Totty has been in a bit of pain with her front paw so I made an appointment at the vets. She has been licking her paw and had two lesions on it and the vet had told me last time that it might be arthritis and she is liking it as it is sore. He checked her over and when he squeezed her paw she did yelp and he said it looked infected but she still has good movement in it when he manipulates it. He gave her antibiotics and a cream I have to rub on and hopefully that will clear it up. I also bought some Frontline and the whole lot cost me $153 WOW! Expensive dog.
Did some washing and housework when I got back and then it was time for lunch.
The Avon Lady called round in the afternoon and we had a chat and then it was time to take Totty out again and then back to do the dinner. How the days fly over!
WEATHER
Warm and sunny with light cloud.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Kiwi picking
Took Totty out and then went over to Welcome Bay for coffee as it was on our way to Mark's house. The weather was so warm, just like summer again after all the rain we have had.
We found the house which is high on a hill with some wonderful views across the bay. He owns lots of land around him and his son and daughter both have houses on the surrounding land but you can't see them. He has lots of Kiwi fruit orchards and has mandarins, oranges and apples. He also rears his own beef and lamb, has free range chickens and his grandson, who is ten, has his own duck pond where he is breeding ducks. It is a really lovely place and so peaceful. They have a lovely deck area and a swimming pool. That said I would not like to live there it is too far out of town.
We went down to one of the Kiwi fruit orchards and although the professional pickers have been in and stripped it for market there were still lots left and it took us five minutes to pick a big bucket full. We then went to pick to mandarins and they are so sweet and juicy and easy to peel. Mark said to go along with any friends and pick as much as I like any time I want to.
We then went back up to the house where Val, Mark's wife had set out lunch of cold meats, salad and bread and we had a very pleasant afternoon and I enjoyed a glass of wine!!! We sat inside, as it was a bit hot to sit out on the deck as they have put the sunshade away, with all the doors open it is hard to believe that tomorrow if the first day of winter and it is 18 degrees!!!
We got home and Jon did a bit of tidying up outside and I pottered about inside. We took Totty out and then I cooked some very nice pork fillet with apples and made a lovely cauliflower dish to go with it.
WEATHER
Beautiful sunshine all day, really warm.
We found the house which is high on a hill with some wonderful views across the bay. He owns lots of land around him and his son and daughter both have houses on the surrounding land but you can't see them. He has lots of Kiwi fruit orchards and has mandarins, oranges and apples. He also rears his own beef and lamb, has free range chickens and his grandson, who is ten, has his own duck pond where he is breeding ducks. It is a really lovely place and so peaceful. They have a lovely deck area and a swimming pool. That said I would not like to live there it is too far out of town.
We went down to one of the Kiwi fruit orchards and although the professional pickers have been in and stripped it for market there were still lots left and it took us five minutes to pick a big bucket full. We then went to pick to mandarins and they are so sweet and juicy and easy to peel. Mark said to go along with any friends and pick as much as I like any time I want to.
We then went back up to the house where Val, Mark's wife had set out lunch of cold meats, salad and bread and we had a very pleasant afternoon and I enjoyed a glass of wine!!! We sat inside, as it was a bit hot to sit out on the deck as they have put the sunshade away, with all the doors open it is hard to believe that tomorrow if the first day of winter and it is 18 degrees!!!
We got home and Jon did a bit of tidying up outside and I pottered about inside. We took Totty out and then I cooked some very nice pork fillet with apples and made a lovely cauliflower dish to go with it.
WEATHER
Beautiful sunshine all day, really warm.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Market Day
I had nearly forgotten about the market day that Lions were helping at for the cancer lodge but remembered just before I went to bed.
Kirsty said she would call but we waited till gone nine and she didn't so we took Totty out. When we got back we went over to Bethlehem and I thought I would only be an hour so Jon dropped me off and went in to the bank to put the bonus cheque in and then came back as the bank was closed. He went off for coffee and brought me one back and as there were not many people there to help they asked if I could stay till the end at 12.00 so I said OK. Jon was not impressed and so he went off home and came back for me later. We did well with our stall and made over four hundred dollars.
We got back and I made him a sandwich and then I went over to Bayfair to do some shopping and Jon went to the gym.
He got back and I cooked dinner. His boss, Mark, had phoned to invite us out for dinner, fortunately Jon said we couldn't make it as I don't think I would have been in the mood. He invited us over to his place tomorrow to pick some fruit.
WEATHER
A sunny start and then light showers in the afternoon.
Kirsty said she would call but we waited till gone nine and she didn't so we took Totty out. When we got back we went over to Bethlehem and I thought I would only be an hour so Jon dropped me off and went in to the bank to put the bonus cheque in and then came back as the bank was closed. He went off for coffee and brought me one back and as there were not many people there to help they asked if I could stay till the end at 12.00 so I said OK. Jon was not impressed and so he went off home and came back for me later. We did well with our stall and made over four hundred dollars.
We got back and I made him a sandwich and then I went over to Bayfair to do some shopping and Jon went to the gym.
He got back and I cooked dinner. His boss, Mark, had phoned to invite us out for dinner, fortunately Jon said we couldn't make it as I don't think I would have been in the mood. He invited us over to his place tomorrow to pick some fruit.
WEATHER
A sunny start and then light showers in the afternoon.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Last golf lesson :-(
It started off very wet this morning and I thought we would be having another wet golf lesson.
Went to the shop and had a busy morning and bought two very nice new tops. One is a rust coloured cardigan type thing, no buttons and 3/4 sleeves and the other is a silver grey longish cardigan with sort of cap sleeves and one button at the top. Both are brand new and still have the labels on them of $89 and $79 and I got them for $15 and $18. Now I just need to find something to wear them with. Still waiting for the container to be released from customs so still not much in the shop but we managed to keep busy.
Fortunately the rain cleared for the golf lesson and we went out to play some holes!!! As there were 9 of us we only managed two but we had a good time and it was a lot of fun. We have all agreed to meet up to play sometime. A man from the council was there to take photos for the Celebration night.
After an extended lesson I just had time to get to the doctors to have my stitches out and the results are fine. The nurse is English and has been out here for two years with two of her children and her husband. Her third daughter is 23 and can't make up her mind if she wants to leave her boyfriend or not, that must be hard for both mum and daughter.
By the time I got home it was well after three and I was sooo hungry as I had forgotten to take an apple to the shop with me so I quickly made a sandwich.
Watched a bit of TV then took Totty out, my feet are killing me as I have been on them all day and I am not used to it!
Jon went to the gym and then came home and got the fish and chips which was particularly good this week. He also got his bonus which is very nice, too!
WEATHER
Very wet this morning but brighter later and quite warm
Went to the shop and had a busy morning and bought two very nice new tops. One is a rust coloured cardigan type thing, no buttons and 3/4 sleeves and the other is a silver grey longish cardigan with sort of cap sleeves and one button at the top. Both are brand new and still have the labels on them of $89 and $79 and I got them for $15 and $18. Now I just need to find something to wear them with. Still waiting for the container to be released from customs so still not much in the shop but we managed to keep busy.
Fortunately the rain cleared for the golf lesson and we went out to play some holes!!! As there were 9 of us we only managed two but we had a good time and it was a lot of fun. We have all agreed to meet up to play sometime. A man from the council was there to take photos for the Celebration night.
After an extended lesson I just had time to get to the doctors to have my stitches out and the results are fine. The nurse is English and has been out here for two years with two of her children and her husband. Her third daughter is 23 and can't make up her mind if she wants to leave her boyfriend or not, that must be hard for both mum and daughter.
By the time I got home it was well after three and I was sooo hungry as I had forgotten to take an apple to the shop with me so I quickly made a sandwich.
Watched a bit of TV then took Totty out, my feet are killing me as I have been on them all day and I am not used to it!
Jon went to the gym and then came home and got the fish and chips which was particularly good this week. He also got his bonus which is very nice, too!
WEATHER
Very wet this morning but brighter later and quite warm
Thursday, 27 May 2010
A very nice lunch
After chatting for Heather too long this morning I managed to get my hair dried and got out with Totty before it was too late. I then went out and did my shopping before coming home to get ready for my keep fit lunch over at the Mount.
I met Helen outside and we went in together. Her friend had saved a seat for her and the lady on the other side moved along so I could sit there too. I started to chat to this lady, Margaret, who had a definite West Country accent and I asked her where she lived and she said Maungatapu. Oh I do too I said. She told me she lived in a granny flat with her daughter and son in law. I asked if her daughter was called Sharon and she said yes. Sharon works with me at the Red Cross. How funny is that!! She is a very nice lady and has been here since 2000. Sharon moved here with her Kiwi husband and Margaret and her husband came out for holidays and liked it so moved here too. Sadly her husband died three years ago so she is now on her own. Her other two sons liked it here when they visited and so they are also here which is very nice for her as they have grandchildren so she gets to see them all. Not sure how old she is but must be early 70s I think.
Our lunch was very good. It was a Chinese 'eat all you want' buffet and there was so much to choose from followed by pudding and coffee and all for $13 (about £6). I was very good though and didn't eat too much.
Anyway, as she does not drive and had come over on the bus I gave her a lift back and I told her to pop in any time she was passing. It turns out that my golf teacher is her grandson's girlfriend - small world!
