George Penney

Summer Rain... I think.... from memory! But let's pretend it was Circle in the Sand😂

They totally didn't😂From memory they were stolen seconds after we walked past.

*Tradies is the shortened term for tradesmen/tradeswomen. Think electricians, plumbers etc.

Wekas are kiwi kleptomaniacs masquerading as brown woodhens. They're a much loved bird and are very very sneaky.

*This is a post from a rather lovely day at the beach last year. I thought I'd post it in my lunchbreak rather than not popping anything up today. Should be back to normal programming tomorrow!

Any typos spotted in this post have gotten a bit stuck in a publishing industry vortex today and can't get away to spot things. If typos spotted, they'll be drinking their fourth cup of tea, wondering how many times the words "vertical marketing strategy" can be used to in one meeting (12 so far.)

Three tradies (20s-50s?) are sitting at a picnic table next to their van after a hot day's work. One is unwrapping their fish and chips, the other is fishing in a chilly bin for a couple of beers, while the third produces a giant bottle of Watties tomato sauce. The perfect post-work chill out. (5)

A small human (4?) and her grandad (50?) are searching through the driftwood at the edge of the beach. They find two mighty staffs and soon Grandad is showing her how to cast spells. Their mighty bellows echoing over the water. Fireballs everywhere! VROOSH.... BOOOOOOOM! (4)

Two small humans (3 & 5?) are building an epic sand castle as the tide comes in. A big wave washes over it and they cry out in gleeful alarm, only to rebuild moments later. But another wave's coming in. Oh no! Destruction! The drama is epic. Watery pathos everywhere. Let's make another one! (3)

A couple (60s?) have set up a blanket and a red umbrella in the longer grass next to a beach path. A bottle of red and an unfinished picnic is forgotten while they canoodle like teenagers. Belinda Carlisle on the playlist. A weka speculatively watching their unattended sandwiches. (2)

🧵Spotted at the Beach in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A dad says to a young human (8?): "Now there're a couple of problems here with what you're doing with that stick. Want to tell me what they are?"
Young human thinks, then says: "Poking?"
Dad: "Yes! Poking. And poking's not very nice is it?" (1)

Sounds divine!

There were cakes. It looked like it was some kind of passionfruit slice (traybake.)😊

Same!

OMG it was right there and I missed it!😂

😁Ah, maybe he should be charging an hourly rate. An expert cleaner like that don't come cheap!

Any typos spotted in this post are now determined to have a fish and chip picnic with champagne to celebrate their birthday one year. If typos spotted, they'll be singing a song they don't know the tune for at the top of their voice. "AGGGHHHHHHH!"

A man (40s?) says: "What's that song you like? How does it go? Is it ta ta ta taaaaaa ta ta taaaa?"
"DAD!"
"Or dum de duuuum dum duuuuum?"
"DAAAAD!"
"No, that's right. It was AGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!"
Teen covering her eyes and laughing: "Dad, you're a fool!"
"Yeah. It's definitely AAAAGHHHHH!" (5)

A couple (80s?) are chilling in a wild garden full of riotous plants, trees and vines.
Drinking out of big mugs.
Sitting side-by-side in colourfully painted Adirondack chairs.
Their bare feet resting on the upturned tummy of a very large sleeping dog.
All is content. (4)

A table of women (20s?) are unwrapping multiple bundles of fish and chips in a sunny park. Chatting and laughing with each other as one pours champagne into a motley assortment of mugs, glasses and paper cups.
The world is going on around them, but they've got important celebrating to do. (3)

A man (30s?) is attempting to shoo a very determined sparrow out of his cafe.
He says: "Ya haven't paid the rent, Bird."
Small Squatter Bird is determined to investigate all crumb-based opportunities under this table. He cares not for rent-based-ridiculousness. (2)

🧵Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

In a cafe: A woman (80s?) is gifted a pretty tea towel with teapots, cups and saucers on it.
Laughing, she ties it on her head like a makeshift bandana, asking her friends: "Anyone want to be in my tea gang?" (1)

Agh! We were making a Calvinball reference when we saw them and I was going to mention it then thought, is anyone going to remember it anymore? Love this!

🤣 most definitely. And maybe building bridges.

❤️❤️❤️That's so incredibly sweet of you. Thank you!

Any typos spotted in this post are onto their 6th day of seeing shows at their local fringe festival. Brain is slowly turning to theatre pumpkin. If typos spotted, please direct them towards the nearest teapot and kettle for their third pot of tea of the morning. Tonight's going to be a fun one!

A small human (4?) doesn't quite trust the structural integrity of the burger Dad's just given her.
She first takes off the top bun.
Then she deconstructs all the ingredients into tidy piles.
Then she puts it all back together again just how she likes it.
Engineering perfection achieved! (5)

A group of five people (30s to 70s?) walk out of a theatre. One says: "Uhm. What did we just watch?!"
Another says: "I don't know. But I think I liked it and that might change to me loving it if we were having this conversation over a bottle of wine!" (4)

In the a city car park on a quiet Sunday, two men (20s?) have laid surfboards out on a footpath under a shady tree and are comparing balance techniques.
No waves in sight they're having a good time.
Washing drying on a line out the back of their campervan nearby. (3)

In an alleyway beer garden: Patrons are eating breakfast burgers. Dogs are sleeping at their feet. Quiet conversation. Reggae playing.
Meanwhile, the church right next door is ringing to the rafters in a raucous hymn, clapping and guitars.
Two different Sundays living side-by-side. (2)