Petone is full of jelly

Cripes

2007-07-01T21:35:00.000+12:00

The winter carnival is on in sunny Petone next weekend (7th July). There will be circus acts, trapeze, and extremely chilling dip in the ole briny during the day.

In the evening there will be the best bit of all, the huge fireworks display off the pier. The middle of winter lends itself to a very civilised start time of 7.30pm.

Wrap up warm, bring a thermos of whatever you like to warm you from the inside. Come early, enjoy dinner at one of the local eateries and avoid the traffic, which can get a little sticky approaching kick off.

More sensible and detailed information can be found here.

Petone is full of jelly rises again!

2006-12-22T11:09:00.000+13:00

After a short break (ahem) it is time for Petone is Full of Jelly to rise again!

Bigger, badder and blogginger than ever before, watch this space...

See?

2006-08-03T13:37:00.000+12:00

Petone really is full of jelly.

Locally made produce

2006-08-02T13:46:00.000+12:00

Pimping my stuff!

So, I'm selling some screenprinted t shirts for babies on my babylicious website here.

And Rachelle, another Petoneite is selling her lovely stuff here (and also on babylicious).

And Diarne, a Wainuiomataite is showcasing her beautiful stuff here (and also on babylicious).

See? The Hutt isn't all black t shirts. Although now I think of it, perhaps I should do some of them.

Williams Gallery

2006-07-27T14:28:00.000+12:00

There is a great exhibition at the Williams Gallery in Petone featuring a range of prints by Michael Smither. Most of the art uses fairly abstract forms in a limited palette. I rate them highly, and don't be put off by the boat picture on the Williams website, because frankly I think there are far stronger pieces than it.

Very appealing too are the prices. Plenty to be had for under $1000, and if you're in the market to spend more, you can get a lovely big print.

And for the more sensitive amongst you, I didn't notice any paintings by Patrick Williams starring lady bits. Praise be.

She stitches, she bitches

2006-07-11T15:46:00.000+12:00

Tonight dogs and bitches, at Petone Library.

Contact me if you want to know more.

wandaharland@gmail.com

Hang dog

2006-07-07T15:30:00.000+12:00

Somewhere along the Hutt Road (oh bugger it, I'll look up the address for you) - at 453 Hutt Road, there is an indoor rock climbing place called Hang Dog. To be honest, scaling walls is not really my cuppa. Even so, this place was coooool, in an earnest way where the people wear pants with elastic around the bottom, and have good muscle definition and clear skin.

Why was I never sporty?

There is a room there which is like a bouncy castle inside a climbing heaven, and lots of ropes and men with harnesses around their bits.

Entertainment for all the family is what I'm saying.

And Pringles.

And Crunchies.

And fizzy orange stuff.

You get the gist.

Stitch and bitch and on and on

2006-06-23T11:56:00.000+12:00

I have booked the room next to Petone Library for Monday night's S n B from 7.30 -9.30. We haven't heard back from Plunket yet, so I've made this a one off booking. If we like it, it only costs $9 an hour, but is booked out almost every Monday. Tuesdays are okay, but I'd like to know how everyone feels about days.

We'll need to get a gold coin donation (or a paper one if you happen to be super wealthy and a little crazy) to cover room rental. They have hot water, but no further hot drink supplies, so bring your own cup and tea bag! Or bottle of vodka, depending on your mood.

It is a meeting room, so won't be filled with comfy couches, but I'm optimistic that the dream venue will reveal itself soon.

The entrance to the room is from the Richmond St carpark. NOT the Brittania St side. I guess lights will indicate where we are, and I'll stick a piece of paper on the window.

Jubilation

2006-06-15T17:52:00.000+12:00

Hallelujah, yippee, wahoo etc...

Wholly Bagels has arrived in the Hutt! Myrtle St to be precise. The site of the old Couplands Bakery, and pretty close to the mall.

I love it at Wholly Bagels, not just for its food (although I do love that a lot), they also make a good cuppa joe (they're the first place I saw a jug of hot water given with your long black), and are pretty receptive to families.

Stitch again...

