The weather was really humid this morning and by the time I got Totty out it was a horrible drizzle.
I set to and started on my spring clean ready for inspection and I cleaned all the cupboards and drawers out and washed the outsides of them so that is the kitchen done. I did my washing but had to use the dryer as it was raining.
Jon came back for lunch early as he had to transfer the money for the car, They will deliver it to me tomorrow as they are cleaning it today. Jon left at 2.00 to get his 3.00 flight to Auckland.
I had to go to the doctor this afternoon and she has referred me to a gynaecologist. She said it would probably take about six weeks so I decided to see one privately. I tried to make the appointment when I got back but they are closed until tomorrow. I hope I can get an appointment soon.
Jon called me from Auckland to say that he had been upgraded and so was looking forward to the flight. He was flying Emirates so will be able to tell me what is in store when we fly with them in January.
Had another soggy walk with Totty this evening.
Had my dinner and watched TV
WEATHER
Started with drizzle this morning followed by some heavy rain but dry and overcast by the evening. Very humid
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
A good golf lesson at last.
I thought I would have a lie in this morning but I was awake at 7.00 as usual so I got up and showered. The weather was a bit better but still windy.
We thought Heather was going to call us as we had planned with her but she came online and said she was watching the XFactor so we took Totty out after having a quick chat to Jane on MSN.
We went down to Bay Fair and the coffee was far too strong today and I couldn't drink it. We bought a shoe rack for the hall as I am fed up with the shoes making the floor dirty. We have had an email from Saleena, the landlady, to say she would like to come and check the house at the beginning of December and also to pick up some of her things she still has stored here. I will have to make sure it is all nice and clean when she comes.
We got back home and had our planned chat with Heather which was nice. She seems to be working very hard at the moment.
After lunch Jon cleaned my car ready to sell to Les as hopefully I will get my new one on Monday. I did the ironing .
We went for a golf lesson at 3.30. We are now the proud owners of a glove each. Andy also put a different grip on my club and gave Jon a different one and then we went out to the practice fairway. Andy had me throwing my golf club away from me as he says my grip is too tense. It was really funny to see but it seems to have made a difference and when I went back to hitting the ball I did really well. Jon says he seemed to go backwards though.
Back home we took Totty down to Rotary Park and it was a really lovely evening the best weather we have had over the weekend.
Jon got his things ready to go to Melbourne tomorrow and I made dinner which was a chilli from the freezer.
We thought Heather was going to call us as we had planned with her but she came online and said she was watching the XFactor so we took Totty out after having a quick chat to Jane on MSN.
We went down to Bay Fair and the coffee was far too strong today and I couldn't drink it. We bought a shoe rack for the hall as I am fed up with the shoes making the floor dirty. We have had an email from Saleena, the landlady, to say she would like to come and check the house at the beginning of December and also to pick up some of her things she still has stored here. I will have to make sure it is all nice and clean when she comes.
We got back home and had our planned chat with Heather which was nice. She seems to be working very hard at the moment.
After lunch Jon cleaned my car ready to sell to Les as hopefully I will get my new one on Monday. I did the ironing .
We went for a golf lesson at 3.30. We are now the proud owners of a glove each. Andy also put a different grip on my club and gave Jon a different one and then we went out to the practice fairway. Andy had me throwing my golf club away from me as he says my grip is too tense. It was really funny to see but it seems to have made a difference and when I went back to hitting the ball I did really well. Jon says he seemed to go backwards though.
Back home we took Totty down to Rotary Park and it was a really lovely evening the best weather we have had over the weekend.
Jon got his things ready to go to Melbourne tomorrow and I made dinner which was a chilli from the freezer.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Book Sale Day
I was up very early today - 6.30! I had to be at the book sale at 7.45 so had to leave at 7.30 to get there. Fortunately there wasn't much on the roads at that time so I made it quite easily.
I couldn't believe it when I got to Bethlehem there were people waiting on the pavement, some had been there since 6.45 and were sitting on chairs outside when Lois arrived. A bit like the dealers at car boot sales in the UK.
We went in and were given our instructions for the day and then the doors were opened and it was like a rugby scrum. People swarmed in with boxes and small cases on wheels and soon filled them up. There were tow separate couples who obviously had book shops or stalls and they bought so many. One couple spent $200 and the other just under $1000. There was a steady stream of people until I left at 11.30 so it looked like it was going to be a big success.
I dashed home and got changed and Jon took me over to the Classic Flyers for the Red Cross lunch. Most people were already seated when I got there and fortunately Les had saved me a seat. I was looking forward to a glass of wine when Les told me that no alcohol was allowed. A silly idea if you ask me. Surely everyone should be responsible for themselves after all the average age was at least 60 so nobody was going to get drunk. Red Cross say they can't be held responsible so we couldn't drink. I'd have driven myself had I known that!
We started with the local MP giving a talk and he was soooo boring. It was more like an election talk. They then had presentations and by now I was really hungry - breakfast was a long time ago. We finally started to eat at about 1.30. We had lasagne and salad followed by some very nice cakes and chocolate sweets. Then some children came and sang Christmas Carols in Maori and listening to Silent Night and Jingle Bell Rock in Maori was lovely. As lunches go it was not the best but it was interesting to meet the other volunteers that I don't get to work with.
Jon came to pick me up and we went to look for some short sleeved shirts for him and we also bought a nice new bed for the dog.
Back home we had a cup of tea and then took Totty out. I hasn't been very good weather wise this afternoon and was still overcast and windy.
We had some good lamb chops and salad for dinner.
I couldn't believe it when I got to Bethlehem there were people waiting on the pavement, some had been there since 6.45 and were sitting on chairs outside when Lois arrived. A bit like the dealers at car boot sales in the UK.
We went in and were given our instructions for the day and then the doors were opened and it was like a rugby scrum. People swarmed in with boxes and small cases on wheels and soon filled them up. There were tow separate couples who obviously had book shops or stalls and they bought so many. One couple spent $200 and the other just under $1000. There was a steady stream of people until I left at 11.30 so it looked like it was going to be a big success.
I dashed home and got changed and Jon took me over to the Classic Flyers for the Red Cross lunch. Most people were already seated when I got there and fortunately Les had saved me a seat. I was looking forward to a glass of wine when Les told me that no alcohol was allowed. A silly idea if you ask me. Surely everyone should be responsible for themselves after all the average age was at least 60 so nobody was going to get drunk. Red Cross say they can't be held responsible so we couldn't drink. I'd have driven myself had I known that!
We started with the local MP giving a talk and he was soooo boring. It was more like an election talk. They then had presentations and by now I was really hungry - breakfast was a long time ago. We finally started to eat at about 1.30. We had lasagne and salad followed by some very nice cakes and chocolate sweets. Then some children came and sang Christmas Carols in Maori and listening to Silent Night and Jingle Bell Rock in Maori was lovely. As lunches go it was not the best but it was interesting to meet the other volunteers that I don't get to work with.
Jon came to pick me up and we went to look for some short sleeved shirts for him and we also bought a nice new bed for the dog.
Back home we had a cup of tea and then took Totty out. I hasn't been very good weather wise this afternoon and was still overcast and windy.
We had some good lamb chops and salad for dinner.
Friday, 27 November 2009
First Kiwi Christmas party
Well it was still very windy this morning but at least it was warm wind. Totty only had a short walk again this Friday as I was rushing to get ready for Red Cross and my clothes to change into for the keep fit party.
We had a busy morning at the shop and Les is very pleased to be getting my car.
I got changed and set off for the Citizens Club just along the road. When I arrived there were already lots of people there, many of the ladies had brought their husbands. I spotted Joan, I met her when I was first here, sitting on her own at a table of four. She was waiting for two friends so I asked if I could sit with them. The tables were set very nicely and it was all very festive. We had a really good time with lots of laughing. The meal was very good, gammon and potatoes, veg and salad followed by Christmas pudding with lovely Kiwi custard. It was lovely to see all the ladies dressed in proper clothes instead of gym kit.
The lunch ended at about 2.30 and I went to to a bit of shopping, we don't need much as Jon is going away on Monday.
Jon came home from work with the good news that he has bought my car and I should be able to have it on Monday.
It was too hot to take Totty out so I waited until Jon came home and we went down to Rotary Park where there were two families using the public BBQs and it smelt very good.
We had fish and chips but I only had fish and a few chips as I was full from lunchtime.
It said on the news that there had been a series of earthquakes near Tauranga at 4.30 this afternoon but I didn't feel anything.
It is still very windy tonight and the forecast is not good for tomorrow.
I have to be up at 6.30 tomorrow as I need to be at the book sale for 8.00. I hope I don't sleep in!
We had a busy morning at the shop and Les is very pleased to be getting my car.
I got changed and set off for the Citizens Club just along the road. When I arrived there were already lots of people there, many of the ladies had brought their husbands. I spotted Joan, I met her when I was first here, sitting on her own at a table of four. She was waiting for two friends so I asked if I could sit with them. The tables were set very nicely and it was all very festive. We had a really good time with lots of laughing. The meal was very good, gammon and potatoes, veg and salad followed by Christmas pudding with lovely Kiwi custard. It was lovely to see all the ladies dressed in proper clothes instead of gym kit.
The lunch ended at about 2.30 and I went to to a bit of shopping, we don't need much as Jon is going away on Monday.
Jon came home from work with the good news that he has bought my car and I should be able to have it on Monday.
It was too hot to take Totty out so I waited until Jon came home and we went down to Rotary Park where there were two families using the public BBQs and it smelt very good.
We had fish and chips but I only had fish and a few chips as I was full from lunchtime.
It said on the news that there had been a series of earthquakes near Tauranga at 4.30 this afternoon but I didn't feel anything.
It is still very windy tonight and the forecast is not good for tomorrow.
I have to be up at 6.30 tomorrow as I need to be at the book sale for 8.00. I hope I don't sleep in!
