Friday Feathered Friend
Louise Thomas has provided this weeks Friday Feathered Friend.
"Nature abhors a vacuum. The old adage has seen the white-fronted terns/tara (Sterna striata) move onto the Petone Wharf as a convenient perching spot for hawking (terning?) for fish. Such sleek birds, they turn on a dime, their brilliant white feathers catching the sun as they dive like professionals into the briny.
The old wharf, stretching almost 400m out into harbour, was closed (although a few foolhardy humans ignore the signs and climb the fence) in January for six weeks (hah!) for “urgent” repairs after the earthquakes over the New Year caused it to slump a bit in the middle. To be fair, the piles are infested with marine worms turning the ancient trunks into so much Swiss cheese and the bolts holding it all together are rustier than my first car, so it wouldn’t have taken much. Having seen a cross-section of a pile, I’m surprised it hasn’t collapsed before now. I am looking forward to it reopening though, I miss being able to walk so far out into the harbour – it’s where all the good stuff happens."
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.3% Yes
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33.3% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Room to rent
I have a room to rent in my 2 bedroom apartment in Upper Hutt Central. The room is fully furnished with a queen size bed, 42 inch smart tv, drawers and fan. Right next door to pak n save supermarket, very central. Rent is 280.00 per week, Fibre wifi included. Parking is on road. Very safe building with key coded entry door. 1 week rent in advance and 3 weeks bond, total of 1120.00 to move in.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.