Got back and took Totty out then sat and watched a bit of TV before getting our dinner ready. Jon had some Indians over today so was busy with them all day and did not come home for lunch.
Got my pension forms to fill in the other day. I thought it was going to be simple but they seem to have sent the forms for someone who is living permanently in NZ so I will need to try and call them and get the correct forms. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
A bit chilly tonight and I think we will have to light the fire soon.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy and overcast all day with a few showers.
I met Helen outside and we went in together. Her friend had saved a seat for her and the lady on the other side moved along so I could sit there too. I started to chat to this lady, Margaret, who had a definite West Country accent and I asked her where she lived and she said Maungatapu. Oh I do too I said. She told me she lived in a granny flat with her daughter and son in law. I asked if her daughter was called Sharon and she said yes. Sharon works with me at the Red Cross. How funny is that!! She is a very nice lady and has been here since 2000. Sharon moved here with her Kiwi husband and Margaret and her husband came out for holidays and liked it so moved here too. Sadly her husband died three years ago so she is now on her own. Her other two sons liked it here when they visited and so they are also here which is very nice for her as they have grandchildren so she gets to see them all. Not sure how old she is but must be early 70s I think.
Our lunch was very good. It was a Chinese 'eat all you want' buffet and there was so much to choose from followed by pudding and coffee and all for $13 (about £6). I was very good though and didn't eat too much.
Anyway, as she does not drive and had come over on the bus I gave her a lift back and I told her to pop in any time she was passing. It turns out that my golf teacher is her grandson's girlfriend - small world!
Got back and took Totty out then sat and watched a bit of TV before getting our dinner ready. Jon had some Indians over today so was busy with them all day and did not come home for lunch.
Got my pension forms to fill in the other day. I thought it was going to be simple but they seem to have sent the forms for someone who is living permanently in NZ so I will need to try and call them and get the correct forms. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
A bit chilly tonight and I think we will have to light the fire soon.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy and overcast all day with a few showers.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
A very chilly swimming class
Although the sun was out when I got to the pool there was a chill wind and the water was not as hot as usual. The usual teacher was not there and we had the class with the manager who, although not as good as Louis, is very nice and tries his best. The exercises where we had to lift our arms out of the water were not very nice as it was so cold. Not sure how long I will keep this up in the winter. I didn't pick Les up as she has moved house and it is not on my way.
After a nice long spell in one of the hot pools I made a quick dash for the shower and managed to get in the disabled one as the water is always hot in that one!
Les and I went for a coffee and sat for a long time chatting as we usually do.
I got back and took Totty out and then popped over to see Bronwyn with a dress I had for her grand daughter.
Had lunch when I got back and it was then 2.00. Jon was a t a meeting in Hamilton and so not home for lunch.
Had a walk with Totty and met my neighbour who has a three month old puppy and it is so sweet but much too boisterous for Totty!
Made a nice dinner of fish fillets with a tomato, courgette and basil sauce topped with cheese - yummy.
WEATHER
Sun and cloud but with a cold wind. A few showers later.
After a nice long spell in one of the hot pools I made a quick dash for the shower and managed to get in the disabled one as the water is always hot in that one!
Les and I went for a coffee and sat for a long time chatting as we usually do.
I got back and took Totty out and then popped over to see Bronwyn with a dress I had for her grand daughter.
Had lunch when I got back and it was then 2.00. Jon was a t a meeting in Hamilton and so not home for lunch.
Had a walk with Totty and met my neighbour who has a three month old puppy and it is so sweet but much too boisterous for Totty!
Made a nice dinner of fish fillets with a tomato, courgette and basil sauce topped with cheese - yummy.
WEATHER
Sun and cloud but with a cold wind. A few showers later.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
A bit of sun after the rain
Totty only got me up once last night and it was the early hours of the morning so not too bad.
I didn't put the alarm on but thankfully managed to wake up at the right time. I rely too much on Jon getting up on time.
Keep fit was good this morning and we had a good workout for our thighs and I think it might hurt tomorrow!
After class we sat around and had a coffee and a chat. I popped into the supermarket to get some bread on the way home and also picked up my jacket from the dry cleaners.
Had lunch and did a bit of cleaning. The piece at the bottom of the shower door was really dirty and I didn't know if I could remove it but thought I would try as it was annoying me. I got it nice and clean and put it all back together with no problem. It never ceases to amaze me that you only use soap and shampoo in showers but they seem to get very dirty with gunge in all the nooks and crannies!
I left Jon's dinner ready for him to cook when he got back and went to pick Janice up. We had a good meeting although there were only 20 of us. We had a speaker from Riding for the Disabled and he was very interesting. I was also presented with a little badge for completing my first year.
Got home about 10 and had a chat to Jon, who had got back on time, and a coffee and then bed.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny this morning but clouded over later and was quite cool. Rain at night.
I didn't put the alarm on but thankfully managed to wake up at the right time. I rely too much on Jon getting up on time.
Keep fit was good this morning and we had a good workout for our thighs and I think it might hurt tomorrow!
After class we sat around and had a coffee and a chat. I popped into the supermarket to get some bread on the way home and also picked up my jacket from the dry cleaners.
Had lunch and did a bit of cleaning. The piece at the bottom of the shower door was really dirty and I didn't know if I could remove it but thought I would try as it was annoying me. I got it nice and clean and put it all back together with no problem. It never ceases to amaze me that you only use soap and shampoo in showers but they seem to get very dirty with gunge in all the nooks and crannies!
I left Jon's dinner ready for him to cook when he got back and went to pick Janice up. We had a good meeting although there were only 20 of us. We had a speaker from Riding for the Disabled and he was very interesting. I was also presented with a little badge for completing my first year.
Got home about 10 and had a chat to Jon, who had got back on time, and a coffee and then bed.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny this morning but clouded over later and was quite cool. Rain at night.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Rain, rain and more rain.
We haven't managed to get over the doorstep today as we have had torrential rain all day.
Jon's flight to Auckland was delayed so he missed his connection to Nelson and had to wait two and a half hours for the next one. He finally arrived at 4.00 but I was relieved when he rang as I was worried about all the weather warnings.
I did my housework and had to use the dryer for my washing as I have nowhere to hang lots of things so it is better to use the dryer.
Apart from housework I haven't done anything.
I called my sister tonight for a chat and now I am off to bed once I have made Totty go out for a wee in the rain which is very hard as she hates it!
WEATHER
A severe weather warning was given last night for heavy rain. It only stopped for about an hour all day, really heavy
Jon's flight to Auckland was delayed so he missed his connection to Nelson and had to wait two and a half hours for the next one. He finally arrived at 4.00 but I was relieved when he rang as I was worried about all the weather warnings.
I did my housework and had to use the dryer for my washing as I have nowhere to hang lots of things so it is better to use the dryer.
Apart from housework I haven't done anything.
I called my sister tonight for a chat and now I am off to bed once I have made Totty go out for a wee in the rain which is very hard as she hates it!
WEATHER
A severe weather warning was given last night for heavy rain. It only stopped for about an hour all day, really heavy
Sunday, 23 May 2010
The start of winter?
It was a bit cloudy this morning but not cold so after taking the dog out we decided to go out for a drive.
We haven't been to the central area so headed off to Tokoroa. It took us just over an hour to get there and on the way it started to rain as we were going over the Kaimai mountains and I wished I hadn't put my washing out!
However by the time we got over the 'hill', as it is known locally, the rain had stopped and it was brighter. We arrived in Tokoroa and it was not a very nice place. I had a leaflet about the town saying it had a trail around the town to see the 'Talking Poles' which are carved wooden poles, some of them very big and they all have meanings but they are very obscure! There is a huge saw mill in the town and so timber is a big part and a way of life. We walked around but we both agreed it is probably the worst place we have visited. I should have expected it really as there was nothing about it in the Lonely Planet so should have been prepared.
We bough sandwiches and a take away cup of tea and went up to the 'scenic lookout' and even that was scruffy with rubbish all over the place. I am sure the views would be lovely on a clear day but as it was cloudy we couldn't see much and won't be going back to check out the view on a clear day.
We drove back through some lovely countryside but it was raining and not a nice drive back.
My washing was very wet and I had to put it all in the dryer.
Jon wanted to light the fire but I said it wasn't cold enough. It was raining hard but still warm. We had roast lamb for dinner and the oven always warms up the room anyway.
WEATHER
Cloudy first thing followed by rain in the afternoon and heavy rain at night.
We haven't been to the central area so headed off to Tokoroa. It took us just over an hour to get there and on the way it started to rain as we were going over the Kaimai mountains and I wished I hadn't put my washing out!
However by the time we got over the 'hill', as it is known locally, the rain had stopped and it was brighter. We arrived in Tokoroa and it was not a very nice place. I had a leaflet about the town saying it had a trail around the town to see the 'Talking Poles' which are carved wooden poles, some of them very big and they all have meanings but they are very obscure! There is a huge saw mill in the town and so timber is a big part and a way of life. We walked around but we both agreed it is probably the worst place we have visited. I should have expected it really as there was nothing about it in the Lonely Planet so should have been prepared.
