Ali Clarke :flag_tino:

Historian, writer, living simply in retirement in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), Aotearoa New Zealand. Fan of books, gardening, walking, cycling, public transport, a livable climate, wildlife, social justice. Learner of Gàidhlig.

Pronouns: she/her
Current challenge: breast cancer

Public Key

npub1lawvrqs23tdnnuveypjfj8x0wjx0xlvs7gueeszcr0e8rp9g4rxqerdfkt

NIP-05 Address

simplicitarian_at_cloudisland.nz@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs07hxpsg9g4kee7xvjqeyern8hfr8n0kg0ywvucpvphun3sj523nqprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0d4hhxarj9ecxjmntrguyuf

Publishing to

relay.momostr.pink

Author Public Key

npub1lawvrqs23tdnnuveypjfj8x0wjx0xlvs7gueeszcr0e8rp9g4rxqerdfkt

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Last Notes

2026-10-31 05:19:40 UTC

When I was catching the bus home from town today a boy got on but found his bus card had no credit left. He didn’t have any cash. The driver was very uncompromising - “no fare, no ride”.
Happily a woman behind him paid his fare because the driver would have left him there, 15k from home 🫤
This shouldn’t happen and of course it wouldn’t if children travelled free. They definitely should IMHO.
#PublicTransport

2026-10-26 04:19:06 UTC

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Just checked the stats for this month on the weather station in the back garden. We’ve had 3 days of 30+ degrees Celsius and 6 others over 25. We expect a few days over 30 in summer, not in spring. I’m worried about the coming summer 🫤
#Ōtepoti #ClimateDiary #ClimateChange
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/505/273/253/237/144/original/5fe303199dd8f438.jpeg

2026-10-23 21:57:01 UTC

This is the warmest spring I remember in my 30+ years living here. Sure, we’ve had some dramatic cold snaps, and there’s another one forecast for the coming week, but we’ve also had lots of unseasonably warm days. It’s currently 26 degrees C on my back garden weather station at 11am, so I suspect we’ll be hitting 30. 🥵
#Ōtepoti #ClimateDiary

2026-10-22 04:08:10 UTC

I sometimes listen to The Great Simplification podcast, and I reckon the latest episode is their best yet! It’s an interview with the American botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, known for her excellent books Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry. She brings an Indigenous perspective to some of the great issues of our time.
It’s long but worth a listen!
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/239-robin-wall-kimmerer

2026-10-20 01:10:05 UTC

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And elderflower cordial is achieved. It’s very easy to make if you have access to elderflowers!
I put it in small bottles because they’re easier for Mum to handle than large ones (she has arthritic hands).
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/470/568/975/185/803/original/52b6f7983033585c.jpeg

2026-10-19 08:28:49 UTC

There have been sea lions - 1 to 3 at a time - hanging out at the small local beach often over the past couple of months. The Department of Conservation recently added signs to alert people. It’s a good idea, since there are plenty of passers by on the cycle way or in camper vans and I guess many are unfamiliar with these creatures! Local dog walkers should already know what to do.
Such a treat to see these animals on a regular basis, sometimes cuddled up together for a snooze 🥰
#SeaLions #Ōtepoti #MarineMammals
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/466/585/821/242/226/original/fde92de489bb85f5.jpeg

2026-10-17 03:35:56 UTC

On today’s walk I headed up the hill and found elderflowers 🎉 They’re now steeping in water for a couple of days, to be turned into cordial. I don’t drink much cordial myself but the elderflower is Mum’s favourite so I make it for her.
Some of the neighbours watched closely as I foraged 😆
#elderflower #foraging
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/454/129/596/530/793/original/74534175a1900440.jpeg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/454/129/522/662/256/original/e06d1e8972d53158.jpeg

2026-09-21 02:55:26 UTC

I do very little gardening these days due to fatigue, but I’ve managed to grow some tomato plants from seed. Today I potted them on. I haven’t given up yet on one more tiny seedling that’s still in the 6-pack!
I love watching plants grow from seed 🌱💚
#gardening #SimplePleasures
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/117/306/747/728/039/839/original/f2a733e542b4d566.jpeg

2026-08-31 19:06:51 UTC

The 1st of September already! Supposedly it’s the first day of spring here, but it feels very wintry 🥶
Anyway, the important thing is that I remembered to take my monthly medication. Here’s a reminder in case you need to do that too!

