It was a lovely sunny morning and we took Totty down to the park quite late as I had been chatting to Heather.
We drove into Tauranga (on our way out I saw a big bag of grapefruit in Peter's porch so thought we would collect them on our way back) and had coffee in Red Square in the sun. We then went to the library and I managed to find another Penny Vinchenzi book that I have not read. We then went to the souvenir shop and I bought some little present for some birthdays I have coming up. After a little wander around the shops we popped into the 'Christmas Shop'. It has lots of lovely trees decorated just like in the UK. You have to look really hard to find any NZ decorations. We find it very strange that they have things for a winter Christmas and not typical of over here. In fact, we are find it very difficult to get our heads around the fact that we are coming into November and it is getting warmer. It is really difficult to explain!
We popped into the supermarket for a few things that I forgot yesterday and then we went to get some photo prints made of the girls that I have been asking them for since July. We then went and bought some frames for the photos and a big frame that will take about 12 photos so I now need to go through our photos and pick some out. We want to change some of the photos that the owner has on the walls for ones of us in NZ after all we are going to be in this house for at least two years!
When we got back the grapefruit had gone from Peter's porch and were on our doorstep, it was nearly 2.00 and we were really hungry and more than ready for lunch.
We took Totty for a bath later as she smelt really bad and has been scratching an awful lot even though she has been treated for fleas.
Back home and it was cup of tea time and a scone. I was very relieved to taste them and they were fine even though they were a day old.
Totty was sulking and didn't seem to want to go for a walk but we took her anyway.
We had asparagus and smoked salmon with poached egg for dinner and it was really yummy again. We are making the most of the short season for asparagus but have eaten more than we ever did in UK.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
Just like being on the PTA again!
We were very busy at the Red Cross shop this morning. They have had a lot of trouble with people stealing clothes and when it is busy it is hard to keep an eye on everyone. One man came in last week on a wet day and tried on some shoes which he obviously liked as he left his old, wet ones on the shelf and walked out in dry shoes! How low can you go stealing from a charity shop? I bought a very nice mustard coloured top for $5 which will go nicely with one of my skirts, it still had the shop label on it!
I then went off to do my shopping and I got some real bargains in the wine department. We can get some really good wine from the Hawke's Bay area and each week they have specials on, you may never see them again but they are very good.
I took the bracelet that we have bought for Heather's 21 to be engraved and they say they will have it ready for next week so that should give me plenty of time to get it in the post.
I took some kiwi fruit over to Peter and asked him for some grapefruit as we haven't had any for a week now as I kept forgetting to go and ask for some. He said he would know some off the tree and I told him to leave them in his porch and I would collect them when I walked the dog.
I had to make scones this afternoon for a Lions meeting tomorrow and I was feeling very nervous about it. If they were for us I wouldn't have had a problem but never having made anything over here for a function I did not know what the standard was.
I decided on a 'Delia' recipe and it said it made 10 scones and as I needed 20 I thought I would do one lot plain and the other fruit. Unfortunately, I only got six scones from the mix so had to make another lot up and then double it up for the fruit ones. When I was getting all the ingredients out I realised I didn't have a big mixing bowl so had to use a big basin and then I realised I had no rolling pin so would have to use a bottle! In the end I used my hand to press them out with and then a Tupperware jelly mould to cut them with. Surprising what you can do when you have to. I was worried about the oven as it is so big and takes a long time to heat up but the scones turned out well and I took them over to Janice who was going to the meeting and had said she would take them across for me.
I met Janice's dog when I took the scones over. He is beautiful. He is a mix of Jack Russell and I don't know what but he is very fluffy and really cute and called Tilby and is 12 weeks old.
I looked for the grapefruit in the porch but they weren't there so maybe he will do it tomorrow.
We had our fish and chips tonight but for the first time they were a disappointment - the chips were very cold!
I then went off to do my shopping and I got some real bargains in the wine department. We can get some really good wine from the Hawke's Bay area and each week they have specials on, you may never see them again but they are very good.
I took the bracelet that we have bought for Heather's 21 to be engraved and they say they will have it ready for next week so that should give me plenty of time to get it in the post.
I took some kiwi fruit over to Peter and asked him for some grapefruit as we haven't had any for a week now as I kept forgetting to go and ask for some. He said he would know some off the tree and I told him to leave them in his porch and I would collect them when I walked the dog.
I had to make scones this afternoon for a Lions meeting tomorrow and I was feeling very nervous about it. If they were for us I wouldn't have had a problem but never having made anything over here for a function I did not know what the standard was.
I decided on a 'Delia' recipe and it said it made 10 scones and as I needed 20 I thought I would do one lot plain and the other fruit. Unfortunately, I only got six scones from the mix so had to make another lot up and then double it up for the fruit ones. When I was getting all the ingredients out I realised I didn't have a big mixing bowl so had to use a big basin and then I realised I had no rolling pin so would have to use a bottle! In the end I used my hand to press them out with and then a Tupperware jelly mould to cut them with. Surprising what you can do when you have to. I was worried about the oven as it is so big and takes a long time to heat up but the scones turned out well and I took them over to Janice who was going to the meeting and had said she would take them across for me.
I met Janice's dog when I took the scones over. He is beautiful. He is a mix of Jack Russell and I don't know what but he is very fluffy and really cute and called Tilby and is 12 weeks old.
I looked for the grapefruit in the porch but they weren't there so maybe he will do it tomorrow.
We had our fish and chips tonight but for the first time they were a disappointment - the chips were very cold!
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Thursday
After a really hot day yesterday it was freezing again this morning and very windy when Totty and I went out.
After trying for weeks to get in touch with the contact number for the yoga classes I gave up and just went along to the class and hoped for the best. When I arrived the teacher was just getting there too and I introduced myself to her and another lady who started last week. Pretty soon lots of ladies were coming in and there were two more new ones so I didn't feel alone. There were about 12 in the class which was bigger today than usual. it was a really good class and she helps you with the positions and explains the breathing very well. She managed to stretch me into positions that I would never have believed possible. The class was an hour and a half and finished with some nice relaxation. It was very cheap only costing about £2.50. I will certainly go again.
When I got out there was a stiff south wind blowing and on the way home it started to rain very hard. I hate driving across the causeway in the wind as my little car always gets blown about.
Jon came home for lunch and brought a big bag of kiwifruit with him. They come from Zespri who are the biggest exporters of kiwifruit in NZ and they had been to Jon's office today for a meeting and had taken three boxes to them. They are really good fruit even though they have been in store they are just right for eating and very sweet with a nice bit of tart. We have noticed that the kiwifruit vines in the fields are already thick with leaves. It doesn't seem like five minutes since they were picking them.
I did my vacuuming this afternoon (as it was a bank holiday on Monday I didn't get round to it and the carpet was looking a bit messy). I then did all my ironing whilst listening to Radio 2 - English radio is so good.
I managed to get Totty out in between the rain and hail showers and had a chat with my neighbour Kim on the way back. She has been off work with a bad cold and lost her voice - not good when you are a teacher. She really didn't look well and she is so thin.
Jon has booked our mini cruise for 6 December around the Bay of Islands so that is something to look forward to. I must get the dog booked into kennels for then and also for the times when Jane and Malcolm are here, she will think she has been abandoned the amount of times she will have to go away. As it is holiday time I will need to do it sooner rather than later.
We had some chilli from the freezer tonight so dinner was easy and then we watched Cracker, he is very good.
After trying for weeks to get in touch with the contact number for the yoga classes I gave up and just went along to the class and hoped for the best. When I arrived the teacher was just getting there too and I introduced myself to her and another lady who started last week. Pretty soon lots of ladies were coming in and there were two more new ones so I didn't feel alone. There were about 12 in the class which was bigger today than usual. it was a really good class and she helps you with the positions and explains the breathing very well. She managed to stretch me into positions that I would never have believed possible. The class was an hour and a half and finished with some nice relaxation. It was very cheap only costing about £2.50. I will certainly go again.
When I got out there was a stiff south wind blowing and on the way home it started to rain very hard. I hate driving across the causeway in the wind as my little car always gets blown about.
Jon came home for lunch and brought a big bag of kiwifruit with him. They come from Zespri who are the biggest exporters of kiwifruit in NZ and they had been to Jon's office today for a meeting and had taken three boxes to them. They are really good fruit even though they have been in store they are just right for eating and very sweet with a nice bit of tart. We have noticed that the kiwifruit vines in the fields are already thick with leaves. It doesn't seem like five minutes since they were picking them.
I did my vacuuming this afternoon (as it was a bank holiday on Monday I didn't get round to it and the carpet was looking a bit messy). I then did all my ironing whilst listening to Radio 2 - English radio is so good.
I managed to get Totty out in between the rain and hail showers and had a chat with my neighbour Kim on the way back. She has been off work with a bad cold and lost her voice - not good when you are a teacher. She really didn't look well and she is so thin.
Jon has booked our mini cruise for 6 December around the Bay of Islands so that is something to look forward to. I must get the dog booked into kennels for then and also for the times when Jane and Malcolm are here, she will think she has been abandoned the amount of times she will have to go away. As it is holiday time I will need to do it sooner rather than later.