We bough sandwiches and a take away cup of tea and went up to the 'scenic lookout' and even that was scruffy with rubbish all over the place. I am sure the views would be lovely on a clear day but as it was cloudy we couldn't see much and won't be going back to check out the view on a clear day.
We drove back through some lovely countryside but it was raining and not a nice drive back.
My washing was very wet and I had to put it all in the dryer.
Jon wanted to light the fire but I said it wasn't cold enough. It was raining hard but still warm. We had roast lamb for dinner and the oven always warms up the room anyway.
WEATHER
Cloudy first thing followed by rain in the afternoon and heavy rain at night.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
A really sunny day
A beautiful start to the day with clear blue skies and warm air. Took Totty down to the park and sat in the sun as it was so lovely down there.
Came back and decided to go to McLaren Falls Park for coffee. When we got there it was just so beautiful and peaceful. Had a coffee and a carrot muffin with cream cheese topping! We then went for a long walk around the park and the trees were really lovely with the autumn leaves.
Got back for lunch and used the leftover salmon from last night's dinner to make sandwiches - really yummy!
Jon went to the gym in the afternoon and I read my new Dish magazine and then did my ironing.
Took Tot out and met a friendly Dalmatian in the park.
Cooked steak for dinner and had some lovely blue Brie to follow and then a nice lemon sponge with cream.
So warm still I didn't need a jumper on in the evening, just a T shirt.
WEATHER
A beautiful sunny day, really warm all day 19 degrees
Came back and decided to go to McLaren Falls Park for coffee. When we got there it was just so beautiful and peaceful. Had a coffee and a carrot muffin with cream cheese topping! We then went for a long walk around the park and the trees were really lovely with the autumn leaves.
Got back for lunch and used the leftover salmon from last night's dinner to make sandwiches - really yummy!
Jon went to the gym in the afternoon and I read my new Dish magazine and then did my ironing.
Took Tot out and met a friendly Dalmatian in the park.
Cooked steak for dinner and had some lovely blue Brie to follow and then a nice lemon sponge with cream.
So warm still I didn't need a jumper on in the evening, just a T shirt.
WEATHER
A beautiful sunny day, really warm all day 19 degrees
Friday, 21 May 2010
A rainy golf lesson
We had a lot of rain overnight and it was very windy.
Managed to get out with Tot before I went to the Red Cross. We had a few showers through the morning and I hoped it would stay dry for golf.
The shop wasn't very busy as we are still waiting for the stock to arrive from Oz. I did find a nice black jacket which is quite long and also a pair of brown ankle boots which are new and cost £1.50 and very comfy and don't hurt my bunion. The jacket looks like it has been packed for a long time so I will have it cleaned and it will be fine.
By the time I was leaving for golf we had steady, but light rain. However, by the time I got up to the golf course it was pouring. The lesson went ahead anyway and we all got very wet! It was not nice.
When I got back I had to change my clothes before having lunch and will need to wash my hair before I go out tonight.
Jon came home early and we were off out for dinner just before 6.00. We went to an Italian place and had a really good meal. I had salmon for my main and it was much too big so the waitress kindly put it in a little take home box and it will be nice in a sandwich tomorrow.
When we arrived at the theatre there was a very mixed audience from young children to very old people and not as many as I thought were t dressed in Abba outfits. The show was really good and all the audience were up singing and dancing. They sang all the best Abba songs and ended with Dancing Queen and Thank you for the music and now I have a very dry throat. We didn't get home till 10.45 - very late for a Kiwi event!
WEATHER
Woke up to some very wet weather. Cloudy all day and lots of rain about.
Managed to get out with Tot before I went to the Red Cross. We had a few showers through the morning and I hoped it would stay dry for golf.
The shop wasn't very busy as we are still waiting for the stock to arrive from Oz. I did find a nice black jacket which is quite long and also a pair of brown ankle boots which are new and cost £1.50 and very comfy and don't hurt my bunion. The jacket looks like it has been packed for a long time so I will have it cleaned and it will be fine.
By the time I was leaving for golf we had steady, but light rain. However, by the time I got up to the golf course it was pouring. The lesson went ahead anyway and we all got very wet! It was not nice.
When I got back I had to change my clothes before having lunch and will need to wash my hair before I go out tonight.
Jon came home early and we were off out for dinner just before 6.00. We went to an Italian place and had a really good meal. I had salmon for my main and it was much too big so the waitress kindly put it in a little take home box and it will be nice in a sandwich tomorrow.
When we arrived at the theatre there was a very mixed audience from young children to very old people and not as many as I thought were t dressed in Abba outfits. The show was really good and all the audience were up singing and dancing. They sang all the best Abba songs and ended with Dancing Queen and Thank you for the music and now I have a very dry throat. We didn't get home till 10.45 - very late for a Kiwi event!
WEATHER
Woke up to some very wet weather. Cloudy all day and lots of rain about.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
A visit from the Sweep!
Totty didn't get up once last night I just don't understand her.
Jon left early as he has a presentation to give today and still had a bit to do on it.
The chimney sweep came at 8.20 and I was surprised at how clean he was - no soot. Most of the work was carried out on the roof and then a bit of cleaning in the fire itself and 25 minutes and he was finished.
I then took Totty out before going down to the doctors to have my mole removed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lauren as the nurse. She is one of the ladies I met at the neighbourhood bbq in March and lives just down the road so we had a nice catch up while waiting for the doctor.
The doctor was as funny as he was the other day when I saw him and made lots of jokes and chatted all the way through the procedure. He removed the mole and put two stitches in and I need to go back to have them removed next Friday when he should also have the results and it didn't hurt a bit well, apart from the injection to freeze it.
I then went to have a coffee at Fraser Cove. The bakers where I have coffee had some Cornish pasties so I bought two for lunch. She kept them in the oven till I had done my shopping so that they would still be warm for lunch.
I did my supermarket shop and then picked up the pasties and went home, they smelt very nice. After putting the shopping away I had to wait till Jon came home and the smell of the pasties was so good. Unfortunately, they didn't taste as good as they smelt but were OK.
Alison came over for a cup of tea but Bronwyn was out when I called. We had a nice chat and then I took Totty out and made it back just before the rain started.
Had some very nice fish for dinner - gurnard, I think this is my favorite fish over here.
WEATHER
Cloudy this morning and a bit colder. Rain late in the afternoon.
Jon left early as he has a presentation to give today and still had a bit to do on it.
The chimney sweep came at 8.20 and I was surprised at how clean he was - no soot. Most of the work was carried out on the roof and then a bit of cleaning in the fire itself and 25 minutes and he was finished.
I then took Totty out before going down to the doctors to have my mole removed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lauren as the nurse. She is one of the ladies I met at the neighbourhood bbq in March and lives just down the road so we had a nice catch up while waiting for the doctor.
The doctor was as funny as he was the other day when I saw him and made lots of jokes and chatted all the way through the procedure. He removed the mole and put two stitches in and I need to go back to have them removed next Friday when he should also have the results and it didn't hurt a bit well, apart from the injection to freeze it.
I then went to have a coffee at Fraser Cove. The bakers where I have coffee had some Cornish pasties so I bought two for lunch. She kept them in the oven till I had done my shopping so that they would still be warm for lunch.
I did my supermarket shop and then picked up the pasties and went home, they smelt very nice. After putting the shopping away I had to wait till Jon came home and the smell of the pasties was so good. Unfortunately, they didn't taste as good as they smelt but were OK.
Alison came over for a cup of tea but Bronwyn was out when I called. We had a nice chat and then I took Totty out and made it back just before the rain started.
Had some very nice fish for dinner - gurnard, I think this is my favorite fish over here.
WEATHER
Cloudy this morning and a bit colder. Rain late in the afternoon.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Swimming
Totty had me up four times last night. I think it was because her cover came off her. The first time was around 2.00 and I put her cover back on her after letting her out. She then woke at 6.00 and I let her out again but I wouldn't put her cover on her properly in case she decides that she will wake me every time it comes off. she wouldn't settle so I let her out again and she still didn't settle and then Jon got up and let her out when he went for a shower. She went back to sleep eventually without her cover on and then of course didn't want to get up when I did. I could have hit her!
Went to aquacise and the water was only two degrees cooler than last week but as the air was cooler it felt really cold when you got in. We had a good class with the lady trainer and then a nice spell in the hot pool. Les and I went for coffee and it was so lovely and warm we sat out in the sun till nearly 12.00!! But lots of the other ladies were still there too so it was not just us enjoying the autumn sunshine.
I got back and took Totty down to the park for a quick walk and then it was back to make lunch for Jon.
Had a quiet afternoon and read my book and then made a nice fruit loaf.
Jon was out to a dinner tonight so I had leftovers from last night which is fine and at least I didn't have to cook.
Jon was home by 8.00 so it was an early Kiwi dinner with some Aussies!!
WEATHER
A beautiful sunny day but chilly first thing then really, really warm again.
Went to aquacise and the water was only two degrees cooler than last week but as the air was cooler it felt really cold when you got in. We had a good class with the lady trainer and then a nice spell in the hot pool. Les and I went for coffee and it was so lovely and warm we sat out in the sun till nearly 12.00!! But lots of the other ladies were still there too so it was not just us enjoying the autumn sunshine.