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Thursday
It was sooooo windy through the night and I eventually had to get up and close the window as it was blowing the blind about and it was making a noise and kept waking me. It was very sunny with clear skies when we got up but still very windy.
Jon called from the car showroom to say the man could come out this morning to have a look at my car to give us a price for it so I had to cancel my yoga class.
Totty and I nearly got blown away on our walk but it was very warm.
The man came out and looked at the car and Jon called me later to say they had offered $2,500 so I think we will sell it to Les for that.
Jon couldn't make it home so I had my lunch and then went out to Bethlehem where the Lions are holding the book sale and I spent the afternoon helping there. They have thousands of books and lots of CDs, DVDs and jig saw puzzles and games so hopefully we should make a lot of money.
I got back about 5.00 very dirty and tired so had a cup of tea before taking Totty out and it was still very windy.
I finally managed to speak to Les who says yes she definitely wants the car, which is good.
We had some really good fish for dinner and strawberries for pudding.
Jon called from the car showroom to say the man could come out this morning to have a look at my car to give us a price for it so I had to cancel my yoga class.
Totty and I nearly got blown away on our walk but it was very warm.
The man came out and looked at the car and Jon called me later to say they had offered $2,500 so I think we will sell it to Les for that.
Jon couldn't make it home so I had my lunch and then went out to Bethlehem where the Lions are holding the book sale and I spent the afternoon helping there. They have thousands of books and lots of CDs, DVDs and jig saw puzzles and games so hopefully we should make a lot of money.
I got back about 5.00 very dirty and tired so had a cup of tea before taking Totty out and it was still very windy.
I finally managed to speak to Les who says yes she definitely wants the car, which is good.
We had some really good fish for dinner and strawberries for pudding.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Wednesday
We had an email from Heather to say thank you for her presents and to tell us she would be online later. Unfortunately, I am going for a aquacise class and Jon is going to be at work so we will have to arrange a chat for a later date.
I went out early as I had to get to the Mount for a 9.00 start. It was a bit cloudy but the sun came out and the pool was very warm. I met Les who had come along with a lady called Carol who turned out to be the lady who was my partner at yoga last week! The class was really good and I enjoyed it very much. I will need to put sun cream on next week as I caught a lot of sun on my back. After the class you can use the other pools and so I got out of the pool with the intention of going over to the big hot pool but I felt very strange just like I had spent an hour on a pedalo and drunk a bottle of wine at the same time, very weird. I managed to stagger to the pool and after a little sit down regained my balance. The pool was really hot and as the sun was now very hot we got out and had a cool shower.
Les and I went across the road for a coffee and she tells me she is still very keen to buy my car when I get a new one. I drove her home and then went home myself. I managed to have a chat to Heather on MSN and she told me about all her presents.
When Jon came back at lunchtime he told me he would bring a Ford Fiesta home for the night for me to try. It looks really nice.
I caught up with Neighbours and had a read in the afternoon before taking Totty out for her walk. We spent a long time sitting in the sun in the park and it was very pleasant until she spotted a cat in a garden and tried to get to it.
The Fiesta is really nice and we went out for a drive and I loved it so Jon will have a chat to the garage tomorrow and see what price he can get.
I went out early as I had to get to the Mount for a 9.00 start. It was a bit cloudy but the sun came out and the pool was very warm. I met Les who had come along with a lady called Carol who turned out to be the lady who was my partner at yoga last week! The class was really good and I enjoyed it very much. I will need to put sun cream on next week as I caught a lot of sun on my back. After the class you can use the other pools and so I got out of the pool with the intention of going over to the big hot pool but I felt very strange just like I had spent an hour on a pedalo and drunk a bottle of wine at the same time, very weird. I managed to stagger to the pool and after a little sit down regained my balance. The pool was really hot and as the sun was now very hot we got out and had a cool shower.
Les and I went across the road for a coffee and she tells me she is still very keen to buy my car when I get a new one. I drove her home and then went home myself. I managed to have a chat to Heather on MSN and she told me about all her presents.
When Jon came back at lunchtime he told me he would bring a Ford Fiesta home for the night for me to try. It looks really nice.
I caught up with Neighbours and had a read in the afternoon before taking Totty out for her walk. We spent a long time sitting in the sun in the park and it was very pleasant until she spotted a cat in a garden and tried to get to it.
The Fiesta is really nice and we went out for a drive and I loved it so Jon will have a chat to the garage tomorrow and see what price he can get.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Heather's 21 birthday today
I didn't feel very well this morning and was not sure I wanted to go to my keep fit class but after taking Totty for a walk I felt better and so got ready until I went to put my trainers on and realised that they were in Jon's car so I couldn't go anyway. I had to go to the class to pay for my Christmas lunch and it was really funny when I walked in wearing 'proper' clothes.
After paying for my lunch I decided to pop into Tauranga and pick up my jeans that I had left for shortening. I had a little look around the shops and of course stopped for a coffee and then headed home.
I set to to make the gingerbread for the youth camp project for Lions and was very pleased with the result.
It was really, really hot again today, worse than yesterday, I miss having a garden to go out into, the deck is full sun and not the same.
On my way back from walking Totty Peter stopped me and invited me over for a drink but as I was going out to Lions I had to refuse.
I left to pick Janice up and then we met Jean and Helen. Helen was driving and she still makes me very nervous but I do like her, she is so funny.
We had an ex Beefeater giving the talk and he was very good and I learned more about London Tower than I had ever known. He is the only ever Kiwi Beefeater there has ever been and he did the job for 17 years coming back to NZ in January this year.
Lions have a lot on at the moment and tempers are a bit frayed. Personally I think they over commit themselves but that is only my opinion.
I have thought a lot about Heather today and what she is up to from what I see on Facebook she seems to be having a really good birthday week. I feel bad not being with her but she is happy and that is what is important.
I didn't get home till nearly 10.00 very late for a Lions night.
After paying for my lunch I decided to pop into Tauranga and pick up my jeans that I had left for shortening. I had a little look around the shops and of course stopped for a coffee and then headed home.
I set to to make the gingerbread for the youth camp project for Lions and was very pleased with the result.
It was really, really hot again today, worse than yesterday, I miss having a garden to go out into, the deck is full sun and not the same.
On my way back from walking Totty Peter stopped me and invited me over for a drink but as I was going out to Lions I had to refuse.
I left to pick Janice up and then we met Jean and Helen. Helen was driving and she still makes me very nervous but I do like her, she is so funny.
We had an ex Beefeater giving the talk and he was very good and I learned more about London Tower than I had ever known. He is the only ever Kiwi Beefeater there has ever been and he did the job for 17 years coming back to NZ in January this year.
Lions have a lot on at the moment and tempers are a bit frayed. Personally I think they over commit themselves but that is only my opinion.
I have thought a lot about Heather today and what she is up to from what I see on Facebook she seems to be having a really good birthday week. I feel bad not being with her but she is happy and that is what is important.
I didn't get home till nearly 10.00 very late for a Lions night.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Christmas Cake Day
Why did I choose to make my Christmas cake on the hottest day we have had so far. I had to have the oven on for four hours and it was very hot. On the plus side the cake turned out very well and smells good. I have had to wrap it carefully in baking paper, then foil and put it in a plastic bag. I am becoming obsessed with cockroaches. I found two in the oven the other day so now I always have to check it before I turn it on. Ugh I hate them!
Apart from making the cake I did my housework and washing and got the ironing done. I had to give the shower a good clean. It never ceases to amaze me how dirty showers get and they have all those little nooks and crannies where the seals are. An old toothbrush does a good job and there is a lot of satisfaction when it is done.
I met Findlay and his owner this morning and had a chat to him. He is such a lovely boy. He has just finished uni in Christchurch, he did engineering. He was telling me that he wants to go and work in Spain as he spent a year there and really liked it. He was in Andalucia but he is not sure where he would like to go back to. Totty and Findlay get on so well.
Made a good chilli for dinner tonight.
Apart from making the cake I did my housework and washing and got the ironing done. I had to give the shower a good clean. It never ceases to amaze me how dirty showers get and they have all those little nooks and crannies where the seals are. An old toothbrush does a good job and there is a lot of satisfaction when it is done.
I met Findlay and his owner this morning and had a chat to him. He is such a lovely boy. He has just finished uni in Christchurch, he did engineering. He was telling me that he wants to go and work in Spain as he spent a year there and really liked it. He was in Andalucia but he is not sure where he would like to go back to. Totty and Findlay get on so well.
Made a good chilli for dinner tonight.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Sunday and it is much warmer.
Well what a change the weather is much better today.
We went down to the garden centre for coffee today and then bought some basil and chives as our seeds didn't grow. We also bought a new mint as ours has died as it was pot bound so of course we had to buy a bigger pot. We also bought a Rosemary plant so our herb garden is now complete and looks pretty good. I was also surprised, though I don't know why I should have been, to see Poinsettias in the garden centre so we bought one of those, too. Apparently they grow outdoors here!
After lunch we went to the driving range to hit some balls. Why can these eight and nine year olds do it so well?
We then went looking at cars for me. You can get really good deals with some of the Japanese cars. The problem I have is I don't know what I want. Most of the new models have very short bonnets and I don't like them, how do you see to park? I need to get in them and have a test drive and see what they feel like. We saw some good deals so I will have to go back next week and have a drive.
The weather had by now clouded over but we managed to get home and get Totty out before it rained but it was still very warm.
I cooked nasi goreng for dinner tonight and it was very good. I would describe it as a Malaysian paella. I also made a very good boysenberry and apple crumble. It was really good and the crumble was made of breadcrumbs, a nice change.
We went down to the garden centre for coffee today and then bought some basil and chives as our seeds didn't grow. We also bought a new mint as ours has died as it was pot bound so of course we had to buy a bigger pot. We also bought a Rosemary plant so our herb garden is now complete and looks pretty good. I was also surprised, though I don't know why I should have been, to see Poinsettias in the garden centre so we bought one of those, too. Apparently they grow outdoors here!