We had some chilli from the freezer tonight so dinner was easy and then we watched Cracker, he is very good.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Wednesday
The day has started with really fine sunshine and I met Bronwyn in the park with Uppy. We kept them apart and they seemed to be OK and then Uppy lunged forward to Totty and she snapped at him again. I read on a web site that we should take them for walks together so they get used to each other so we will have to try that.
I had a lovely long chat to Sonia this morning so was late going out which is how I came to see Bronwyn, I usually go earlier than her.
I went along to the post office to post a birthday card and apart from some housework I didn't do much but I did catch up with four episodes of Neighbours!
I had a lovely long chat to Sonia this morning so was late going out which is how I came to see Bronwyn, I usually go earlier than her.
I went along to the post office to post a birthday card and apart from some housework I didn't do much but I did catch up with four episodes of Neighbours!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
My Poor Bunion
We worked really hard in our keep fit class this morning and I was very hot when we had finished, just as well I had taken clothes to change before my appointment with the podiatrist.
My appointment was for 11.30 and I got there a little early as asked so that I could fill in the health form. The Podiatrist, Stefan, and his wife, Sara, are both English and have lived here for 14 years. They were very chatty and friendly. After a long chat and an examination of my feet he told me the best thing would be to have the left one operated on. I was completely taken aback as I thought he would just be able to offer some strapping or something as I really don't want an operation. He says if I leave it it is going to get worse and the operation would be a much bigger one. Another problem is the cost - it is going to be $5,500 (£2,500). I will also be out of action for about four weeks which would be really difficult and just coming into the summer makes it even worse. I just don't know what to do. I might go and see my doctor and see what she has to say but I think the waiting lists are longer over here than in UK but she may suggest some anti inflammatory tablets that would at least take the swelling and pain away for a while.
I took Totty out this afternoon and the sky was very black but we managed to get back before the rain came down and fortunately we didn't get too much thunder.
I picked Janice up at 5.25 and went over to meet Jean and Helen and we went off to Lions. It was a good meeting and we had an interior designer as the guest speaker and she was very interesting. There was visitor there who came along with Lois her name was Eryn and she was very nice and sat by my and we got on very well.
The meeting finished at 9.00 and even though it was pouring with rain we were home by 9.10.
I need to make 20 scones for a meeting on Saturday, I am going to sell raffle tickets outside the Warehouse for two hours on Wednesday and I am also down for a stint in December outside the Warehouse selling Christmas Tree Baubles with messages to lost loved ones and you hang them on a tree. Not sure what that is all about but no doubt someone will tell me before the day.
My appointment was for 11.30 and I got there a little early as asked so that I could fill in the health form. The Podiatrist, Stefan, and his wife, Sara, are both English and have lived here for 14 years. They were very chatty and friendly. After a long chat and an examination of my feet he told me the best thing would be to have the left one operated on. I was completely taken aback as I thought he would just be able to offer some strapping or something as I really don't want an operation. He says if I leave it it is going to get worse and the operation would be a much bigger one. Another problem is the cost - it is going to be $5,500 (£2,500). I will also be out of action for about four weeks which would be really difficult and just coming into the summer makes it even worse. I just don't know what to do. I might go and see my doctor and see what she has to say but I think the waiting lists are longer over here than in UK but she may suggest some anti inflammatory tablets that would at least take the swelling and pain away for a while.
I took Totty out this afternoon and the sky was very black but we managed to get back before the rain came down and fortunately we didn't get too much thunder.
I picked Janice up at 5.25 and went over to meet Jean and Helen and we went off to Lions. It was a good meeting and we had an interior designer as the guest speaker and she was very interesting. There was visitor there who came along with Lois her name was Eryn and she was very nice and sat by my and we got on very well.
The meeting finished at 9.00 and even though it was pouring with rain we were home by 9.10.
I need to make 20 scones for a meeting on Saturday, I am going to sell raffle tickets outside the Warehouse for two hours on Wednesday and I am also down for a stint in December outside the Warehouse selling Christmas Tree Baubles with messages to lost loved ones and you hang them on a tree. Not sure what that is all about but no doubt someone will tell me before the day.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Bank Holiday Monday
Well I still needed to change the bed and do the washing so I got that on early as it was really sunny even though the weather men had said it would be the worst day of the weekend. After breakfast we took Totty out and it was lovely down in the park.
We decided to go out to McLaren Falls for a walk around the park and we stopped for coffee at the Kaima Cafe. We sat outside looking over towards the hills and it was really hot.
We were very surprised when we got to the falls as last time we were there we had Heather with us and the water was roaring down. Today, it wasn't much more than a trickle so Heather saw them at their best.
We then went up into the park and walked around the lake. Some parts were really muddy and as I only had sandals on it was a bit difficult. Planks of wood had been thoughtfully placed across the muddy bits unfortunately, the planks were very narrow and it was like walking on a tightrope! But we managed and had a lovely walk right round. There were many people there having picnics and lots of campers - you can tell it is getting towards summer and better weather. Next time we will bring our two fold up chairs a picnic and a book and spend the day there, shame they don't allow dogs.
We got back and had a 'slimming' lunch with salad and Ryvita and low fat cheese. All these coffees and muffins are beginning to show on both of us.
After lunch we went down to the range to hit some golf balls but the weather had started to cloud over and looked like it would soon rain.
After a quick walk out with Totty in the afternoon - quick as she didn't want to play ball, we went home for a cup of tea.
We had the left over port for dinner which was just as good as it was on Saturday. We had it with stir fried asparagus, courgettes and chilli and they were very tasty. We have never eaten so much fresh asparagus.
We decided to go out to McLaren Falls for a walk around the park and we stopped for coffee at the Kaima Cafe. We sat outside looking over towards the hills and it was really hot.
We were very surprised when we got to the falls as last time we were there we had Heather with us and the water was roaring down. Today, it wasn't much more than a trickle so Heather saw them at their best.
We then went up into the park and walked around the lake. Some parts were really muddy and as I only had sandals on it was a bit difficult. Planks of wood had been thoughtfully placed across the muddy bits unfortunately, the planks were very narrow and it was like walking on a tightrope! But we managed and had a lovely walk right round. There were many people there having picnics and lots of campers - you can tell it is getting towards summer and better weather. Next time we will bring our two fold up chairs a picnic and a book and spend the day there, shame they don't allow dogs.
We got back and had a 'slimming' lunch with salad and Ryvita and low fat cheese. All these coffees and muffins are beginning to show on both of us.
After lunch we went down to the range to hit some golf balls but the weather had started to cloud over and looked like it would soon rain.
After a quick walk out with Totty in the afternoon - quick as she didn't want to play ball, we went home for a cup of tea.
We had the left over port for dinner which was just as good as it was on Saturday. We had it with stir fried asparagus, courgettes and chilli and they were very tasty. We have never eaten so much fresh asparagus.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Sunday and breakfast near the beach
We decided on having breakfast at the Tay Street cafe near the Mount this morning as it is bank holiday weekend. Totty was confused as we went for breakfast and didn't take her for a walk.
It was sunny but a bit windy but warm enough to eat outside. I had poached eggs on granary bread with grilled tomato and Jon had the same but with bacon and no tomato. It was very good and I had coffee and Jon had orange juice and then I had another coffee when we had eaten, yummy.
When we got back we walked Totty down to Rotary Park where it was very quiet and sheltered from the wind.
After doing my farming on Facebook to which I am now addicted we had lunch (it was by now 1.30) and then went off to visit Katikati Bird Park. This is a lovely park with beautiful gardens and lots of water features. I bought a bag of food to feed the ducks, doves and geese. It was really funny as as soon as they hear the paper bag they all come running for the food and are so tame they will feed from your hand. We spent a long time walking around looking at all the birds and walking along the various paths. Will certainly visit again.
Back home we had a cup of tea and gave my bunion a rest before taking Totty out for a walk. I saw Peter and he didn't seem too upset by what Totty did to their dog so I am quite relieved about that.
Came back and made a new recipe of duck with juniper berries. The only trouble was I could not find the juniper berries in any shop and the duck was even more elusive so I used chicken breast with garlic, thyme, rosemary and olive oil marinade! Not so different. I did find the quince jelly to make the sauce which went very well with the chicken!
It was sunny but a bit windy but warm enough to eat outside. I had poached eggs on granary bread with grilled tomato and Jon had the same but with bacon and no tomato. It was very good and I had coffee and Jon had orange juice and then I had another coffee when we had eaten, yummy.
When we got back we walked Totty down to Rotary Park where it was very quiet and sheltered from the wind.
After doing my farming on Facebook to which I am now addicted we had lunch (it was by now 1.30) and then went off to visit Katikati Bird Park. This is a lovely park with beautiful gardens and lots of water features. I bought a bag of food to feed the ducks, doves and geese. It was really funny as as soon as they hear the paper bag they all come running for the food and are so tame they will feed from your hand. We spent a long time walking around looking at all the birds and walking along the various paths. Will certainly visit again.
Back home we had a cup of tea and gave my bunion a rest before taking Totty out for a walk. I saw Peter and he didn't seem too upset by what Totty did to their dog so I am quite relieved about that.