I got back and took Totty down to the park for a quick walk and then it was back to make lunch for Jon.
Had a quiet afternoon and read my book and then made a nice fruit loaf.
Jon was out to a dinner tonight so I had leftovers from last night which is fine and at least I didn't have to cook.
Jon was home by 8.00 so it was an early Kiwi dinner with some Aussies!!
WEATHER
A beautiful sunny day but chilly first thing then really, really warm again.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
No keep fit today
I thought I ought to give my shoulder a chance to heal so didn't go to keep fit so no rush to get out with Totty.
I had an online chat to Heather who is having a spot of bother with her radio assignment. The tutor had returned it and after telling them it was very good has made a suggestion to do some editing to make it better. The problem is they have not been taught how to do it and she says she is now not allowed to tell them. All very silly as now they think they have not done as well as they could and are feeling very down about it. Heather has been trying to find out how to use an editing programme but hasn't been able to and it is due in tomorrow. The tutor should have checked what she has taught them before making the suggestion.
Took Totty out after chatting to Heather and I met the man from Liverpool who I see quite often, he has been here since the 60s. He walks around the streets here every day and was telling me he used to run marathons but is now too old, he must be in his mid 70s I should think but a nice man and I always enjoy having a chat with him when we meet.
Jon came home for lunch and we had soup even though it wasn't cold but it made a change.
Did my last bit of ironing and then took Totty out for a long walk.
I finished my book and now have the horrible task of starting a new one,I hate that when I have just finished a really good book!
Popped out to the post office and to get some mushrooms for the dinner. I bought my magazine and it had a freebie bag with it and I got loads of stuff in it, toothpaste, deodorant, steam bags for the microwave, Weightwatchers chewy bar, coffee, cat food, chewing gum, peanut bar, pantie liners, fabric conditioner and two sachets of face cream, all of which more than paid for the magazine.
Had dinner and watched Coronation Street. We are now up to the part when we left the UK so it is nice to watch again.
WEATHER
A cloudy and chilly start, it went down to 7 degrees last night. Brighter later
I had an online chat to Heather who is having a spot of bother with her radio assignment. The tutor had returned it and after telling them it was very good has made a suggestion to do some editing to make it better. The problem is they have not been taught how to do it and she says she is now not allowed to tell them. All very silly as now they think they have not done as well as they could and are feeling very down about it. Heather has been trying to find out how to use an editing programme but hasn't been able to and it is due in tomorrow. The tutor should have checked what she has taught them before making the suggestion.
Took Totty out after chatting to Heather and I met the man from Liverpool who I see quite often, he has been here since the 60s. He walks around the streets here every day and was telling me he used to run marathons but is now too old, he must be in his mid 70s I should think but a nice man and I always enjoy having a chat with him when we meet.
Jon came home for lunch and we had soup even though it wasn't cold but it made a change.
Did my last bit of ironing and then took Totty out for a long walk.
I finished my book and now have the horrible task of starting a new one,I hate that when I have just finished a really good book!
Popped out to the post office and to get some mushrooms for the dinner. I bought my magazine and it had a freebie bag with it and I got loads of stuff in it, toothpaste, deodorant, steam bags for the microwave, Weightwatchers chewy bar, coffee, cat food, chewing gum, peanut bar, pantie liners, fabric conditioner and two sachets of face cream, all of which more than paid for the magazine.
Had dinner and watched Coronation Street. We are now up to the part when we left the UK so it is nice to watch again.
WEATHER
A cloudy and chilly start, it went down to 7 degrees last night. Brighter later
Monday, 17 May 2010
An expensive visit to the doctor
Got all my washing sorted and in the machine early today and out with Totty.
I have a mole on my thigh which I have had for a few years and had it checked in UK two years before coming out here and it was OK but it seems to have changed over the last few weeks so I think I had better get it checked out.
I rang the Mole Clinic and they say it is $85 to have one checked and scanned so I thought I would go to the doctor first and see what he said so made an appointment for this afternoon.
I resisted the temptation to go on the computer and got all my housework done instead. I spend far too much time on Facebook, Farmville and reading the UK newspapers and it has to stop before I end up having a 'virtual life' not to mention the pain I get in my shoulder from using the mouse! I am also reading a very good book which I won't pick up till I have done my housework!
Jon came home for lunch and watched a bit more of the Grand Pr x but will need to finish it when he comes home tonight. He won't go onto the computer or listen to the news till he has watched it in case they give the result.
Went out for my doctors appointment for 4.30 and had to wait till 4.50. I saw a Dr Barklie who is from Zimbabwe. He is a real character and I liked him a lot, he has a good sense of humour something which a lot of Kiwis don't have. He looked at the mole and drew around it and said he could take it off and he didn't think it was anything sinister and would be no problem so that will be $70. I then asked him about the pain in my shoulder and arm and after examining me he said I have a rotator cuff impingement (this is where all the shoulder/arm tendons join) and has given me antiinflammatory tablets and if no better in a few days he gave me an x-ray form and also I am to have physio. If that does not work he will consider a steroid injection under ultrasound, hopefully it will settle down. I made an appointment to have the mole off on Thursday. The tablets cost $23 and the consultation $35 so about £60. I wish we had the NHS here even in the state it is in!!!!
It was very late when I got out as he had to take a call from Australia when I was with him and then he was telling me all bout how his family had gone out to Zimbabwe and how his mother and father have now gone back to live in Derby where they were born. No wonder he runs late with his consultations!!!
So Totty didn't get a walk as it was dark by the time I got home.
Jon came home and watched the Grand Prix and I made a nice past dish with leftover chicken which was nice.
WEATHER
After a chilly start it was very warm and sunny for the rest of the day.
I have a mole on my thigh which I have had for a few years and had it checked in UK two years before coming out here and it was OK but it seems to have changed over the last few weeks so I think I had better get it checked out.
I rang the Mole Clinic and they say it is $85 to have one checked and scanned so I thought I would go to the doctor first and see what he said so made an appointment for this afternoon.
I resisted the temptation to go on the computer and got all my housework done instead. I spend far too much time on Facebook, Farmville and reading the UK newspapers and it has to stop before I end up having a 'virtual life' not to mention the pain I get in my shoulder from using the mouse! I am also reading a very good book which I won't pick up till I have done my housework!
Jon came home for lunch and watched a bit more of the Grand Pr x but will need to finish it when he comes home tonight. He won't go onto the computer or listen to the news till he has watched it in case they give the result.
Went out for my doctors appointment for 4.30 and had to wait till 4.50. I saw a Dr Barklie who is from Zimbabwe. He is a real character and I liked him a lot, he has a good sense of humour something which a lot of Kiwis don't have. He looked at the mole and drew around it and said he could take it off and he didn't think it was anything sinister and would be no problem so that will be $70. I then asked him about the pain in my shoulder and arm and after examining me he said I have a rotator cuff impingement (this is where all the shoulder/arm tendons join) and has given me antiinflammatory tablets and if no better in a few days he gave me an x-ray form and also I am to have physio. If that does not work he will consider a steroid injection under ultrasound, hopefully it will settle down. I made an appointment to have the mole off on Thursday. The tablets cost $23 and the consultation $35 so about £60. I wish we had the NHS here even in the state it is in!!!!
It was very late when I got out as he had to take a call from Australia when I was with him and then he was telling me all bout how his family had gone out to Zimbabwe and how his mother and father have now gone back to live in Derby where they were born. No wonder he runs late with his consultations!!!
So Totty didn't get a walk as it was dark by the time I got home.
Jon came home and watched the Grand Prix and I made a nice past dish with leftover chicken which was nice.
WEATHER
After a chilly start it was very warm and sunny for the rest of the day.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
What a wonderful day
We woke to bright sunshine this morning which was lovely. Kirsty called and we both had a long chat to her which is unusual as she doesn't call as much as Heather although come to think of it neither does Jane now since she moved.
We were late going out with Totty and thought we had better stay out of the woods as it would be wet and slippery after all the rain yesterday. She had a good old sniff around. Some days you can't get her away from the beach, like today. Not sure what she can smell on the rocks but she really enjoyed it and in the end I had to put her lead on to make her come with us as she kept going back.
We went to the Mount for coffee and were able to sit outside and Jon regretted putting a long sleeved top on. We had a walk around the farmers market and tried a few of the things they had for sale, smoked cheese, honey, breads, avocado oils and a lot more, we could have had lunch there.
When we got back Jon started chopping some of the wood. He had asked one of the operators to come up and do it for us but he is taking his time so Jon bought a wood splitter and had a go. He has manged to split a lot of the logs, which are very big, and we now probably have enough for the winter. At least he didn't need to go to the gym today!
I cooked roast chicken for dinner and it was really yummy and the oven gives enough heat to take the chill off the room. Although it was so warm the other night we had the door open till we went to bed!
WEATHER
What should have been thunderstorms all day turned out to be a beautiful warm and sunny day.
We were late going out with Totty and thought we had better stay out of the woods as it would be wet and slippery after all the rain yesterday. She had a good old sniff around. Some days you can't get her away from the beach, like today. Not sure what she can smell on the rocks but she really enjoyed it and in the end I had to put her lead on to make her come with us as she kept going back.