After lunch we went to the driving range to hit some balls. Why can these eight and nine year olds do it so well?
We then went looking at cars for me. You can get really good deals with some of the Japanese cars. The problem I have is I don't know what I want. Most of the new models have very short bonnets and I don't like them, how do you see to park? I need to get in them and have a test drive and see what they feel like. We saw some good deals so I will have to go back next week and have a drive.
The weather had by now clouded over but we managed to get home and get Totty out before it rained but it was still very warm.
I cooked nasi goreng for dinner tonight and it was very good. I would describe it as a Malaysian paella. I also made a very good boysenberry and apple crumble. It was really good and the crumble was made of breadcrumbs, a nice change.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Why can't the weather men/women get it right?
Our intention was to have a day at the beach for a picnic today as the forecast was good. However, when we got up the weather was cloudy and windy and at the exposed end of the park we were nearly blown away when we took Totty for a walk.
We decided instead to go and look for a king size summer duvet as the one here at the house is just double and not big enough. We went over to Briscoes and had quite a job finding a summer weight duvet as most of them didn't have a tog number on like we have in the UK. We eventually bought one which the young girl assured us was summer weight! I also found some more reading glasses as I broke my others while wearing them round my neck at the shop, they get caught up with the coat hangers.
We then went for coffee but it was much too windy to sit outside and there were so many little children in the cafe we ended up on a table in the entrance which was in fact quite pleasant.
We got back home and had an indoors picnic for lunch.
I didn't feel like doing much else so Jon did a bit of gardening and washed the car and I did a bit of farming on Farmville.
We had some good stir fried beef cooked with sesame seeds for dinner.
We decided instead to go and look for a king size summer duvet as the one here at the house is just double and not big enough. We went over to Briscoes and had quite a job finding a summer weight duvet as most of them didn't have a tog number on like we have in the UK. We eventually bought one which the young girl assured us was summer weight! I also found some more reading glasses as I broke my others while wearing them round my neck at the shop, they get caught up with the coat hangers.
We then went for coffee but it was much too windy to sit outside and there were so many little children in the cafe we ended up on a table in the entrance which was in fact quite pleasant.
We got back home and had an indoors picnic for lunch.
I didn't feel like doing much else so Jon did a bit of gardening and washed the car and I did a bit of farming on Farmville.
We had some good stir fried beef cooked with sesame seeds for dinner.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Life is getting to be as busy as it was in the UK!
I can't believe I slept in this morning, Jon woke me at 7.45! Typical on a day when I have so much to do. Poor Totty only had a short walk this morning and a big confrontation with two little terriers that came running down their driveway to sort us out. Fortunately, I managed to sort them out and we were on our way again. Silly thing is I had crossed the road to get away from two dogs who go crazy at the fence when we walk past and we went straight into the path of these other two. This is not our usual route, just the quick walk when I am in a hurry. If I am honest I am still very nervous when I meet other dogs as I am never sure how they are going to behave and a lot of Kiwi dogs are not on leads.
I had a really enjoyable morning at the Red Cross despite the fact that the phone was not working and so we had no EFTPOS facilities (electronic debit transactions). Most people were fine about it and just went next door for a coffee and got cash back. Telecom were very good and came out to fix it by 11.00 - impressive. We had some amazing stock sent up to put out, most of it looked like it had come from the 80s. Les and I had a good giggle about it. I was very good and didn't buy anything today.
i went off to the supermarket and bought all my ingredients for the Christmas cake and the gingerbread that I need to make for the youth camp for Lions.
I got home at 1.20 and had to leave again to go and sell raffle tickets at 1.45. There were three messages on the answerphone to say that selling tickets had been cancelled and also one from Heather to say she had had a good birthday meal last night. It was such a relief not to have to rush out again. Jon was in Rotorua for a meeting so I ended up having a very relaxing lunch.
I finally caught up with Neighbours this afternoon and did my ironing. I also managed to get Totty out for a long walk and we didn't meet any other dogs.
Fish and chips was particularly good tonight. In fact we have really only had one bad lot since we arrived which is pretty good.
Jane will be on her way to Barcelona now, I hope she has a good time.
Heather called and was just about to leave to get the train to London for the day with her friend. She sounded happy and is glad to have her/our Fiesta back again!
The forecast is for good weather tomorrow so we look forward to a trip to the beach. The weather in Australia is very hot and Jon is off to Melbourne next Monday, I'm glad I am not going with him this time!
I had a really enjoyable morning at the Red Cross despite the fact that the phone was not working and so we had no EFTPOS facilities (electronic debit transactions). Most people were fine about it and just went next door for a coffee and got cash back. Telecom were very good and came out to fix it by 11.00 - impressive. We had some amazing stock sent up to put out, most of it looked like it had come from the 80s. Les and I had a good giggle about it. I was very good and didn't buy anything today.
i went off to the supermarket and bought all my ingredients for the Christmas cake and the gingerbread that I need to make for the youth camp for Lions.
I got home at 1.20 and had to leave again to go and sell raffle tickets at 1.45. There were three messages on the answerphone to say that selling tickets had been cancelled and also one from Heather to say she had had a good birthday meal last night. It was such a relief not to have to rush out again. Jon was in Rotorua for a meeting so I ended up having a very relaxing lunch.
I finally caught up with Neighbours this afternoon and did my ironing. I also managed to get Totty out for a long walk and we didn't meet any other dogs.
Fish and chips was particularly good tonight. In fact we have really only had one bad lot since we arrived which is pretty good.
Jane will be on her way to Barcelona now, I hope she has a good time.
Heather called and was just about to leave to get the train to London for the day with her friend. She sounded happy and is glad to have her/our Fiesta back again!
The forecast is for good weather tomorrow so we look forward to a trip to the beach. The weather in Australia is very hot and Jon is off to Melbourne next Monday, I'm glad I am not going with him this time!
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Yoga time again.
The sun was shining this morning and the wind had dropped at last! I took Totty out and just had time to hang out my washing before I left for my class.
There were only six of us there today so it was really good and the teacher is good as she keeps an eye on you and puts you right when you are in the wrong position. I'm not sure I can see any progress yet but it must be good to be doing all this stretching. I actually managed to do a handstand on the wall today and then progressed to one leg straight up in the air and one leg straight out on the wall - complicated to explain but I felt very proud when I did it!
A quick trip to the supermarket to buy some fish for dinner and I also bought a few Christmas cards. I am only sending out to close family and the few friends who do not have email as it would cost too much money to send my usual amount so I hope people will be happy with a Christmas email instead of a card.
I didn't have much else to do when I got home as all my housework was done yesterday. Jon came home for lunch and when he left to go back to the office I went to get my WOF. That is a Warranty of Fitness. More or less the same as the UK MOT except you have to have it every six months. They do it while you wait and it only took about half an hour and it passed. Hopefully I will have a new car before I need another.
When I got back I took Totty out and then I phoned Alison to invite her over for a cup of tea and we had a chat and I told her about our trip to Napier and the gannet colony which she has not been to.
Jon has a meeting in Rotorua tomorrow so won't be home for lunch which is just as well as I am selling raffle tickets for Lions from 2 - 4.
Jon has booked our hotel in the Bay of Islands when we go for our cruise which is only just over two weeks away. Jon will also need to go to Australia before then. I should have been going with him but I have things to do for Lions which I have promised so I will have to make it for the next trip. It is 32 degrees in Melbourne at the moment so maybe it is not so nice!
I need to buy the ingredients for my Christmas cake tomorrow, I really should have had it made by now.
There were only six of us there today so it was really good and the teacher is good as she keeps an eye on you and puts you right when you are in the wrong position. I'm not sure I can see any progress yet but it must be good to be doing all this stretching. I actually managed to do a handstand on the wall today and then progressed to one leg straight up in the air and one leg straight out on the wall - complicated to explain but I felt very proud when I did it!
A quick trip to the supermarket to buy some fish for dinner and I also bought a few Christmas cards. I am only sending out to close family and the few friends who do not have email as it would cost too much money to send my usual amount so I hope people will be happy with a Christmas email instead of a card.
I didn't have much else to do when I got home as all my housework was done yesterday. Jon came home for lunch and when he left to go back to the office I went to get my WOF. That is a Warranty of Fitness. More or less the same as the UK MOT except you have to have it every six months. They do it while you wait and it only took about half an hour and it passed. Hopefully I will have a new car before I need another.
When I got back I took Totty out and then I phoned Alison to invite her over for a cup of tea and we had a chat and I told her about our trip to Napier and the gannet colony which she has not been to.
Jon has a meeting in Rotorua tomorrow so won't be home for lunch which is just as well as I am selling raffle tickets for Lions from 2 - 4.
Jon has booked our hotel in the Bay of Islands when we go for our cruise which is only just over two weeks away. Jon will also need to go to Australia before then. I should have been going with him but I have things to do for Lions which I have promised so I will have to make it for the next trip. It is 32 degrees in Melbourne at the moment so maybe it is not so nice!
I need to buy the ingredients for my Christmas cake tomorrow, I really should have had it made by now.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Wednesday
It was very overcast this morning and by the time I was dressed and had my breakfast it was pouring with rain and so Totty didn't get a walk. It rained for most of the morning and the wind was terrible.
I did a load of washing but had to use the drier. For the rest of the morning I chatted to Heather online and my friend in America on Skype. Just as well Jon was not coming home for lunch as I hadn't done much by 1.00.
The weather cleared by three o'clock so I managed to get Totty out. I don't think she must sleep in the kennels as she has spent most of today asleep.
I got some cleaning done this afternoon and did the bit of ironing that I had.
Jon thought he was coming down with a cold this morning but when he came home tonight he was fine.
I had taken a curry out of the freezer so had very little to do for dinner.
Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow, it couldn't get much worse!
