Four Paws and Whiskers

Conkers on the Avon next to the ruins of Oxford Terrace. An eternal reminder of a happy childhood.

2012-01-28T11:20:00.001+13:00

Taken at Bridge of Remembrance

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Dog's uplifting experience unwelcome | Stuff.co.nz

2012-01-26T23:10:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

I often worry this might happen when I take Poppy in the lifts at work.... relieved to see the dog was ok.

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Cicada - hidden beauty

2012-01-26T22:55:00.000+13:00

What looked like a drab cicada that the cat brought in looked totally different when Scott took it outside again....
Sometimes we miss the beauty of little things.

Lonely Planet Releases Christchurch Chapter | Stuff.co.nz

2012-01-26T09:22:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

Christchurch is "innovative and inspiring"...
Lovely words from the Lonely Planet Guide...
They have released the Christchurch Chapter free for everyone..
The book emphasises how the city has a unique opportunity to rethink urban form with draft plans for the city's rebuild including a compact, low-rise city centre, neighbourhood green spaces and parks and cycleways along Avon River.

''Coupled with the endurance and energy of the people of Christchurch, the city's future promises to be both interesting and innovative.''

The 48-page chapter is the first Christchurch guidebook to be released since the February 22, 2011 earthquake.

Lonely Planet associate guidebook publisher Errol Hunt said due to the city's changing nature it was important to get up-to-date information out to travellers as soon as possible.

The 16th edition of the guidebook is due for release in September. However, the Christchurch chapter is available for free online.
http://media.lonelyplanet.com/shop/pdfs/24-christchurch-cant-nzl16.1.pdf

The book emphasises how the city has a unique opportunity to rethink urban form with draft plans for the city's rebuild including a compact, low-rise city centre, neighbourhood green spaces and parks and cycleways along Avon River.

''Coupled with the endurance and energy of the people of Christchurch, the city's future promises to be both interesting and innovative.''

Lonely Planet associate guidebook publisher Errol Hunt said due to the city's changing nature it was important to get up-to-date information out to travellers as soon as possible.

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Golden Bay whale stranding - national | Stuff.co.nz

2012-01-23T23:20:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

We have had too many whale strandings in the last year and now, another one today. Someone once said to me that they seemed to correlate to the earthquakes and I see there was a large stranding last year on Feb 21, the day before our quake. Have done some readings and there are some thoughts that they get disturbed by changes in magnetic waves before earthquakes, and others that say that undersea earthquakes disorientate them and cause the strandings.

Today I found myself feeling sad for the whales, and a little concerned it might mean we are in for another big quake - although we have had a few smaller ones today already. Being woken through the night leaves you feeling edgy that way. I guess only time will tell, and meanwhile I hope the locals who are working hard with these whales, are able to save many of them.

The snow has gone - just cool and bleak. Hope summer comes back soon.

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Snow falls in South Island | NATIONAL News

2012-01-22T23:41:00.001+13:00

via tvnz.co.nz

Surfing at the beach one moment....and to use a current popular phrase, "nek minnit", snow! Today we have had rain and thunder and hail, very cold weather and the odd breakthrough of sun between squalls... four seasons in one day indeed.

I return to work tomorrow - which will be easier in this weather - not missing much at home.

Despite the bad weather we celebrated my father's birthday today with the family getting together. We had hoped to picnic and sail but will try again another weekend for that, assuming summer does return eventually.

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Poppy surfing at Waikuku Beach

2012-01-18T19:04:00.001+13:00

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Perfect evening

2012-01-18T18:36:00.001+13:00

Taken at Waikuku Beach

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Christchurch: 500 Days, 9500 Quakes And Counting | Stuff.co.nz

2012-01-17T08:55:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

Says it all really... next milestone will be 10,000 quakes.

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What to do in Christchurch: your post-quake guide - travel tips and articles - Lonely Planet

2012-01-10T23:49:00.001+13:00

via lonelyplanet.com

Great and positive review on what is happening with some of the new areas of post earthquake ( Oops - I nearly wrote war!) Christchurch at this site... definitely worth a read...

