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from otago to udny one... enjoying the sunshine
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My dear Udny
Have you ever found yourself trying to make a pair of sunglasses out of a sultana?
For those who have, it will be no surprise that you then wonder
if it's possible to make them look like Oakleys.
This week on Midweek ( BBC online), there was  a Psychiatrist putting forward the theory that our minds are in three parts: the chimp, (emotions),  the computer, (the rational) and the human.  Over here, while I am out of my comfort zone they seem more defined.  Intellectually I know there are skills and friendships that need to be acquired before we can be at home here, but its tempting at times to stay by the pool.
 Tonight there is a neighbourhood cook off. We all have to take a dish; it will be marked and there will be  a prize.
I am making a blue jelly swimming pool with two shortbread figures  floating on top.

We are trying to join in, but I am tired from too much sun, and the effort of my first sailing lesson.  There we were, on time and kitted out for the water at the Wanaka Yacht Club.   First we had to be told the basics and we hadn't allowed for a long briefing in full sun.  The dingys were still onshore, or 'on the hard' as I might now call it. The introduction was short on explaining the history of  sailing and the terms used. Some one asked why starboard and port, which just goes to show our need to understand new words to get a handle on the unfamiliar. Anyhow, when  the sailing instructors response was, 'Dunno, who cares, lets get on', I could tell Chris would like to butt in.  Having a keen interest in naval history and all matters nautical, he knows that it was called the steer board which is the side the steering oar was. It was constructed to be in the right hand of the helms man, who stayed balanced in the centre, (see Bayeaux tapestry). The  other side was called the Lar board (don't ask): however it became confusing when shouted, so they called it the Port side because that was the side that was parked next to the land (beg pardon, hard) when in port.
 Luckily, as I am sweltering in a bloody wetsuit on a hot hard by a plastic boat with only the humiliation of capsize drill  and a head bruise from the swinging boom to look forward to, he stays quiet. I too am keen to get on and control my inner chimp, which is alarmed.

Back home and trying to think of a dish to make, I find I have to concentrate and use the human to  make the  shortbread figures so we can join in, and appreciate the generosity of the neighbour who included us.
Well Udny, I just wanted to let you know that there are the most lovely games to play out here, but it can be harder work than you might have guessed. .......and..... do you think they look like Oakleys?
Hope all is well with you.
Yours sincerely,
Otago
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