I did a load of washing but had to use the drier. For the rest of the morning I chatted to Heather online and my friend in America on Skype. Just as well Jon was not coming home for lunch as I hadn't done much by 1.00.
The weather cleared by three o'clock so I managed to get Totty out. I don't think she must sleep in the kennels as she has spent most of today asleep.
I got some cleaning done this afternoon and did the bit of ironing that I had.
Jon thought he was coming down with a cold this morning but when he came home tonight he was fine.
I had taken a curry out of the freezer so had very little to do for dinner.
Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow, it couldn't get much worse!
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
We got up at 8.00 and I rushed around getting things packed and Jon took Totty out and we were ready to leave at 9.30 so pretty good for us. Totty was excited to be in the car 'going out' until we got to the kennels and then she was not so keen.
We went on a different road to Rotorua, the one that had a big slip on it and is only open for a few hours morning and evening. We don't like going that way as it is very windy but we found it to be much quicker and we were in Rotorua by 10.15, too early for coffee so we carried on and stopped further down towards Taupo at a cafe at a honey making factory and they had huge honey drums outside.
The weather was good and we made Taupo, which is half way in plenty of time and so we decided to carry on and arrived in Nappier at 1.30. We found a little cafe and I had pumpkin soup and Jon had seafood chowder which was very good.
We then went to our hotel which was on the seafront and opposite to the conference centre. It was a very big modern place and a bit cold but fine.
After unpacking we went out for a walk around the town for Jon to look at all the art deco buildings. We went to the Tourist Information Office and booked me on a trip to see the gannets out at Cape Kidnappers. I will get picked up at the hotel in the morning and taken to the start point. We visited the museum and I found the stories of the earthquake survivors just as moving as I did last time I went. We then went off and found a street cafe and had a really good cup of tea, I haven't had many since I got here, and a piece of chocolate cake.
We took a drive up to Bluff Lookout and you can see right over the bay and the port which Jon was very interested in. Some of the houses up there are built on stilts and look very dangerous, I wouldn't like to live in them with so may earthquakes in the area.
We went over to the conference centre to register and there were some people there dressed in thirties outfits and they were inviting people in for 'drinkies'. We decided to go and shower and get changed first and then go over. We arrived there at 6.30, the drinks reception was going on till 7.00, as soon as we went in Jon met a chap who does research and was giving a talk at the conference and we started to chat. Unfortunately he got onto his topic and didn't stop and so all we got were a few very nice nibbles that were being passed around but by the time we managed to get away from him the drinks were finished!!!!! A glass of wine would have been nice.
When we left we walked to the hotel where we stayed last time as the bar was very nice there and we had a glass of wine. We planned to eat in the hotel restaurant but on the way back we found a place called the Hog's Breath which looked pretty good so we found a table outside and ate there. It was a good meal of steak which is cooked for 18 hours but they still mange to serve it rare, very tasty. I had mine with prawns and Jon had his with garlic mushrooms. Dinner was followed by a very good pudding of ice cream, walnuts, honey, chocolate and cream and was very good, we did share one pudding!
While we were sitting outside after dinner the sky was lovely and there are some lovely old lamp posts in the street which I thought would look nice once the lights came on which they did but also every other pine tree was lit up with Christmas lights and it looked so pretty. There was also a fountain that changed colour across the way in some gardens. We walked over and took some photos and then went back to the hotel.
It was only 9.30 when we got back to the hotel so we had a coffee and read for a bit.
MONDAY
I didn't sleep very well as I was too hot and I think the dinner was a bit heavy for me, we should have gone for a longer walk after dinner.
We had breakfast and Jon went over to the conference at 8.00. I waited in the room till my lift came at 8.45. He kindly told me I would probably need a jacket as it got windy at the cape so I went back up for it. We drove along the coast and the driver was telling me he lived in Hemel Hempstead for four years and really enjoyed UK. He told me lots about the gannets.
When we got to the beach I was waiting for the tractors to come and got chatting to an English family, mum and dad and grown up daughter who were over here for two weeks to go to a family wedding next Friday. They have managed to do lots of things and were heading off to Rotorua after Napier.
The tractors arrived and there were five of them with two trailers on each. There were lots of school children but fortunately we, tourists were put on a different one. We set off bouncing along the beach and it was great fun. The drivers taking the tractors into the sea and nearly, but not quite getting our feet wet. The trip was an hour along the coast and of course they have to vary the times depending on the tide. You can walk along but it is a 20km round trip and you have to watch the tides. The driver was a real character and full of information about the cliffs and the rock formation and we had lots of little stops along the way. At one point we were racing along a straight bit with two of the other tractors, the school children loved it! I was sitting near tow Indian men on the trailer and there were some jelly fish on the beach and they didn't know what they were so I had to explain to them.
We got to the end of the beach and then had a 30 minute very steep walk to the top to see the main gannet colony, about 20,000 birds. It is a really lovely spot and the beach was beautiful and the sea was so blue. I managed to get a video clip of them but then my memory card said it was full. As it is a relatively new camera I didn't know how to delete the old photos, that will teach me to put things off and not read the instruction book. I now know how to do it so won't be caught like that again.
The gannets are not afraid of the people at all although, we were told if you cross over the little chain fence you would be in trouble. They arrive at the cape in July and stay till March. Usually there would be lots of chicks to see at this time of year but we were told the nesting was running about three weeks behind due to lack of fish for them to feed on earlier in the season. The gannets mate for life and live about 25 years, they come back to the same nest every year. They only rear one chick a year and the chick takes its first flight at about 16 weeks. Once it takes off from the cliff it doesn't stop till it gets to Australia! That is impressive but only about 20% make it. They come back to NZ when they are 4 or 5 for breeding and never go back to Australia again spending the rest of the year around the NZ coast. Our driver told us that once they had been over there that was enough for them never to go back again! It was an amazing sight and a shame Jon couldn't see them too.
The journey back was really good as I was on the cliff side and they are really high but made of very soft stone and sediment so very unstable and not a beach to sunbathe on under the cliffs. The wind had turned and so it was a bit chilly and I was very glad I had my jacket!
The drive who picked me up from the hotel was one of the tractor drivers so I had to wait till he came back to get my lift. Once he had off loaded the children I got onto the trailer and he took me back to the depot and we went speeding along the road and it was really funny me on the back of a tractor!
I was very hungry when I got back so went off for a sandwich and a drink. I then went back to the hotel to get my things as I thought I would go for a swim across at the spa but just as I was going Jon came back so we went out for a walk instead followed by a cup of tea.
After a shower we went out to meet some people from the conference and to have dinner with them. There were 3 x Kiwis, Don,, Nigel and Bruce, 1x Aussie, Justin who looks more Korean and Pedro from Chile who we may be going to see next year. We met them in the Hog's Breath and had a drink and we were supposed to go and eat somewhere else but Nigel decided we would stay there instead which was fine. We got a table which was like a booth with me sitting right at the end opposite Justin and Jon at my side and Nigel on a chair at the end. Then Nigel said well lets get started and off he went talking business and he really didn't stop after that. The poor waitress had trouble getting our order as really the meal was a secondary thing for him all he wanted to do was talk business. Now I understand that Jon was there for work but all night talking logs and Kiwi fruit!!!!!! Pedro looked bored and I know Jon was. I chose fish and it was much lighter than last night and I managed to order a glass of wine. Justin had a steak and made the most disgusting noises and ate his dinner in record time and then got out his floss and did his teeth Ugh!
The waitress came and asked if we wanted pudding and Nigel said no and didn't ask anyone else so the bill came and that was it. They talked some more and eventually we managed to get out of the door and they were still in the street talking when Jon and I went into the hotel. After a quick trip to the loo Jon and I slipped out the back door of the hotel and went and found a bar and had a very nice piece of passion fruit cheesecake and a coffee.
That really is no way to entertain people. Pedro is coming up to Tauranga on Tuesday so I hope Genera treat him better.
We got back to the hotel and it was still only 9.30.
TUESDAY
Jon had to meet the same people this morning and they drove to Hastings for an 8.00 meeting. Nigel said it would be over by 9.30. I went down for breakfast later and then packed the case. I had to leave the room at 10.00 and they were not back, surprise, surprise. I waited in reception and Jon got back at 10.45 and we set off for Tauranga.
We stopped at a little cafe on the way out for a coffee and bumped into our neighbour, Pat. She was on her way back from visiting relatives - small world.
The journey was pretty boring but at least it was dry, the forecast had been for rain. We stopped for lunch in Taupo and made it home by 3.30. I called the kennels to say we were back early and would pick Totty up today.
Totty was very happy to see us. She came home and has slept for most of the time since she came in.
I cooked a pizza I had in the freezer for dinner but it was not very nice so I made omelettes instead. Nice to have something simple after being out for so many meals. I feel as if we have been away for ages.
We went on a different road to Rotorua, the one that had a big slip on it and is only open for a few hours morning and evening. We don't like going that way as it is very windy but we found it to be much quicker and we were in Rotorua by 10.15, too early for coffee so we carried on and stopped further down towards Taupo at a cafe at a honey making factory and they had huge honey drums outside.
The weather was good and we made Taupo, which is half way in plenty of time and so we decided to carry on and arrived in Nappier at 1.30. We found a little cafe and I had pumpkin soup and Jon had seafood chowder which was very good.
We then went to our hotel which was on the seafront and opposite to the conference centre. It was a very big modern place and a bit cold but fine.
After unpacking we went out for a walk around the town for Jon to look at all the art deco buildings. We went to the Tourist Information Office and booked me on a trip to see the gannets out at Cape Kidnappers. I will get picked up at the hotel in the morning and taken to the start point. We visited the museum and I found the stories of the earthquake survivors just as moving as I did last time I went. We then went off and found a street cafe and had a really good cup of tea, I haven't had many since I got here, and a piece of chocolate cake.
We took a drive up to Bluff Lookout and you can see right over the bay and the port which Jon was very interested in. Some of the houses up there are built on stilts and look very dangerous, I wouldn't like to live in them with so may earthquakes in the area.
