The A to Z Challenge: P is for Piano
In the days before gramophones and radios, if a family wanted to enjoy music they had to provide it themselves. A piano was a prized addition to many households. Music […]
A to Z challenge
The A to Z Challenge: O is for Opotiki
The Bay of Plenty near Opotiki Opotiki is my old home town, where I spent the first seventeen years of my life. It’s small and little-known, even within New Zealand. […]
The A to Z Challenge: N is for Nurse
Maternity nurses and midwives, to be specific. In the Victorian and Edwardian periods, when large families were the norm, these women were vital members of the community. Some would come […]
The A to Z Challenge: M is for Malcolm
Malcolm is the oldest son of a father who is immensely proud of him, while being obstinately determined not to show him any sign of that pride. The two of […]
The A to Z Challenge: L is for Lizzie
I’m returning to characters for L, because I couldn’t possibly leave Lizzie out. Her formal name is Elizabeth, but the last time she was called that was probably on her […]
The A to Z Challenge: K is for Kiwi
One thing we never use “kiwi” for is the fruit. To us it’s always “kiwifruit”, and it gives pause for thought whenever I hear someone talk of eating a kiwi! […]
The A to Z Challenge: J is for Jersey
Cows, that is. The first dairy cows in New Zealand were Shorthorns, introduced in the early 19th century. They were hardy creatures, and in those early days when a bush […]
The A to Z Challenge: I is for Island
The Bay of Plenty near Opotiki—White Island just visible on the horizon. The wide sweep of the Bay of Plenty stretched to the edge of Amy’s sight, and straight in […]
The A to Z Challenge: H is for Horses
Today I’ll take a break from my human characters (sorry, Harry!) and write in praise of their horsey companions. In 1911 there were over 400,000 horses in New Zealand—this at […]
The A to Z Challenge: G is for George
George is Amy’s youngest brother. He would cheerfully have stayed all his life on the farm, but matters took an unexpected course. For a time he was faced with living […]