Moku the Friendly Dolphin

We have a dolphin.

Actually it seems as though we stole it, we didn't. It choose to move to Gisborne but as it lived in Mahia for years I feel as though we stole it. Not that anyone or any town can claim a dolphin but it still feels a little under-hand.

Maybe he got bored, too many German tourists.

RAIN DOGS Books and Records

Earlier this year Tim Player of Rain Dogs Books and Records moved from his old stomping ground in the old trades and labour hall on Customhouse Street to a fantastically convenient location on Peel Street. Nestled next to the Gisborne public library it is a prime location for Tim to sell his wonderful collection of the rare, the popular and everything in between. Once inside you are surrounded by books climbing up the walls, books perching on stools, books staring you in the face... everywhere you look there will be books whispering to you, wanting to tell you their story. It is a magical little store, every time I leave another book is clasped tightly under my arm, the pile beside my bed waits patiently for a lazy rainy day.

If you have any special requests just ask and Tim will either be able to tell you exactly where it is on the jam packed shelves (always very surprising that he knows where everything lives) or it will be in one of the many unpacked boxes out the back.

Rain Dogs Books and Records is open Monday to Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3.

Enjoy exploring this little gem and Happy Reading!

Tokomaru Bay

Once upon a time there was a young family from the deep south. They decided too head north to seek a brighter and sunnier future in the bustling shipping town of Tokomaru Bay. With mattresses strapped to the roof and a couple kids rolling around on the back seat this young couple drove the long trek north, across the ferry, through windy gorges and arrived in Tokomaru Bay in the height of its glory.

Now Tokomaru is a ghost town. A lovely little ghost town. Imagine overgrown little cottages, locals gathering kaimoana on the reef, rusty old tractors waiting for fishing boats. The little grey donkey that seems to have been in the same paddock eating the same grass for years. It is the perfect place for camping through the summer months and a wonderful place to escape to on a freezing winters day. A walk along the rickety old wharf is a must, scary when the swell is rolling in (even on a calm day I find it scary) but the perfect remedy to blow away the cobwebs and a wonderful spot to devour a delicious serving of salty hot fish and chips.

My Grandparents moved to Gisborne and had a few more children and lived happily ever after.

The Winemakers Daughters and team

I must be one of the worst blogger's out there, it has been nearly a month. I am very sorry.

As summer is nearly here my sister and I thought it was time to do a little advertising for the cafe, no point having a cafe if no one knows about it, is there? So we did a little profile in the local paper and put in a photo of our fantastic little team. We have gone through our first winter together which I believe is a great feat, reality is very close during winter in Gisborne.

The ad worked wonders and we are happy to report that we are going to have a very bright and busy summer.

The In Outs and The Transistors at The Winemakers Daughters

I know I shouldn't but the first thing I am going to do is put a disclaimer against my photos for this evening. It was an amazing night and very successful (especially for the first real live gig in the basement) but I did have a few too many drinks and maybe my photos are not quite up to scratch... but anyway I couldn't not post them.

The Transistors are a rock band originally from Nelson. The three young guys are doing a kind of tour thing, by this I mean they find gigs all over the country and travel around when something pops up. They got the crowd dancing and leaping which is always a good sign. They were very nice and I'm sure they had a great time in Gisborne despite the miserable weather over the weekend and we cant wait to have them back.

The In Outs are made up of a group of local guys. A few of them have been dabbling in music for years but others are brand new to music making. In my opinion this is where the excitement comes from, music being created by people wanting to recreate wonderful music that has proven to influence and entertain... you know what I mean.

It was a fantastic night and I cant wait to have more.

Stranger in a window

Acoustic Night at the Poverty Bay Club

On the third Friday of every month the historical Poverty Bay Club (also housing the Dome Cinema) opens it doors to musicians and public alike. It is a night where anyone with musical ambitions can happily get on the stage and perform any three songs to the crowd. It is wonderful atmosphere, with a group of like minded people doing what they love, sharing it with other that can only dream.