We went over to the conference centre to register and there were some people there dressed in thirties outfits and they were inviting people in for 'drinkies'. We decided to go and shower and get changed first and then go over. We arrived there at 6.30, the drinks reception was going on till 7.00, as soon as we went in Jon met a chap who does research and was giving a talk at the conference and we started to chat. Unfortunately he got onto his topic and didn't stop and so all we got were a few very nice nibbles that were being passed around but by the time we managed to get away from him the drinks were finished!!!!! A glass of wine would have been nice.
When we left we walked to the hotel where we stayed last time as the bar was very nice there and we had a glass of wine. We planned to eat in the hotel restaurant but on the way back we found a place called the Hog's Breath which looked pretty good so we found a table outside and ate there. It was a good meal of steak which is cooked for 18 hours but they still mange to serve it rare, very tasty. I had mine with prawns and Jon had his with garlic mushrooms. Dinner was followed by a very good pudding of ice cream, walnuts, honey, chocolate and cream and was very good, we did share one pudding!
While we were sitting outside after dinner the sky was lovely and there are some lovely old lamp posts in the street which I thought would look nice once the lights came on which they did but also every other pine tree was lit up with Christmas lights and it looked so pretty. There was also a fountain that changed colour across the way in some gardens. We walked over and took some photos and then went back to the hotel.
It was only 9.30 when we got back to the hotel so we had a coffee and read for a bit.
MONDAY
I didn't sleep very well as I was too hot and I think the dinner was a bit heavy for me, we should have gone for a longer walk after dinner.
We had breakfast and Jon went over to the conference at 8.00. I waited in the room till my lift came at 8.45. He kindly told me I would probably need a jacket as it got windy at the cape so I went back up for it. We drove along the coast and the driver was telling me he lived in Hemel Hempstead for four years and really enjoyed UK. He told me lots about the gannets.
When we got to the beach I was waiting for the tractors to come and got chatting to an English family, mum and dad and grown up daughter who were over here for two weeks to go to a family wedding next Friday. They have managed to do lots of things and were heading off to Rotorua after Napier.
The tractors arrived and there were five of them with two trailers on each. There were lots of school children but fortunately we, tourists were put on a different one. We set off bouncing along the beach and it was great fun. The drivers taking the tractors into the sea and nearly, but not quite getting our feet wet. The trip was an hour along the coast and of course they have to vary the times depending on the tide. You can walk along but it is a 20km round trip and you have to watch the tides. The driver was a real character and full of information about the cliffs and the rock formation and we had lots of little stops along the way. At one point we were racing along a straight bit with two of the other tractors, the school children loved it! I was sitting near tow Indian men on the trailer and there were some jelly fish on the beach and they didn't know what they were so I had to explain to them.
We got to the end of the beach and then had a 30 minute very steep walk to the top to see the main gannet colony, about 20,000 birds. It is a really lovely spot and the beach was beautiful and the sea was so blue. I managed to get a video clip of them but then my memory card said it was full. As it is a relatively new camera I didn't know how to delete the old photos, that will teach me to put things off and not read the instruction book. I now know how to do it so won't be caught like that again.
The gannets are not afraid of the people at all although, we were told if you cross over the little chain fence you would be in trouble. They arrive at the cape in July and stay till March. Usually there would be lots of chicks to see at this time of year but we were told the nesting was running about three weeks behind due to lack of fish for them to feed on earlier in the season. The gannets mate for life and live about 25 years, they come back to the same nest every year. They only rear one chick a year and the chick takes its first flight at about 16 weeks. Once it takes off from the cliff it doesn't stop till it gets to Australia! That is impressive but only about 20% make it. They come back to NZ when they are 4 or 5 for breeding and never go back to Australia again spending the rest of the year around the NZ coast. Our driver told us that once they had been over there that was enough for them never to go back again! It was an amazing sight and a shame Jon couldn't see them too.
The journey back was really good as I was on the cliff side and they are really high but made of very soft stone and sediment so very unstable and not a beach to sunbathe on under the cliffs. The wind had turned and so it was a bit chilly and I was very glad I had my jacket!
The drive who picked me up from the hotel was one of the tractor drivers so I had to wait till he came back to get my lift. Once he had off loaded the children I got onto the trailer and he took me back to the depot and we went speeding along the road and it was really funny me on the back of a tractor!
I was very hungry when I got back so went off for a sandwich and a drink. I then went back to the hotel to get my things as I thought I would go for a swim across at the spa but just as I was going Jon came back so we went out for a walk instead followed by a cup of tea.
After a shower we went out to meet some people from the conference and to have dinner with them. There were 3 x Kiwis, Don,, Nigel and Bruce, 1x Aussie, Justin who looks more Korean and Pedro from Chile who we may be going to see next year. We met them in the Hog's Breath and had a drink and we were supposed to go and eat somewhere else but Nigel decided we would stay there instead which was fine. We got a table which was like a booth with me sitting right at the end opposite Justin and Jon at my side and Nigel on a chair at the end. Then Nigel said well lets get started and off he went talking business and he really didn't stop after that. The poor waitress had trouble getting our order as really the meal was a secondary thing for him all he wanted to do was talk business. Now I understand that Jon was there for work but all night talking logs and Kiwi fruit!!!!!! Pedro looked bored and I know Jon was. I chose fish and it was much lighter than last night and I managed to order a glass of wine. Justin had a steak and made the most disgusting noises and ate his dinner in record time and then got out his floss and did his teeth Ugh!
The waitress came and asked if we wanted pudding and Nigel said no and didn't ask anyone else so the bill came and that was it. They talked some more and eventually we managed to get out of the door and they were still in the street talking when Jon and I went into the hotel. After a quick trip to the loo Jon and I slipped out the back door of the hotel and went and found a bar and had a very nice piece of passion fruit cheesecake and a coffee.
That really is no way to entertain people. Pedro is coming up to Tauranga on Tuesday so I hope Genera treat him better.
We got back to the hotel and it was still only 9.30.
TUESDAY
Jon had to meet the same people this morning and they drove to Hastings for an 8.00 meeting. Nigel said it would be over by 9.30. I went down for breakfast later and then packed the case. I had to leave the room at 10.00 and they were not back, surprise, surprise. I waited in reception and Jon got back at 10.45 and we set off for Tauranga.
We stopped at a little cafe on the way out for a coffee and bumped into our neighbour, Pat. She was on her way back from visiting relatives - small world.
The journey was pretty boring but at least it was dry, the forecast had been for rain. We stopped for lunch in Taupo and made it home by 3.30. I called the kennels to say we were back early and would pick Totty up today.
Totty was very happy to see us. She came home and has slept for most of the time since she came in.
I cooked a pizza I had in the freezer for dinner but it was not very nice so I made omelettes instead. Nice to have something simple after being out for so many meals. I feel as if we have been away for ages.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Saturday
We were up and out with Totty early this morning as we had a lot to do.Rotary Park was very sunny till you got to the end/corner and the wind blowing down the estuary was very strong and cold but back at the top it was lovely.
I had been told to try a shop called Briscoe's for a new iron so off we went across to the other side of Tauranga. This shop is always advertising lots of sales and they really do have lots of things on sale. We bought the iron with 50% off and I got some hair straighteners as mine are broken and the GHDs I want will need to come from UK and I am not sure how long they will take and as they are a Christmas present I should wait. These are Remington mini and due to the sale only cost £6 and will do for now. We also bought a frying pan with a lid that I have been looking for and Jon got an insulated bag to take his water and apple (and his sandwich if he ever needs to) to work. All in all very successful.
We then went to a little bar in the shopping centre and had a coffee and shared a date and walnut muffin which was very good.
On the way back we went to the driving range and hit some balls. I haven't been for a long time and I was surprised at myself as I did very well.
We came home for lunch and then went out to Te Puna Quarry with Totty. I love going there it is so peaceful and the views are amazing. We could clearly see a cruise ship in the port which looks tiny compared to The Mount but really big compared to the buildings!
We came back and I did my ironing with my new iron. The children next door are playing Christmas songs and Carols on a stereo in the garage and it feels very strange as it is very sunny and not at all like Christmas. I am not sure how I am going to like Christmas here, we'll see.
We are off to Napier tomorrow so I need to get the case packed and decide what to take.
I didn't get much packing done so will have to do that in the morning but we did enjoy dinner, asparagus, smoked salmon and poached egg mmmmmmm.
I had been told to try a shop called Briscoe's for a new iron so off we went across to the other side of Tauranga. This shop is always advertising lots of sales and they really do have lots of things on sale. We bought the iron with 50% off and I got some hair straighteners as mine are broken and the GHDs I want will need to come from UK and I am not sure how long they will take and as they are a Christmas present I should wait. These are Remington mini and due to the sale only cost £6 and will do for now. We also bought a frying pan with a lid that I have been looking for and Jon got an insulated bag to take his water and apple (and his sandwich if he ever needs to) to work. All in all very successful.
We then went to a little bar in the shopping centre and had a coffee and shared a date and walnut muffin which was very good.
On the way back we went to the driving range and hit some balls. I haven't been for a long time and I was surprised at myself as I did very well.
We came home for lunch and then went out to Te Puna Quarry with Totty. I love going there it is so peaceful and the views are amazing. We could clearly see a cruise ship in the port which looks tiny compared to The Mount but really big compared to the buildings!
We came back and I did my ironing with my new iron. The children next door are playing Christmas songs and Carols on a stereo in the garage and it feels very strange as it is very sunny and not at all like Christmas. I am not sure how I am going to like Christmas here, we'll see.
We are off to Napier tomorrow so I need to get the case packed and decide what to take.
I didn't get much packing done so will have to do that in the morning but we did enjoy dinner, asparagus, smoked salmon and poached egg mmmmmmm.