2006-06-14T19:16:00.000+12:00

God. I have every intention of writing something other than sewing here...

But not today.

I found this cool cross-stitch generator on my mooches around the internet.

And another stitch and bitch post

2006-06-11T11:13:00.000+12:00

Laydeees and gennelmen, it is finally time to hook up and hook a rug.

First time stitch and bitch tomorrow. We'll have the first meeting at my house, so if you're a stalker this is an excellent opportunity to case my pad.

We're going to get a venue for the future, and Petone Plunket looks like it, but we need them to draw up a contract first.

All welcome. Feel free to bring food and wine.

You'll need to email me for the address, I'm not completely insane.

My email is wandaharland at gmail

Surprise!

2006-06-06T19:35:00.000+12:00

Finally a word on this blog.

Nobody ever said it was going to be a daily thing. It will be more like a monthly or annual type site.

Anyhow, in the manner of it all being about Stitch and Bitch...

Stitch and Bitch arrives!

I'm thinking Monday. At my house or somewhere else. Whaddaya reckon?

Email me at wandaharland@gmail.com if you're keen, and I'll let you know the details.

Rugged Without

2006-05-22T02:55:00.000+12:00

One of the things Fairfield/Waiwhetu is famous for—apart from flooding on a regular basis—is that it is home to Keith Quinn. I know, I know, he isn't Moira from Shortland Street, but then this isn't one of those posh suburbs.

I mention Keith in order to refute an ugly rumour I heard recently. It appears that there are ~~people~~ lowlife scum who have been going round spreading the nefarious lie that Keith doesn't even like rugby. That he's secretly a soccer man. That his rugby lyricisms come from a secret handbook gifted to him by Winston "It's a goal!" McCarthy.

Well let me tell you, when I passed him out walking yesterday morning, the kind of beautiful Lower Hutt morning on which any sane person would be talking about something interesting—like books, or crochet, or ducks—he was blathering on about rugby. And I know the "really big kick" in question was of the oval-balled kind because my eyes did that glazy-over thing they do when rugby is mentioned. Fortunately, however, he didn't refer to anyone as "the 'Canes" so I didn't have to poke out my eardrums with scalding hot tapestry needles. Lying gossip-mongers take note—the truth is out there.

So that's Fairfield/Waiwhetu. Where the men are men and the ducks bite you on regular basis.

Cuisine in the Valley

2006-05-19T19:02:00.000+12:00

Every Saturday morning (and into the early afternoon) there is a marvellous market at the Riverbank carpark (go to Daly St). The fruit and veges are good and cheap, and there are loads of herbs (all costing about 50 cents a bunch).

You can also buy chutneys, coffees, asian takeaways and all manner of exotic delights.

More stitch and bitch (perhaps this blog has found its niche)

2006-05-19T18:58:00.000+12:00

Here is a link for cool sewing templates. Postage is only $1.25 (per item) from the states, so pretty reasonable.

Stitch and bitch

2006-05-19T10:34:00.000+12:00

I have been practising my knitting for upcoming stitch and bitch fun. I'm investigating the Petone Plunket rooms as a venue (nice couches, tea making facilities), and thinking starting in mid June, and meeting every fortnight thereafter, until such a point as our houses are adorned with crocheted cushion covers, and our toilet rolls are adorned with one of those pretty doll covers.

Fortnightly means you can miss a session and not have to wait a whole month to come again. There is no expectation that people will come every session.

Radio Robot

2006-05-14T20:05:00.000+12:00

A radio station for the people! Radio Robot is found at 107.50 fm, and beamed out from a studio in Moera.

It is the voice of social conscience, with articles about the environment and left-wing politics.

Go on Hutt-ites, give it a listen.

Stitch and bitch

2006-05-07T08:49:00.000+12:00

Since I'm one to jump on the band wagon, and book clubs are so like, last century, who fancies joining me in a stitch and bitch club?

Probably won't start until June, as study will be filling my brain until then. Also need to jack up a venue (perhaps my lounge for starters). It would involve everyone getting a little bit drunk and trying not to stuff up their precious craftwork. I'm starting with a scarf, so there is no pressure to create an Eiffel tower out of toothpicks or anything.