2026-08-19 06:37:12 UTC

As the time to pay the annual domain fee approaches, I’m considering deleting my blog. I haven’t posted on it for over 2 years! Due to fatigue it’s unlikely I’ll want to post during the next couple of years - it’s always been a thing I do occasionally when I feel like it, but it requires mental energy.
I started it in 2015. There are only 22 posts, but they are mostly quite long. Topics are varied, including some history things, my breast cancer experiences, being car free, and quite a few on books I’ve enjoyed. There’s some good stuff there - if I’m allowed to say that myself! - but it doesn’t get many views now. The most popular post is about my project to read all the winners of the Hugo Award for best SFF novel.
If I get the urge to blog again I can start a new one, and maybe recycle some of my old posts on that.
#blogging

2026-08-17 06:27:44 UTC

Today I saw my great grandmother Margaret’s 1924 divorce file. Perhaps the most surprising information in it was that she was 4 feet 6 inches (1.37m) tall! I hadn’t realised she was so tiny. A lawyer mentioned her height as part of identifying her as the correct person when serving the divorce papers.
She was widowed young when my great grandfather died of TB, and a few years later she married again. She left her 2nd husband within a few months of marrying, and he later filed for divorce on the grounds of desertion. He then married again, for a 3rd time. His first wife had also left him, and when she later sued him for child support he filed for divorce on the grounds of her involvement with another man. Not an ideal husband, it seems 😬
#FamilyHistory #divorce #height

2026-08-15 04:25:15 UTC

I saw Nuisance Bear today, here as part of the Film Festival. It’s a very good documentary about the relationship between polar bears and people in northern Manitoba. It’s fascinating and sad at the same time. Interesting to get some insight into Inuit culture there too.
The Regent Theatre was warm but I kept my coat on because looking at all the snow and ice made me feel cold!
#PolarBears #FilmRecommendation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuisance_Bear_(2026_film)

2026-05-21 03:01:32 UTC

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I finished the dress today 🎉 I’m very happy - it’s practical and comfortable to wear. It also looks pretty good for something made from someone else’s unwanted fabric!
I used snap fastenings for the front closure, mostly because I already had some and didn’t have any suitable buttons. I can add those later maybe.
Now I need to get some woolly tights to wear with it over winter 😆
#sewing #thrifting
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/610/303/099/380/149/original/4ec3fbec4022fc0f.jpeg

2026-05-17 04:56:28 UTC

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I’ve managed a bit of sewing yesterday and today - the end of this project is definitely in sight!
I just attached the skirt to the bodice. It’s getting dark and I find the blue thread tricky to see, so the rest will wait for daylight. I need to remove the gathering threads, finish and press that seam, and hand stitch the bodice lining over it. Then it’s just the hems and front closure.
Best of all, I’ve tried it on and it fits and feels comfortable- phew 😅
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/588/128/304/734/111/original/823fdeba99455bd5.jpeg

2026-05-15 05:32:08 UTC

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I started the fun bit - stitching things together - today! I’ve sewn up the bodice and also the bodice lining (which is the same fabric). Next step will be joining those two things together.
Now I’ve tried the bodice on I’m less worried about the fit, though still far from certain it will suit me. The waist is high, but not so very high as I was anticipating after cutting out the pieces. I’ve decided to carry on and will only know for sure if it’s okay when everything is finished. (This is not the fault of the pattern maker, I’m a somewhat weird shape due to breast cancer surgeries, and I wear a surgical compression bra because of ongoing lymphoedema).
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/576/941/403/409/996/original/6531a69c5502f46c.jpeg

2026-05-14 04:31:26 UTC

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I thought I might start stitching the dress today, but it turned out to be a low energy day. I did do an important sewing task though. Recently while sorting out some patterns I found my sewing machine manual. Apparently I should have been oiling the machine every year, but I doubt I’ve done it more than once in the 13 years I’ve owned it! Today I pulled various bits apart and cleaned out lots of fluff and oiled it as instructed. 😇
#sewing

2026-05-12 05:51:32 UTC

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I cut the fabric for my dress today. I managed to get all the pieces, including the lining for the bodice, from the blue fabric. Scarcely any is left over as waste. It’s as though this length of fabric, donated by someone who didn’t want it to Stitch Kitchen, was intended for this project!
I’m not very sure that the bodice is going to work for my shape, but the measurements seem right so I will just have to wait until I’ve sewn some bits together to know. If it’s no good, I can always cut a new bodice from the contrast fabric, as originally planned.
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/560/003/613/606/600/original/b71a4951e67edfd1.jpeg

2026-05-10 03:59:29 UTC

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I’ve made a bit of progress on my Fable dress project. Yesterday the weather was good enough to wash my fabric and dry it outdoors.
Today I printed and cut out the paper pattern pieces. It was a lot easier than my last project, with fewer pieces! Also, they give measurements so you can mark the skirt pieces (a simple shape) directly on the fabric and not bother with joining lots more paper - phew.
I think the blue fabric is just long enough to make the whole dress, meaning I can save the pink check for another garment. I’m all out of energy so will figure that out for sure another day!
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/548/205/716/724/891/original/4e2348e08ed9928e.jpeg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/548/205/924/947/995/original/91edba1448c4e11c.jpeg