Friday, 13 November 2009
What a busy Friday
I arrived at the shop more or less on time this morning but it is never busy first thing. The weather forecast was for sun and 20 degrees but it was quite cold and windy.
There is a new volunteer at the shop. She is 17 and wants to be a missionary but I think she will need to get a bit more with it as she was very droopy and not much get up and go. We were quite busy most of the morning but it didn't stop me finding two T shirts for me and two very nice polo tops for Jon - all new at a total cost of £3.50!
I stayed late at the shop as Jon had a lunch meeting and Les was on her own with Carmen and needed a bit more help so I was late doing my shopping and it was 1.30 by the time I got back and I had to put my shopping away, have lunch and be out to pick Janice up for 2.00. It was a rush but I made it.
We went over to Bethlehem where the book sale is being held to price up all the jigsaw puzzles. I was very surprised to see the amount of books they have and Lois and Elizabeth have put a lot of work into the planning, I am sure we will make lots of money. We stayed there until 5.00 and then I came home and took Totty out for her walk and she was more than ready for her dinner.
We had some lovely fish and chips for dinner but I had salad with mine for a change.
There is a new volunteer at the shop. She is 17 and wants to be a missionary but I think she will need to get a bit more with it as she was very droopy and not much get up and go. We were quite busy most of the morning but it didn't stop me finding two T shirts for me and two very nice polo tops for Jon - all new at a total cost of £3.50!
I stayed late at the shop as Jon had a lunch meeting and Les was on her own with Carmen and needed a bit more help so I was late doing my shopping and it was 1.30 by the time I got back and I had to put my shopping away, have lunch and be out to pick Janice up for 2.00. It was a rush but I made it.
We went over to Bethlehem where the book sale is being held to price up all the jigsaw puzzles. I was very surprised to see the amount of books they have and Lois and Elizabeth have put a lot of work into the planning, I am sure we will make lots of money. We stayed there until 5.00 and then I came home and took Totty out for her walk and she was more than ready for her dinner.
We had some lovely fish and chips for dinner but I had salad with mine for a change.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Thursday
I slept very well despite feeling quite nervous when I went to bed.
I wore my shoes when I took Totty out this morning and as it had rained last night I got very wet feet and had to change my socks before going off to yoga.
The class was much smaller this week and very hard. It is going to take me a long time before I can do the moves she does!
I popped into the supermarket to get some fish for dinner on the way home. It is a really lovely day today.
Just as I got back the phone rang and it was Heather and we spent the next two hours talking! She has lots of things planned for her birthday, I'm sure she will have a lovely time.
I did a bit of housework and then needed to get Jon's shirts ironed. I had done five shirts and was just starting on the T shirts and other bits and there was a terrible smell coming from the iron. I thought it was the clothes as some of them had been dried in the garage but the smell only came from the iron. I was sniffing the iron when I noticed something in the water reservoir and it was a cockroach ugh!!!!!! It must have crawled in when the iron was in the cupboard where I store it and I leave the water flap open to dry it out. I tried to shake it out but there is no way I can get it out. Unless Jon can do it I think we are going to have to buy a new iron as the smell is horrible. Just as well I had done all the shirts before it started to 'cook' and smell.
Jon got home about 6.30 and was very amused about the iron!
We had some nice fish for dinner and a glass of wine.
I wore my shoes when I took Totty out this morning and as it had rained last night I got very wet feet and had to change my socks before going off to yoga.
The class was much smaller this week and very hard. It is going to take me a long time before I can do the moves she does!
I popped into the supermarket to get some fish for dinner on the way home. It is a really lovely day today.
Just as I got back the phone rang and it was Heather and we spent the next two hours talking! She has lots of things planned for her birthday, I'm sure she will have a lovely time.
I did a bit of housework and then needed to get Jon's shirts ironed. I had done five shirts and was just starting on the T shirts and other bits and there was a terrible smell coming from the iron. I thought it was the clothes as some of them had been dried in the garage but the smell only came from the iron. I was sniffing the iron when I noticed something in the water reservoir and it was a cockroach ugh!!!!!! It must have crawled in when the iron was in the cupboard where I store it and I leave the water flap open to dry it out. I tried to shake it out but there is no way I can get it out. Unless Jon can do it I think we are going to have to buy a new iron as the smell is horrible. Just as well I had done all the shirts before it started to 'cook' and smell.
Jon got home about 6.30 and was very amused about the iron!
We had some nice fish for dinner and a glass of wine.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
A day with Les
Jon left at 8.00 to go to Auckland and will be back tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to being on my own tonight as Margaret phoned me last night to tell me that her shed had been broken into although nothing was stolen she has emptied it in case they come back so I hope Totty doesn't need to get up through the night.
I went to the post office on the way to pick Les up to post the parcel to the girls for Heather's birthday and some Christmas gifts and it cost $38!!!! I just hope it gets there on time and in one piece.
I found Bianca's street but the house was more difficult so I had to phone Les and she came out. The house was up behind another one. We first went for coffee and sat having a long chat and learning about each other and how we have ended up in NZ which was very interesting.
After coffee we went to have a look for a car and I took her to the place I bought mine. We found a very nice little purple car and had a good look over it and she said she would come back with her daughter and son-in-law. And then I noticed there was no air con so that was out but at least she now knows where it is and hopefully she will get one soon. She likes my car and as I am getting a new one would like to buy it but I have told her I need to look around but if she hasn't found one by the time I am getting rid of it she can have it.
We then went down to the port to have a little look at the first cruise ship that came in today, Dawn Princess, there will be many more and I would like to go and see one coming in or leaving from the bottom of the Mount.
We then went along to Bay Fair and had a look around the shops. We both agree they are not so big on Christmas here as in the UK and Les says S Africa is much the same as here. I suppose it has something to do with the weather. The decorations and lights are going up but of course it is not dark until late so I am not sure when I will see them on.
We talked so much and when we looked at the clock it was 1.40 and we were very hungry. We went to a little cafe and had a salad which had pine nuts on it and it was very nice. We sat talking and talking and Les told me about life in SA and how you need to be so vigilant. I decided it is not a place I would like to live. Having to worry all the time in case you are mugged or raped and having your house like a prison is not for me!
Well by this time we had talked ourselves to death and I took her home so that I could get back to take Totty out.
Jon called to say he was going out for dinner in Auckland with some people but as he was staying out near the airport and wasn't sure where he was going he was going to get a taxi which makes sense.
I had a salad and an omelet for my dinner and a glass of wine to help me sleep!!
I went to the post office on the way to pick Les up to post the parcel to the girls for Heather's birthday and some Christmas gifts and it cost $38!!!! I just hope it gets there on time and in one piece.
I found Bianca's street but the house was more difficult so I had to phone Les and she came out. The house was up behind another one. We first went for coffee and sat having a long chat and learning about each other and how we have ended up in NZ which was very interesting.
After coffee we went to have a look for a car and I took her to the place I bought mine. We found a very nice little purple car and had a good look over it and she said she would come back with her daughter and son-in-law. And then I noticed there was no air con so that was out but at least she now knows where it is and hopefully she will get one soon. She likes my car and as I am getting a new one would like to buy it but I have told her I need to look around but if she hasn't found one by the time I am getting rid of it she can have it.
We then went down to the port to have a little look at the first cruise ship that came in today, Dawn Princess, there will be many more and I would like to go and see one coming in or leaving from the bottom of the Mount.
We then went along to Bay Fair and had a look around the shops. We both agree they are not so big on Christmas here as in the UK and Les says S Africa is much the same as here. I suppose it has something to do with the weather. The decorations and lights are going up but of course it is not dark until late so I am not sure when I will see them on.
We talked so much and when we looked at the clock it was 1.40 and we were very hungry. We went to a little cafe and had a salad which had pine nuts on it and it was very nice. We sat talking and talking and Les told me about life in SA and how you need to be so vigilant. I decided it is not a place I would like to live. Having to worry all the time in case you are mugged or raped and having your house like a prison is not for me!
Well by this time we had talked ourselves to death and I took her home so that I could get back to take Totty out.
Jon called to say he was going out for dinner in Auckland with some people but as he was staying out near the airport and wasn't sure where he was going he was going to get a taxi which makes sense.
I had a salad and an omelet for my dinner and a glass of wine to help me sleep!!
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Tuesday
Well I wasn't exactly cold last night but I did have to put my dressing gown on the bed as I didn't feel cosy.
Nice and sunny again today and that wind has gone away but there is still a chill in the air.
My keep fit class was really energetic this morning and we all worked really hard. I didn't stay for coffee as I wanted to deliver the rest of the book sale leaflets which I managed to do.
When I got back after a quick coffee I dyed my hair which really needed it. I hope Malcolm and Jane can bring me some more out when they come in Jan/Feb.
After lunch I went into Tauranga as I needed to buy a few more little presents to go in with the box of goodies I am sending over to the girls for Heather's 21 and Christmas. I have it all packed up now and will get it in the post tomorrow.
I called Janice to arrange to pick her up this evening for Lions and I phoned Les to arrange to pick her up tomorrow.
When I took Totty out I met Alison and we had a chat. I said I will give her a call and she can come over one afternoon for a cup of tea when she finishes school.
I had my dinner early as I had to go out. Jon has started going out to the park each evening for a jog. He hasn't jogged for years so I have told him he must take it easy to begin with. He is probably fitter now than he has been for many years.
Lions was interesting. They have so much on and need everyone to muck in in a big way for the book sale and the raffle and of course there are some members who do an awful lot and some who don't do much. I think I am about in the middle. I feel bad giving over the weekends as it means leaving Jon on his own and that is the time we go out so I have to strike a balance. On the 28 Nov I am helping at the book sale from 8.00 - 11.30 (they have early starts her in NZ) I then have the Red Cross Christmas lunch from 12.00 - 3.00 and my keep fit class lunch the day before so all in all I see a very busy time coming up. I am not sure I would have joined had I known how much commitment there was as i hate to feel I am not pulling my weight. Still if they are not happy I am sure I will hear about it and I can always leave.
