Book review – The secret dairy of Hendrick Groen 83 ¾ years old

When Hendrick Groen moved into a retirement home he decided to keep a dairy, this book is the first twelve month’s entries. Hendrick, is one of life’s observers, he has a keen eye for detail and doesn’t miss much in the daily drama of a large group of people thrown into fairly close contact. … Continue Reading

A million minute

The Guardian newspaper reports that a million plastic bottles are produced every minute. The demand, equivalent to about 20,000 bottles being bought every second, is driven by an apparently insatiable desire for bottled water and the spread of a western, urbanised “on the go” culture to China and the Asia Pacific region. … Continue Reading

South Wairarapa Bridge Club

Gareth Rapson, who with his wife Gail learnt to play bridge a couple of years ago, says “The games we play find us in a variety of ways. Close friends who had come over the hill to the Wairarapa at the same time offered to teach us how to play bridge. Gail and I found we liked the game, lots of wine and great meals helped and the next step was signing up for real lessons. … Continue Reading

Recognising Arthritis in your pets

Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting middle aged to senior dogs and cats. It can be a source of chronic pain and negatively affect their quality of life. Also known as degenerative joint disease, arthritis occurs when a joint is unstable causing the bones to move abnormally within the joint. Cartilage lines the joints acting as a barrier between bones. Over time this abnormal movement erodes the cartilage and bone begins rubbing against bone creating chronic inflammation and pain. … Continue Reading