Came back and made a new recipe of duck with juniper berries. The only trouble was I could not find the juniper berries in any shop and the duck was even more elusive so I used chicken breast with garlic, thyme, rosemary and olive oil marinade! Not so different. I did find the quince jelly to make the sauce which went very well with the chicken!
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Saturday and it is off to Rotorua.
We took Totty out and then I packed a picnic and we set off for Rotorua and the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The park is just south of Rotorua and this is the first time we have been there.
It was very busy when we arrived. There is the Lady Knox Geyser which, with the help of some organic soap, goes off every morning at 10.15 and blows for an hour or so. We just missed that so will have to go again. It is a lovely area with the Champagne Lake being the main attraction. It has lovely shades of pink and blue steam rising from the lake and a bright orange colour around the edge. On the minus side it has to be the smelliest park we have been to and some of the pools look disgusting and the smell is awful! It took us about an hour and a half to walk around and then we sat in the picnic area which was lovely and had our lunch. On the way back we visited the mud pool outside the park and that was very active with lots of plopping and splashing of mud.
We then drove into Rotorua and visited Rainbow Springs Kiwi and bird park. We visited this park with Heather but it was much nicer today - what a difference the sun makes.
We drove home stopping off at the Farmer Jones butcher's shop to buy some belly port for a recipe I wanted to do.
Totty was glad to see us and we took her up for a quick walk in the park once I had got the pork in the oven.
Dinner was very good and the pork turned out well and we have plenty left for Monday.
It was very busy when we arrived. There is the Lady Knox Geyser which, with the help of some organic soap, goes off every morning at 10.15 and blows for an hour or so. We just missed that so will have to go again. It is a lovely area with the Champagne Lake being the main attraction. It has lovely shades of pink and blue steam rising from the lake and a bright orange colour around the edge. On the minus side it has to be the smelliest park we have been to and some of the pools look disgusting and the smell is awful! It took us about an hour and a half to walk around and then we sat in the picnic area which was lovely and had our lunch. On the way back we visited the mud pool outside the park and that was very active with lots of plopping and splashing of mud.
We then drove into Rotorua and visited Rainbow Springs Kiwi and bird park. We visited this park with Heather but it was much nicer today - what a difference the sun makes.
We drove home stopping off at the Farmer Jones butcher's shop to buy some belly port for a recipe I wanted to do.
Totty was glad to see us and we took her up for a quick walk in the park once I had got the pork in the oven.
Dinner was very good and the pork turned out well and we have plenty left for Monday.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Thursday and Friday - oops.
Forgot to put my blog on so two days together.
I went out with Helen and Jean today to an estate up towards the hills of Tauranga to deliver leaflets asking for donations of books for the sale. It is a new estate with some really lovely houses built on it. I went off on my own and covered a fair amount of ground and finished all that I had and then met up with Helen and Jean and we finished off the rest of the streets before going off to the garden centre for a coffee.
We sat chatting for an hour or so and then I went to collect some books from a lady on the Maungatapu Road where I had delivered leaflets on Monday - so it does work.
I got back in time to do lunch for Jon. I have done more than my share of walking this week. Jon was flying to Wellington this afternoon for a meeting on Friday and he left on the 3.00 flight.
When I was out with Totty this afternoon I met Bronwyn with Uppy, her new dog. I went over to speak to her and he lunged forward to sniff Totty and she snapped at his nose and drew blood. I felt terrible. I do hope they will get better as I was looking forward to going out walking with Bronwyn.
Couldn't be bothered to do much for my dinner so had some leftover lamb casserole from last week.
I spent all Friday morning at the Red Cross shop and bought six tops and a lovely skirt for less than £20, most of them new. I love a bargain. A lady brought a coffee into the shop and spilt it and asked us if we could clear it up which we did. However she didn't say she had spilt it on the rail of dresses and we had ladies bringing us dresses with coffee all down them. What a mess. I stayed till 1.00 as Jon was not home for lunch and then I went off to the supermarket so by the time I got back for lunch I was very hungry and it was nearly 3.00
Jon got back just after 5.00 and we had fish and chips for dinner.
I went out with Helen and Jean today to an estate up towards the hills of Tauranga to deliver leaflets asking for donations of books for the sale. It is a new estate with some really lovely houses built on it. I went off on my own and covered a fair amount of ground and finished all that I had and then met up with Helen and Jean and we finished off the rest of the streets before going off to the garden centre for a coffee.
We sat chatting for an hour or so and then I went to collect some books from a lady on the Maungatapu Road where I had delivered leaflets on Monday - so it does work.
I got back in time to do lunch for Jon. I have done more than my share of walking this week. Jon was flying to Wellington this afternoon for a meeting on Friday and he left on the 3.00 flight.
When I was out with Totty this afternoon I met Bronwyn with Uppy, her new dog. I went over to speak to her and he lunged forward to sniff Totty and she snapped at his nose and drew blood. I felt terrible. I do hope they will get better as I was looking forward to going out walking with Bronwyn.
Couldn't be bothered to do much for my dinner so had some leftover lamb casserole from last week.
I spent all Friday morning at the Red Cross shop and bought six tops and a lovely skirt for less than £20, most of them new. I love a bargain. A lady brought a coffee into the shop and spilt it and asked us if we could clear it up which we did. However she didn't say she had spilt it on the rail of dresses and we had ladies bringing us dresses with coffee all down them. What a mess. I stayed till 1.00 as Jon was not home for lunch and then I went off to the supermarket so by the time I got back for lunch I was very hungry and it was nearly 3.00
Jon got back just after 5.00 and we had fish and chips for dinner.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Fun Run Day
Well the weather wasn't as nice as they said in the forecast but it was sunny but the wind wasn't good. I pottered about doing odd jobs for most of the day and I tried a new chilli recipe out to leave for Jon tonight.
It was soon time to set off for the walk and I noticed my neighbour, Kim setting off in the 'pink' T shirt like mine so she was off to the walk, too. Alison walked over to me and we set off and found a parking space on the edge of town with not too far to walk. We walked down Devonport Road to the start and there were many, many ladies walking down dressed in pink fancy dress. We got to the start and there was a lovely atmosphere and lots of people and a sea of pink. The radio station was there in a big van cum stage and before the start a keep fit group came on to 'warm us all up' and we had a bit of a dance. I met some of the teachers from the school where Alison works. The walk set off on time at 6.00 and with 5000 people the going was slow to begin with but it eventually spread out and away we went.
The walk took us about an hour and ten minutes and there was a little stop 1 km from the end for a small glass of wine from a local supermarket but I didn't have any as I was driving! We crossed the finishing line and were all given a Cadbury Pinky bar, I am not sure if we have them in UK. We stood around for a while and then decided to head off home and so walked all the way back to the car. Both Alison and I really enjoyed the walk and we both said we will do it again next year.
When I got home I had a glass of wine and as Jon hadn't started his dinner we ate together and the chilli recipe was very good.
But my bunion does hurt!
It was soon time to set off for the walk and I noticed my neighbour, Kim setting off in the 'pink' T shirt like mine so she was off to the walk, too. Alison walked over to me and we set off and found a parking space on the edge of town with not too far to walk. We walked down Devonport Road to the start and there were many, many ladies walking down dressed in pink fancy dress. We got to the start and there was a lovely atmosphere and lots of people and a sea of pink. The radio station was there in a big van cum stage and before the start a keep fit group came on to 'warm us all up' and we had a bit of a dance. I met some of the teachers from the school where Alison works. The walk set off on time at 6.00 and with 5000 people the going was slow to begin with but it eventually spread out and away we went.
The walk took us about an hour and ten minutes and there was a little stop 1 km from the end for a small glass of wine from a local supermarket but I didn't have any as I was driving! We crossed the finishing line and were all given a Cadbury Pinky bar, I am not sure if we have them in UK. We stood around for a while and then decided to head off home and so walked all the way back to the car. Both Alison and I really enjoyed the walk and we both said we will do it again next year.
When I got home I had a glass of wine and as Jon hadn't started his dinner we ate together and the chilli recipe was very good.
But my bunion does hurt!
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Tuesday
I had run off two entry forms for the run last night and so Jon put one in Alison's post box on his way to work. I called her to say it was there and she completed it and put it back in our box so that I could take it into Tauranga with me and register us both at the same time as I bought the T shirt. And all that before I had taken Totty out.
I went along to my keep fit class and she really worked us hard again, we were so hot. At the end of the class I had a long chat to Liz who is the lady I met last week - the one who spends four months every year in Banbury.
I made some very nice tuna pate for lunch with a bean and tomato salad with basil dressing. My new mixer is working so well - I love it.
I went into Tauranga and did all I had to do there and managed to get back before the rain so I was very late getting Totty out.
I went over to Alison's for a cup of tea and to give her her T shirt so we are all set for tomorrow.
I have been playing Farmville on Facebook and I am getting totally hooked and spend far too much time on it but it is fun!
Jon is catching up with Dr Who as I am not very keen on it so I will just have to go on Facebook!
I went along to my keep fit class and she really worked us hard again, we were so hot. At the end of the class I had a long chat to Liz who is the lady I met last week - the one who spends four months every year in Banbury.