Nice and sunny again today and that wind has gone away but there is still a chill in the air.
My keep fit class was really energetic this morning and we all worked really hard. I didn't stay for coffee as I wanted to deliver the rest of the book sale leaflets which I managed to do.
When I got back after a quick coffee I dyed my hair which really needed it. I hope Malcolm and Jane can bring me some more out when they come in Jan/Feb.
After lunch I went into Tauranga as I needed to buy a few more little presents to go in with the box of goodies I am sending over to the girls for Heather's 21 and Christmas. I have it all packed up now and will get it in the post tomorrow.
I called Janice to arrange to pick her up this evening for Lions and I phoned Les to arrange to pick her up tomorrow.
When I took Totty out I met Alison and we had a chat. I said I will give her a call and she can come over one afternoon for a cup of tea when she finishes school.
I had my dinner early as I had to go out. Jon has started going out to the park each evening for a jog. He hasn't jogged for years so I have told him he must take it easy to begin with. He is probably fitter now than he has been for many years.
Lions was interesting. They have so much on and need everyone to muck in in a big way for the book sale and the raffle and of course there are some members who do an awful lot and some who don't do much. I think I am about in the middle. I feel bad giving over the weekends as it means leaving Jon on his own and that is the time we go out so I have to strike a balance. On the 28 Nov I am helping at the book sale from 8.00 - 11.30 (they have early starts her in NZ) I then have the Red Cross Christmas lunch from 12.00 - 3.00 and my keep fit class lunch the day before so all in all I see a very busy time coming up. I am not sure I would have joined had I known how much commitment there was as i hate to feel I am not pulling my weight. Still if they are not happy I am sure I will hear about it and I can always leave.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Monday and time for the summer duvet
We were so hot last night I decided it was time to change to the summer duvet no doubt I will be cold tonight but we will give it a go.
I tried to call a few friends in the UK this morning but they were all out which was a disappointment as I won't get to try again this week as I am busy most mornings.
I didn't have that much washing to do today as I had done it over the weekend but I did have to get stuck into the ironing. I also thought it was about time I washed the tiles in the bathroom so it is now all sparkling clean. I put Radio 2 on and got stuck in.
Jon came home for lunch and then went off to hit some balls on his way back to the office. I really ought to try and get down there or he will leave me well and truly behind.
Totty's ear is much better and she has stopped rubbing her face along the floor. The ear drops make a bit of a mess of her ear though, thank goodness she is no problem having them put in.
We had a nice pork curry for dinner. It was a recipe I made last week and I froze two meals so we still have one to go - it was very good and rather hot!
I tried to call a few friends in the UK this morning but they were all out which was a disappointment as I won't get to try again this week as I am busy most mornings.
I didn't have that much washing to do today as I had done it over the weekend but I did have to get stuck into the ironing. I also thought it was about time I washed the tiles in the bathroom so it is now all sparkling clean. I put Radio 2 on and got stuck in.
Jon came home for lunch and then went off to hit some balls on his way back to the office. I really ought to try and get down there or he will leave me well and truly behind.
Totty's ear is much better and she has stopped rubbing her face along the floor. The ear drops make a bit of a mess of her ear though, thank goodness she is no problem having them put in.
We had a nice pork curry for dinner. It was a recipe I made last week and I froze two meals so we still have one to go - it was very good and rather hot!
Sunday, 8 November 2009
First BBQ of the year
Elizabeth from Lions had called yesterday to ask if I could help selling more raffle tickets. I said I would only be able to do an hour as I enjoy my time going out with Jon on Sundays. So I was up early (for a Sunday) and got ready then we went out with Totty so that we could get up to Fraser Cove and have a coffee before I started at 11.00. People were down in Rotary Park cooking breakfast on the public BBQs this morning as it was such a lovely day, maybe we will try that when Jane is here.
It was very quiet at Fraser Cove and we didn't sell many tickets. I really don't think I like the pushing of tickets and find it hard to do but if that is what they are used to I will try my best but don't really enjoy it and was glad when my hour was finished and Jon arrived to take me home.
We got back to the house and I packed a picnic and off we went to Omokoroa School for their annual 'Ride on Lawn Mower' day and fete. it was really good fun and we enjoyed watching the races. The sun was shinning and we sat on a grassy bank with all the locals and it was great. They were very competitive and to see the speeds they reached was amazing and going round the bends was done on two wheels. It was like a mini grand prix with a red flag to stop the race when one driver came off and the 'safety mower' came out to slow them down until order was restored! It was a really good school event and last year raised $30,000 (£15,000). There were lots of side shows, stalls and helicopter rides and much more. A good fun day out.
We left as we were hungry and drove off to a nature reserve and walk, from our little book. It was a really lovely spot with a picnic table overlooking a lake and although it was only just off the main road was really peaceful. After our lunch we set off on the walk around the lake and it was very enjoyable.
When we got home we had a read of the newspaper and I read my book, a quick look on Facebook and a bit of farming followed by a cup of tea.
We took Totty out for a walk and although it was now a little cloudy it was still very warm.
In the evening we had our first BBQ which was very nice - I wonder why your own BBQ never smells as good as other peoples?
I think Totty must be feeling much better as she is not rubbing her face along the floor or scratching her body so all the medication must be working.
It was very quiet at Fraser Cove and we didn't sell many tickets. I really don't think I like the pushing of tickets and find it hard to do but if that is what they are used to I will try my best but don't really enjoy it and was glad when my hour was finished and Jon arrived to take me home.
We got back to the house and I packed a picnic and off we went to Omokoroa School for their annual 'Ride on Lawn Mower' day and fete. it was really good fun and we enjoyed watching the races. The sun was shinning and we sat on a grassy bank with all the locals and it was great. They were very competitive and to see the speeds they reached was amazing and going round the bends was done on two wheels. It was like a mini grand prix with a red flag to stop the race when one driver came off and the 'safety mower' came out to slow them down until order was restored! It was a really good school event and last year raised $30,000 (£15,000). There were lots of side shows, stalls and helicopter rides and much more. A good fun day out.
We left as we were hungry and drove off to a nature reserve and walk, from our little book. It was a really lovely spot with a picnic table overlooking a lake and although it was only just off the main road was really peaceful. After our lunch we set off on the walk around the lake and it was very enjoyable.
When we got home we had a read of the newspaper and I read my book, a quick look on Facebook and a bit of farming followed by a cup of tea.
We took Totty out for a walk and although it was now a little cloudy it was still very warm.
In the evening we had our first BBQ which was very nice - I wonder why your own BBQ never smells as good as other peoples?
I think Totty must be feeling much better as she is not rubbing her face along the floor or scratching her body so all the medication must be working.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Saturday
After a lovely sunny walk down to Rotary Park with Totty (even though it was very late as I had been chatting to Heather on MSN) we went down to the Mount and had coffee. It was a really lovely sunny day and we sat outside on the street. It really amazes me that parking is free on Saturdays!
After coffee we went down to Travelcom, the travel agents that Genera use to ask about our holiday for our 30 anniversary in January. After a lot of discussion with Ester, who is Dutch, we finally settled on the Sunshine Coast in Australia as she thought it would be better to go up to Fiji or Samoa in June (which will be the dry season) when we plan to have our next holiday. We finally decided on the first night in Brisbane followed by five nights up on the Sunshine Coast and then the last night in Brisbane again as the flight is very early. She looked at some flights with Emirates Airlines and they include Business Class in the price so we will certainly go for that, big wide seats, champagne and lobster - bring it on! She will put a package together and get in touch with us on Monday or Tuesday.
After that we did a bit of Christmas shopping. I am putting together a box of bits for the girls along with Heather's 21 presents.
We went back home for lunch and as it was so warm we just spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the deck reading and enjoying the sun.
Our neighbours had a BBQ which smelt lovely. We had duck which I had finally managed to find in Pak n Save on Thursday.
After coffee we went down to Travelcom, the travel agents that Genera use to ask about our holiday for our 30 anniversary in January. After a lot of discussion with Ester, who is Dutch, we finally settled on the Sunshine Coast in Australia as she thought it would be better to go up to Fiji or Samoa in June (which will be the dry season) when we plan to have our next holiday. We finally decided on the first night in Brisbane followed by five nights up on the Sunshine Coast and then the last night in Brisbane again as the flight is very early. She looked at some flights with Emirates Airlines and they include Business Class in the price so we will certainly go for that, big wide seats, champagne and lobster - bring it on! She will put a package together and get in touch with us on Monday or Tuesday.
After that we did a bit of Christmas shopping. I am putting together a box of bits for the girls along with Heather's 21 presents.
We went back home for lunch and as it was so warm we just spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the deck reading and enjoying the sun.
Our neighbours had a BBQ which smelt lovely. We had duck which I had finally managed to find in Pak n Save on Thursday.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Friday
It is a lovely sunny day and I walked the dog without a cardigan.
I had a busy morning at the Red Cross and bought a nice T shirt and a lovely dress for Bronwyn's granddaughter. Les is feeling very homesick for S Africa and missing her friend. I was telling her that finally, after ten months, I feel very settled and happy and only feel bad if there are problems with the girls back home. I have lost that awful 'I don't belong' feeling. I suppose to hear it was going to take her 10 months was a bit of a blow but she does have her son and daughter here so she should be OK. I have arranged to take her out next Wednesday for the day. She needs to buy a car but her daughter has not had much time to take her to look as she works long hours for the Red Cross. I think once she has a car it will be better for her. Not sure what we will do but it will be good for her to do something other than help at the Red Cross shop.
I went to pick up Heather's bracelet that I had been having engraved and it looks good. I then went shopping and got back in plenty of time before Jon was home. When I looked at the bracelet I noticed the little heart charm was missing so had to call the shop. Apparently it had fallen off and they didn't know from which bracelet so I had to go back and get that put back on.
