours travel, and I decided to get one myself.

When I investigated this, I found that not only were snapper fares cheaper than ticketed fares, the fare was half-price for Green Card (disability) holders. To make this happen, you had to go to the WCC Service Centre next to the Wellington City Library, only to be re-directed (thanks, earthquake engineers), to the relocated office in Manners St, next to the new library site.

The woman there told me to go to the convenience store across the road and buy a Snapper card, then go to Aon House (12th floor) to the Snapper centre to have the Green Card effect applied. I did as requested, finding that you pay $10 for the card, plus whatever balance you would like. I figured this was still worth while, and set off for Aon House. After looking at the street numbers, I figured out that the Aon Centre was at the other end of Willis St, and headed off down that way to the “skyscraper” formerly the State Insurance Building, and before that the BNZ Centre, otherwise known as Darth Vader’s pencil sharpener.

I played around with the lifts there. I pressed 12 as indicated, and the indication was lift E. But I could only see lifts A, B, C and D. I went round to the other side of the cavernous lift block, and there were four more lifts. I took lift E as instructed, but it wasn’t evident which floors it stopped at – they all looked the same! I got out at the wrong level, and had to wait for lift F to take me to level 12. Once there, I walked to the Snapper centre, rang the bell, and sat down and waited. A very helpful young woman eventually came to my assistance. I found that in spite of paying $20 for my snapper card, the value on it now stood at $9.75. Where did that 25c go? Eventually I won, I think, and am now the proud owner of a snapper card, should I need to use it.

The composition of travelers is interesting. Before the changeover, the buses were well patronized by elderly folk, who stayed away in droves while the new system bedded in. However the number 1 buses often seem empty, except just occasionally when they’re not! There is a very full bus from the CBD to Johnsonville just before 3 pm, when seats are hard to find. Usually the drivers are very patient and polite, waiting till you’ve sat down before taking off, although they tend to swing around corners. One time I caught a number 19A from Johnsonville, which was very full. I suspect it had come from town.

Many buses are differently configured. Apparently the authorities removed seats so there would be more room for standing passengers! But there is nothing much to hold on to, especially in the front half of the bus, sometimes even no handholds in a rail attached to the ceiling, and few poles. Some of the luggage spaces have been removed. Many of the seats reserved for elderly or disabled or pregnant customers or mothers with pushchairs are folding ones. Huh? It’s an achievement to catch the right bus, up often steep steps; having achieved that, one doesn’t expect to have to wrestle with the seat! And many of us prefer to be seated looking forward, not backwards or sideways.

On the double-decker buses, one tends to sit behind the stairwell, facing forward, but this has the disadvantage of being a cold spot. One wonders why they have air conditioning on in winter? I aim to sit near the back door, if there’s time, and room, so that I can get out easily, but there tend to be few seats available. One doesn’t want to climb stairs, either to sit upstairs, or to the back or immediate front of the bus. Ultimately, one doesn’t want to fall over!

One of my gripes is the changes to the Porirua buses. One used to be able to catch a bus – 230 or 231 – from either of the stops outside Pataka into Johnsonville or Wellington via Johnsonville. Now you have to go to the Porirua Station – another cold, windy spot. Of course, one can walk between Pataka (with a library, a nice cafe, clean restroom, gift shop and galleries), North City Shopping Centre (with Farmers, several good cafes, and clean restrooms), and Porirua Station, but if the weather’s ghastly you’d prefer not to.
The Airport Flyer is an interesting case. Despite its popularity, the number 91 bus is not part of Metlink (one can only wonder why not), and does not use the snapper card. However the buses have air conditioning (great in summer), a screen that actually works and tells you the news highlights and the weather, and the drivers are very helpful. They take the Gold Card too, of course. I made my way to Queensgate Shopping Centre in Lower Hutt (and back) using public transport, within the off-peak Gold Card hours. Spoiler alert: the 91 bus goes up Molesworth Street and onto the motorway from there, so it’s best to catch it from where it stops in Lambton Quay (outside Farmers). It comes back through the Wellington Railway Station bus stops.

I need to put in a word here for the suburban trains. Generally they provide great service, being clean, busy but uncrowded, with welcoming conductors. They do give you a ticket, although the ride is free. Under the changes, services are usually 20 rather than 30 minutes apart, a welcome change.

This brings me to the hubs. While Wellington Railway Station is a cold and draughty spot, it does have quite good restrooms and a New World Supermarket. It does a good job of providing directions and safe and good access via subway to the various bus stops, for example, there is an elevator to the main bus stops, and a lift to the Northern Suburbs bus stops, where you can sit inside, out of the wind and rain.

I wish there was a better Johnsonville hub, where one could walk safely to the Railway Station, or the various bus stops: it would be helpful to have a single view of how best to get into town. Having said that, buses are probably more frequent, and you can go right to Courtenay Place on most.