I made some very nice tuna pate for lunch with a bean and tomato salad with basil dressing. My new mixer is working so well - I love it.
I went into Tauranga and did all I had to do there and managed to get back before the rain so I was very late getting Totty out.
I went over to Alison's for a cup of tea and to give her her T shirt so we are all set for tomorrow.
I have been playing Farmville on Facebook and I am getting totally hooked and spend far too much time on it but it is fun!
Jon is catching up with Dr Who as I am not very keen on it so I will just have to go on Facebook!
Monday, 19 October 2009
Monday
It was my usual walk with Totty followed by my housework, washing and ironing.
I had a nice long phone call from Kirsty and at one point I was chatting to three people on Facebook and Heather on MSN. That can get very confusing!
Jon came home for lunch and watched a bit more of the Grand Prix.
After lunch I decided to go off and deliver some of the Book Sale posters to all the houses on the Maungatapu Road which is very long. It took me about 50 minutes to walk down to the roundabout and walk back on the other side. I was really hot by the time I had finished but was glad to get it out of the way as it has been bothering me.
When I took Totty to the park I met a very nice lady there, Judy, who was practicing golf (although you are not supposed to in the park) and I started to chat to her. She lives just along the road from us, hers is the hoouse with the huge avocado tree in the garden, and told me that her husband had died recently. She is very nice and told me to keep trying with my golf and it will soon click into place.
Alison phoned this evening to say she would do the run and I said I would go into Tauranga and get a T shirt for her tomorrow. I am quite excited about it as the weather forecast is for a sunny day.
I had a nice long phone call from Kirsty and at one point I was chatting to three people on Facebook and Heather on MSN. That can get very confusing!
Jon came home for lunch and watched a bit more of the Grand Prix.
After lunch I decided to go off and deliver some of the Book Sale posters to all the houses on the Maungatapu Road which is very long. It took me about 50 minutes to walk down to the roundabout and walk back on the other side. I was really hot by the time I had finished but was glad to get it out of the way as it has been bothering me.
When I took Totty to the park I met a very nice lady there, Judy, who was practicing golf (although you are not supposed to in the park) and I started to chat to her. She lives just along the road from us, hers is the hoouse with the huge avocado tree in the garden, and told me that her husband had died recently. She is very nice and told me to keep trying with my golf and it will soon click into place.
Alison phoned this evening to say she would do the run and I said I would go into Tauranga and get a T shirt for her tomorrow. I am quite excited about it as the weather forecast is for a sunny day.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Our first social event
The weather was very overcast this morning but we managed a walk in the park.
We went off to Bay Fair and had coffee before going into the electrical shops to look for a mini mixer/grater/whisk. I am doing a lot more cooking now and the food processor here at the house is only for large amounts and I needed something smaller. After visiting three different shops and back and forth I settled for a Braun. It was by this time pouring with rain.
We went to the main shopping area to look for some flowers to take to Bronwyn and Peter. We have been invited to their house this evening for drinks and nibbles to celebrate them being in their house for 25 years. Not sure what one does over here but I think flowers are always acceptable. We bought a lovely little posy of spring flowers all arranged with bows and coloured net.
After a late lunch we took Totty for an early walk.
We went over to Bronwyn's at 5.00 and as it was finally warm and sunny we managed to sit outside. Alison and her husband, Doug were there and we passed a very pleasant few hours. I asked Alison if she was up for doing the Fun Run. She said she had thought about it often but had never got round to it. I told her to think it over and let me know on Monday.Peter had made a very potent cocktail of white wine, sparkling wine and Drambuie - it was very good. It got a bit cool and so at 8.00 we came home.
Quite a busy weekend for us.
We went off to Bay Fair and had coffee before going into the electrical shops to look for a mini mixer/grater/whisk. I am doing a lot more cooking now and the food processor here at the house is only for large amounts and I needed something smaller. After visiting three different shops and back and forth I settled for a Braun. It was by this time pouring with rain.
We went to the main shopping area to look for some flowers to take to Bronwyn and Peter. We have been invited to their house this evening for drinks and nibbles to celebrate them being in their house for 25 years. Not sure what one does over here but I think flowers are always acceptable. We bought a lovely little posy of spring flowers all arranged with bows and coloured net.
After a late lunch we took Totty for an early walk.
We went over to Bronwyn's at 5.00 and as it was finally warm and sunny we managed to sit outside. Alison and her husband, Doug were there and we passed a very pleasant few hours. I asked Alison if she was up for doing the Fun Run. She said she had thought about it often but had never got round to it. I told her to think it over and let me know on Monday.Peter had made a very potent cocktail of white wine, sparkling wine and Drambuie - it was very good. It got a bit cool and so at 8.00 we came home.
Quite a busy weekend for us.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Saturday
The weather was really lovely this morning - I thought the forecast was for rain and dry later.
After taking Totty down to Rotary Park we decided to look for somewhere nice for coffee - we need a local place that we can sit outside with a bit of a view and not in town or in a shopping parade. I had jeans on when we took Totty our but changed into a skirt to go out. You always have to be prepared here - legs shaved and toenails painted as you never know when your legs are going to be bare!
We went down to Omanu beach area but didn't find anywhere so carried on towards the Mount along Oceanview Road and we came across a nice little bar below a new, two storey block of apartments. We sat in the sun but under a sunshade and had a lovely coffee, I think this could become a summer regular.
After a walk along the beach front we went to hit balls on the driving range - not much progress on that front! After that we went to have a look at bracelets for Heather's 21 and I found a very nice one so I will just need to get that engraved and get it sent off but I have plenty of time.
We then went into Farmers (Debenham's) and they now have their Christmas stock out which takes up a very small area of the shop and not at all like UK shops. We bought some little ornaments which I will send to the girls but the rest of the stuff was just like we get in UK but then it is all made in China! We bought a very cute Father Christmas wearing swimming trunks and flippers but the rest of the things are all with snow etc which seems very strange as it will be summer here!
We decided against a Christmas tree and we bought a stand up Father Christmas holding a tree, he is about a foot tall and very jolly looking. I don't want the bother of decorating a small tree and then having to get rid of it all before we go back to UK and all the tree ornaments were for big trees so it would have looked silly.
I had read in the local paper about the Cancer Fun Run to be held next Wednesday and a local girl has designed a T shirt and there was a table set up selling them in the shopping centre so I bought one. The lady asked me if I was going to do the run and with a bit of encouragement from both Jon and her I said I would think about it.
It was then lunchtime so we went home after a busy morning.
I tried my T shirt on and it was a bit tight so we took it back and changed it.
Later in the afternoon it had really clouded over and when we took Totty out we got caught in a heavy shower. I had my new kagoul but Jon got wet!
By the time we got back it was really raining hard. After such a beautiful sunny morning it was such a change.
And so it was dinner and TV listening to the rain.
After taking Totty down to Rotary Park we decided to look for somewhere nice for coffee - we need a local place that we can sit outside with a bit of a view and not in town or in a shopping parade. I had jeans on when we took Totty our but changed into a skirt to go out. You always have to be prepared here - legs shaved and toenails painted as you never know when your legs are going to be bare!
We went down to Omanu beach area but didn't find anywhere so carried on towards the Mount along Oceanview Road and we came across a nice little bar below a new, two storey block of apartments. We sat in the sun but under a sunshade and had a lovely coffee, I think this could become a summer regular.
After a walk along the beach front we went to hit balls on the driving range - not much progress on that front! After that we went to have a look at bracelets for Heather's 21 and I found a very nice one so I will just need to get that engraved and get it sent off but I have plenty of time.
We then went into Farmers (Debenham's) and they now have their Christmas stock out which takes up a very small area of the shop and not at all like UK shops. We bought some little ornaments which I will send to the girls but the rest of the stuff was just like we get in UK but then it is all made in China! We bought a very cute Father Christmas wearing swimming trunks and flippers but the rest of the things are all with snow etc which seems very strange as it will be summer here!
We decided against a Christmas tree and we bought a stand up Father Christmas holding a tree, he is about a foot tall and very jolly looking. I don't want the bother of decorating a small tree and then having to get rid of it all before we go back to UK and all the tree ornaments were for big trees so it would have looked silly.
I had read in the local paper about the Cancer Fun Run to be held next Wednesday and a local girl has designed a T shirt and there was a table set up selling them in the shopping centre so I bought one. The lady asked me if I was going to do the run and with a bit of encouragement from both Jon and her I said I would think about it.
It was then lunchtime so we went home after a busy morning.
I tried my T shirt on and it was a bit tight so we took it back and changed it.
Later in the afternoon it had really clouded over and when we took Totty out we got caught in a heavy shower. I had my new kagoul but Jon got wet!
By the time we got back it was really raining hard. After such a beautiful sunny morning it was such a change.
And so it was dinner and TV listening to the rain.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Friday
My hair looked like I had a bad fright during the night and it needed some work with the straighteners!
After a quick damp walk with Totty I was off to the Red Cross with my 'going out to lunch top' in a bag.