I took Totty to the vet and I asked him to check her ear and she has an ear infection which is why she has been rubbing her face along the floor, poor thing. He gave her an anti inflammatory injection for the itching, steroids to stop her doing it and clear her mouth up, antibiotics for her ear, wormed her and finally cleaned her anal glands which she has a lot of trouble with over here. She has never had so many problems. All in all $101, expensive little dog!
Our fish and chips was very good tonight. Jon told the man they were cold last week and this week the chips were very hot!
I had a busy morning at the Red Cross and bought a nice T shirt and a lovely dress for Bronwyn's granddaughter. Les is feeling very homesick for S Africa and missing her friend. I was telling her that finally, after ten months, I feel very settled and happy and only feel bad if there are problems with the girls back home. I have lost that awful 'I don't belong' feeling. I suppose to hear it was going to take her 10 months was a bit of a blow but she does have her son and daughter here so she should be OK. I have arranged to take her out next Wednesday for the day. She needs to buy a car but her daughter has not had much time to take her to look as she works long hours for the Red Cross. I think once she has a car it will be better for her. Not sure what we will do but it will be good for her to do something other than help at the Red Cross shop.
I went to pick up Heather's bracelet that I had been having engraved and it looks good. I then went shopping and got back in plenty of time before Jon was home. When I looked at the bracelet I noticed the little heart charm was missing so had to call the shop. Apparently it had fallen off and they didn't know from which bracelet so I had to go back and get that put back on.
I took Totty to the vet and I asked him to check her ear and she has an ear infection which is why she has been rubbing her face along the floor, poor thing. He gave her an anti inflammatory injection for the itching, steroids to stop her doing it and clear her mouth up, antibiotics for her ear, wormed her and finally cleaned her anal glands which she has a lot of trouble with over here. She has never had so many problems. All in all $101, expensive little dog!
Our fish and chips was very good tonight. Jon told the man they were cold last week and this week the chips were very hot!
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Thursday
I had a really good yoga class this morning. I told her, when she was trying to put me into a stretch, that I was not bendy enough! She told me that the whole point of it was to make me bendy enough! I really enjoy the class and the ladies are so nice, just a small group of about 10 and the relaxation at the end is bliss.
It is now Sunday and I wish I had kept my blog up to date as I can't remember what I have done!
I think I am going to have to take Totty to the vet as she really is rubbing her face along the floor and scratching her body an awful lot and all through the night and it is driving me mad so I hate to think how she feels.
It is now Sunday and I wish I had kept my blog up to date as I can't remember what I have done!
I think I am going to have to take Totty to the vet as she really is rubbing her face along the floor and scratching her body an awful lot and all through the night and it is driving me mad so I hate to think how she feels.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Maori people are very generous.
I was up early as I had to wash my hair this morning and get Totty out before I had to pick Janice up at 10.15. We were going to have coffee before we went to sell raffle tickets for the Lions. Fortunately it was a nice morning and not too windy.
It was not bad at all and we found that the Maori people were by far the most generous and approachable and the two hours went over very fast and we sold about 60 tickets.
I then took Janice to the supermarket and we did a bit of shopping. Jon has a meeting today so was not home for lunch.
I met Viv again today when I was walking Totty her dog really wants to play with Totty but she wants nothing to do with her, I think she might be feeling her age!
Finally got round to doing a bit of vacuuming this afternoon, it doesn't take long once I get started.
I am spending far too much time on this silly FarmVille game on Facebook but it is fun!
Looking forward to yoga tomorrow.
It was not bad at all and we found that the Maori people were by far the most generous and approachable and the two hours went over very fast and we sold about 60 tickets.
I then took Janice to the supermarket and we did a bit of shopping. Jon has a meeting today so was not home for lunch.
I met Viv again today when I was walking Totty her dog really wants to play with Totty but she wants nothing to do with her, I think she might be feeling her age!
Finally got round to doing a bit of vacuuming this afternoon, it doesn't take long once I get started.
I am spending far too much time on this silly FarmVille game on Facebook but it is fun!
Looking forward to yoga tomorrow.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
More chatting!
I made sure I got Totty out for her walk early this morning and then went off to my keep fit class. She worked us really hard today. She has big rubber bands made out of balloon material and we had to lie on our backs with the band round our feet, legs up in the air and lift our buttocks off the floor whilst pulling on the band, very good for the abs apparently but really hard work.
After the class I was chatting over coffee to one of the ladies who used to have a farm out in the Kaima mountains not far from here but very isolated. She now owns a carpet shop here in Tauranga with her husband but she was very interesting to chat to. I told her I was a city girl and could not imagine living so far away from shops etc.
After class I went to the supermarket to buy some fish for dinner. I like to buy it on the day we eat it as I hate the smell in the fridge.
Bronwyn had left a message on the answerphone which I didn't see until Jon had gone back after lunch. She had called in the morning to invite me for coffee. I called to say sorry I missed her but she said well come over this afternoon after walking Totty so I did.
I was very good and refused a glass of wine and just had tonic as wine in the afternoon makes me sleepy. We sat in the garden in the sun and had a nice chat about their life in Singapore which was very interesting. I didn't notice the time passing and Jon was home when I got back.
The fish was very nice, we had it with Moroccan spices.
Heard from Heather that she is finally going to get her car repaired and it will take about two weeks. At least she won't need to buy a new car which was a worry.
Really enjoying the grapefruit every morning even though it is a bit of a pain to prepare them every night as I always forget and only remember as I am off to bed!
After the class I was chatting over coffee to one of the ladies who used to have a farm out in the Kaima mountains not far from here but very isolated. She now owns a carpet shop here in Tauranga with her husband but she was very interesting to chat to. I told her I was a city girl and could not imagine living so far away from shops etc.
After class I went to the supermarket to buy some fish for dinner. I like to buy it on the day we eat it as I hate the smell in the fridge.
Bronwyn had left a message on the answerphone which I didn't see until Jon had gone back after lunch. She had called in the morning to invite me for coffee. I called to say sorry I missed her but she said well come over this afternoon after walking Totty so I did.
I was very good and refused a glass of wine and just had tonic as wine in the afternoon makes me sleepy. We sat in the garden in the sun and had a nice chat about their life in Singapore which was very interesting. I didn't notice the time passing and Jon was home when I got back.
The fish was very nice, we had it with Moroccan spices.
Heard from Heather that she is finally going to get her car repaired and it will take about two weeks. At least she won't need to buy a new car which was a worry.
Really enjoying the grapefruit every morning even though it is a bit of a pain to prepare them every night as I always forget and only remember as I am off to bed!
Monday, 2 November 2009
I have a telephone ear!
I called my friend, Mary, in the UK this morning and was on the phone for nearly two hours and it was lovely to chat to her. I then had a chat to Heather on MSN - where did the morning go. I did manage to get my washing done and the bed changed before Jon came back for lunch!
Just as Jon was leaving my friend, Joan, called. I haven't spoken to her for a few months and so we had a long chat and I was on the phone for an hour and a half!
As Totty missed out on her walk this morning I thought we would have an extra long one and we did as I met Viv in the park and was chatting to her for an hour! So all in all a very chatty day. Viv told me that Rotary Park, where I only go when Jon is with me as it is a bit isolated when you get down to the beach there, is a well known meeting place for 'gays'. We had wondered why so many men are sitting in their cars down there - we thought they were just looking at the lovely views!!!!!
Just as Jon was leaving my friend, Joan, called. I haven't spoken to her for a few months and so we had a long chat and I was on the phone for an hour and a half!
As Totty missed out on her walk this morning I thought we would have an extra long one and we did as I met Viv in the park and was chatting to her for an hour! So all in all a very chatty day. Viv told me that Rotary Park, where I only go when Jon is with me as it is a bit isolated when you get down to the beach there, is a well known meeting place for 'gays'. We had wondered why so many men are sitting in their cars down there - we thought they were just looking at the lovely views!!!!!
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Sunday
We were up a bit late this morning and the computer was playing up as it had some new downloads on and took a bit of time to get sorted out so we were very late getting Totty out and when we did the big gate at the park was still locked so no cars could get in. Not sure why maybe the man, who lives down the road from the park, had a lie in, too. Still it was nice being in the park with no cars coming down.
We then went out towards Te Puna Quarry Park as the had an open day. We stopped on the way at a garden centre and had coffee then went on to Mr McGreggors farm shop to buy some strawberries and bananas before carrying onto the quarry. There were lots of cars there and we had to park a long way down the road and walk up the hill. There were lots of craft stalls there, a man doing chainsaw carvings and a main stage with various singing groups and it was just like a typical village fete. We bought some Indian snacks as we were hungry and enjoyed the walk around.
We got back in time for another late lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon me on the computer and Jon watching English football on TV.
We took Totty out in the afternoon and met Peter and Uppy and we walked back together, fortunately the dogs behaved themselves.
We had a nice, but very hot, pork curry for dinner with enough to freeze two more meals. We had strawberries for pudding but they are not as good as English strawberries. I am not going to buy anymore until they get a bit better, they seem to be glasshouse grown and a bit crunchy.
We then went out towards Te Puna Quarry Park as the had an open day. We stopped on the way at a garden centre and had coffee then went on to Mr McGreggors farm shop to buy some strawberries and bananas before carrying onto the quarry. There were lots of cars there and we had to park a long way down the road and walk up the hill. There were lots of craft stalls there, a man doing chainsaw carvings and a main stage with various singing groups and it was just like a typical village fete. We bought some Indian snacks as we were hungry and enjoyed the walk around.
We got back in time for another late lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon me on the computer and Jon watching English football on TV.
We took Totty out in the afternoon and met Peter and Uppy and we walked back together, fortunately the dogs behaved themselves.
We had a nice, but very hot, pork curry for dinner with enough to freeze two more meals. We had strawberries for pudding but they are not as good as English strawberries. I am not going to buy anymore until they get a bit better, they seem to be glasshouse grown and a bit crunchy.
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