Frangipani
|
Here we are again – another New Year! After the last couple of years, once again we’re hopeful it will be better than the last. Aren’t we? Here the sky is gloriously clear and blue, the garden’s full of flowers birds and butterflies, there’s a cat purring beside me. Easing of lockdowns has meant visits from family; zoom calls to those further away means we’re in touch with loved ones more than ever before. Wishing you a year in which you find much to be thankful for.  Tony Chapelle is a friend I never met. In person, that is. Six years ago he offered to be a reviewer for FlaxFlower book reviews and since then, through email discussions about a variety of books, I’ve come to know him as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about New Zealand literature, and generous in appreciation and support of other writers. In that time he contributed 27 reviews – all of them informed, thoughtful, and literary. I was also very pleased to arrange for reviews of six of his own fine titles. Three weeks ago Tony wrote that, despite his failing health he was continuing to work on his latest book and was hoping to complete it. He promised to keep me up to date on its progress. Now he has gone, and if this book does not make it into print, the loss is to the New Zealand literary scene. FlaxFlower readers will have read many of his reviews. On behalf of all the Kiwi authors whose books he read and reviewed, thank you Tony. We will miss you.  This rose is always the first in my garden to flower.  Before you ask, I don't know its name. You can give it one if you like. I think it looks like a Millicent.  I had to trim the Red Mānuka that was overhanging the path. Overseas friends - please pronounce the name of our lovely native plant correctly. The stress is on the first syllable, not the second. Marnooka. |
News UpdatesIf you would like to receive an email when this site is updated, Archives
November 2021
Categories |
RSS Feed
