Took Totty out for her walk and it was a bit colder this morning. Hung out my washing and hopefully with the bit of wind it will dry quickly.
We have a new laptop, a small notepad which we will use to take away with us. Jon set it up today as our main laptop needs to go in for repairs and a clean up. I am finding it hard to get used to a small, really small screen but it is better than not having one at all. My Facebook page is all jumbled though and is difficult to read. Only for a few days hopefully.
I went round to pick Janice up to go over to Bethlehem to sort out books for the sale. We were there till 11.30 so not too long and got all we have had in sorted into authors. Shirley brought flasks to make tea and coffee so we didn't need to go and buy one.
I got back and made a Greek salad for lunch when Jon came home.
I folded a lot of the book sale flyers and was all ready to go out and deliver when I looked at the sky a big black cloud was coming over and it started to rain so I quickly got my washing in and spent the afternoon ironing and watching TV.
It was too wet for a walk much to Totty's disgust.
Jon went to the gym and we had pork loin chops cooked in white wine for dinner.
WEATHER
Sunshine and showers 16 degrees
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Monday, 30 August 2010
Monday
Took Totty out for her walk to the park.
I did the washing and made some soup for lunch.
I went out to do some shopping at the supermarket and bought some dried apricots for the bread and butter pudding.
We needed a new file for all our papers as the one we bought when we first arrived is falling apart so I went to the Warehouse Stationers and bought a nice blue solid one.
Got back and took Totty out for her walk before I got started on the bread and butter pudding which looked really good.
We had the sausages I bought at the English butcher and they were really good.
I did the washing and made some soup for lunch.
I went out to do some shopping at the supermarket and bought some dried apricots for the bread and butter pudding.
We needed a new file for all our papers as the one we bought when we first arrived is falling apart so I went to the Warehouse Stationers and bought a nice blue solid one.
Got back and took Totty out for her walk before I got started on the bread and butter pudding which looked really good.
We had the sausages I bought at the English butcher and they were really good.
A bit of a boring day after a busy weekend.
WEATHER
Bright sunshine for most of the day, a few cloudy spells and a few drops of rain. 16 degrees
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Home again
When we woke up I looked out the window hoping we would be able to see something but it was still misty, not as bad as yesterday but still no view. We went down for breakfast which was very good with some lovely fresh fruit.
We had a late check out but decided to check out as we were ready and go up the mountain again and if we couldn't see anything we could just head off home.
We went up the mountain again but could only get as far as car park 10 due to overnight snow they would only allow 4WD vehicles up or if you had chains. We got our togs on again and walked to car park 8 a little further up where a shuttle bus was waiting to take everyone up the rest of the way. It was a useful thing to go on as the driver told us about the temperature, the weather forecast and about the free chairlift to Happy Valley which we did not know about.
We got off the bus, which took a little time as we were packed in like sardines with skis, poles and snowboards but a good atmosphere. We walked a little way and the visibility was much the same as yesterday, maybe a bit better. We found the Happy Valley chairlift and so I said to Jon come on lets get on. Just as well I didn't look to see how high it was! I was on it and going down before I had time to think. At the bottom you could have a toboggan if you wanted but we just had a look around and watched the people coming off the higher chairlift and snowboarding.
It started to snow a lot and as the bus driver had said there would be snow down to 1100mts from lunchtime on, that was the level of the hotel, we decided we would go while we could get out. There was still no view so we went back on the chairlift and then back on bus to the car park.
The weather was getting worse by the minute and we were very wet by the time we got into the car. The drive back down was bad so I am glad we left when we did.
The start of the drive back was bad weather then it got a bit better and the sun came out.
We were getting a bit desperate for a place to stop for coffee as there was nothing along the road for miles. We finally found a place, which looked like an old petrol station. It was a pub and cafe and we had a good cup of coffee. Not sure how they make a living as it was so far away from any town. We did notice down at the pub end lots of photos on the wall and I went to look at them. they were of the local hunting and fishing club and were mostly of wild boar which had been shot. They were really big and the hunters were posing with them on their backs. The landlady told me they usually weigh about 200lbs. They had lots of skins, heads and bones hanging on the walls. We find some amazing places.
By now the sun had come out and by the time we got to Whakamura we were able to walk across the dam. Alison and her husband, Doug, told me that their parents lived out that way in the 1950s and worked on the many dams built around that area. We walked down to the viewing platform to look back up at the dam and you can see how big it is. It looks much bigger looking back up at it rather than from the top looking down.