I met Bianca's mother at the shop and we got on very well. She is really missing S Africa and not having a car is finding it difficult to get around. She was telling me how hard it is making such a move when you are older. I think it was nice for her to be able to talk to someone who has gone/is going through it. However, she is lucky as both her son and daughter are here in NZ and hopefully she will have grandchildren soon and had she gone back to Scotland she would miss out on that. I am sure she will soon settle but her husband only died three years ago and then her three cats died and she had to have her dog put down when she came over here as he was old and would not have managed the journey so poor woman has had a lot to cope with.
We were very busy in the shop and we put out five rails of clothes that were brought up from the processing room. We were not too busy for me to find time to look through the clothes and I found three lovely baby romper suits - for girls, for Bronwyn's granddaughter and a very nice T shirt for me!
I finished at 12 and got changed and headed off to the lunch with all my keep fit ladies. There were about 50 of us and we had a really good time. The food wasn't brilliant but it was a buffet and so there was plenty of choice and the cakes they had to go with the coffee were very good.
After lunch I went to the supermarket and did my shopping and after a damp start to the day it was now very warm.
After putting away the shopping I took Totty out and Bronwyn shouted me over to tell me she is getting her ex guide dog puppy next Wednesday. He is 18 months old and is a 'reject' as he has 'no concentration'. She has met him and he is called Yuppy. She invited me over after I had walked the dog to see the photos.
Back home with Totty I fed her and then headed over to Bronwyn's. The photos of Yuppy are lovely and he looks like a lovely dog. She has had her daughter's dog, Maddie, staying with her for three months and she feels very bad at having to give her back and hopes she will be able to manage the steps in her daughter's house. (Maddie was with Bronwyn while she was recovering from having a hip operation as the vet here is cheaper than Auckland) She says both Peter and her will miss her. I only had one glass of wine even though Peter was trying to give me more, 5.00 is too early to start drinking too much.
I got back at 6.00 and Jon came home a bit later.
We enjoyed our fish and chips again but only had a half scoop of chips which was more than enough.
After a quick damp walk with Totty I was off to the Red Cross with my 'going out to lunch top' in a bag.
I met Bianca's mother at the shop and we got on very well. She is really missing S Africa and not having a car is finding it difficult to get around. She was telling me how hard it is making such a move when you are older. I think it was nice for her to be able to talk to someone who has gone/is going through it. However, she is lucky as both her son and daughter are here in NZ and hopefully she will have grandchildren soon and had she gone back to Scotland she would miss out on that. I am sure she will soon settle but her husband only died three years ago and then her three cats died and she had to have her dog put down when she came over here as he was old and would not have managed the journey so poor woman has had a lot to cope with.
We were very busy in the shop and we put out five rails of clothes that were brought up from the processing room. We were not too busy for me to find time to look through the clothes and I found three lovely baby romper suits - for girls, for Bronwyn's granddaughter and a very nice T shirt for me!
I finished at 12 and got changed and headed off to the lunch with all my keep fit ladies. There were about 50 of us and we had a really good time. The food wasn't brilliant but it was a buffet and so there was plenty of choice and the cakes they had to go with the coffee were very good.
After lunch I went to the supermarket and did my shopping and after a damp start to the day it was now very warm.
After putting away the shopping I took Totty out and Bronwyn shouted me over to tell me she is getting her ex guide dog puppy next Wednesday. He is 18 months old and is a 'reject' as he has 'no concentration'. She has met him and he is called Yuppy. She invited me over after I had walked the dog to see the photos.
Back home with Totty I fed her and then headed over to Bronwyn's. The photos of Yuppy are lovely and he looks like a lovely dog. She has had her daughter's dog, Maddie, staying with her for three months and she feels very bad at having to give her back and hopes she will be able to manage the steps in her daughter's house. (Maddie was with Bronwyn while she was recovering from having a hip operation as the vet here is cheaper than Auckland) She says both Peter and her will miss her. I only had one glass of wine even though Peter was trying to give me more, 5.00 is too early to start drinking too much.
I got back at 6.00 and Jon came home a bit later.
We enjoyed our fish and chips again but only had a half scoop of chips which was more than enough.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
A wet Thursday
I got wet taking Totty out this morning so we only had a short walk.
I went over for my 10.00 hair appointment. The stylist, Monista, is S African but moved here when she was ten, she is now 20. She was very nice and chatty and has cut my hair very well, we'll see what it is like when I come to do it myself.
I had a little browse around the shops again before driving home in some very heavy rain.
I had an email from Heather when I got back. She is suffering with ear ache and has been to see the doctor who gave her Olbas oil to clear the blockage so she is feeling a bit better. She is going back to Newmarket tomorrow as Toys R Us have given her some hours.
Totty's mouth is getting better she has had her last antibiotic but she is still rubbing her face along the carpet so I guess it must still be itchy.
We had some good spaghetti for dinner tonight!
I went over for my 10.00 hair appointment. The stylist, Monista, is S African but moved here when she was ten, she is now 20. She was very nice and chatty and has cut my hair very well, we'll see what it is like when I come to do it myself.
I had a little browse around the shops again before driving home in some very heavy rain.
I had an email from Heather when I got back. She is suffering with ear ache and has been to see the doctor who gave her Olbas oil to clear the blockage so she is feeling a bit better. She is going back to Newmarket tomorrow as Toys R Us have given her some hours.
Totty's mouth is getting better she has had her last antibiotic but she is still rubbing her face along the carpet so I guess it must still be itchy.
We had some good spaghetti for dinner tonight!
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Wednesday already!
Jon left early for Auckland this morning so I decided that I would go over to Bay Fair and see if I could get my hair done. I am not happy with the hairdresser I have been going to. It always looks nice when he does it but I have trouble doing it myself and after just a few weeks it needs cutting again.
Well I couldn't get an appointment for today so booked one for tomorrow. I went off and had a coffee, no muffin! I then went into Farmers which is a shop very much like Debenhams but smaller. I needed some jeans but was dreading looking for them as I find so many of them are so low cut and I like them on my waist. I tried 10 different styles on and settled on a very comfy pair and am really happy with them. I also bought a new pair of cropped sports trousers and then as they had an offer on of 30% off if you buy three items I looked for some black going out trousers but the ones I really liked were too big and they didn't have a smaller size so ended up getting 20% off for two items. It is the shops 100 birthday so they have this offer on. I then spent ages looking round the other shops before getting back for a late lunch and yes I had the rest of the lamb!
After taking Totty out for her afternoon walk I decided to make a lemon pudding I liked the look of. Well, it was so complicated and I think I used every mixing bowl, jug and measuring spoon and measuring cups along with mixer and grater and goodness knows what else to make it. Jon called in the middle of all this to say he would not be back till after 7.00 which was probably just as well!
We had some very nice fish before our lemon pudding which although very nice was hard work. The annoying thing is I found a similar recipe in an English book I brought with me and the instructions are far less complicated. I will have to make the English version and then compare.
Well I couldn't get an appointment for today so booked one for tomorrow. I went off and had a coffee, no muffin! I then went into Farmers which is a shop very much like Debenhams but smaller. I needed some jeans but was dreading looking for them as I find so many of them are so low cut and I like them on my waist. I tried 10 different styles on and settled on a very comfy pair and am really happy with them. I also bought a new pair of cropped sports trousers and then as they had an offer on of 30% off if you buy three items I looked for some black going out trousers but the ones I really liked were too big and they didn't have a smaller size so ended up getting 20% off for two items. It is the shops 100 birthday so they have this offer on. I then spent ages looking round the other shops before getting back for a late lunch and yes I had the rest of the lamb!
After taking Totty out for her afternoon walk I decided to make a lemon pudding I liked the look of. Well, it was so complicated and I think I used every mixing bowl, jug and measuring spoon and measuring cups along with mixer and grater and goodness knows what else to make it. Jon called in the middle of all this to say he would not be back till after 7.00 which was probably just as well!
We had some very nice fish before our lemon pudding which although very nice was hard work. The annoying thing is I found a similar recipe in an English book I brought with me and the instructions are far less complicated. I will have to make the English version and then compare.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Happy Birthday Jane and Riverdance
It feels very odd not being with the girls on their birthdays. I know I wouldn't have been with them on every birthday for years to come and I suppose had they left home I wouldn't feel like this.
I went to my keep fit class and it was really good and there were lots of ladies there. She made us work really hard and the tops of my legs felt like they were on fire. I really admire all these older ladies who are obviously very fit.
There was a lady in the class who is a Kiwi but goes over to England every year for four months and then comes back here in time for summer. I didn't get a chance to speak to her for long but she seems very nice.
When I got back I called Bronwyn to see if she was in as I wanted to give her the baby dress. I went over and we sat outside and had coffee and she loved the dress. Before I knew it Peter was back from the computer shop, they have a problem with the memory, and he was asking me if I wanted a glass of wine. It was 12.45! I declined as I had to get Jon's lunch and thought I would spend the afternoon asleep if I started on wine so early!
We had salad with the leftover lamb for lunch - a small leg of lamb goes a long way between two people.