A small extract:

After two weeks on-the-ground research in Christchurch recently– Lonely Planet’s third visit since the February 2011 earthquake – we’re confident the city is one of New Zealand’s bravest and most resilient communities.

Our latest visit was unlike any other Lonely Planet research gig, with virtually all of the bars, cafes and restaurants recommended in our 2010 New Zealand guidebook no longer open. But amid the occasional uncertainty of aftershocks, Christchurch is re-emerging as one of NZ’s most exciting cities.

If you’re heading to the South Island of New Zealand, definitely spend a few days in the city. There’s still plenty to do, and you’ll be supporting the new businesses inspiring Christchurch’s renaissance. Note that there is considerable demand for Christchurch accommodation, and booking ahead is strongly recommended.

For all the locals, it is a good read of whats opened, or re-opening and where to find them.... I am quite enjoying rediscovering old places and discovering some new ones.

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Quakeopoly - the shake game.

2012-01-06T23:02:00.001+13:00

Losing track of all the quakes these days - but plenty of them rolling in from the eastern Pegasus fault this week. We had two good ones today - particularly interesting one tonight while we were in the Northlands cinema complex - no one moved... but we noticed as we returned to our car, carefully parked in the open, well away from the mall, that the official multistorey car park was closed pending engineeers reports. This is true of many places this week - probably can't get enough engineers to do the checks over the holiday period. We went to see Sherlock Holmes - and enjoyed it.

Apparently we are about 350 away from the 10,000 measured quake mark. Will have to keep an eye on Geonet as it can't be too many days before we reach that milestone. I find it really hard to imagine it has grown to this number - certainly we had no idea of what was in store all those months ago and it must be some sort of record.

Saw this cartoon tonight... think it sums up the situation for many. Al Nisbet is a local cartooner and you can see mroe of his work by clicking on his name. He has amused us with his view of the world for many years.

You can also read more about Al here: http://www.alnisbetcartoonyoo.com/Meet-Al-Nisbet.html

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January 2012 Aftershocks May Be Last Gasp Of Fault... | Stuff.co.nz

2012-01-03T09:06:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

We had a better night.... long may it last :)

Thought some of you might be interested in this photo. For reference, we live on the top side and outer loop of the green horseshoe to the lower left of "Parklands".. Close enough.

There is a good article too ... for the full article you can click on the link below the photo, but it basically says:
Between midnight and 7.30am yesterday, 21 earthquakes, including magnitude-5.1 and magnitude-5.5 shakes, gave many people a sleepless night.

The quakes were all centred in a patch of Pegasus Bay about 5 kilometres off New Brighton.

A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research marine survey in April identified the presence of small, splintered faults in the area and further south near Port Levy, each capable of generating quakes of between magnitude 5.0 and 6.0.

Researchers also discovered a larger fault running out to sea off Kaiapoi that some believe could produce a quake of about magnitude 7.0.

Oh joy - you can imagine we are really hanging out for a 7 that close.

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Setting the trend for 2012

2012-01-02T11:56:00.003+13:00

Instead of the usual decay pattern after the two large Friday 23rd earthquakes, we seem to be experiencing a ramp up of activity again. This is from the Geonet drums overnight. I think we are all feeling pretty drained and tired today - being dragged from sleep late at night and again at dawn to decent shakes is not easy. Although not as big, the dawn one reminded me of the Sept 7.1 all over again - very long, rolly, door banging, sirens going off in the still morning air. Some reports are saying it was two that ran together which would explain the length. We couldn't ignore it the way we had the 1.30 am one, so we got up and dressed... you know - be prepared and all that!