London Street Fish and Chip's

I know it seems as though I eat a huge amount of Fish and Chips, I don't but I like to know where to find them when I want them. If you are in town I honestly believe that it is worth taking the time and trouble to go into the middle of Kaiti and find London Street. It makes me sound like a stooge but it is the one place in Gisborne that you get value for money and they are delicious. Not too fatty, or soggy nor are they too crunchy, just right and they make great crumbed fish too.

Heading out to Wainui along Kaiti Road look for the sign on the right hand side.

Day Light Saving!!

Now it feels like Summer has really begun!!

Every year day light saving marks the beginning of Summer... and this year is no exception.

Isn't it the most beautiful sunset to begin the Summer?

I think so.

Grays Bush Scenic Reserve

Grays Bush is lovely little bush about 10 minutes north-east from town. It is the remnant of the Kahikatea Forest which once covered the plains of Gisborne and stepping inside it really does feel as though you have gone back in time. Its a wonderful little place to take children as the tracks are very easy and the Reserve is definitely too small to get lost in.

Visit http://www.doc.govt.nz to check out more Gisborne walking tracks.

More Beautiful Blossoms

I may be a little crazy about Blossoms and I seem to be forever blogging about them but they are nearly over and I am going to be a little bit sad once they have gone. Farewell

Another Day in Paradise

Amazing! Today was the first day of Summer. I know it's not meant to be but I swear it's really here! The sky was so clear, the wind so warm and the sun so hot the shade was the only place to be. So being the hard worker that I am I decided that a 7 hour day was fair on such a glorious afternoon so we packed up the picnic blanket and some goodies and headed to my much loved area The Cut. Kids were swimming and the parents paddling babies splashing and the rest......etc

Please let it stay around for longer....actually not or Ill never get any work done!

Makarori Hill

Another Sunday outing... I know it may be getting a little boring but it is the only day of the week that I get anywhere outside the city centre. Makarori hill isn't much further I suppose, maybe a 12 or so minute drive from the city. It is the big hill that links Wainui beach and Makarori (Makanui to the local surfers, if I remember rightly) so you can imagine that the views are breathtaking and large, very large. You can see up and down the coast and Young Nicks Head can be seen peaking between two large hills.

You can either enter from the south end, but I think that this is the side you come from if you want a fast steep climb. Preferably head up a little further and dart into the car-park opposite an olive grove. This side is more scenic and leisurely. Wander through long grasses and gnarly gum trees and the wondrous view will open up in front of you.

Beautiful Shadows

Sitting in my little flat on this beautiful spring afternoon I noticed the most amazing shadows on my bedroom wall. Admittedly they are always there, but since its Sunday I have had the time to notice them, changing slowing with the passing clouds and the dying sun I thought I better snap them while remembered.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Happy Sunday!

Botanical Gardens

I know its cliche and predictable, but the Botanical Gardens are actually really very beautiful. Being bought up in Gisborne the Gardens always seemed as though they were for visitors only. Why on earth would you go somewhere like that in you own town? Since I have began living in the center of town I have learnt to appreciate what is on my doorstep. I don't have my own garden nor do I have a piece of grass to call my own so any public walkways and parks are now my own backyard and I have

become an strong advocate for these beautiful places.

The Botanical Gardens run alongside the river (which my boyfriend thinks is incredibly ugly) but for some reason I love no matter the tide, there are many different areas...Japanese gardens, native forest and even an Australian corner. Its all wonderful so spend a lazy afternoon wandering around with a delicious Mojo Coffee in hand.

Art Deco, Palmerston Road

Saturday Morning

One of my treats when I am not working on a Saturday morning is to head to the local Farmers Market to purchase among other things, beautiful flowers. Fresh flowers are to me one of the most important things to beautify the home. I have the smallest flat imaginable but I still manage to squeeze in about six vases of flowers at any given time. I know it seems a little excessive but they are not huge bunches nor are the grand, they are just beautiful fresh flowers dumped in interesting jars, bowls and vases. Without my flowers, my flat is still wonderful but it always feels as though someone is missing. Have I become so reliant on fresh flowers that they in them-self belong here as much as I do? maybe.