Pinus pinea; Italian Stone Pine trees common to France & Italy

Please be aware that Le Petit Hotel, Sumner, NZ is now closed. This update is simply a reflection on the demise of two maturing French/Italian Stone Pine trees that Martine & Bruce planted to reflect the French nature of their hotel.

Travellers arriving at Le Petit Hotel prior to COVID 19 , would have noticed the distinctive juvenile pine trees – Pinus Pinea, gracing the street frontage. Our original news item copied below, published on the 4th Nov. 2010, explained their heritage. 11 years on now, while still in their formative state, their umbrella type canopy was just beginning to take shape. but as reflected upon via my post script below, they are no more.

4/11/2010 – “Martine & myself recently had some R & R in France during September…one of the best months in respect of the French climate. Some of the time was spent near Plan du la Tour near the Med. coast, http://lepetithotel.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/chasteuil-to-plan-de-la-tour/
and we couldn’t help noticing a tree with an attractive green umbrella like top…commonly called in France – the Parasol Pine…its botanical name being Pinus pinea. Clearly this was one tree which could survive not only the hot dry Mediterranean seaside environment but also the cold winter winds. For some time now here at Le Petit Hotel, we have been pondering what species of tree we could plant safely in our own Sumner location where the climate varies from hot summer winds, salt laden sea air, to our cooler winter temperatures. So it has been a surprise, in the last few days to locate a source of these Pinus specimens here in NZ at a nursery in New Plymouth : http://www.conifers.co.nz/
Needless to say, we are looking forward to trying the species in our own unique NZ climate.
It’s interesting to note that the Pinus Pinea species is the one that produces genuine edible pine nuts, the tree and its nuts having a history of more than 6000 years at least.” Pine nuts are variously described as the most expensive dried fruit in the world.

Reflection time. Post Script: Sadly ..we have to report that the new owners of the building previously known as Le Petit Hotel, Sumner, NZ, saw no value in the two Pinus Pinea specimen trees ( known in NZ as Stone Pines) which had both matured sufficiently to begin producing numerous pine cones complete with the edible pine nuts. Both trees succumbed to the kiwi chainsaw disease. It is sort of ironical but possibly attributable to the immaturity of NZ as a colonial society, but to Europeans in general, trees have appreciable value and in both France, Italy and Spain people go to extraordinary lengths to keep trees alive, and indeed shift them around Europe to owners who place a high value them. The same treasure of trees is recognised in China, where not only do they cultivate huge mature tree nurseries, but they also have the skill and dedication to shift and or transplant such trees around their country.

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08/03/202021/03/2020

A Scottish Terrier’s Unknown Journey with Cataracts, continued.

Diabetic induced cataracts can happen overnight in some dogs.

Our previous blog page began a story about the unknown journey of our beloved Scottish Terrier – Kara, who became stricken with blindness caused by large white cataracts. I tried to imagine what Kara was thinking , now that she could no longer see, and it wasn’t hard for Martine & I to make the decision : we had to try and help her. The omens for success were seen to be good. Once Kara’s insulin levels had been corrected, following her diabetes diagnosis, she had responded quickly & regained her lost weight, and notwithstanding that she was now fully blind, she showed lots of determination to try and cope. We also knew from experience that Kara had responded well in the past to antibiotics, antibiotics being a critical factor in the success or otherwise of dog eye operations.

And so it was that we delivered Kara into the kind hands of Dr Steve Heap at the Veterinary Practice of McMaster & Heap, on Friday 6th March 2020. It was a long day…I mowed lawns and tried not to worry about our dear “girl” . Later that afternoon, Steve phoned to say that all went relatively well, one eye was easier to do than the other, but that Kara was out of the anesthesia and responding well…so we then knew that the first hurdle had been crossed.

Later that evening both Martine and I travelled across the city to the veterinary clinic where our reunion with her was one of happiness. Even in her post operation condition, we could detect that she was feeling ok and glad to be back in the company of familar voices. But we had yet to determine the outcome of the operation.

However, as I write this note – Sunday the 8th, and barely 48 hours since her diabetic induced cataracts were operated on, Kara is beginning to realize that she is no longer totally blind. Some of her sight is definitely returning and a good indication this morning came when I suggested to her that we go for a ride in the buggy( a 3 wheeler push chair). She made a fast walk towards the door leading to the patio where the buggy is stored, and was more than happy to have a ride around the neighbourhood. Our first real concrete sign that her confidence is returning & she is happy, despite her dad religiously placing a variety of drops into her eyes every 4 hours .