Taken from Canterbury Quake Live today

Since the 5.48 at 5.45 am, there have been 22 more, all centred in this spot, off shore, directly east from our house. We are in Burwood. The power went off right at the start, so I decided returning to bed, with Poppy, fully dressed, was the best way to cope. After checking Twitter and Facebook and the news (3G I love you), I slept through most of the 22 and the power has returned.

http://www.canterburyquakelive.co.nz/QuakeMap/Single/

I think we had vague plans today - but as some of them involved cleaning up the garage we might just restrict that to picking up fallen items. It is cool, windy and not so nice out there - so after spending a lovely evening with my parents last night, we might just stay close to home today. Pack the tsunami kit and restock the batteries kind of day.

Really love being on holiday and feeling alright with some idleness. Just over two weeks post op now too so great to be walking around without a crutch!

Hope you all had a great, shake free start to your New Year!

Everything banana....

2011-12-28T21:46:00.001+13:00

Taken at The George Hotel

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The final dessert with the meringues...

OMG!

I see this is my 700th post..... a fitting number for an outstanding evening.

Pescatore Resturant - fine dining. Making banana meringue in liquid nitrogen

2011-12-28T21:44:00.001+13:00

Taken at The George Hotel

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We had the 10 ( although I lost count and thanks to some extra chef wizardry I think we landed up with 12) course Evolution dinner at Pescatore Restaurant at The George Hotel tonight. You can see the menu on the first ink - but the reading does not prepare you for the myriad of beautiful ways they present the food. Months of Masterchef watching has made me familiar with the foams, gels, pearls, whips, infusions but it was wonderful to see some of the amazing ways they can combine foods to delight the senses and palate. It was amazing.

My son has been working there all year since his previous work was destroyed in the February earthquake. He is planning on travelling in 2012 and has given in his notice at work, so tonight we took the chance to eat there before he left; he was our waiter.

What a meal.

And he made us meringues at the table by cooking them in liquid nitrogen. It finishes with the throwing of the remaining nitrogen on the floor and creating a mystical dry ice feel.

Thank you for a wonderful evening.

The final cherry.... he paid the bill!

Great Christmas

2011-12-26T11:28:00.001+13:00

We had a wonderful Xmas ... Early breakfast at my son's house, skyping with Mark and Jaz, the afternoon at my parents, joined by the children as they finished work and so on. A day of great presents and food with just a mild shake really early in the morning, and another just after midnight; none of us checked Richter Scales, or faultlines all day. If they happened, we didn't notice them - but enjoyed a great day catching up with the family. I hope that even the people who had fresh liquefaction were able to get out for the day to drier areas. It sounds like many people were able to pitch in and help with the shovelling. Again we sit on the fringes of the wet area - and are grateful beyond words to be safe and unaffected again.
The Boxing Day sales are in full swing, but we have had a few good aftershocks already this morning so the malls might be a scary place to be right now.
Poppy had a lovely Xmas - lots of new people to meet as she came to Carols by Candlelight in Hagley Park on Xmas Eve and had a busy Xmas Day.

Some further footage on the quakes can be seen here - narrated by Mike McRoberts who is originally from Christchurch .

There was an interesting picture on the Daily Mail site today - the one that proclaimed 1 in 10 people will leave Canterbury. I wish them all well because ultimately you have to do what feels right for your lifestyle, and so many have been hit particularly hard by the impact of the quakes. Looking at the fault lines on this picture below, I hope they are heading north.... imagine heading anywhere along the Alpine Fault line as it snakes it's way up the country. Meanwile, we look forward to meeting the 30,000 workers needed for the rebuild, from other parts of New Zealand, or other countries. I have already met some that have moved here because of their needed skills, bringing families with them. When we were living in Whangarei, during the Marsden Point Refinery Expansion, the injection of so many fresh views and cultures was a breath of fresh air for the area. Recently, I was pleased to find I have a number of students starting in February who are coming from overseas to study here; so don't believe everything you read. I guess the media always make it sound worse.

I cant put Xmas photos on here... our day involved a lot of toys and balloons and colourful wigs and my life would be in jeopardy if I publish the pictures.... my wig was long silver ringlets and I am not publishing that either !!!
Hope you all had a wonderful Xmas too.