Jon came home early tonight as we were going to see The Rhythms of Ireland, which is like Riverdance and has some of the stars from it. We went to Bella Mia a little Italian pizza place that we have been to a few times before. We had a very nice pizza and salad followed by tiramisu which was not so good. We then went to a bar for coffee before going on to the theatre. When we got there at 7.10 there weren't many people around and we thought we had got the wrong day. On checking the tickets we saw that it didn't start till 8.00 so we had quite a wait.
We finally got settled in our seats and enjoyed the performance. The dancers are incredibly fit and their feet move so fast. We did enjoy it but after a while it got a bit boring, there is only so much you can do with tap dancing.
When we got home we gave Jane a call at work to wish her a happy birthday. She sounded happy and was telling us about her party and how hungover she was the next day. I just have Heather's 21 to get through now and they have all had a birthday so hopefully the next ones will be better.
I went to my keep fit class and it was really good and there were lots of ladies there. She made us work really hard and the tops of my legs felt like they were on fire. I really admire all these older ladies who are obviously very fit.
There was a lady in the class who is a Kiwi but goes over to England every year for four months and then comes back here in time for summer. I didn't get a chance to speak to her for long but she seems very nice.
When I got back I called Bronwyn to see if she was in as I wanted to give her the baby dress. I went over and we sat outside and had coffee and she loved the dress. Before I knew it Peter was back from the computer shop, they have a problem with the memory, and he was asking me if I wanted a glass of wine. It was 12.45! I declined as I had to get Jon's lunch and thought I would spend the afternoon asleep if I started on wine so early!
We had salad with the leftover lamb for lunch - a small leg of lamb goes a long way between two people.
Jon came home early tonight as we were going to see The Rhythms of Ireland, which is like Riverdance and has some of the stars from it. We went to Bella Mia a little Italian pizza place that we have been to a few times before. We had a very nice pizza and salad followed by tiramisu which was not so good. We then went to a bar for coffee before going on to the theatre. When we got there at 7.10 there weren't many people around and we thought we had got the wrong day. On checking the tickets we saw that it didn't start till 8.00 so we had quite a wait.
We finally got settled in our seats and enjoyed the performance. The dancers are incredibly fit and their feet move so fast. We did enjoy it but after a while it got a bit boring, there is only so much you can do with tap dancing.
When we got home we gave Jane a call at work to wish her a happy birthday. She sounded happy and was telling us about her party and how hungover she was the next day. I just have Heather's 21 to get through now and they have all had a birthday so hopefully the next ones will be better.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Monday and my blog is so far behind!
I really should keep my blog up to date as I forget what I have been doing.
As usual on a Monday I do all my housework and typically the weather was good today as the children go back to school! Got all my washing done and ironed it all, I'm getting very good at doing it all on one day.
Totty's lip is looking much better so hopefully when she finishes the antibiotics she will be OK.
We had so much lamb left over we had that for dinner tonight in pitta bread with salad and yogurt and mint sauce, very good.
As usual on a Monday I do all my housework and typically the weather was good today as the children go back to school! Got all my washing done and ironed it all, I'm getting very good at doing it all on one day.
Totty's lip is looking much better so hopefully when she finishes the antibiotics she will be OK.
We had so much lamb left over we had that for dinner tonight in pitta bread with salad and yogurt and mint sauce, very good.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Sunday and it is really sunny again.
We took Totty out for a lovely sunny walk this morning before going into Tauranga for coffee in Red Square.
After that we went out to the spot where Alison and I had walked on Wednesday as Jon had not been there. We didn't have enough time to do the whole walk and I didn't like the end bit anyway so we decided just to walk for half an hour and then turn back. It was lovely and warm and we enjoyed the walk apart from the young boy and his dad on bikes who came whizzing round the path and had we had the dog with us I dread to think what could have happened, so silly to come round corners so fast on walkways when you don't know what or who you will find.
We got back home for a late lunch and it was by now really warm, 22 degrees. Mad to think we had to have the fire on on Friday night!
Jon pottered around in the garden doing a bit of tidying, he only needs to do it once a month. I sat on the deck in my sun lounger and got quite red!
After another walk with Totty I got back and cooked the dinner. I did a recipe which was poached chicken breast served with roast leeks and red peppers all cooked with our homegrown herbs, they are doing really well. I am not a fan of chicken breast usually as I find it to be a big lump of usually dry meat but doing it this way it was very moist. I am spoiling this man with all these new recipes. I intend to make a subscription to this new magazine which comes out every two months so the next one will be in time for Christmas which should be interesting as I have no idea what I will be cooking for Christmas Dinner this year!
After that we went out to the spot where Alison and I had walked on Wednesday as Jon had not been there. We didn't have enough time to do the whole walk and I didn't like the end bit anyway so we decided just to walk for half an hour and then turn back. It was lovely and warm and we enjoyed the walk apart from the young boy and his dad on bikes who came whizzing round the path and had we had the dog with us I dread to think what could have happened, so silly to come round corners so fast on walkways when you don't know what or who you will find.
We got back home for a late lunch and it was by now really warm, 22 degrees. Mad to think we had to have the fire on on Friday night!
Jon pottered around in the garden doing a bit of tidying, he only needs to do it once a month. I sat on the deck in my sun lounger and got quite red!
After another walk with Totty I got back and cooked the dinner. I did a recipe which was poached chicken breast served with roast leeks and red peppers all cooked with our homegrown herbs, they are doing really well. I am not a fan of chicken breast usually as I find it to be a big lump of usually dry meat but doing it this way it was very moist. I am spoiling this man with all these new recipes. I intend to make a subscription to this new magazine which comes out every two months so the next one will be in time for Christmas which should be interesting as I have no idea what I will be cooking for Christmas Dinner this year!
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Saturday and the weather looks better!
It was looking OK after all the rain and we had a lovely walk down to Rotary Park.
We went over to Bay Fair to collect my contact lens and Jon's glasses were in too - lots of money!
We had a look around the shops and Jon bought a very nice shirt and of course we had coffee and shared a very yummy chocolate chip and raspberry muffin - very fattening I think!
I wanted to cook a recipe I had liked in one of my magazines and needed to buy a butterfly leg of lamb which I found in Farmer Jones.
After lunch we went to the driving range and hit a basket of balls. The man who owns/works there was talking to us and asked Jon if our name was Cornish and it seems he is from Devon - small world.
Totty was lucky today as she had two walks in Rotary Park.
I cooked a very nice dinner of feta cheese and tomato cooked in olive oil and lemon juice for starter followed by marinated spring lamb cooked with olives and it was really yummy!
We went over to Bay Fair to collect my contact lens and Jon's glasses were in too - lots of money!
We had a look around the shops and Jon bought a very nice shirt and of course we had coffee and shared a very yummy chocolate chip and raspberry muffin - very fattening I think!
I wanted to cook a recipe I had liked in one of my magazines and needed to buy a butterfly leg of lamb which I found in Farmer Jones.
After lunch we went to the driving range and hit a basket of balls. The man who owns/works there was talking to us and asked Jon if our name was Cornish and it seems he is from Devon - small world.
Totty was lucky today as she had two walks in Rotary Park.
I cooked a very nice dinner of feta cheese and tomato cooked in olive oil and lemon juice for starter followed by marinated spring lamb cooked with olives and it was really yummy!
Friday, 9 October 2009
Friday and LOTS more rain
Well I did manage to get Totty out this morning but it started to rain when I got to the Red Cross and it didn't stop for the rest of the day!
I found a lovely little dress for Bronwyn's granddaughter for $3 (£1.20)it is so pretty like a sailor dress in white and navy trim with little fishes embroidered on the yolk and brand new from Australia. I spent all morning sorting and arranging the children's wear but it looked very smart when I had finished.
I then spent far too long in the supermarket and was late back for lunch.
It was really cold in the house and so wet outside that I lit the fire and spent the afternoon watching a film called the Painted Veil which was very good. I have watched more TV here in the last ten months than I have watched in the last ten years in the UK!
We had some really good fish and chips tonight. Sometimes it is really special and the batter so crispy. I think we will have to go back to a half a scoop of chips again as the 'scoops' seem to have grown again and Totty is getting too many leftovers!
I found a lovely little dress for Bronwyn's granddaughter for $3 (£1.20)it is so pretty like a sailor dress in white and navy trim with little fishes embroidered on the yolk and brand new from Australia. I spent all morning sorting and arranging the children's wear but it looked very smart when I had finished.
I then spent far too long in the supermarket and was late back for lunch.
It was really cold in the house and so wet outside that I lit the fire and spent the afternoon watching a film called the Painted Veil which was very good. I have watched more TV here in the last ten months than I have watched in the last ten years in the UK!
We had some really good fish and chips tonight. Sometimes it is really special and the batter so crispy. I think we will have to go back to a half a scoop of chips again as the 'scoops' seem to have grown again and Totty is getting too many leftovers!
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Feeling cold again!
The sun was supposed to shine but it is not looking good and is really cold again.
I spoke to my sister Barbara for a long time this morning which was nice. It was her husband's 70 birthday and SHE had a hangover! I was also speaking to Heather at the same time on MSM, very confusing!
I didn't do much today. I half expected Alison to call about going out again and she did but it was to say she hadn't been able to get in touch with her brother so we would have to leave it to meet Graceiella some other time.