2026-05-10 03:59:29 UTC

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I have to give a shout out to my Knitwit cutting board. I think I got it in the 1980s, maybe even the late 70s! I can’t remember ever using the patterns marked on it, but it’s great for laying out fabric and cutting. It also folds up well for convenient storage. 40+ years is pretty good going for a cardboard item 😆

2026-05-07 04:44:37 UTC

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I’m using another Twig and Tale pattern, the fable dress. It has pockets!
I don’t usually wear dresses these days, but thought it would be fun to try again - will wear this with warm tights.
It might take a while to get started, just depends on events, fatigue levels etc.
https://www.twigandtale.com/products/fable-dress-adult-digital-pattern-video-class

2026-05-07 04:44:36 UTC

Time for another sewing project thread I guess - people were interested in my pixie coat project so I will share this adventure too 😆
Today I went back to Stitch Kitchen and found supplies for the winter dress I want to make. I’ll be using these 2 fabrics, and also got the partially used reels of thread to match. I love the kaupapa of Stitch Kitchen - reducing textile waste by circulating unwanted items at very reasonable prices.
#sewing #thrifting
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/531/425/045/601/836/original/f872eb8a0c4cc815.jpeg

2026-04-30 07:26:34 UTC

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I finished my coat today 🎉 It’s warm and comfortable and I’m so pleased with it. I enjoyed making it too! The Twig + Tale pattern came with excellent instructions.
Thanks everyone who encouraged me along the way 🙏🏼
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/492/412/279/139/090/original/7c57834b221e51a9.jpeg
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2026-04-27 05:32:55 UTC

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When I started sewing up my coat I had 32 separate pieces of fabric (plus 8 of interfacing) - now I’m down to 2 💪🏼
Next stage is to join those together, but that will be on another day.
If you’re wondering why the sleeves are a different colour from the rest of the lining, that’s one of the compromises from using recycled fabric! That’s also why there’s a lack of pattern matching. The sleeves won’t really be visible and are nice and slippery to help slide them on 😆
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/475/033/224/967/350/original/a38de040658a00c8.jpeg

2026-04-26 05:49:40 UTC

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A wet Sunday afternoon was ideal for sewing! I made good progress with stitching together bits of lining and facings for my coat.
I ran low on thread of a vaguely matching colour, but Mum (lives next door) had some suitable stuff in her sewing box. She doesn’t sew any more and was happy to pass thread on to me 💚
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/469/418/175/827/027/original/38d40d28dc5ce7fd.jpeg

2026-04-24 04:29:10 UTC

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I learned a new word today - armscye. It’s a sewing term for the fabric armhole edge to which the sleeves are attached.
Might come in handy for Scrabble one day (I play that a lot). 😆
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armscye

2026-04-24 04:26:30 UTC

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My coat is starting to come together now - literally 😆
Next up will be stitching the sides together, then the hood, facings and lining.
I’m pleased with the way the colours look together.
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/457/769/987/773/141/original/3febc502c94b83dc.jpeg

2026-04-20 06:43:49 UTC

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I cut out the lining and interfacing for my coat today, with some ‘help’ from Minnie 🐾
That means the cutting out is complete and in my next session I can start the best bit - the sewing!
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/435/667/512/169/995/original/49f676ca0c448596.jpeg

2026-04-19 05:06:18 UTC

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Today I made further progress in my slow sewing project - I cut out all the exterior fabric pieces. Then I ran out of oomph so will cut out the lining and interfacing another day!
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/429/617/434/708/235/original/0c4237bc81953676.jpeg

2026-04-17 02:55:35 UTC

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I’m delighted that I managed to pick up almost all the supplies for my coat from Stitch Kitchen! It’s a social enterprise that aims to reduce textile waste. Everything in the store is donated - bits of fabric and haberdashery and wool and anything you might need for textile projects. They also run classes etc. Even better, they have a sale on and fabric, already sold cheaply, is half-price (ending tomorrow)!
#sewing #thrifting
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/417/699/150/702/154/original/dae06a4c32e19ea6.jpeg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/417/699/072/966/279/original/8ef872eb68ee50b0.jpeg

2026-04-17 02:55:35 UTC

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Here’s what I got for the grand sum of $28! The main fabric is a beautiful soft wool. The photo doesn’t show the colour very well - it’s a soft beige and pink with a mottled design. There’s enough for the whole coat, but I think I’ll stick with my plan of using my red fabric for the pockets and hood to make it a bit more interesting.
The other fabrics are for linings, and I got some partly-used reels of matching thread too.
The only thing they didn’t have was suitable interfacing, so I bought that new.
Minnie likes the lining fabric 😆
#sewing #thrifting
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/417/751/661/467/288/original/d354a6ce7063620a.jpeg
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2026-04-16 06:43:10 UTC