10 year old Scottish Terrier post an operation to remove cataracts — Kara , now minus her diabetes induced cataracts

Tomorrow Kara has her 1st Post Operation check.

P.S. Kara is progressing well so far.

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26/09/201926/09/2019

The Travelling Blondie

The Traveling Blondie phrase is in the URL of a blog dreamt up by true to form Nichole, from small town USA. Her passion is travelling to different places around the world and writing up her experiences so as to help other travellers following in her footsteps. Nichole’s aim is to supply no nonsense travel information in the form of her cool blog which helps readers make informed choices without trawling through Trip Advisor, Expedia, Booking dot Com etc and getting confused or overwhelmed with information. And above all it is unbiased, honest and more importantly- not promoted for financial gain.

Perhaps understandably, her world travel blog’s menu covers Oceania and included in the drop down menu is NEW ZEALAND: CHRISTCHURCH AND SUMNER BEACH-THE SOUTH ISLAND’S HIDDEN GEM. Even Le Petit Hotel gets a mention, being described as “an adorable bed and breakfast with great customer service” and that “it’s a 2-minute walk to the beach”.

Nichole has collated an amazing number of beautiful images of her travels around the South Island including some taken on Sumner Beach, and her suggested 10 day itinerary would be one of the best I’ve seen yet. I particularly like the concise information that she provides, together with relevant photos of exciting and interesting places and activities no one should leave out of their brief look at the South Island of New Zealand.

Sumner Beach, Christchurch, gets singled out for a special mention by Nichole as the South Island’s hidden gem – quaint, quiet and perfect.

Sumner, Scarborough beach, The Traveling Blondie — Quaint, quiet & perfect, Sumner’s Scarborough Beach

Congratulations Nichole, The Traveling Blondie, on a blog well done! We appreciate your kind words about Sumner Beach, Christchurch as well as the rest of the South Island places that you have mentioned .

I will be following your travels.

Safe , happy voyages where ever you go.

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30/06/201902/07/2019

Winter Blue Skies in Sumner Christchurch

For Sumner Village visitors, Le Petit Hotel guests and suburb residents alike, there is no arguing that the shortest day of the year has past, and despite a few frosts, the weather has been simply amazing. Daytime temps have reached 15-16 degrees Celcius, paraglider customers and model aircraft enthusiasts have been out in force, using the local Heathcote Ferrymead park as a rendevous point. Dog walkers have also been making the most of the pleasant clear blue sky winter days, either on the beach or in nearby parks. Many of our guests, blessed with the good weather have headed out for walks to either Taylors Mistake or Godley Heads. However I’m told that things will change soon. It is winter after-all!

Le Petit Hotel manager Martine Marshall is currently in the south of France, enjoying time with family and friends, but in totally different climatic conditions…where daytime temperatures have soared into the 40’s C.

It’s fair to say that our hotel accommodation is known globally and locally for 3 things especially, and those being its french style, the morning fresh croissants, and the resident Scottish Terrier– known as Kara….which is Scottish vernacular for “beloved”. However Kara is approaching 10 years this October…and her health has had its ups and downs lately. As you can imagine we are given her a lot of attention at the moment. Frequent visits to the vet are the normal, as are the antibiotics she takes. However the mild winter so far has been a bonus in that Kara can get to enjoy the sunshine and socialise with other dogs at the Ferrymead Park.

Meanwhile back outside Le Petit Hotel and in Sumner village, contractors are working steadily on the new roading surfaces, sorting out drainage issues, and even planting some more trees along Marriner Street and Wakefield Avenue in the village. Hurrah! I’m an unashamed tree-lover. Sumner is going to look better than ever….in time for the new visitor season which for us starts in September.

Let’s all enjoy our winter whether it’s cold, wet or the blue sky stuff that we have been seeing lately.

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27/12/201827/12/2018

The New Year: 2019, Le Petit Hotel’s approach.

We are all talking about how fast 2018 has disappeared, and how quickly the New Year is appearing, and in the mix has been the discussions on December’s changeable at best, weather.