I took Totty to the vet as she needed her anal glands sorting out again and she also has a small ulcerated area on the inside of her lip. I have been bathing it with T Tree and it cleared a bit but not much and she has been rubbing her face along the carpet a lot so thought we ought to have it looked at. The vet gave her some antibiotics so hopefully it will sort it out.
Cooked spag bol for dinner - we haven't had that for ages and it was good.
I spoke to my sister Barbara for a long time this morning which was nice. It was her husband's 70 birthday and SHE had a hangover! I was also speaking to Heather at the same time on MSM, very confusing!
I didn't do much today. I half expected Alison to call about going out again and she did but it was to say she hadn't been able to get in touch with her brother so we would have to leave it to meet Graceiella some other time.
I took Totty to the vet as she needed her anal glands sorting out again and she also has a small ulcerated area on the inside of her lip. I have been bathing it with T Tree and it cleared a bit but not much and she has been rubbing her face along the carpet a lot so thought we ought to have it looked at. The vet gave her some antibiotics so hopefully it will sort it out.
Cooked spag bol for dinner - we haven't had that for ages and it was good.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
A nice walk
Thankfully the sun was shinning this morning and after taking Totty out for her walk I went over to Alison's. Her brother and his Argentinian girlfriend were going out to lunch and so could not make it and her friend, Wendy, had a surprise visit from her son who came over from the UK and didn't tell her he was coming so she was going out with him so it was just Alison and me.
The walk we did was across the other side of Tauranga around one of the many estuaries. The first half of the walk was through lovely wooded areas and board walks and the second half, not so nice, was on a path next to a main road and back to the car. It took us two hours and was really nice and we exercised our jaws extensively!
We went to a cafe after the walk and had a very nice lunch with the biggest piece of carrot cake as pudding and which I could not finish.
When I got back it was time to take Totty out again. If I had sat down I don't think I would have got up again.
It was all I could do to get the dinner ready tonight! Looking forward to bed.
The walk we did was across the other side of Tauranga around one of the many estuaries. The first half of the walk was through lovely wooded areas and board walks and the second half, not so nice, was on a path next to a main road and back to the car. It took us two hours and was really nice and we exercised our jaws extensively!
We went to a cafe after the walk and had a very nice lunch with the biggest piece of carrot cake as pudding and which I could not finish.
When I got back it was time to take Totty out again. If I had sat down I don't think I would have got up again.
It was all I could do to get the dinner ready tonight! Looking forward to bed.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Tuesday
Well at least the sun is shinning a little today but there is a bitter south wind but I took the bull by the horns and braved it with Totty.
I had an email from Jane - she loves the shoes.
I went out to my keep fit class and that certainly warmed me up. It was then a quick trip to the supermarket before going home to make lunch.
Our neighbours have been away to Thailand and are now back and although they are not noisy it has been nice not having them around but they are back to school next week so all will be quiet again.
Took Totty out this afternoon and saw Bronwyn for a chat.
I am going out for a walk with Alison tomorrow and maybe her brother's girlfriend from Argentina is coming with us. We are supposed to have tow nice days and then more cold weather. I'll be glad when it is summer!
I had an email from Jane - she loves the shoes.
I went out to my keep fit class and that certainly warmed me up. It was then a quick trip to the supermarket before going home to make lunch.
Our neighbours have been away to Thailand and are now back and although they are not noisy it has been nice not having them around but they are back to school next week so all will be quiet again.
Took Totty out this afternoon and saw Bronwyn for a chat.
I am going out for a walk with Alison tomorrow and maybe her brother's girlfriend from Argentina is coming with us. We are supposed to have tow nice days and then more cold weather. I'll be glad when it is summer!
Monday, 5 October 2009
So much rain, so much snow and so cold!
It was really wet and cold today, just like winter again! No chance of Totty having a walk.
After my shower and putting on three layers of tops I was still cold and so put my dressing gown on but decided the best way to get warm was to do my housework and so I got stuck in and it was warmer.
When Jon came home at lunchtime he said it was freezing in the house and why didn't I light the fire but the problem with the fire is it causes so much dust on all the dark wood in the living room and I had just cleaned everywhere! However, by mid afternoon it was getting colder and even doing my ironing did not warm me up and the rain and the wind were hammering down so I lit the fire and the temperature went up from 10 degrees to 20 degrees very quickly.
They had a huge dumping of snow in the central north island yesterday and the desert road is closed along with the road from Taupo to Napier something that has never happened at this time of year for 25 years. There were 700 cars stuck on the Napier road, many of them for more than ten hours. We have been thinking of going to Napier, I'm glad we didn't go this weekend as we would have been on that road coming home at 3.30 in the afternoon when the snow fell.
Well the rain hasn't stopped so no walking Totty today, fingers crossed for tomorrow!
After my shower and putting on three layers of tops I was still cold and so put my dressing gown on but decided the best way to get warm was to do my housework and so I got stuck in and it was warmer.
When Jon came home at lunchtime he said it was freezing in the house and why didn't I light the fire but the problem with the fire is it causes so much dust on all the dark wood in the living room and I had just cleaned everywhere! However, by mid afternoon it was getting colder and even doing my ironing did not warm me up and the rain and the wind were hammering down so I lit the fire and the temperature went up from 10 degrees to 20 degrees very quickly.
They had a huge dumping of snow in the central north island yesterday and the desert road is closed along with the road from Taupo to Napier something that has never happened at this time of year for 25 years. There were 700 cars stuck on the Napier road, many of them for more than ten hours. We have been thinking of going to Napier, I'm glad we didn't go this weekend as we would have been on that road coming home at 3.30 in the afternoon when the snow fell.
Well the rain hasn't stopped so no walking Totty today, fingers crossed for tomorrow!
Sunday, 4 October 2009
No golf today
Andy hasn't emailed us so we presume we have no lesson today. He is a bit hit and miss with his communications but never mind the weather is not very good anyway.
We were lucky with Totty and managed to get her out for her walk before it rained. One side of Rotary Park was very mild and the sea calm but around the corner it was very blowy and the sea was rough.
We went to our usual place for coffee and I had a lovely lemon and coconut muffin and Jon had a little savoury pie - I am waiting for the day when all these muffins catch up with me! By the time we had finished coffee it was raining hard so we decided against the driving range and went across to the shopping centre instead.
I had to go in to Spec Savers and ask where my contact lens were as they were ordered on 9 September. They were very apologetic and said he would get onto it first thing in the morning as he did not know what had happened. We then went and bought some shorts for Jon. That makes four good pairs he has now and I am sure he will get more use out of them than when we were in UK. I had seen some lovely purple coloured crocodile shoes that I felt sure Jane would love and they were reduced and if you bought one pair you got the cheapest pair at half price. Jon saw some summer shoes that he liked so I also bought the shoes for Jane. They fit me so hopefully they will be fine for her. Rainy days are bad at the weekend as we always spend money. Through the week I just go out for coffee.
There was a tour of the glow worm caves at McLaren Falls this evening but it was raining a lot so we stayed in and Jon watched the Grand Prix which as it is in Japan is on live for a change.
We were lucky with Totty and managed to get her out for her walk before it rained. One side of Rotary Park was very mild and the sea calm but around the corner it was very blowy and the sea was rough.
We went to our usual place for coffee and I had a lovely lemon and coconut muffin and Jon had a little savoury pie - I am waiting for the day when all these muffins catch up with me! By the time we had finished coffee it was raining hard so we decided against the driving range and went across to the shopping centre instead.
I had to go in to Spec Savers and ask where my contact lens were as they were ordered on 9 September. They were very apologetic and said he would get onto it first thing in the morning as he did not know what had happened. We then went and bought some shorts for Jon. That makes four good pairs he has now and I am sure he will get more use out of them than when we were in UK. I had seen some lovely purple coloured crocodile shoes that I felt sure Jane would love and they were reduced and if you bought one pair you got the cheapest pair at half price. Jon saw some summer shoes that he liked so I also bought the shoes for Jane. They fit me so hopefully they will be fine for her. Rainy days are bad at the weekend as we always spend money. Through the week I just go out for coffee.
There was a tour of the glow worm caves at McLaren Falls this evening but it was raining a lot so we stayed in and Jon watched the Grand Prix which as it is in Japan is on live for a change.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Saturdy
I phoned home and had a nice chat with Kirsty and Jane this morning, Jane was telling us about her trip to Spain she has won for selling the 2000th car at Marshalls. She will be going to Barcelona for four days in November.
We took Totty down to Rotary Park this morning much later than we usually do because I was on the phone and although it was dry the ground was very wet as we had the heaviest rainfall last night and it was so noisy on the roof.
Jon and I went down to a bar near the port, I have been there before but Jon hasn't. The bar is under a block of very plush, new apartments which unfortunately are not selling very well. Attached to the back of the apartments is a boat storage and the boasts sail in through a tunnel in the middle of the apartments and are put on a lift and stored on big racks for the winter. Does that sound complicated? I will take the camera next time we go and put a photo on to explain. Anyway, the bar is very nice and we sat outside overlooking the harbour and a had a coffee and a piece of very nice lemon and passion fruit cake with cream - we did share one between us! We did walk the calories off when we finished by walking round part of the harbour.