I have downloaded the Metlink app on my phone, and try to remember to look up and see what disruptions there may be on today’s route. I find the timetables useful, but the “plan” your journey feature really annoying. It doesn’t work for me, despite my repeated attempts to use it.

To their credit, I believe Metlink have held community meetings (in the evening) and have tried to address the timetabling and capacity problems. But many buses have been cancelled, seemingly without warning, and I believe taxi drivers have done well out of the changes! We keep reading that there is a driver shortage, on buses and trains, to which one can only wonder why previous drivers were made redundant, when they are still such a crucial part of public transport here.

There has obviously been a huge use of technology in these changes. This is fine, when it works to inform people what’s happening!

I am extremely happy to have my Gold Card, indeed I like to use it and venture forth to explore Porirua, Petone and Lower and Upper Hutt, as well as the Wellington CBD, but there are a number of challenges in terms of the hours one can use it (how about 10 am – 4 pm?), and accessibility, which is just awful. And, as I said earlier, the shelters could provide more actual shelter, as well as seats! Surely, if use of public transport is to be encouraged, it must be pleasant and efficient to use, and safe and easy to get to, as well.

I am grateful for the Gold Card, which encourages me to explore, go to the one of the libraries, by a cup of coffee, and perhaps explore the sales. I’m sure it helps the retail and hospitality sectors too. It’s good to get out, whatever adventures one may have along the way.

†††

We recently saw Top End Wedding, and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. The script is well-written, and it’s directed by the same person as The Sapphires, another movie I enjoyed. It is nice to see a good movie (not heart-breaking, like Rabbit-Proof Fence, or the recent movie starring Sam Neill), with an Aboriginal lead.

It’s very Australian, and Aboriginal, and has a welcome lack of alarmingly thin bodies and expensive makeup. It’s nice to have a sense of reality, and real people taking part, and it helps that the lead actors are not only believable, but quite attractive. It’s also quite irreverent. The female lead is half-Aboriginal.

This is of course a rom-com, although as my friend says the setting (the vast Australian Outback) is an important element to the story. Of course there are various plot-holes, where one stretches the imagination, but to me one of the main ones is the sheer distance between places. There is a real fear of insufficient water, not enough fuel, and breakdowns, to say nothing of heat exhaustion. But let’s not let geographical distance get in the way of a good story.

I don’t think I am ruining anyone’s enjoyment by pointing out that the action starts in Adelaide, moves to Darwin, (I’ve been to both of those places), and then to Tiwi in the Tiwi Islands. Does anyone else remember a rather nice TV series set in the Tiwi Islands, a medical drama starring Toni Collette? In reality, one is charmed by the singing and dancing, but surely most young people would want to leave?

In Adelaide recently, we went to the Museum and Art Gallery, and I was very impressed by the Aboriginal artifacts on display, their intricacy,and people’s stories. In fact, I was greatly heartened by the entire exhibition.

In this movie the leads are quite different people, but are attracted to each other, and one can see why. They both find each other physically attractive (what’s not to like?) and while he senses her commitment and dedication to her work and her family (how about sending some of that my way?), and wants some of that, she admires his kindness and acceptance (in spite of them both being lawyers!)

There are plenty of challenges, of course, along with the humour and witty dialogue, which help to disguise the pain (of the relationship breakup between Lauren’s parents) and grief for Ned’s father’s sudden death.

But there is healing too, and in any good wedding, people put pain aside and have a good party. The interaction between Lauren’s mother and her own parents comprises several profoundly moving scenes, including Lauren’s role in the reconciliation.

The journeys are fascinating, although to my mind they don’t really capture the distances involved. Lauren and Ned have several adventures together but Lauren is very fortunate to find her mother eventually, in what is still a vast landscape. There is a very funny scene at the airport when Lauren tries to ring Ned and he fails to answer the phone. When the conversation does eventually take place, somehow it is on speaker-phone and everyone listens and claps. So, shades of Crocodile Dundee, perhaps, another famous Australian movie. This film also went to Kakadu National Park, although I don’t recall much Aboriginal presence in it.

That night, I heard the surprising election result – a conservative government had been returned to power, this in spite of polls and many Australians admiring Jacinda Ardern’s response to the tragedy in Christchurch, and a poll naming her as preferred Prime Minister of Australia. One is reminded again that most countries have both wonderful and terrible attributes. Why is it that right-wing governments almost always narrowly win elections, when so many of us have a social conscience, and are increasingly alarmed at the disparity between great wealth and huge poverty?

The wedding of Ned and Lauren is the crowning moment of the film. It does take place, in an against-all-odds moment, with singing, dancing and great spirituality. One wishes these two a good life. They certainly took some risks, but their love and their wedding make for a great story. They should have some interesting conversations together!