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Today I spent ages crawling around the floor as I carefully lined up small pieces of paper 😆I’ve cut out the paper pattern pieces now, so that’s a relief.
This is the old coat I plan to deconstruct - I can use its red wool fabric for the hood, pockets and button loop strip of the new coat. I can reuse the buttons too.
That depends on finding some other fabric that goes nicely with it though! I will have a hunt tomorrow.
#sewing
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/412/985/793/307/347/original/744730ec872c41f0.jpeg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/412/985/793/503/197/original/216cb898ec39fca0.jpeg

2026-04-15 05:57:50 UTC

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I’ve got a formal wool coat that I never wear, so I’m going to try and use some of the fabric from that for the new coat. The old one has a lot of panels so some jiggery-pokery will be needed with sewing skinny bits together to make it work. Maybe I’ll use it for the hood, pockets and sleeves.
It will be a slow process because fatigue. Yesterday I bought the digital pattern. Today I printed the 40-something A4 pages of pattern pieces, and figured out which size to make. Tomorrow I will tape all those bits of paper together and separate each pattern piece! Then I will investigate what I can do with the old coat and how much more fabric I need.
Maybe I will head into town to find fabric on Friday. I think I’ll check if Stitch Kitchen has any recycled fabric I can use first. It’s fun starting a new project!
Thank you fedi friends for the inspiration 💚
#sewing

2026-04-15 05:57:50 UTC

I used to sew clothes, but for a long time now my only sewing projects have been for household items like quilts, throws and bags, or mending.
But I’ve been inspired by talented friends here - especially @npub1y54…za3k @npub1tr5…es6v and @npub15qk…2yfg - and now I’m going to have a go at making this pixie coat! The last time I made a coat was probably in the 1980s 😆 Luckily the pattern comes with excellent instructions.
#sewing #MakeItYourself
https://www.twigandtale.com/products/pixie-coat-women-curved-fit-digital-pattern-video-class?variant=46563971236135

2026-04-10 19:26:09 UTC

It’s great that Dunedin Airport has solar panels to help meet its power needs. Call me cynical, but I can’t help thinking there’s an element of green washing in its efforts to make itself more ‘sustainable’. That completely ignores the huge emissions from the planes flying in and out, the sole purpose of the business 🤷🏻‍♀️
#GreenWashing
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/airport%E2%80%99s-solar-power-and-running

2026-04-04 05:01:59 UTC

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Good luck finding one! Yes, they have an unusual but delicious flavour, I usually describe it as floral too.

2026-04-03 04:41:35 UTC

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That looks so delicious! Is the recipe easy to share?

2026-04-03 04:00:13 UTC

Today I made a start on a task I usually do around Easter - picking the fruit from my Chilean guava (Ugni molinae) bushes. Love this plant because it’s attractive, easy to grow and has delicious fruit!
My sister was wandering in the botanic gardens one recent evening and met some people picking the bushes there. They gave her some to eat. They didn’t seem to be gardens staff, in which case top marks for some cheeky foraging 😆
#ChileanGuava #gardening #foraging
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugni_molinae

2026-03-31 06:34:41 UTC

I’ve been having a clear out of my papers. Does anyone in Ōtepoti want a 4-drawer metal filing cabinet? Free to a good home!
It has various scratches and dings but the drawers work well. It can't be locked because the key is missing. Includes lots of hanging files if wanted. It measures 1300mm high, 500mm wide and 620mm deep.
It needs to be picked up from the peninsula.
#giveaway #Ōtepoti
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2026-03-28 04:53:12 UTC

Some things I’ve done today:
- worn a cardigan I bought used at the local school fair
- tried 2 new recipes from cook books I bought used at the Regent book sale
- finished reading a novel I got free from the local Lilliput library (our name for little free libraries in NZ!)
- offered a filing cabinet I no longer need on the local buy nothing page
I love the practice of circulating used items - for free or for charity fundraising. It seems to be increasing too 💚
#community #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle

2026-03-25 03:43:07 UTC

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A closer view of the best tea towel for the benefit of @npub1hqv…4zpj 😆
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/287/690/794/559/744/original/025323cd3eede978.jpeg

2026-03-25 03:43:06 UTC

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Recycling project complete! I made this throw from 9 tea towels, backed/bound with an old sheet.
Tea towels have great sturdy fabric and are especially good for places where cats hang out - they’re less vulnerable to claw damage than most fabrics 😆
I got the idea from a friend who made a great duvet cover with souvenir tea towels.
#upcycling #solarpunk
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/287/677/247/526/519/original/ab952e9f97af6594.jpeg