We went to the Mount for coffee and were able to sit outside and Jon regretted putting a long sleeved top on. We had a walk around the farmers market and tried a few of the things they had for sale, smoked cheese, honey, breads, avocado oils and a lot more, we could have had lunch there.
When we got back Jon started chopping some of the wood. He had asked one of the operators to come up and do it for us but he is taking his time so Jon bought a wood splitter and had a go. He has manged to split a lot of the logs, which are very big, and we now probably have enough for the winter. At least he didn't need to go to the gym today!
I cooked roast chicken for dinner and it was really yummy and the oven gives enough heat to take the chill off the room. Although it was so warm the other night we had the door open till we went to bed!
WEATHER
What should have been thunderstorms all day turned out to be a beautiful warm and sunny day.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
What a thunderstorm!
We had the mother of all storms last night and I spent most of the night with my arm out of the bed patting Totty to keep her quiet. I am so glad she didn't need to go out for a wee as I really didn't fancy getting up to let her out. The lightening was amazing and continuous and the rain very noisy on the roof. I had nearly forgotten how much nose it does make.
We were surprised to see the sun shinning in the morning and got out for a lovely walk with Tot and the sea was so calm.
We then went over to Bayfair for a coffee and to collect some jeans I have had shortened and take some trousers in for Jon. It was incredibly warm.
We got back for an early lunch as I had to be at the racecourse for 1.30 and the weather was not looking good!
I arrived at the racecourse in a downpour and sat in the car hoping it would stop but it didn't and I had to brave it. Met up with the other ladies and got our buckets and off we went around the stands and lounges. On the whole we did very well considering there were not many people so it only took about 45 minutes to get round. There was lots of thunder and lightening around and you could hardly see the horses for the heavy rain.
Lions president was having an afternoon tea at her house for us to meet the little boys we have bought the walkers for but I have a hair appointment and can't go. A bit of a lame excuse really but as my hairdresser is now at university in Hamilton he can only do hair on Saturdays so I couldn't change it.
When I got back from the racecourse Jon had gone to the gym so I had a cup of tea and then the hairdresser called to say he was running late and changed my time to 5.00 so I could have gone to the tea!!!! Never mind.
Finally had my hair done but I don't like late appointments and have manage to get a morning one for my next cut.
Got back and it was time to cook the duck for dinner!!! We had some really good Brie after dinner and I made a nice mixed berry crumble.
WEATHER
After an amazing storm through the night we had more during the day and LOTS of rain!
We were surprised to see the sun shinning in the morning and got out for a lovely walk with Tot and the sea was so calm.
We then went over to Bayfair for a coffee and to collect some jeans I have had shortened and take some trousers in for Jon. It was incredibly warm.
We got back for an early lunch as I had to be at the racecourse for 1.30 and the weather was not looking good!
I arrived at the racecourse in a downpour and sat in the car hoping it would stop but it didn't and I had to brave it. Met up with the other ladies and got our buckets and off we went around the stands and lounges. On the whole we did very well considering there were not many people so it only took about 45 minutes to get round. There was lots of thunder and lightening around and you could hardly see the horses for the heavy rain.
Lions president was having an afternoon tea at her house for us to meet the little boys we have bought the walkers for but I have a hair appointment and can't go. A bit of a lame excuse really but as my hairdresser is now at university in Hamilton he can only do hair on Saturdays so I couldn't change it.
When I got back from the racecourse Jon had gone to the gym so I had a cup of tea and then the hairdresser called to say he was running late and changed my time to 5.00 so I could have gone to the tea!!!! Never mind.
Finally had my hair done but I don't like late appointments and have manage to get a morning one for my next cut.
Got back and it was time to cook the duck for dinner!!! We had some really good Brie after dinner and I made a nice mixed berry crumble.
WEATHER
After an amazing storm through the night we had more during the day and LOTS of rain!
Friday, 14 May 2010
Friday
Took Totty out for a long walk and met one of the ladies I met a few months ago at Tricia's bbq. It is just typical that when I haven't got time to chat I meet someone.
I was late getting to the Red Cross but fortunately it wasn't busy. It did get busier through the morning though. We still don't have much stock as the container from Australia has been held up at customs but hopefully it will be in next week. The news about Noleen is not good, she is not responding to treatment.
Went to my golf lesson and it was really warm and sunny. We did driving today and I did OK only two more to go.
Got home and saw Bronwyn who invited me over later for a cuppa. Had lunch and did a few bits and pieces and then went across to Bronwyn's. She told me she had seen my photo in the paper with my golf group but I hadn't seen it. I was very good and only had a cup of tea and said no to a glass of wine.
Got back and fed Totty and then took her out and it was dark by the time I got back. Looked at the photo in the paper, very good.
Jon got back from Auckland on time and we had fish and chips as usual.
The forecast is for thunder so we might have a rough night.
WEATHER
Forecast was for rain but it never happened , very warm again 21 degrees.
I was late getting to the Red Cross but fortunately it wasn't busy. It did get busier through the morning though. We still don't have much stock as the container from Australia has been held up at customs but hopefully it will be in next week. The news about Noleen is not good, she is not responding to treatment.
Went to my golf lesson and it was really warm and sunny. We did driving today and I did OK only two more to go.
Got home and saw Bronwyn who invited me over later for a cuppa. Had lunch and did a few bits and pieces and then went across to Bronwyn's. She told me she had seen my photo in the paper with my golf group but I hadn't seen it. I was very good and only had a cup of tea and said no to a glass of wine.
Got back and fed Totty and then took her out and it was dark by the time I got back. Looked at the photo in the paper, very good.
Jon got back from Auckland on time and we had fish and chips as usual.
The forecast is for thunder so we might have a rough night.
WEATHER
Forecast was for rain but it never happened , very warm again 21 degrees.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Thursday and the sun is back
Went into Tauranga and sat in a street cafe for a coffee and it was so hot and humid I had to take my jacket off. This weather is crazy.
I went to the library to change some books and then went to buy a present to my friend's daughter who got married in Spain. After a long time looking around the shop I bought a white photo frame with some Maori symbols on which mean long life and happiness etc and I thought appropriate. The lady wrapped it very nicely, too.
I then went to do my shopping and got home for a very late lunch.
Managed to get Totty out between a few showers but still not fire weather.
Jon came in and said the power on his car had dropped on the way home and he had to drive slowly. He will need to take it in to the garage tomorrow before he flies up to Auckland.
Jane and Heather are driving up to Southport today for my brother-in-laws funeral. So proud of them for doing that as it is going to be hard. I hope it all goes well. This is when being so far away is difficult.
WEATHER
After loads of rain overnight it was very hot an humid today with the odd light shower.
I went to the library to change some books and then went to buy a present to my friend's daughter who got married in Spain. After a long time looking around the shop I bought a white photo frame with some Maori symbols on which mean long life and happiness etc and I thought appropriate. The lady wrapped it very nicely, too.
I then went to do my shopping and got home for a very late lunch.
Managed to get Totty out between a few showers but still not fire weather.
Jon came in and said the power on his car had dropped on the way home and he had to drive slowly. He will need to take it in to the garage tomorrow before he flies up to Auckland.
Jane and Heather are driving up to Southport today for my brother-in-laws funeral. So proud of them for doing that as it is going to be hard. I hope it all goes well. This is when being so far away is difficult.
WEATHER
After loads of rain overnight it was very hot an humid today with the odd light shower.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
A very wet Wednesday
It rained so hard last night and was very cloudy and overcast this morning when I took Totty out.
Jon left very early, 6.30, to get a flight to Nelson via Wellington with the Thai delegation. He called me from Wellington airport to say good morning! He is going for a 45 minute presentation and then has to fly back to Auckland and then onto Tauranga in time for dinner.
I rang Les to say I was not going to aquacise as I didn't want to get wet! The teacher usually calls in sick on wet days anyway. She said she would go and we arranged to meet for coffee later. She called back a bit later to say the class was cancelled but we would still meet for coffee.
I picked her up and we went to the Mount and as it was quite cold we found a nice warm cafe to have coffee. Les told me about Noleen who is the manager of the Red Cross processing room, she was due to fly to Oz to look after her grandson for seven weeks while his mum is on a course. She has not been feeling well and had had some blood tests and her doctor called her the day before she was to leave and told her that she has leukemia. She is only 57 and it seems to be very bad as she is already in hospital over in Hamilton and having treatment. Les knows her better than I do as she used to give her a lift before Les bought my car and she was also very good to Bianca, Les's daughter, when she first arrived in NZ. It is very sad.
We sat chatting for ages as I didn't have to rush back for lunch. I then picked up my Lions polo top for the races on Saturday.
I drove out to find the house where we are going tonight. It is in a part of Tauranga that I am not familiar with so thought I would have a recce in the daylight as everywhere looks different in the dark. After a few wrong turns I found the house so feel better now that I know where I am going.
On my way back I went into the supermarket to pick up the things I need to take tonight for cooking with the teenagers. We are making pizza and chocolate truffles. Janice is making chocolate chip cookies so they will have chocolate overload.
I had my dinner early as I needed to leave and left Jon's ready for him.
