Posts by Helen Searancke

  • Hard News: The Sky Trench,

    And in the NZTA survey, wasn't there a question about this cycleway being attractive to tourists? What tourist wants to cycle or walk on a disused motorway with views obscured by whacking great fences. NYC Highline it aint.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: The Sky Trench,

    I haven't ever heard of anything being thrown or anyone hurling themselves off Hopetoun Bridge, above this new cycleway.

    I was looking forward to that view very much. Recently I've seen the Harbour Bridge all lit up along its outline, from up on Union Street and it made me keen to see it from the vantage point of the cycleway. I even hoped the two developments were connected in some way.

    However, I should know by now that any NZTA project outside of conventional roading will always leave me disappointed. (I'm still angry that they/Auckland Council et al didn't underground the Victoria Park flyover when they had the chance. Another wasted opportunity.)

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Kitchen Hacks,

    Oops, corrective bracket now... ) .... for after 'homemade crumbs'. Hate that.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Kitchen Hacks,

    I nicked this from a Laneway vendor a couple of years ago - crumbed gurnard (I use panco, or if I'm really feeling DIY, home made crumbs. Cut the fish fillets in half lengthways and then across ways for the long side, flour, then egg, then crumbs, fry in shallow oil till crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, serve with warm flat breads, red cabbage slaw (add whatever you like here), aioli or whatever sauces take your fancy. Everyone can fill and wrap their own. Works across all ages (kids love it). Not really a hack, but you can make a lot of it ahead of time and plonking it all rustically on the table is nice.

    For the bread crumbs, I save the ends of good loaves of bread, whack them in a zip lock bag in the freezer, then thaw them in a warm oven (helps them to dry), then zap them in the food processor for excellent crumbs.

    Hungry now, need lunch...

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Dressing for the Road,

    I bike for short neighbourhood trips in ordinary street clothes. I don't own any special cycling gear except for a helmet (which I'd prefer not to have to use, but until we have better cycling infrastructure and driver attitudes, I'm afraid to do without it. Besides, I make my kids wear theirs and don't want to be a hypocrite). I wear woollen gloves in winter for warmth and ordinary jackets etc.

    I have a slow town bike. This year I've got good lights that I'll be using during the day as well as night when the days grow duller over winter but don't bother with fluro gear. Have a basket (not that effective for groceries and heavy stuff) and panniers and mud guards are on the wish list.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Cracker: It's urs!,

    Wonderful! As a parent of an almost twelve year old who is bursting with (often oddball) creativity, I really appreciate what you're doing. Hoping urs will become hers in years to come. Wishing you much success with a worthwhile venture.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Southerly: Bricks and Mortar,

    A great story of what is obviously a beautiful house. All the best for its new life (and your, and your family's, new life in it, of course). Congratulations. And thanks.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Here's one I prepared earlier,

    I heart Colin. I have a cat here doing the same thing, though not quite so flamboyantly. It's the weather for it. Also heart the audio clip. Cheers.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Up Front: Lessons from Nature,

    Example of support for those of you in Christchurch (small but whole-hearted): my daughter's primary school (central Auckland) is having three days of fundraising for the relief fund (lower-case as I can't remember the official name) - disco, cake stall, dvd watching. The kids pay gold coins to participate in each activity this week.

    Small amounts, I know, but I hope it shows that we haven't forgotten. It's difficult to know what to do to help, but I do think most non-Christchurch people haven't forgotten what's happening to you there. Kia kaha, all.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: That Summer!,

    I'm not ready for that chill in the morning yet.

    My summer has been spent entirely in Auckland - friends and family visiting here kept us in the city. I love Auckland at Christmas/New Year when the whole place seems to empty out and there's room to breath. And we have so many beautiful places to escape to for restorative day trips. Walking up Rangitoto with husband, our two young kids and a dear friend on New Year's morning was a highlight. Especially when the three year old has been going through his 'volcano-nut' phase. Sliding down the long dry grass on the (outer) side of the Mt Eden crater on a scorching afternoon was equally satisfying. I felt like we'd escaped the city up there even though we were right in the middle of it.

    Beaches nearby are great at high tide - especially early(ish) in the morning when no one else is around.

    Barbecues in the backyard have been fabulous - this year we've come close to the perfect marinade and I've really enjoyed the occasional sausage-less barbecue (everyone should try a sausage-less bbq - it's radical!).

    The Laneway Festival made me feel optimistic, half my age, and delighted to hear such great music. The XX were the stand out for me. And Chris Knox and friends are indelibly etched on my brain. Roll on Wilco in April.

    Personally, I love the heat of summer, love the humidity, love the balmy nights. Long may the warmth linger through autumn.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

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