2026-03-22 01:00:48 UTC

I’m making a throw from op shop souvenir tea towels. Minnie liked the last one I made, and it seems she also approves of this one 😆
#crafts #upcycling #Mastocats
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/116/270/105/080/337/339/original/bbeb29ee06c6787f.jpeg

2026-03-11 03:55:51 UTC

These closures are obviously devastating for the workers concerned and their families and communities. 😭
It’s also very bad for local food production and reducing dependence on imports, just when the cost of fuel is sky-rocketing - not good timing.
#FoodSecurity #LocalFood
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360949802/iconic-brands-be-phased-out-heinz-watties-announces-major-nz-shake

2026-02-25 06:49:54 UTC

I posted this morning about depressing news (high nitrate levels in groundwater, power bills going up a lot), so here’s some good news from my day.
I went to the volunteer session at the native plant nursery and friends there gave me nice things - homegrown lemons, and some seitan powder to try (along with recipes). Volunteers and gardeners are good people! Love this sharing community. 💚
#SimplePleasures #community

2026-01-12 05:43:18 UTC

I picked the first homegrown tomatoes of the season today 🎉
I’ve got 7 plants, grown from a packet of seeds with a mixture of cherry tomatoes. I’ve been intrigued to discover what sort they all are!
So far there are 2 plants of red and one of yellow. The rest are still a mystery.
#gardening #tomatoes

2025-12-31 02:49:43 UTC

I’ve been helping Mum review her accounts - like many of us she has stuck with the same providers for many years because it’s such an effort to change. With costs of everything going up she finally had the motivation to investigate. Today we switched her mobile phone plan and got information to possibly change her car insurance. That took us 2 hours! Anyway, it was worth it.
I’m quite cross at the phone company because she must have paid off her phone multiple times on her monthly plan. Now she’s on a cheaper prepaid plan that’s more than adequate.
We were both surprised to learn how much higher the car insurance premium is because of her age (90s). It makes sense, but it just sneaks up on you. 🫤
If you have very elderly family and friends they may well appreciate some support with this, because it’s quite an effort reviewing everything and making the necessary decisions. I suspect many are paying too much for utilities etc.

2025-12-30 06:27:04 UTC

Today:
- the weather looked unpromising but I managed to mow the lawns and get the laundry dry outdoors
- I turned the heel of a sock I’m knitting
- it’s very quiet in the neighbourhood with people away so the birdsong is extra noticeable and lovely
#ThreeGoodThings #today

2025-12-30 06:27:04 UTC

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Also, an announcement - this is my last daily Three Good Things post!
I’ve been thinking about how I spend my time, which is quite affected by fatigue. I want to spend more time reading books, crafting and gardening, and less time online. Because these posts come at the end of the day, I’m at my most tired and struggle to write them sometimes. The end of the year seems a good time to stop.
Thanks so much to everyone who has liked and boosted my TGT posts. When I mentioned giving them up a while ago people were so kind and convinced me to continue, but not this time! Maybe I will start again in future if I have more energy.
I hope these posts have helped people appreciate the joys that can be found in the everyday happenings of a simple quiet life! 💚

2025-12-22 23:36:16 UTC

A seasonal reminder that Aotearoa has the highest death rate for melanoma in the world 😭
I’ve had a chunk removed from my arm because of melanoma, but worse are the people I know who’ve died young of this disease.
Please, please, please protect yourself and your children from the sun, and check your skin regularly!
#melanoma
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/alarming-melanoma-results-spot-checks

2025-12-18 06:49:47 UTC

I reckon there’s some sort of law relating to library holds - maybe there’s already a name for it.
If you request 2 or more books, even though those requests are weeks apart all the books will be available around the same time. The law especially applies when the books are weighty tomes that are slow to read.
If the books are hard copy rather than digital, they will become available a couple of days apart, so you need to visit the library more than once to collect them.
This has happened to me several times now 😆
#libraries

2025-12-16 04:14:36 UTC

Today I tried out a garden tool I was gifted recently. It’s brilliant! It has a small fork with 2 prongs for putting under a weed. As you dig it out the attached circular thing leans into the soil and works as a lever. Worked very well in my battle with the wandering buttercup.
It’s called Trojan - not sure if that’s the brand or the design.
#gardening #GardenTools
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2025-12-04 07:48:38 UTC

Maybe someone has already posted this, but Dunedin Hospital ED is now a location of interest for exposure to measles 😬 This is for Tuesday afternoon.
#measles
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/health/dunedin-ed-location-interest-measles-outbreak

2025-11-24 07:57:44 UTC

I have spent quite a bit of time today removing forget-me-not seed heads from 1) my gardening clothes and 2) the cats’ fur.
I’m always impressed when doing this by how well adapted this plant is for getting us to inadvertently spread it everywhere!
#gardening #SeedDispersal

