Nikau with unripened berries

Got a late morning walk in. Then was halfway through a cheese sandwich when I realised we had arranged to collect grand-daughter from daughter J in order to get to the Civic Theatre in central Auckland to see a live production of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. As S' brother P's partner had all the tickets, and they were almost late we were 'on time'.

An amusing play (well acted) with a message. We then went to Mezze (a cafe/bar) in Durham Lane for Tapas. When walking from Mezze to the underground carpark we passed (at least) two 'street people'; one asking for money, the other just looking unable to do even that. The little change that I had may help a bit, but I regret that our country has become adjusted to having people so without that they are reduced to this. Neither of those I saw was young, but they demonstrated the plight of the elderly, the infirm, the mentally ill, the addicted. Particularly when members of the current governing coalition are making huge cuts in Government spending in health and welfare areas (amongst many others) to fund tax cuts which will only significantly benefit the already wealthy, who need no more resource given to them.

Today's blip is of a healthy youngish Nikau with unripened berries below rhe oldest of the crown of fronds.