Certainly some of those farmers growing grain crops are probably very happy and looking forward to a hot & dry January February period now…the rain would have done its magic. There may be thousands of cows out in the paddocks now, but when at least my ancestors arrived, they seized the moment, and worked 6 days on farms that were predominantly grain producing…particularly in North, South and Mid Canterbury. Yes there were cow farms, but not on the scale we see now, owned by conglomerates. It was also saddening to read a few days ago in the Washington Post that many dairy farmers in the US are essentially being driven off their land by the concentration of and buy-outs of small farm holdings, so what appears to be a global movement, is affecting many many ordinary , you could say middle income people…not necessarily for the common good, but rather for an increasingly smaller group of already wealthy people. What does the reported Chinese proverb say…”May you live in interesting times” ..maybe not the best times! Certainly none of us can accurately anticipate what the New Year will bring in terms of ever increasing changes in society, industry and science.

If you are reading this post, you may have noticed our very new mobile/smart phone/tablet compatible format, which we hope meets both Google’s business system requirements and at the same time makes it easy for travellers to seek us out. Early indications just over a handful of days, suggests that our improved web presence is both productive and a welcome one. I believe that Google has indicated that more than 60% of Web searches at least initiated on small hand held devices now.

Many of our guests will be familiar with the Le Petit Hotel formula and part of that, a very important part, is the presence of our beloved Scottish Terrier. We have our serious concerns at the moment about her health and we are pouring in the TLC at the moment….however again from a global perspective, the genetic pool for genuine Scottish Terriers is quite depleted, and worldwide many do not live to grand ages, because of their predisposition to the big C. Rest assured we are giving her our very best .

The period between Xmas and the New Year is a strange one from many aspects..and in particular for “Kiwis”,who like birds of a feather, migrate to other parts of the country trying to catch the long hot Sumner in the right place at the right time. So its appropriate that we should at this point wish every one, including our incoming and departing guests a very happy, safe and even prosperous, New Year.

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28/10/201804/07/2019

Good Vibes within Le Petit Hotel Sumner Christchurch

Good Vibes

We see a large proportion of international guests choosing to stay with us; from Antarctica staff on leave, to very interesting travellers from Norway, Russia, Latvia, & Estonia, to name just a few far distant countries.

And so it was that a few days ago, a couple who spent 2 nights with us as guests, gave us a quick review on-line with 10/10 plus the comment that the place had good vibes. That was a new one for Martine & myself, but we would be the first to acknowledge that there is good karma within the walls of Le Petit Hotel, and our current Scottie dog Kara and her predecessor Maggie , are in part responsible for setting the hospitality standard.

Good Vibes Kara — Just quiet surveillance in the long grass at Ferrymead Park.

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27/08/201825/10/2018

Scottish Terrier, permanent resident manager, Le Petit Hotel

Clan Scottish Terrier!

Scottish Terrier Kara — Not really sleeping..but keeping an eye on things.

As Le Petit Hotel’s Scottish Terrier , it’s a while since I’ve been in touch with the wider world…& much has happened in both Sumner and Christchurch . I’ve grown up fast and the earthquakes are supposedly behind us, the experts say, but I am still anxious when I hear strange noises. I’m now 9 years old, and my black overcoat is showing some grey hair now!

I’m still performing my hotel guest welcoming routine…racing to reach the front door before Bruce, after the door intercom phone rings, so I can see the new guests first. I really live for my meet & greet job.

Always at my best,

Kara.

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18/07/201827/12/2018

Le Petit Hotel Accommodation, Boutique French Style

Le Petit Hotel, 16 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch — Le Petit Hotel open 24 hours

Le Petit Hotel accommodation provides boutique French B & B lodgings for all travellers, both domestic and international. The property is located by the beach in Sumner; the premier seaside suburb of Christchurch.

Unlike most AirBnB properties, managers – Martine and Bruce are on-site 24/7 and are focused on providing genuine hospitality to all guests. However the privacy of individuals is very much respected when required . Both short & long stay guests are most welcome at Le Petit Hotel’s unique retreat from the city bustle.

The daily room rate includes a served French breakfast and the hotel has free high speed data/WiFi services throughout the complex. The en-suite accommodation rooms are most suitable for 2 adults.

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