I may try and rope in a friend of mine who is the queen of stitch and bitch, and specialises in pornographic cross-stitch.

Oh, you don't have to be from the Hutt.

The Big Look-See

2006-05-02T13:04:00.000+12:00

Wellington has kindly included Petone in the agenda for the Big Look-See - a sampler of the Wellington arts scene.

My pick is for the Patrick St guided walk at 1pm Saturday 13th May. Primarily because I'm somewhat biased towards this particular part of Petone, and also because I like architecture a lot, and the Patrick St settlement is a great example of innovative architecture.

Hutt Valley Community Arts also has an artist talk on the same day at 12.30. Their website is very attractive and informative...

Miss Hutt Valley

2006-05-02T11:54:00.001+12:00

Not a valley to get caught up in the niceties of political correctness and all that namby-pamby claptrap, we embrace the Miss Hutt Valley concept, and our new Miss Hutt Valley is (drumroll please)....

Monique Parry!

I don't know what happens next, but I imagine a heady mix of resthome visits and Westfield Queensgate shop events await our new princess.

Wish I'd known it was on, I'd have entered.

Teknologikally

2006-05-01T16:59:00.000+12:00

I'm not nearly as techie as I'd like to be. I'm amazed and befuddled by wireless, and certain that it is all going to end up changing my brain connections...

Imagine my astonishment at menus with wireless bill requesters at Tulsi. Devil's work I tells ya. Cool though.

Tulsi Petone is well worth a visit. They do a lunch deal which is cheap as chips (truly), and all your favourites for dinner. Takeaways are a bit cheaper than dine in. In fact, I've given me an idea...

Carnies

2006-04-29T16:46:00.000+12:00

Oops, better late than never I suppose.

We went to the Weber Brothers Circus today at Avalon Park. I've never been to the circus, so didn't really know what to expect. I was bloody impressed. Obviously not high art, but a good solid show with high wire, hula hoops, strong men (eye candy), shark, mermaid, trapeze, clowns and clapping, hot dogs, chips... all the good stuff.

They've only got 3 more shows in Lower Hutt, but they are well worth checking out. The kids loved it. $59 for the four of us seemed like pretty good value. It was a good 2 hours long (including intermission - remember that?).

There were no poor exotic animals, just some nice bulldogs who seemed to be enjoying themselves (relaxed enough to take a whizz on stage). Remarkably little camel toe to be seen, which I rate highly. Go on, Google it. You know you want to.

You fill up my senses...

2006-04-21T13:27:00.000+12:00

Today I thought I'd head into the big smoke, and spend up large with my Kircaldies voucher. But when it came time to drive in, I had a change of heart. Lower Hutt is so darned easy with all the free parking and attractive young people on holidays. So I went to Westgate.

Bananas in Pyjamas were performing when we got inside, which was bloody good actually. When you're feeling vaguely guilty that the only 'fun' activities you have planned for your kids are a trip to Woolworths, anything aimed at the chidlers is welcome distraction.

After that we headed for the Warehouse, and scored heaps of native plants for $5 and Cranium too. We then sat down and had some sushi and chocolate - which was a bit rich of me, as I'd been all quietly disapproving of another woman feeding her tribe happy meals.

And then went and got the new Luke Buda cd. I feel all kind of shopped out, and satisfied. And I didn't have to leave the valley.

Sweet.

The Art of The Valley

2006-04-18T13:54:00.000+12:00

Although the Hutt may be renowned internationally for its deeply intellectual community, sophisticated nightlife, and stunning beaches, that's not all there is to the city.

Oh no, we also do art—sorry, excuse me—Art, round these here parts. And while the Dowse may currently be closed for renovations (yay for the extensions, but hurry up already!), Petone's Farsite Gallery proudly keeps the artistic flag flying.

If you're one of the myriad of arty types who live in the Valley, you'll be interested to know that they've put out a call for submissions to their two group shows for the year: Human Landscape and Trash. You too could bask in the glory of being part of the Hutt Arterati!