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Christmas images

2011-12-24T20:40:00.001+13:00

via facebook.com

Thank you to Chch Eq photos on facebook for these images of Xmas in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Merry Xmas everyone xx

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Christmas Eve in Shaky Wonderland of Christchurch

2011-12-24T10:54:00.003+13:00

Thank you for the lovely comments - we have been lucky the internet has stayed up and we can still text. Oh and we have power and water - all things to be grateful for today.

An unsettled night - we were tired enough to sleep intermittently, but the house was moving too often for it to be restful. I have been checking the Canterbury Quake page and took some snapshots... 66 in the last 24 hours....

The next one shows details of the last individual quakes - doesn't show yesterday's ones as there have been too many since then, but the whole city was woken to a good 5.1 at 6.37 am ... which I see was actually over in the Port Hills Fault line....the rest have come from the Pegasus Bay Fault line out to sea. It is a known fault line, so I guess it is not unexpected that it has gone off.

The next picture shows the earthquake swarms that follow each major quake - colour coded for Sept, Feb, June and Dec as it spreads across the region. We are basically in the area Burwood shown on this map.

The dogs know the drill... thanks Mark for this pic and an update on the quakes at NZRaw

Last week photos were published by Ross Becker showing aerial shots of our area...

I can see our house on the bottom left area of the screen. We are on the outer rim of the old offshoot loop of river that is created from all the stormwater drains, then feeds back into the Avon River that you can see running out to sea. Ours is one of the original farmhouses for the area, and appears to be on higher sand dunes. All the inner area is red zoned and will be totally demolished. The area has been another victim of liquefaction after yesterday and many people will be desperate to get out once the insurance hassles are sorted. Sadly, paying rent somewhere else, while still responsible for a mortgage there, is not an option for many, while sorting out the fine print on their government buyouts, which is often well below the purchase price of the house or what a new place will cost. While we all struggle with the fear and reaction to the shaking, the emotional toll on these people is beyond comprehension.

Same place - looking the other way - this time we are just above the blue lake area to the top right of the photo.

Meanwhile, it is Xmas but our priorities for today have changed a bit. We are both tired and I have rearranged the plans. Our carefully ordered Xmas presents will not arrive now as the mail centre is closed and all the flights have been delayed. Our local malls are shut. Those that are open across town are already teeming with people brave, or desperate, enough to re enter the concrete monstrosities for Xmas presents or survival supplies. It won't be us... but we will try and find a vege place open and get some fresh produce, and of course cream for the pav tomorrow. Thanks to the new tow ball on my car we borrowed my parents trailer, and had planned to get rid of all the mounds of branches in the garden today - but this might become an after Boxing Day activity instead. More importantly, we are meeting up for drinks with friends who are back over from Sydney for Xmas ( great timing huh), and then maybe try the carol service in Hagley Park tonight... Tomorrow an early Xmas breakfast across town with my son, Skype with the soon to be returning here Auckland family ( and message for them, Rangiora is still ok ....) and then the afternoon and dinner with all my children at my parents. These simple pleasures are really all that matters. People, friendship, sharing time together at Xmas.

Thanks to whoever wrote this for spreading a smile :)

Sirens ring; are you listening?
In the lane liquefaction's glistening
A terrible sight
But we are alright
Living in a shaky wonderland

Wishing you all a safe and happy day.

Large Aftershocks Rock Canterbury | Stuff.co.nz

2011-12-23T20:51:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

Lost track of the quakes today but there were 24 today at one point. Rolling regularly.
House was messy but no major losses.... Small mercy. Power back, fans on to dry carpets, again.
Had a family celebration for Mum's birthday on the west side of the city before heading home to clean up after the 6.0. Good to see all of us there and safe.

There is a video of the 6.0 quake on this page... Worth watching to hear it!!

All I can really say is I am tired. We all are. Resilience is draining!
Grateful for no deaths, but sad for the other eastern suburbs who are flooded yet again. Spare thoughts for them tonight.