2025-10-31 21:18:10 UTC

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This is the veg garden I’ve been working on. I didn’t think to take a ‘before’ photo so you’ll have to take my word for it that it was full of weeds 3 weeks ago!
By doing a little every day I’ve got it much tidier, next thing is to spread compost and plant out veg seedlings. I’ve got some growing indoors.
In the garden already are perennials- asparagus, rhubarb, thyme, raspberries. Also garlic, leeks, fennel, parsley and some huge silverbeet.
The tomato patch is behind me, I’ve also been working on that.
#gardening #fatigue
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/115/470/822/522/570/746/original/3970d5e0cb943b97.jpg

2025-10-31 21:04:16 UTC

I planted the tomatoes out this morning 🎉 I would have done it sooner but we kept getting severe gales and cold snaps they wouldn’t have liked.
I grew them from a packet of mixed cherry tomato seeds, so I won’t find out what colour/variety they are until they fruit. Bit of an adventure!
#gardening #tomatoes
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/115/470/769/146/871/333/original/41112c049b1ba087.jpg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/115/470/769/518/707/770/original/b9504e26264ea98b.jpg

2025-10-23 07:07:14 UTC

Today:
- I did outdoor things in the morning while the weather was nice, including a little gardening, a walk, and I had a pot of tea and scone outside at the local cafe
- we had a BIG storm and 6-hour power cut in the afternoon, but thanks to the good warnings from the met office I was prepared
- I had a good book, knitting and the old battery radio to keep me occupied indoors without electricity!
#ThreeGoodThings #today

2025-10-23 06:34:54 UTC

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Things I discovered during our 6-hour power cut:
1. I should check the emergency supplies more often, because the snacks were a few months past their best before date, though I ate them anyway 😆
2. Best to store the radio in the emergency pack with its batteries out, because they were all rusty.
3. It’s well worth paying attention to the weather warnings and making preparations!

2025-10-23 06:30:57 UTC

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First priority is to boil the jug, make a cuppa and fill the thermos again, because it’s still blowing a gale.

2025-10-23 06:29:39 UTC

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I was about to start using a torch to read and my phone is nearly dead (though I could charge it once on the power bank), so yay!

2025-10-23 06:28:19 UTC

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Power just came back on! 🎉🎉🎉

2025-10-23 03:51:52 UTC

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This happened near where we are where trees blocked the road.
‘About 15 people, three with chainsaws at hand, from different cars got out and started cutting off and pulling at branches to clear a path.
"I'm just really proud of Dunedin people because everyone got out of their cars and, without complaint, worked like we were a team, I'm amazed."’
What amazes me is that so many people are driving in a storm, and have chainsaws with them 😮
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/wild-weather-topples-trees-and-cuts-power

2025-10-23 03:25:29 UTC

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Just checking in briefly. Power is still out here and it’s still blowing a gale. I’ve dug out the battery radio from the emergency kit, and Mum and I were able to have a hot drink from the thermos. No idea when we’ll get power back so I’m using my phone very sparingly!

2025-10-23 01:08:02 UTC

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Going to log off now to save my phone battery because power could be off for quite a while. Stay safe friends!

2025-10-23 00:46:49 UTC

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They just had a gust of 69 knots, that’s 128kph, down at the heads 😬

2025-10-23 00:37:36 UTC

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Now the big rain has started too

2025-10-23 00:35:25 UTC

Ugh, massive winds here now and we just lost the power 😭

2025-10-20 07:12:30 UTC

Today:
- I started getting the tomato patch ready for planting out. The cover crop I grew over winter has helped keep the weeds down and will now make a good mulch
- I risked hanging the laundry out, with extra pegs. Went for a walk but gave up early because I thought I might get blown over. I got home just in time to rescue a sheet which had blown off the line! The washing was completely dry though 😆
- I went with Mum to the clinic for the monthly eye injections that are preserving her vision
#ThreeGoodThings #today

2025-10-19 06:59:10 UTC

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I’m a week into the trial of my new schedule and it’s a great success so far.
It’s so nice to start my day outside with my hands in the soil and listening to the birds sing. A couple of days have been wet but I went out anyway - after all I frequently walk in the rain, so why not garden in it! I just get a bit muddier on those days.
I’ve only skipped one day so far, and that was because it was my day to volunteer at the plant nursery. I manage to garden for about 45-60 minutes, so that adds up to about 5 hours over the week, which is 5 hours more than I’ve done in weeks! My walks are now shorter, but I’m so happy to make progress in the garden.
I guess I should add a disclaimer that I’m a natural morning person - this might not work for others 😆
#gardening #fatigue

2025-10-12 06:44:18 UTC

Today:
- I started clearing the overgrown veg garden to get ready for new spring planting
- I called in at my sister’s place and had a nice catchup with a few of the fam
- it rained this afternoon and since it’s been dry for a while there was that wonderful smell of petrichor
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-10-11 22:10:36 UTC