I picked Janice up and it was cold, wind, and raining - not a nice night to be out. We found the house OK and went to find the teenagers. The house is run by a church charity and they have house parents and at the moment have two girls a 12 and a 15 year old and a 12 year old boy. They come from troubled homes - alcohol abuse or sexual abuse or they can be having trouble at school - we didn't find out what the problems were. They are from the north so family is not on the doorstep and Lions go along once a month and do various things with them, knitting, sewing, beauty night and tonight, cooking. (Now they have a boy not sure how the beauty night is going to go!)
They were very polite and shook hands in a very grown up way. We went across to a room not connected to the main house and where I think they may have lessons but it was not the nicest place. I think they are responsible for it and it was all a bit grubby and I had to get them to was the bowls and things before we started and they did it quite happily. The boy, Tiree, made the pizza and he could talk the hind legs off a donkey so no problems with him. The 12 year old, Ihana, made biscuits with Janice and I did truffles with the 15 year old and her name was so difficult I can't remember it. Anyway, she loves chocolate and loved the recipe and is going to make some for her mum.
All in all we had a really lovely evening and I need not have worried as we all got on very well. They set a table for us and we sat with them and they ate the pizza and drank a 5 lite bottle of juice that Janice had brought and I told Tiree I would rather keep him for a week than a fortnight and he thought that was really funny. He told us one of the things he doesn't like about living in the house is that he has to shower every day. Where he comes from in the north they have a drought and water shortage so he only had a shower every three days! Boys!
They took everything that was left back to the house and I told them not to eat too many truffles or they would be sick and we would get into trouble. I was really glad I went on the visit.
Through the evening it was raining very hard and sooo windy. When we walked back to the car it was standing nearly ankle deep in water and we got very wet. Driving home was a nightmare as the windows were steaming up and I couldn't get them to clear. Of all the dry weather we have had and we had to be out on the wettest night we have had for months! I was very glad to get back in one piece.
WEATHER
Very wet overnight and overcast and cloudy this morning with very heavy rain at night
Jon left very early, 6.30, to get a flight to Nelson via Wellington with the Thai delegation. He called me from Wellington airport to say good morning! He is going for a 45 minute presentation and then has to fly back to Auckland and then onto Tauranga in time for dinner.
I rang Les to say I was not going to aquacise as I didn't want to get wet! The teacher usually calls in sick on wet days anyway. She said she would go and we arranged to meet for coffee later. She called back a bit later to say the class was cancelled but we would still meet for coffee.
I picked her up and we went to the Mount and as it was quite cold we found a nice warm cafe to have coffee. Les told me about Noleen who is the manager of the Red Cross processing room, she was due to fly to Oz to look after her grandson for seven weeks while his mum is on a course. She has not been feeling well and had had some blood tests and her doctor called her the day before she was to leave and told her that she has leukemia. She is only 57 and it seems to be very bad as she is already in hospital over in Hamilton and having treatment. Les knows her better than I do as she used to give her a lift before Les bought my car and she was also very good to Bianca, Les's daughter, when she first arrived in NZ. It is very sad.
We sat chatting for ages as I didn't have to rush back for lunch. I then picked up my Lions polo top for the races on Saturday.
I drove out to find the house where we are going tonight. It is in a part of Tauranga that I am not familiar with so thought I would have a recce in the daylight as everywhere looks different in the dark. After a few wrong turns I found the house so feel better now that I know where I am going.
On my way back I went into the supermarket to pick up the things I need to take tonight for cooking with the teenagers. We are making pizza and chocolate truffles. Janice is making chocolate chip cookies so they will have chocolate overload.
I had my dinner early as I needed to leave and left Jon's ready for him.
I picked Janice up and it was cold, wind, and raining - not a nice night to be out. We found the house OK and went to find the teenagers. The house is run by a church charity and they have house parents and at the moment have two girls a 12 and a 15 year old and a 12 year old boy. They come from troubled homes - alcohol abuse or sexual abuse or they can be having trouble at school - we didn't find out what the problems were. They are from the north so family is not on the doorstep and Lions go along once a month and do various things with them, knitting, sewing, beauty night and tonight, cooking. (Now they have a boy not sure how the beauty night is going to go!)
They were very polite and shook hands in a very grown up way. We went across to a room not connected to the main house and where I think they may have lessons but it was not the nicest place. I think they are responsible for it and it was all a bit grubby and I had to get them to was the bowls and things before we started and they did it quite happily. The boy, Tiree, made the pizza and he could talk the hind legs off a donkey so no problems with him. The 12 year old, Ihana, made biscuits with Janice and I did truffles with the 15 year old and her name was so difficult I can't remember it. Anyway, she loves chocolate and loved the recipe and is going to make some for her mum.
All in all we had a really lovely evening and I need not have worried as we all got on very well. They set a table for us and we sat with them and they ate the pizza and drank a 5 lite bottle of juice that Janice had brought and I told Tiree I would rather keep him for a week than a fortnight and he thought that was really funny. He told us one of the things he doesn't like about living in the house is that he has to shower every day. Where he comes from in the north they have a drought and water shortage so he only had a shower every three days! Boys!
They took everything that was left back to the house and I told them not to eat too many truffles or they would be sick and we would get into trouble. I was really glad I went on the visit.
Through the evening it was raining very hard and sooo windy. When we walked back to the car it was standing nearly ankle deep in water and we got very wet. Driving home was a nightmare as the windows were steaming up and I couldn't get them to clear. Of all the dry weather we have had and we had to be out on the wettest night we have had for months! I was very glad to get back in one piece.
WEATHER
Very wet overnight and overcast and cloudy this morning with very heavy rain at night
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Tuesday
Went to my keep fit class and we sat and had a coffee after the class and had a really good chat it was a shame we had to stop as our time was up in the hall.
Got back and did my ironing as I was behind with having to go and sort out my licence yesterday.
Jon came home for lunch but it will be his last lunch at home this week as he is looking after some Thai government people who are over to see how Genera do their fumigation.
Took Totty out for a windy walk this afternoon but the weather is still good for the time of year.
I went out to Lions business meeting. It wasn't a bad meeting really as all the fundraising events have finished we didn't have much to discuss. I volunteered to help with a bucket collection at the races on Saturday for the Lions Cancer Lodge in Hamilton which takes people from all this area.
I spoke to my sister and hope all goes well for her on Thursday.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm in the morning turning cloudy and windy in the afternoon.
Got back and did my ironing as I was behind with having to go and sort out my licence yesterday.
Jon came home for lunch but it will be his last lunch at home this week as he is looking after some Thai government people who are over to see how Genera do their fumigation.
Took Totty out for a windy walk this afternoon but the weather is still good for the time of year.
I went out to Lions business meeting. It wasn't a bad meeting really as all the fundraising events have finished we didn't have much to discuss. I volunteered to help with a bucket collection at the races on Saturday for the Lions Cancer Lodge in Hamilton which takes people from all this area.
I spoke to my sister and hope all goes well for her on Thursday.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm in the morning turning cloudy and windy in the afternoon.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Summer is back
We have had the most amazing day today after it being so cloudy yesterday the sun was out and it was really warm again.
I had to go over to Bayfair, Specsavers for my eye test this morning which was a bit of a joke really. She tested my eyes with my contacts in and then asked me to take them out and then asked me what letters I could see. Well der! Nothing as I have no lens in!!! OK she said you can put them back in now. What was the point, she knew I wouldn't be able to see anything. Well $29 later I got my certificate.
I then went to get the boots for Kirsty before heading off into Tauranga to the AA office where a very nice English lady who has lived her for 21 years sorted me out and now I just have to wait for my new licence to arrive. I also joined the AA as I have been worried that I would break down when Jon is away and I don't know who I would call so that is something else sorted and they had a special price on for the full package for May so I got that.
I then went back home and did my usual Monday housework and washing but it was just too hot.
We had leftover roast beef and salad for dinner which was very good. No potatoes as Jon has not lost any weight even with all his trips to the gym so we are cutting down on potatoes to see if that will make a difference. I am not sure it will as we only eat about three potatoes a week anyway. I think he is probably making muscle now and so won't weigh less but he see the trainer in another couple of weeks so we will see what he has to say.
WEATHER
Really hot and sunny again 21 degrees
I had to go over to Bayfair, Specsavers for my eye test this morning which was a bit of a joke really. She tested my eyes with my contacts in and then asked me to take them out and then asked me what letters I could see. Well der! Nothing as I have no lens in!!! OK she said you can put them back in now. What was the point, she knew I wouldn't be able to see anything. Well $29 later I got my certificate.
I then went to get the boots for Kirsty before heading off into Tauranga to the AA office where a very nice English lady who has lived her for 21 years sorted me out and now I just have to wait for my new licence to arrive. I also joined the AA as I have been worried that I would break down when Jon is away and I don't know who I would call so that is something else sorted and they had a special price on for the full package for May so I got that.
I then went back home and did my usual Monday housework and washing but it was just too hot.
We had leftover roast beef and salad for dinner which was very good. No potatoes as Jon has not lost any weight even with all his trips to the gym so we are cutting down on potatoes to see if that will make a difference. I am not sure it will as we only eat about three potatoes a week anyway. I think he is probably making muscle now and so won't weigh less but he see the trainer in another couple of weeks so we will see what he has to say.
