On the Radio - Donna Summer

It hasn't taken me too long to settle back into the routine of the train commute into Wellington and it's been fun to re-establish 'train buddy' friendships from a couple of years ago when I worked in Wellington. I get on at Woodside station which is one stop before Featherston station where a group of my knitting friends get on so what I try to do is grab a seat at one of the tables then get my knitting out... this usually scares anyone off from sitting next to me. Then when we get to Featherston my friends get on and get to sit next to me and get their knitting out too! So it becomes a knitting table with the four of us chatting away and working on assorted projects for the hour in to Wellington. It's a great way to start my morning.

The reliability of the service to meet the timetable has not improved any and most mornings I have to walk quite briskly in order to get to work on time. That has frustrated me because each morning I've walked past an exhibition in the foyer of the Asteron building, just opposite the railway station, and not had the time to stop. But one day this week the train was actually a few minutes early and I got the opportunity to have a quick look.

The exhibition was promoting National Radio and on display was people's interpretations of what would make a classic kiwi themed radio. Naturally it was 'Grandma's Knitting Basket' Radio which caught my attention with knitting needles as an aerial and buttons for tuning and volume knobs... it was very clever and unexpected. A few others which caught my eye were...

Classic kiwi take-a-ways meets classic kiwi radio to create the 'Fish and Chips' radio...

From savoury to sweet... classic kiwi dessert meets classic kiwi radio to make a 'Pavlova' radio which is almost sweet enough to eat.

And finally you can't get more classic kiwi than our ultimate sporting icon... the All Black jersey... great to see it without any corporate sponsorship on it too!

Apologies for the poor quality of the photo's. The foyer only had natural lighting and I was using the camera on my phone. To see them in better detail and to see all the other ones you'll just have to head on over to Asteron House to see them in person... it's a fun exhibition and you won't be disappointed.

On friday night there was a delay with my train home due to problems with the locomotive which meant that they had to replace it half way through the journey. It did however mean that I had more time to knit my mini stockings. They caught the attention of a little girl and her family as they were waiting to get off the train at Featherston. When I explained that they would have chocolate put in them and then be hung on my Christmas tree she got quite excited but then she looked at me and said "When are you going to take the prickles off your face? Daddy has them too and I don't like them!" Everyone around us, including me, started laughing. Perhaps I'll take her advice and shave my beard soon.

So far I've managed to complete eleven of the mini stockings but I've been slightly distracted by housework and sunny weather this weekend so I haven't made much progress on more... but there's always my TV watching time tonight I can get some knitting done in too. I have also been a good boy and made a start on my Christmas shopping of course the first present I buy is always for me... as a reward for starting shopping. Incredibly self-indulgent I know but it works for me!

Our garden is a beautiul show of blooms at the moment and it's nice to be able to have so many that we can cut some to make bouquets to have in Scarlet Oak Cottage.

While I love all the flowers Ian loves his vegetable garden and is particularly proud of his peas this year... so here is a shot of his tee pee of peas. I'm a little worried though that we won't actually be able to harvest any peas for a meal... Ian keeps eating them everytime he goes outside to check on them! I must admit they do taste good fresh from the pod and warmed by the sun.

I'll leave you with a shot of an iris with granny's bonnets hiding in the background. Spring is certainly a time of colour in the garden!

Comments

[Nigel Pottle]

Serendipity. Last night when we went to the bar Reinas (Queens) we watched Donna Summer perform On the Radio on the video screen. And here you are using it as a blog title. I love serendipity - especially since last night you and I were also chatting - I must have sent the vibe to you via the airwaves. Nice post, James as always.

[Nigel Pottle]

Oh, maybe I can post the youtube version of the video I saw here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR9hTb7VK7s

[Jan Ter Heide]

I would love to take that trainride with you..and my knitting..
XX from the other side of the World..Jan

[M-H]

That was a lovely post. I feel quite nostalgic - worse because most of our team is in Wellington this week for a conference at Te Papa.

I do miss cold climate gardens! Spring here is lovely, but it isn't the same without irises and granny's bonnets. I've tried to grow the latter but it's too hot. Pansies are just about the only sprong flower you see here - and they flower half the winter!

Love to you both.

[Pia]

Would love to have the pattern for your mini stockings! They are adorable!

[anne marie in philly]

beauty! I need to see your flowers on a cold brown day (such is my part of the world right now)!