Now it’s spring, I’m trying a new routine. I have limited energy (due to treatment-related fatigue) and until now I’ve prioritised my daily walk. But the garden is really out of control, which depresses me. So, unless the weather is very bad, I will start the day with a little gardening, take a break from physical things, then go for my walk later, maybe not so far as I’ve been walking until now. I’m starting today and will see how it goes 🤞🏼
#fatigue #gardening

2025-09-11 05:48:50 UTC

This is great, ka pai!
“Tohu whenua (cultural markers) telling Kāi Tahu narratives and histories have been installed at 10 locations along Te Aka Ōtākou, the walking and cycling path that follows Otago Harbour’s edge from Portobello to Port Chalmers.
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) partnered with mana whenua to develop the installations and select and prepare each site. The project was led by mana whenua owned organisation, Aukaha.”
#Ōtepoti #ManaWhenua
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/news/september-2025/tohu-whenua-along-te-aka-tkou-honour-ki-tahu-connection

2025-08-23 19:44:58 UTC

What a great research project - genetic testing to identify a collection of heritage apples 🍎 The more varieties we can preserve the better!
#HeritageApples
https://www.odt.co.nz/the-star/heritage-varieties-apple-his-eye

2025-08-22 08:14:00 UTC

Today:
- I cut my own fringe and it looks okay (I have strong cowlicks so hairdressers often mess it up anyway!)
- I had a productive baking session, making a loaf of bread, bread rolls, breakfast bars and cup cakes
- the rhubarb and asparagus are starting to emerge in the garden, spring is coming
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-08-20 06:58:17 UTC

Today:
- I weeded baby shrubs and trees at the native plant nursery volunteer session
- I accompanied Mum to the clinic for the monthly eye injections that are preserving her sight
- more tomato seeds have sprouted. Seeing seeds sprout and grow is one of my all-time favourite things! 🌱
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-08-04 08:19:45 UTC

This is great - winning a battle over the practice of planting gardens on berms. Great for biodiversity, soaking up water during heavy rainfall, storing carbon etc etc. What a hero for his persistence! 💚
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360778129/auckland-man-wins-moral-victory-battle-over-berm-gardens

2025-08-02 19:29:08 UTC

‘Tis the season for keeping your doors closed in case a sea lion decides to visit!
#SeaLions #MarineMammals
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/surprise-visitor-overstays-welcome

2025-07-04 06:31:01 UTC

Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose …
Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee
#JukeboxFridayNight #FindingFreedom
https://youtu.be/5Cg-j0X09Ag

2025-06-28 08:49:51 UTC

Today:
- after 73mm of rain today, on top of 30mm yesterday evening, it has just stopped raining - phew!
- the weather prevented my main plans, but I had a pleasant day at home, and a brief walk with full wet weather gear on
- Mum came for dinner and we watched the Sewing Bee
#ThreeGoodThings #today

2025-06-20 22:16:16 UTC

Happy solstice fedi friends! It’s the shortest day here but we have sunshine.
#Solstice #midwinter
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/717/992/108/222/733/original/23dd116b76e25d4f.jpg

2025-06-01 10:39:30 UTC

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If you live anywhere in the south with clear skies please look at the sky immediately- this is not a drill! 😍
#aurora #SouthernLights
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/607/673/489/467/658/original/c55533f595b1eef6.jpg

2025-06-01 09:58:18 UTC

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I made the effort to go outside and even the light pollution of the city, and neighbourhood street lights, can’t hide it!
#aurora #SouthernLights
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/607/509/447/845/060/original/045c2dda3a03e53e.jpg

2025-06-01 09:32:53 UTC

Green sky at night …
#aurora #SouthernLights
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/607/405/819/400/431/original/e2c5a4fb211f0054.jpg

2025-05-30 21:44:43 UTC

Apparently this song irritates some politicians, such a mystery why 🤔
Stan Walker - Māori ki te Ao
#AotearoaMusic
https://youtu.be/dEa7hscTEVo

2025-05-23 02:02:26 UTC

I need to either
1. get a metal detector to help find the secateurs I lost in the wildest part of the garden
Or
2. get new secateurs (that will of course make the old ones turn up!)
🤦🏻‍♀️ #gardening

2025-05-14 03:57:07 UTC

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Today I pulled out the last of the tomato plants, so the season has officially ended. Friends have complained of a poor season for tomatoes, but mine have been pretty good - presumably because I have a sheltered and sunny spot where I grow them.
In a couple of months it will be time to plant seeds for next season’s crop!
#gardening #tomatoes

2025-04-27 07:24:41 UTC

Love this concept - a supported low-cost shopping service run by volunteers for older or disabled folk. It sounds very sociable too!
https://www.odt.co.nz/the-star/shopping-trips-made-easy-fun