WEATHER
Really hot and sunny again 21 degrees
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday - We found some nice boots
We went over to Bayfair after walking Totty as Jon needed some winter PJs. There was a stand selling Emu boots which are like Ugg boots and made in Oz. They looked very nice and so we took a photo on Jon's phone to send to the girls to ask if they liked them.
We bought some PJs and also some nice trousers in the Farmer's sale (Farmers is a shop similar to Debenhams). We then went upstairs into the kitchen department as I needed a cooling rack as the cakes I made last week went soggy when I took them out of the oven.
We eventually got back for lunch and then in the afternoon Jon went to the gym. I sent an email to the girls with the photo and asked them if they would like us to buy them.
I made a lemon drizzle cake ready for tea when Jon got back and it was very good.
We had roast beef tonight with all the trimmings and it was sooooo good. We really appreciate winter food now as it is such a long time since we had any. I made a yummy bread and butter pudding with Panetone that I had bought after Christmas and it needed to be used - it will do us for three days!!!
Weather
Cloudy and quite cold first thing and then the day warmed up.
Sunday We bought some nice boots
It is Mother's Day here today and my two neighbours were out chatting at the front and shouted happy mother's day to me. I explained that we had ours in March so I wasn't celebrating.
We went over to Bayfair after walking Totty as Jon needed some winter PJs. There was a stand selling Emu boots which are like Ugg boots and made in Oz. They looked very nice and so we took a photo on Jon's phone to send to the girls to ask if they liked them.
We bought some PJs and also some nice trousers in the Farmer's sale (Farmers is a shop similar to Debenhams). We then went upstairs into the kitchen department as I needed a cooling rack as the cakes I made last week went soggy when I took them out of the oven.
We eventually got back for lunch and then in the afternoon Jon went to the gym. I sent an email to the girls with the photo and asked them if they would like us to buy them.
I made a lemon drizzle cake ready for tea when Jon got back and it was very good.
We had roast beef tonight with all the trimmings and it was sooooo good. We really appreciate winter food now as it is such a long time since we had any. I made a yummy bread and butter pudding with Panetone that I had bought after Christmas and it needed to be used - it will do us for three days!!!
Weather
Cloudy and quite cold first thing and then the day warmed up.
Sunday We bought some nice boots
It is Mother's Day here today and my two neighbours were out chatting at the front and shouted happy mother's day to me. I explained that we had ours in March so I wasn't celebrating.
Well it usually takes the girls days or even weeks to reply to some of my emails but surprise, surprise I had three very quick replies about the boots - all saying yes please! So it was a trip over to Bayfair again to buy them. Turns out it is a new shop that has opened in Tauranga and this was an opening promotion special price. I got Jane's and Heather's but they didn't have Kirsty's size and Jon bought some nice sheepskin slippers. The lady kindly said if I could go to the shop next week she would let me have Kirsty's size for the same price so everyone will be happy.
We bought the newspapers and went home and had a quiet Sunday. Jon went to the gym again after lunch and as I had taken a curry from the freezer and had no dinner to cook I read my book.
Weather
Overcast all day and not as warm and sunny as they predicted.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Really enjoying golf lessons
I was awake early this morning so managed to get Totty out for a proper walk before I went to the Red Cross. Sadly, Sue, one of the ladies who started a few weeks ago and who was very nice, can't come anymore as she has to care for her brother-in-law, I will miss her as she was so friendly.
It was busy as usual and Bronwyn came in to return some jeans she had bought for her daughter and I gave her a refund which I later realised I should not have done, I should only have given her a credit note - oops. I think I might get my wrist slapped and I had better not do it again.
I went off to my golf lesson and we did pitching today and went onto the range. i can't believe how well I have got on with this teacher and I can now actually hit it a long way. The group of ladies are really nice too and we have been told that we can use the range and practice putting green over the six weeks we are doing the course so hopefully I can get up there one day.
Got home for lunch about 2.30 and watched Neighbours. The days seem much shorter now that I have to get Totty out early. It goes dark about 6.00 but it seems to make the day much shorter.
Jon got back from Wellington about 6.00 so we had our fish and chips at the usual time.
WEATHER
After a cloudy and cool start to the day the sun came out at lunch time and was out for the rest of the day. 18 degrees
It was busy as usual and Bronwyn came in to return some jeans she had bought for her daughter and I gave her a refund which I later realised I should not have done, I should only have given her a credit note - oops. I think I might get my wrist slapped and I had better not do it again.
I went off to my golf lesson and we did pitching today and went onto the range. i can't believe how well I have got on with this teacher and I can now actually hit it a long way. The group of ladies are really nice too and we have been told that we can use the range and practice putting green over the six weeks we are doing the course so hopefully I can get up there one day.
Got home for lunch about 2.30 and watched Neighbours. The days seem much shorter now that I have to get Totty out early. It goes dark about 6.00 but it seems to make the day much shorter.
Jon got back from Wellington about 6.00 so we had our fish and chips at the usual time.
WEATHER
After a cloudy and cool start to the day the sun came out at lunch time and was out for the rest of the day. 18 degrees
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Jon's gone to Wellington
Went off to do my shopping after taking Totty for her walk. I had a coffee at the bakery first but left the muffins on the shelf.
Jon came home for lunch and packed his bag for his afternoon flight to Wellington. He has a dinner with some people and then a meeting in the morning and then flies back - a long way to go for dinner.
Didn't do much this afternoon apart from take Totty out for her walk.
WEATHER
Chilly wind first thing then warm and sunny 18 degrees
Jon came home for lunch and packed his bag for his afternoon flight to Wellington. He has a dinner with some people and then a meeting in the morning and then flies back - a long way to go for dinner.
Didn't do much this afternoon apart from take Totty out for her walk.
WEATHER
Chilly wind first thing then warm and sunny 18 degrees
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
It is cold getting out of the pool
It was cold getting into the pool this morning but during the class the sun came out and we were really warm. I had a good swim after the class and then five minutes in the hot pool before rushing into the shower.
I went to meet Les for coffee. Her eye is still not right so she could not go to the class. We had a nice long chat and I hope she felt a bit better afterwards.
Jon had a meeting in Hamilton today so was not home for lunch.
Took Totty out and cooked the dinner. Jon came home late as he went to the gym.
WEATHER
Cold first thing then lovely and sunny all day
I went to meet Les for coffee. Her eye is still not right so she could not go to the class. We had a nice long chat and I hope she felt a bit better afterwards.
Jon had a meeting in Hamilton today so was not home for lunch.
Took Totty out and cooked the dinner. Jon came home late as he went to the gym.
WEATHER
Cold first thing then lovely and sunny all day
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Window cleaner day
Had a good class this morning but missed having Roz on my left side. I hope she had a good journey back to the UK.
Got back home and did a bit of housework and waited for the window cleaner to arrive which he did at about 12.00. I was a bit disappointed at how he cleaned the windows and not impressed. He used a brush on the end of the hose to scrub them and then just sprayed off the soap with the hose. I thought he would use a rubber blade to wipe them but he didn't and after a few hours when I saw the sun on them they looked streaky so I won't be having him again. I expected him to get up a ladder like back home! He cleaned the tall window at the bottom of the stairs and did that well but I am not impressed with the rest.
I Can't remember what I did in the afternoon other than my ironing and walk the dog!
WEATHER
After such a cold day yesterday we were back to warm and very sunny again.
Got back home and did a bit of housework and waited for the window cleaner to arrive which he did at about 12.00. I was a bit disappointed at how he cleaned the windows and not impressed. He used a brush on the end of the hose to scrub them and then just sprayed off the soap with the hose. I thought he would use a rubber blade to wipe them but he didn't and after a few hours when I saw the sun on them they looked streaky so I won't be having him again. I expected him to get up a ladder like back home! He cleaned the tall window at the bottom of the stairs and did that well but I am not impressed with the rest.
I Can't remember what I did in the afternoon other than my ironing and walk the dog!
WEATHER
After such a cold day yesterday we were back to warm and very sunny again.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Trying to change my driving licence
Took Totty out and it was really, really cold such a change from yesterday but at least it is sunny.
I did my housework and washing as I wanted to go and get my driving licence converted to a NZ one after lunch. When Jon came home I checked I had all the correct papers, he got his months ago but I have been lazy. You don't need it till you have been in NZ for a year but as I have been out to Australia a few times and also to Fiji I wasn't actually breaking the law but I thought I ought to get it sorted as it is also a good means of identification.
When I got to the office the lady could not accept the copy of our holiday insurance as it had no date on it. I needed something with my name and address on it and not more than six months old. All the bills are in the house owners name and we do online banking so have no statements and I have no credit card and so nothing with my name on!!! She suggested I go to the bank and ask them to print off a headed paper with my name and address on it and stamp it. As the bank is in Tauranga and I was over in Mount Maunganui she suggested I go to the AA office in Tauranga rather than go back over to her as it would be closer.
I went to the bank and they did as I asked and I thought it was going to be easy - Jon didn't have any problems! I went to the AA office and had to wait as it is much busier. I got to the window and she checked everything I had brought and then said she would need to copy the page in my passport of my last entry into NZ so she did that and then she said I would just need to have a sight check and then a photo.
