Surrey Dairy, Grey Lynn

For many years it seemed that Grey Lynn was neglected by the process of gentrification which gripped Ponsonby or Freemans Bay since the eighties. But things have changed over the last decade or so. Nowadays we find lovingly restored heritage homes in this area, mixed with others that still await rejuvenation. And in between there are iconic landmarks like the Surrey Dairy here (108 Surrey Crescent), resplendent in bold advertising — brightening up the dullest day.

Jennifer and Simon

Jennifer Lamm and Simon Misdale at Saturday’s Titirangi Book Market. Jennifer is the president of the Auckland Ex Libris Society, and Simon is in the process of making a linocut of her book plate. Their society is Australasia’s oldest surviving bookplate society, looking back over a history of nearly 80 years. They have regular meetings with discussions covering a wide range of topics, not surprising as bookplates are meant to reflect aspects of the backgrounds and history of their owners and their interests, and a great deal of technicalities and stylistic matters go into the design of these objects. In 2005, a book by Ian Thwaites and Rie Fletcher celebrated: 75 years of Bookplates: Auckland Ex Libris Society 1920–1960 (Puriri Press, now out of print).

Simon is also a jeweller of note (both his rings are his own creations, and he is currently guest exhibitor at the Mairangi Bay Arts Centre); he is also proud owner of a garden of bonsai trees.

The Book Market was one of the events under the auspices of the Going West Books and Writers Festival 2010, whose main activities will take place at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall from September 10-12 (next weekend).

Linocut

 

Simon

Cygnets at Western Springs

It’s the time for cute pictures, with all the new life that comes with spring. Enjoy!

For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.

Coot Chick (Western Springs)

The coots have hatched at Western Springs! Don’t they look irresistible in their artsy makeup and hairdo? Certainly more imaginative than the adults. But the colour will be gone in a few weeks’ time, when they turn grey and eventually black with white bill and forehead.

Find more weekend reflections at James’ Newtown Area Photo.

Coots (Adult and Chicks)

Muriwai: White-Fronted Terns

A Skywatch Friday photo. More Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!

While the main attraction — bird-wise at least — of Muriwai are the gannets, there is more birdlife: gulls (red billed and black backed), and terns (white fronted), as well as tui, blackbirds, finches, starlings …

Above we see a flock of white fronted terns (sterna striata) swarming into the distance. They are courting at present, often carrying a little fish in their beak as offering to their mate. The picture below was taken at Shelly Beach, on the Kaipara Harbour.

White Fronted Terns