2025-04-23 08:08:55 UTC

Today:
- I made it home from my walk before the rain got heavy
- I watched some of the new series of Time Team and really enjoyed that
- I washed the tea towels I’ve been collecting from op shops, ready to start making another bedcover/throw
#ThreeGoodThings #today

2025-04-10 05:30:17 UTC

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Oops, I haven’t posted in the tomato thread for a couple of months! While other local gardeners have complained of a poor season for tomatoes, I’ve been picking plenty. The Sub Arctic Plenty plants died off recently, so I picked the remaining green tomatoes to ripen inside. The Sweet 100 are still going.
I’ve been putting surplus into the freezer, and today I converted them into passata . Will be great for soups, pasta sauces etc.
#gardening #tomatoes
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/312/009/553/737/260/original/d2bc0f25d6b3819e.jpeg
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/312/009/763/299/310/original/adb5d3d00a4e1bf8.jpeg

2025-03-28 01:48:46 UTC

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Damn, wishing you a speedy recovery! 🤞🏼

2025-03-20 07:20:51 UTC

Today:
- was another lovely autumn day, and since it’s the equinox I’ve been thinking about the passage of the seasons. Happy equinox wherever you are fedi friends!
- I had my weekly visit to the garden cafe for a scone and a pot of tea
- I pulled up lots of weeds to make a satisfying improvement to part of the garden
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-03-15 07:36:11 UTC

Today’s best things were all food-related 😆
- I had a good baking session
- I made an especially delicious soup of roasted capsicum, tomato, parsnip and basil
- Mum came over for tea and then we watched Bake Off, always fun
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures #food

2025-03-10 06:20:38 UTC

Today:
- I picked a fresh bunch of sweet peas and their scent is gorgeous
- I got around to setting up the Linux laptop for easy typing of macrons on Māori words, this was so simple
- it’s clean sheets day 😍
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/114/136/681/077/525/183/original/3b22227fa2508e09.jpeg

2025-03-09 07:09:41 UTC

Today has had its frustrations, but there were good things too:
- homegrown tomatoes on fresh homemade bread
- I sat in a secluded spot in the nearby woodland gardens and listened to beautiful birdsong
- I finished my sewing project (picture in an earlier post if you want to see it!)
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-03-02 08:08:39 UTC

Today I:
- was grateful for the new heat pump, because it was a hot day - tried out the cooling and it was very effective
- picked lots of tomatoes
- had fun playing the 2nd and final day of Go Fest (IYKYK!)
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-02-23 06:58:01 UTC

Today I:
- did a little weeding in the veg garden (a bigger deal than it sounds, because fatigue has kept me from gardening recently - today I made it my priority)
- started some seeds for winter veg in trays. Watching seeds sprout and grow is one of my very favourite things!
- listened to some great music of varied styles and eras, from 1970s Pink Floyd to 2025 Nadia Reid
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures

2025-02-12 19:37:43 UTC

Can one of my tech friends please help this non-techie out with a Linux beginner’s question?
Since Mint doesn’t like the wifi adapter on my old laptop I’ve bought a USB wifi adapter that people say works with Linux. I have downloaded a zip file for a driver from GitHub (created an account there - what have I become!).
Now I’m stumped and not having any joy finding an answer online. How do I actually install this driver from the downloaded file?

2025-02-11 07:20:35 UTC

Today I:
- picked lots of tomatoes
- turned some of the parsley glut into pesto, then froze it in an ice tray for future quick and easy pasta meals
- enjoyed the beauty and wonderful scent of Mary Rose in full bloom
Yes, everything is about gardening today 😆
#ThreeGoodThings #today #SimplePleasures
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/113/984/035/490/766/412/original/790a95a83140e6e8.jpeg

2025-02-11 02:17:59 UTC

Compost is precious. You may wish to employ security to guard it. 🐾
#compost #mastocats
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/113/982/834/698/428/122/original/cd780466270d9ef2.jpg

2025-02-10 20:39:43 UTC

I got a quote from a local business, which they sent by both hard copy and email (their idea) on 30 January. I got the email instantly, but the hard copy just arrived, on 11 February, so 12 days later. 🐌
No wonder people have given up on snail mail! Ours goes 300km to Ōtautahi for sorting, then returns here 🤷🏻‍♀️
#mail

2025-02-05 02:41:04 UTC

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It’s about time I updated the tomato thread. As you will notice, I’ve let the plants go for it with hardly any pruning and they are laden with fruit!
I’m picking Sweet 100 every day. I’ve only had a couple of ripe Sub Arctic Plenty so far, but they were very tasty and there are lots of ripening ones to come.
#gardening #tomatoes
https://files.cloudisland.nz/media_attachments/files/113/948/956/502/033/345/original/62b396198ebf3b79.jpg