QUICK!

2006-04-14T14:07:00.000+12:00

Now is the time to go to Petone beach. It is as still as a mill pond, and foxy and beautiful and all French Riviera-ish.

Bird Flu Hits The Hutt

2006-04-12T09:55:00.000+12:00

No, for real. Saturday: Me sitting on a bench outside the library surrounded by a flock of adoring sparrows. Monday: Me lying in bed oozing slimy substances while all my bits hurt.

Coincidence? I think not. Okay maybe not Bird Flu, but it's at least a Bird Cold.

The library is my happy place. You know all those possibly not entirely in charge of their faculties people who hang out in the library every day? I have proudly joined their ranks. Books are my no-prescription-required Lorazepam.

And just when I thought the whole miracle of free books couldn't get any better, I discovered my secret library powers. It turns out that I can request the library buys books that I want, and they will. And then send me a nice email telling me they've put a hold on said books so I can pick them up when they arrive. The angels laughed so hard I was washing angel snot out of my hair for weeks.

Ripe and Go-Bang

2006-04-12T09:20:00.000+12:00

Go Bang and Ripe are a couple of wee cafes around these parts. They roast their own coffee (Ripe), and sell it through the Zoom kiosks in town. You can buy the coffee at Moore Wilson's.

Go Bang is gorgeous. Great old retro furniture, and extremely delicious kai. They do big brekkies and big chunky cakes, and a generally very high standard of food. They've got tables outside too, so if the day isn't too galeforce, it is lovely to sit outside and watch the peeps pass by.

Ripe is my favourite. Both cafes are kiddie friendly, but Ripe is kind of noisy and bustling and a bit bigger, so you don't feel like you're in peoples way with children. The menu is more basic than Go Bang, but while the range is limited, the quality is fantastic. They sell Comtessa cakes, and often have samplers to eat while you wait for your coffee.

I love Ripe too because of all the coffee paraphenalia for sale. They've got it all - from coffee cups to top of the line espresso machines. They roast their beans in the middle of the cafe, so you feel all inspired to only drink the best (0r in our case, buy a coffee cart... but that is another story).

Here endeth the first review on this website. It is gushy, because I started with the best. But lets face it, I kinda love everything. I'm not going to cut it as a bitch reviewer.

Okay okay

2006-04-08T11:12:00.000+12:00

I am prepared to admit that "Petone is full of jelly" isn't necessarily a good title for a blog, or any website. It wasn't thought up over hours of bloody brainstorming and whiskey. It was in fact thought up as I typed the words into the box that said "title of blog".

So I'm open to suggestions. And as a reward, you will see your cleverness every time you go to www.petone.blogspot.com

Criteria:

None really.

It should represent in some way myself and my esteemed colleague. It should represent our locality, good looks and immaculate sense of humour.

Please knock yourselves out, and when you wake up, give us a good title.

Over and out.

A picture of Petone for y'all

2006-04-07T11:08:00.000+12:00

Sweet!

2006-04-07T10:50:00.000+12:00

Petone is full of jelly is happy to welcome Sarah (formerly of Onebefore and Leto) to the team. Hooray! Friday night drinks all round.

We'll have to get a bigger office.

No bull

2006-04-07T10:10:00.000+12:00

Some time ago there was a sign for the Hutt that said

"Right up your Hutt Valley".

Just saying, is all.

Oops,

2006-04-06T14:06:00.000+12:00

You could be forgiven for thinking that I have started this blog without the time to really devote to it.

I do have some good ideas, and perhaps I should have left it a little while to start it, but I'm hoping someone else will send me an email at wandaharland@gmail.com and offer to write too...

I'm looking at you Sarah, and all the other good people I'm imagining are out there.

Soon I'm going to write about the fabulous cheese available in the exotic Hutt, but for now I'm going to build a tunnel for Thomas the Tank Engine.

Petone the first

2006-04-03T20:59:00.000+12:00

Haven of the Hutt, sweet valley of the dolls.

It all happens here in Petone, so come join me for a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.