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Large earthquake hits Christchurch - national | Stuff.co.nz

2011-12-23T15:06:00.001+13:00

via stuff.co.nz

Some strong shocks today.... 5.8 offshore and a few good ones to follow.
Damn!
All ok no problem here, no obvious damage at home, but a few places will be damaged.
Have come across the city to celebrate my Mum's birthday ... Clogged traffic!
Nice to get the family altogether safely though.
Xx

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ABC from EQ City - QuakeStories

2011-12-22T22:17:00.001+13:00

ABC from EQ CITY

Dear Whoever, I write this in May, 2011. Some people here in Christchurch are talking about things “getting back to normal” after the earthquakes. But I think we are adapting to a new kind of normality. A lot of things have become normal here that never used to be. Read this and see what you think.

A is for
Aftershocks. It is normal to feel aftershocks, in other words new earthquakes smaller than the big ones. There are thousands of these, according to the guys who measure their size (the “size-mologists”). Dozens of them are easily felt. An aftershock is certainly an earthquake. The earth moves! And a respectable earthquake doesn’t come alone.

B is for
Bricks. It is normal to see piles of broken bricks and other rubble at or near people’s gates. It is not uncommon to see a huge pile spread across a whole section where a shop used to be.

B is also for
Barriers and Boulders and Bricks and Buildings and Bumps and Buttresses (see appendix)

C is for
Chimneys. It is normal to see no chimneys on houses. Often you see the gap where the chimney used to be. Sometimes you see an oblong of plastic on the roof, or a pile of bricks on the ground, or a vertical strip of wall made of plywood. Sometimes one sees a brick thing projecting more than 10cm above a roof, and says: “Look, that house has a chimney!”

C is also for
Chemical Toilets, Churches, CBD and Cracks

D is for
Dust. It is normal to see dust. On dry windy days it blows about. On other days we mightn’t see it, but it’s still present in smaller quantities. We still breathe it in, it still collects on our windows, on our cars, even on the bookshelves which we have yet to restock with dusty books. It gets in our eyes.

via quakestories.govt.nz

You can read more by clicking on http://www.quakestories.govt.nz/298/story/#

Been thinking about a Thankful Thursday post.... And as we lead up to Xmas I do feel grateful to be on holiday, to be walking better after my knee surgery last Friday, that I have finished shopping, and making plans for a great family weekend. Tonight is Summer Solstice, the weather is lovely, the Xmas tree lights are going, inside and out, and the garden tidying is going well.

I know that we are lucky; that there are many families in Christchurch who are facing sadness, upheaval, uncertainty and loss. It makes for frustration and despair.

We all know it will be many years before the rebuild is finished but gradually people are developing things to do; music, arts, comedy, shopping. We are learning to live in the new normal. There are many things to adapt to.... Sometimes it takes reading a list like this to realise again how much.

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Humpback Whale Shows AMAZING Appreciation After Being Freed From Nets - YouTube

2011-12-14T11:31:00.001+13:00

via youtube.com

What a great story....
Freeing a trapped humpback whale...

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12 days of (Canterbury) Christmas / Rebuild Christchurch

2011-12-12T07:58:00.001+13:00

via rebuildchristchurch.co.nz

Some one has been having fun with the song from the CSO the other night.... click on the link above to see more...

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Christmas road cones

2011-12-12T07:56:00.001+13:00

via tvnz.co.nz

Christmas Christchurch Style

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The Twelve Days of Christmas...

2011-12-11T11:46:00.001+13:00

I had a lovely evening at the CBS Arena watching the Elves and the children celebrate Xmas music with the orchestra. Scott was busy working on stage so I took a friend along. It was the first time I have sung carols this year and it was delightful, particularly fter our day of looking at the ruins of the city.

The stage was gorgeous - only got a photo before the performance...

The children thoroughly enjoyed Craig Smith performing Wonkey Donkey. We got a copy of this for Phoebe - in fact, the toy, the book and the cd, so great to see him perform it with the orchestra and the children up dancing to it. If you don't know it, you can see the song here ..

One of the sing-alongs perfectly captured the Christchurch experience and we all enjoyed it...

A great night - that restored some of the festive spirit to our lives.