I thought I would have to read a poster or something like in the UK but it was a machine I had to look in and she said read the second line down!!! What a joke, I couldn't even see the second line down. For a start I can't see 3D as my eyes don't work together and the picture was about the size of a postage stamp! So I said there is no way I can read that and she said just take your time. I told her we could be there till next year and I still wouldn't be able to read it.
She then said I would have to go to an optician and get a form and have a test and until I brought it back they could not issue a licence. So off I rush down to Specsavers to see if they can phone their other branch in the Mount to say what my prescription is and then issue the certificate. I should have know it was not going to be that easy. They can't issue a certificate if your last test was more than six months ago which of course mine was. So I have had to make an appointment, and they can't fit me in till next Monday, to have a sight test which will cost more money and the stupid thing is my eyes haven't changed the prescription for years. What a wast of time. Hopefully I will get it all sorted soon. All of that took me two hours!!!
Jon couldn't believe it when he came home and I told him as he didn't even get asked to do a sight test! Just my luck.
WEATHER
What a change in the weather! It suddenly went cold overnight and there is quite a chill in the air and the house feels cold. Sunny later and then cloudy.
I did my housework and washing as I wanted to go and get my driving licence converted to a NZ one after lunch. When Jon came home I checked I had all the correct papers, he got his months ago but I have been lazy. You don't need it till you have been in NZ for a year but as I have been out to Australia a few times and also to Fiji I wasn't actually breaking the law but I thought I ought to get it sorted as it is also a good means of identification.
When I got to the office the lady could not accept the copy of our holiday insurance as it had no date on it. I needed something with my name and address on it and not more than six months old. All the bills are in the house owners name and we do online banking so have no statements and I have no credit card and so nothing with my name on!!! She suggested I go to the bank and ask them to print off a headed paper with my name and address on it and stamp it. As the bank is in Tauranga and I was over in Mount Maunganui she suggested I go to the AA office in Tauranga rather than go back over to her as it would be closer.
I went to the bank and they did as I asked and I thought it was going to be easy - Jon didn't have any problems! I went to the AA office and had to wait as it is much busier. I got to the window and she checked everything I had brought and then said she would need to copy the page in my passport of my last entry into NZ so she did that and then she said I would just need to have a sight check and then a photo.
I thought I would have to read a poster or something like in the UK but it was a machine I had to look in and she said read the second line down!!! What a joke, I couldn't even see the second line down. For a start I can't see 3D as my eyes don't work together and the picture was about the size of a postage stamp! So I said there is no way I can read that and she said just take your time. I told her we could be there till next year and I still wouldn't be able to read it.
She then said I would have to go to an optician and get a form and have a test and until I brought it back they could not issue a licence. So off I rush down to Specsavers to see if they can phone their other branch in the Mount to say what my prescription is and then issue the certificate. I should have know it was not going to be that easy. They can't issue a certificate if your last test was more than six months ago which of course mine was. So I have had to make an appointment, and they can't fit me in till next Monday, to have a sight test which will cost more money and the stupid thing is my eyes haven't changed the prescription for years. What a wast of time. Hopefully I will get it all sorted soon. All of that took me two hours!!!
Jon couldn't believe it when he came home and I told him as he didn't even get asked to do a sight test! Just my luck.
WEATHER
What a change in the weather! It suddenly went cold overnight and there is quite a chill in the air and the house feels cold. Sunny later and then cloudy.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
A sad time for my sister
We were up and out with Totty very early for us on a Sunday. I seems to spend my time checking my emails waiting for news from Barb.
We decided to go out for breakfast to the local garden centre as it is on the way to Tirau where we were going to visit. How come when other people order breakfast it always looks so nice but when you order it never lives up to expectations. I should have had the fruit salad as I never enjoy cooked breakfast. I had bacon and scrambled eggs and the bacon was so crisp it shattered and the eggs were more like a huge omelette. Jon's was better as he had poached eggs I'll stick to the fruit or muesli in future.
We drove to Tirau which is a small town on the way to Hamilton which is famous for the corrugated iron art work. It took us about an hour and was worth the drive. It is a very small place but has lots of lovely gift and art and craft shops and a lovely Jade shop. The Tourist Information office is housed in a big corrugated iron dog building and there is a gift shop next door selling wool products that is a huge sheep. It was lovely to walk around looking for all the art work.
Jon was still full of breakfast so we skipped lunch and drove out to the museum which was like a tardis. It looked like a little shed from outside but had a huge collection of all sorts of things from coins and military things to vintage cars and carriages and a shop set out like the old village store. We thought we would only be in there for half an hour but spent a good two hours there and still didn't see it all. In fact, I don't think the owner knows what he has as there is so much stuff around.
We got back in time to take Totty out and have a cup of tea which I was more than ready for. Sadly when I logged on to the computer there was an email from my sister to say that my brother-in-law had died. I feel so bad for her as she was not with him.
I called her before I went to bed and had a chat with her. I feel so helpless. So glad she has her son's close by.
WEATHER
Sunny but with a definite nip in the air first thing. Clear blue skies but a chilly feel.
We decided to go out for breakfast to the local garden centre as it is on the way to Tirau where we were going to visit. How come when other people order breakfast it always looks so nice but when you order it never lives up to expectations. I should have had the fruit salad as I never enjoy cooked breakfast. I had bacon and scrambled eggs and the bacon was so crisp it shattered and the eggs were more like a huge omelette. Jon's was better as he had poached eggs I'll stick to the fruit or muesli in future.
We drove to Tirau which is a small town on the way to Hamilton which is famous for the corrugated iron art work. It took us about an hour and was worth the drive. It is a very small place but has lots of lovely gift and art and craft shops and a lovely Jade shop. The Tourist Information office is housed in a big corrugated iron dog building and there is a gift shop next door selling wool products that is a huge sheep. It was lovely to walk around looking for all the art work.
Jon was still full of breakfast so we skipped lunch and drove out to the museum which was like a tardis. It looked like a little shed from outside but had a huge collection of all sorts of things from coins and military things to vintage cars and carriages and a shop set out like the old village store. We thought we would only be in there for half an hour but spent a good two hours there and still didn't see it all. In fact, I don't think the owner knows what he has as there is so much stuff around.
We got back in time to take Totty out and have a cup of tea which I was more than ready for. Sadly when I logged on to the computer there was an email from my sister to say that my brother-in-law had died. I feel so bad for her as she was not with him.
I called her before I went to bed and had a chat with her. I feel so helpless. So glad she has her son's close by.
WEATHER
Sunny but with a definite nip in the air first thing. Clear blue skies but a chilly feel.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
A trip to the theatre
We took Totty down to Rotary Park this morning and it was lovely and calm down there.
We then went out for coffee in Tauranga. The weather is still very nice and we were able to sit outside. We had a walk around the shops and Jon managed to find a bag with wheels to put his laptop in and use as an overnight bag. He thought it was very expensive but it is the best he has seen. When we came to pay for it the lady said it had 20% off and then when she put it through the till it came down to half price so he was very happy.
We stopped off at the local hairdresser and bought a set of GHDs for my 'late' Christmas present and they came with a free travel mat and bag and at $260 were the best price I have seen.
We got back for lunch and then Jon went to the gym and I read my book. I took Totty out for an early walk as we had to go out for dinner at 5.30 so that we could get to the theatre for 7.30 to see Miss Saigon. Really pleased with my GHDs.
We went to a Japanese restaurant and had a really lovely meal. We chose combined plates as we have never had Japanese food and did not know what to ask for, these plates came with a bit of everything and it was so good we will go again and will know what to order next time. I like the tempura vegetables best.
We then went up to the theatre and as we had front row seats there were no problems of not being able to see. We really enjoyed it and the music is lovely and of course I shed a few tears as it was sad.
We got back and had a coffee and Jon went to bed and I called my sister to see how Sid was. The news was not good and he is very ill. Barb seemed OK. What would I do without Skype!
WEATHER
Lots of rain overnight but warm and sunny this morning turning cloudy with a few showers later
We then went out for coffee in Tauranga. The weather is still very nice and we were able to sit outside. We had a walk around the shops and Jon managed to find a bag with wheels to put his laptop in and use as an overnight bag. He thought it was very expensive but it is the best he has seen. When we came to pay for it the lady said it had 20% off and then when she put it through the till it came down to half price so he was very happy.
We stopped off at the local hairdresser and bought a set of GHDs for my 'late' Christmas present and they came with a free travel mat and bag and at $260 were the best price I have seen.
We got back for lunch and then Jon went to the gym and I read my book. I took Totty out for an early walk as we had to go out for dinner at 5.30 so that we could get to the theatre for 7.30 to see Miss Saigon. Really pleased with my GHDs.
We went to a Japanese restaurant and had a really lovely meal. We chose combined plates as we have never had Japanese food and did not know what to ask for, these plates came with a bit of everything and it was so good we will go again and will know what to order next time. I like the tempura vegetables best.
We then went up to the theatre and as we had front row seats there were no problems of not being able to see. We really enjoyed it and the music is lovely and of course I shed a few tears as it was sad.
We got back and had a coffee and Jon went to bed and I called my sister to see how Sid was. The news was not good and he is very ill. Barb seemed OK. What would I do without Skype!
WEATHER
Lots of rain overnight but warm and sunny this morning turning cloudy with a few showers later
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