Author Archives: jmacg

Barr-Brown Bush Reserve: a local scenic gem

Posted on Saturday, 4 January, 2020 by jmacg

We’ve been in the Wairarapa for 20 years now and until yesterday had never investigated a splendid attraction in nearby Featherston: the Barr-Brown Bush Reserve. The five acre (two hectares) block is entrancing in spite of its tiny size. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand bush | Tagged | 1 Comment

Simple Launcher for Android phones

Posted on Sunday, 11 August, 2019 by jmacg

For the past few months I’ve been a voluntary coach at a New Zealand programme called Digital Seniors, which is being piloted here in Wairarapa. Most of our advice and tweaking during the clinics we hold in the region’s towns … Continue reading →

Posted in Android, Android phones | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How dare they mock him? (How could they not?)

Posted on Monday, 8 January, 2018 by jmacg

Today’s World Wide Web is full of reaction to Donald Trump’s pronouncement that he’s a “very stable genius”.  You might wonder at a man who is so unaware that he can’t understand that such a twitterclaim would dump him straight … Continue reading →

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Traction engine display at the Wool Shed

Posted on Thursday, 21 December, 2017 by jmacg

We’re gradually filling new exhibition space at Masterton’s Wool Shed Museum, and the latest arrivals have been a steam-powered roller along with some explanatory panels. The council offered us a good deal that let us build a new wing, in … Continue reading →

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Poppies in Martinborough

Posted on Sunday, 17 December, 2017 by jmacg

We’ve had a few opium poppies (Papaver Somniferum) in a flower bed for several years. They grow well and look very pretty. Unfortunately they are very good at spraying their seed and spreading. This year a dense swarm descended on … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Martinborough, Opium poppies | Tagged | 3 Comments