Bull-fighter Florrie

[vilakins]

One of the passengers on the steamboat lake cruise yesterday was an old lady of 91 who thoroughly enjoyed herself. I realized I was in the presence of a local celebrity when one of her companions mentioned that she had once fought a bull. She was Florrie of one of my favourite animated shorts, Pearl, Florrie, and the Bull which was the true story of 80-year-old twin sisters Pearl and Florrie who encountered an enraged bull on a country walk. Pearl was tossed, and Florrie grabbed it by the horns, threw her body over its face, and was carried for about 20 minutes while it tried to toss her off. Pearl ran for help and Florrie was rescued by a Maori boy armed with a broom. The twins both had broken arms in the same place but recovered well from them. Sadly, Florrie told us that Pearl died three years ago. I think Florrie was amazed that we’d seen this cult film (which won film festival awards), and afterwards I saw some of the overseas tourists having photos taken with her. Bless.

As for today, we drove right round Lake Taupo to see some lovely lake and volcano views.

Comments

[hafren.livejournal.com]

Enterprising lady!

I'm looking forward to your photos.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

There are so many it'll take me ages to resize and load them all up when I get home. I shall have to do it in stages.

[linda-joyce.livejournal.com]

There is something about Florrie's generation, they all seem to be tough old biddies at least the ones who survive to be old.

I want to see your photos *now* I am so impatient%). You never know I might end up mangling one of them into a water colour, with your permission of course.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

A self-selecting bunch perhaps? Those two were such characters though.

Of course you can! I'll have lots of lake and river pics to choose from.

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, what a buzz that must have been!

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

It was the icing on the cruise to mix metaphors!

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Amazing encounter, and please, the photos? :-)

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

When I get home and resize and load them all, which will be quite a job seeing how many we've taken. :-P

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

Wow, cool old ladies :0) Shame about her sister though, that must have been weird for her

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Especially since they lived together for so long, yes. I think she was on the boat trip with family though.

[nautile26.livejournal.com]

What an extraordinary story! It sounds like you're having a great holiday. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

And there will be lots!

[communicator.livejournal.com]

Brilliant story, and well done Flossie. My nan was that generation - tough as anything. Glad you are having a good holiday.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

I am, except when Greg has to telework as he's doing now. :-P