In the afternoon we took Totty up to Te Puna Quarry Park and went down a track we have never done before to see the newly planted Kauri trees. It was very steep and we had to cross over a stream and then climb up very high again, went through some thick bush but we didn't find the Kauri trees and rather than go higher we turned back and walked around the park looking at the lovely orchids which are now in full bloom. We found some other paths that we have not been on before and saw some lovely spring flowers. When we got back to the car Totty was very tired and sat very nicely all the way home.
I have been watching 'How to Cook' with Delia Smith on TV and she made a very nice fish pie with salsa verde so I made that for dinner last night and although a bit of a fiddle and my kitchen was more untidy than hers was on the TV the pie was very good so I will do that again and maybe try it with different types of fish. We then had some very nice NZ Brie which was really gooey.
We took Totty down to Rotary Park this morning much later than we usually do because I was on the phone and although it was dry the ground was very wet as we had the heaviest rainfall last night and it was so noisy on the roof.
Jon and I went down to a bar near the port, I have been there before but Jon hasn't. The bar is under a block of very plush, new apartments which unfortunately are not selling very well. Attached to the back of the apartments is a boat storage and the boasts sail in through a tunnel in the middle of the apartments and are put on a lift and stored on big racks for the winter. Does that sound complicated? I will take the camera next time we go and put a photo on to explain. Anyway, the bar is very nice and we sat outside overlooking the harbour and a had a coffee and a piece of very nice lemon and passion fruit cake with cream - we did share one between us! We did walk the calories off when we finished by walking round part of the harbour.
In the afternoon we took Totty up to Te Puna Quarry Park and went down a track we have never done before to see the newly planted Kauri trees. It was very steep and we had to cross over a stream and then climb up very high again, went through some thick bush but we didn't find the Kauri trees and rather than go higher we turned back and walked around the park looking at the lovely orchids which are now in full bloom. We found some other paths that we have not been on before and saw some lovely spring flowers. When we got back to the car Totty was very tired and sat very nicely all the way home.
I have been watching 'How to Cook' with Delia Smith on TV and she made a very nice fish pie with salsa verde so I made that for dinner last night and although a bit of a fiddle and my kitchen was more untidy than hers was on the TV the pie was very good so I will do that again and maybe try it with different types of fish. We then had some very nice NZ Brie which was really gooey.
Friday, 2 October 2009
Friday
I went to the Red Cross today and it as only Bianca and me again so we were busy. They have a special appeal for Samoa on and ere selling bangles but we didn't get much in and. I bought a very nice shirt for me and a nice top to wear over a swimming costume.
After the shop I went to the supermarket only to find I had left my glasses in the shop so found it hard gong doing my shopping. I think I need to get my glasses put on a chain around my neck.
After lunch I wen to get my glasses and then I went over to Alison's for a cup of tea and she had made some very good cakes. Bronwyn was there too and we had a very nice afternoon. I picked a big bag of grapefruit and lemons. Alison and I thought we were going to be able to get out for a walk this week a she is on school holidays but the weather has not been good enough. Her brother's partner is over from Argentina and does not speak English so Alison asked me if we could go out for a walk on Monday and she would invite her if I would be able to speak to her. I told her it is a while since I spoke any Spanish but thought I would be able to manage it. We just have to wait and see what the weather is going to be like.
I got back and took Totty out and then Jon cam home and we had fish and chips for tea.
After the shop I went to the supermarket only to find I had left my glasses in the shop so found it hard gong doing my shopping. I think I need to get my glasses put on a chain around my neck.
After lunch I wen to get my glasses and then I went over to Alison's for a cup of tea and she had made some very good cakes. Bronwyn was there too and we had a very nice afternoon. I picked a big bag of grapefruit and lemons. Alison and I thought we were going to be able to get out for a walk this week a she is on school holidays but the weather has not been good enough. Her brother's partner is over from Argentina and does not speak English so Alison asked me if we could go out for a walk on Monday and she would invite her if I would be able to speak to her. I told her it is a while since I spoke any Spanish but thought I would be able to manage it. We just have to wait and see what the weather is going to be like.
I got back and took Totty out and then Jon cam home and we had fish and chips for tea.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Thursday and we have some sun back
Jon was up and away at 7.15 today as he had to drive to Auckland with Mark for a meeting.
At least the weather was good and I got Totty out for a proper walk this morning.
I had to post some birthday cards so went out to the post office and then up to the garden centre for a coffee. They had some nice looking lemon muffins which I just had to try! It was very good.
I was so full of muffin I didn't feel like any lunch so didn't bother to have any. I took Totty out for a walk later in the afternoon and by the time I got back I was shaking with hunger and quickly had to eat some Ryvita with pate followed by a yogurt and a banana but it was a long time before I stopped shaking. That will teach me to eat a muffin at 11.30.
I left before Jon go back as I had to pick Janice up for the Lions area dinner. There were about 90 people at the dinner and we had a young lady from the Girl's College singing for us. The Lions are sponsoring her as she goes on weekend singing courses and hopes to become an opera singer and she s very good for 18 years old. At the start o the meeting we had to sing the New Zealand National Anthem in Maori then English. Fortunately, they gave me a copy of the words but it was very hard as the pronunciation is so difficult - lots of vowels and not so many consonants. I will have to learn it better for the next time. It was a good meeting but rather longer than the normal Lions meetings. We had a speaker (English lady) from the Cancer Society talking to us about the new Lions Cancer Lodge which is being built in Hamilton. It is used for people who are having treatment and live more than 100kms away and they stay there Mon - Fri. Lions paid for the original one but they are having to relocate but will still call it the Lions Lodge as the Lions clubs in this area pay a lot of money to the Cancer Society for the upkeep of the Lodge.
There was also much talk about the terrible tsunami in Samoa. Lions International has sent a large sum of money to them already but there was talk of what we cold do from here. The Lions Club in Samoa is part of our area. There is a very large Samoan population here in NZ and many Kiwis go there for holidays and it was on our 'to do' list. The pictures and stories on TV have been very sad, one man has lost 14 family members and was gong back to Samoa to bury them.
I must say it had not really hit me how vulnerable we are in NZ to natural disasters and lots of people were taking about earthquakes and they say 'when' it happens in NZ and not 'if'. Everyone is waiting for the 'big one'. The TV showed pictures of some very silly people in Auckland who had gone down to the beach to 'wait for the tsunami'. How stupid are they? The police were out telling them to get to high ground but they were ignoring them. In the end all we got was a bit of a swell.
By the time I got home Jon was just making his Horliks, usually he is just finishing his dinner.
There is something wrng with our keyboard andit i not typing all th lettrs and i is drivng me mad!
At least the weather was good and I got Totty out for a proper walk this morning.
I had to post some birthday cards so went out to the post office and then up to the garden centre for a coffee. They had some nice looking lemon muffins which I just had to try! It was very good.
I was so full of muffin I didn't feel like any lunch so didn't bother to have any. I took Totty out for a walk later in the afternoon and by the time I got back I was shaking with hunger and quickly had to eat some Ryvita with pate followed by a yogurt and a banana but it was a long time before I stopped shaking. That will teach me to eat a muffin at 11.30.
I left before Jon go back as I had to pick Janice up for the Lions area dinner. There were about 90 people at the dinner and we had a young lady from the Girl's College singing for us. The Lions are sponsoring her as she goes on weekend singing courses and hopes to become an opera singer and she s very good for 18 years old. At the start o the meeting we had to sing the New Zealand National Anthem in Maori then English. Fortunately, they gave me a copy of the words but it was very hard as the pronunciation is so difficult - lots of vowels and not so many consonants. I will have to learn it better for the next time. It was a good meeting but rather longer than the normal Lions meetings. We had a speaker (English lady) from the Cancer Society talking to us about the new Lions Cancer Lodge which is being built in Hamilton. It is used for people who are having treatment and live more than 100kms away and they stay there Mon - Fri. Lions paid for the original one but they are having to relocate but will still call it the Lions Lodge as the Lions clubs in this area pay a lot of money to the Cancer Society for the upkeep of the Lodge.
There was also much talk about the terrible tsunami in Samoa. Lions International has sent a large sum of money to them already but there was talk of what we cold do from here. The Lions Club in Samoa is part of our area. There is a very large Samoan population here in NZ and many Kiwis go there for holidays and it was on our 'to do' list. The pictures and stories on TV have been very sad, one man has lost 14 family members and was gong back to Samoa to bury them.
I must say it had not really hit me how vulnerable we are in NZ to natural disasters and lots of people were taking about earthquakes and they say 'when' it happens in NZ and not 'if'. Everyone is waiting for the 'big one'. The TV showed pictures of some very silly people in Auckland who had gone down to the beach to 'wait for the tsunami'. How stupid are they? The police were out telling them to get to high ground but they were ignoring them. In the end all we got was a bit of a swell.
By the time I got home Jon was just making his Horliks, usually he is just finishing his dinner.
There is something wrng with our keyboard andit i not typing all th lettrs and i is drivng me mad!
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