I wasn't looking. The ram lamb was my beloved pet, Reginald, the son of my beloved ewe, Elizabeth Jane. I suspected a conspiracy between Adrian and Miles the sheep farmer. I had nagged and nagged Miles into giving Reggie the op. Miles had threatened to sell him into servitude in China. There was no way he was going to China. I was determined to keep him.
The conspiracy I suspected was that Miles and Adrian had arranged in advance to provide a running commentary on how the op was proceeding. I had asked Miles to provide an additional bucket. I was feeling a bit sick. The additional bucket had somehow not materialised. Reggie had been given drugs. I hadn't. Drugs made him woozy. Woozy-making drugs for me would have been good.
Before this traumatic event, I had been given an education which involved participation in the sheep-breeding business of "palpating". It involves massaging a ram's bollocks. We were checking for lesions, some of which can be caused by rams going for other rams.
Denne historien er fra April 08-14 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra April 08-14 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Lost in the labyrinth
New Zealand was once one of the world’s most prosperous countries but it’s been mainly) down hill since the 60s. Dany. McLaucuLan identifies what’s gone wrong and the changes needed to keep us afloat.
A never-coming-of-age tale
Across 14 chapters, we chronologically follow the fortunes of George, from age 12 through to almost 40. George is an unlikeable character and we should be thankful that he is a fictional creation, because in real life no one would tolerate his deliberate and calculating cruelty.
Past glories
Debut novel takes a leaf out of the book of modern Irish writing, hurtling classical antiquity into the present.
A touch of flamboyance
Miki Magasiva fell in love with film at an early age and has finally launched a debut feature that takes a tragi-comic look at grief and families.
Pushing all the buttons
The fourth film in the hit romcom series arrives with familiar charms and fresh blokes. But it would be a good place to stop.
Gone to ground
The Te Aroha-filmed detective series that blends Irish and Māori cultures is back.
Refinding the self
Strokes and brain diseases can radically change our personalities. But with more understanding of how brains work, a leading neurologist says sometimes, our old selves can be restored.
In the cross hairs
Danish actor Claes Bang's late-career boost shows no sign of abating, as he moves from TV villain to big-screen hero.
Fabric of time
Tapa cloth samples collected from Polynesian nations on Cook's voyages have made their way into our museums and libraries.
Let's dance
Kiwi dancer, teacher and choreographer LEILA LOIS visited one of Manila's innovative dance companies as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
