Maree’s Musings

THE THINGS YOU LOVE or HATE

Good things tick boxes, while others make you cross. We all have stuff we love. On my list – using the Covid tracer app. Admittedly it took me the best part of a year to master, but it’s still important. Watching birds squabbling over the bird-feeder and apple breakfast in my garden every morning. I’ve just completed the annual Wild Bird Survey – it’s big here in Dunedin, although I wonder if the results are skewed because it’s slap-bang in the middle of the winter? My oh-so-essential Puffer jacket! On the hate list: ‘wind-chill factor’ – a brutal phrase to strike terror into everyone. It’s often accompanied by a polar blast. In winter, my nose runs almost constantly which is embarrassing. I hate that.

Almost everyone my age has eyesight problems. My opia [work that out] started very early, so I had to put up with those hated ‘four-eyes’ jokes. However I recall the surge of joy seeing blades of grass! I now have two pairs … one specifically for playing my beloved piano. In my repertoire: ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ – a much loved song from the ’70s – so appropriate.

Recently a giant river otter has been sighted in Argentina where it was thought they were extinct. I hope there’s  a lady friend for him somewhere; he looked a bit lonely in the photo. These big fellas can grow to 1.8metres long and weigh 30kg. I’ve always loved the little ones at Wellington Zoo. On one trip they had disappeared, until one of the staff, sensing my disappointment whistled them out of hiding. Joy! Back in Argentina, a lone Jaguar spotted last year, has just become a dad. 

These gems of information were gleaned [early 14c.: “to gather by acquisition, scrape together” especially grains left after harvesting – I love learning what words mean!] from my weekly Guardian. A source of joy, along with other mags – although the plastic bags they arrive in irritate me. At least I’m able to re-use them at the supermarket for fruit and vegetables. I can’t resist an avocado or three. Or more …

Grocery shopping can be fun, especially for wine and chocolate. My much-loved VISA makes it painless, and Paywave is so easy, it should be called Painless-wave. Paying the bill, not so much. The hateful account arrives but it’s only once a month, so not so sad. I have other cards I love too, like the concession Moana pool/gym combo. My movie one is looking worn but still gives me a sense of belonging and a freebie once I’ve seen six pix. Joy. And at home … a good book.

Random acts of kindness warm the soul. Recently I came across an elderly gent at the pedestrian crossing struggling with three heavy bags and a satchel; so I lent him a hand [quite healed, you’ll be pleased to read]. Which reminds me. I still love a toasty hottie on a stormy night!