We continued on and went to Tirau for lunch to a little bar we had seen last time we visited called Alley Cat. They had a lovely fire burning and we had some good soup.
We carried on and the rain started again and it was really bad by the time we got to the Kaimais
and as we came over the hill it looked really bad with black skies in Tauranga and we found out later on the weather forecast they had a lot of thunder and hail. Poor Totty in kennels.
We went to the kennels when they opened at 4.00 to pick Totty up and she was very glad to see us.
We got back and had a cup of tea and I spent ages trying to upload photos on FB. I get so cross with it as it only lets me put a few on at a time!!!
We have a local pizza place down the road and when it opened a few months ago we tried a pizza but were not impressed. Jon was going to get us one for dinner tonight which is about 15 minutes away but we decided to give our local man another chance. We were really glad we did as it was a yummy pizza so maybe he just had a few teething problems.
We had a call from Kirsty and James about their trip to Oz an here next March. We thought they had not got anything organised but James has done a spreadsheet with everything on and it is all looking good. He has sent me a copy and I can add things that they can do while down here. so we can now go ahead and book the trip to Melbourne for the Grand prix.
WEATHER
Started clearer than yesterday 2 degrees. Snow, mist. Rain. Sun and more rain then fine. 16 degrees
We had a late check out but decided to check out as we were ready and go up the mountain again and if we couldn't see anything we could just head off home.
We went up the mountain again but could only get as far as car park 10 due to overnight snow they would only allow 4WD vehicles up or if you had chains. We got our togs on again and walked to car park 8 a little further up where a shuttle bus was waiting to take everyone up the rest of the way. It was a useful thing to go on as the driver told us about the temperature, the weather forecast and about the free chairlift to Happy Valley which we did not know about.
We got off the bus, which took a little time as we were packed in like sardines with skis, poles and snowboards but a good atmosphere. We walked a little way and the visibility was much the same as yesterday, maybe a bit better. We found the Happy Valley chairlift and so I said to Jon come on lets get on. Just as well I didn't look to see how high it was! I was on it and going down before I had time to think. At the bottom you could have a toboggan if you wanted but we just had a look around and watched the people coming off the higher chairlift and snowboarding.
It started to snow a lot and as the bus driver had said there would be snow down to 1100mts from lunchtime on, that was the level of the hotel, we decided we would go while we could get out. There was still no view so we went back on the chairlift and then back on bus to the car park.
The weather was getting worse by the minute and we were very wet by the time we got into the car. The drive back down was bad so I am glad we left when we did.
The start of the drive back was bad weather then it got a bit better and the sun came out.
We were getting a bit desperate for a place to stop for coffee as there was nothing along the road for miles. We finally found a place, which looked like an old petrol station. It was a pub and cafe and we had a good cup of coffee. Not sure how they make a living as it was so far away from any town. We did notice down at the pub end lots of photos on the wall and I went to look at them. they were of the local hunting and fishing club and were mostly of wild boar which had been shot. They were really big and the hunters were posing with them on their backs. The landlady told me they usually weigh about 200lbs. They had lots of skins, heads and bones hanging on the walls. We find some amazing places.
By now the sun had come out and by the time we got to Whakamura we were able to walk across the dam. Alison and her husband, Doug, told me that their parents lived out that way in the 1950s and worked on the many dams built around that area. We walked down to the viewing platform to look back up at the dam and you can see how big it is. It looks much bigger looking back up at it rather than from the top looking down.
We continued on and went to Tirau for lunch to a little bar we had seen last time we visited called Alley Cat. They had a lovely fire burning and we had some good soup.
We carried on and the rain started again and it was really bad by the time we got to the Kaimais
and as we came over the hill it looked really bad with black skies in Tauranga and we found out later on the weather forecast they had a lot of thunder and hail. Poor Totty in kennels.
We went to the kennels when they opened at 4.00 to pick Totty up and she was very glad to see us.
We got back and had a cup of tea and I spent ages trying to upload photos on FB. I get so cross with it as it only lets me put a few on at a time!!!
We have a local pizza place down the road and when it opened a few months ago we tried a pizza but were not impressed. Jon was going to get us one for dinner tonight which is about 15 minutes away but we decided to give our local man another chance. We were really glad we did as it was a yummy pizza so maybe he just had a few teething problems.
We had a call from Kirsty and James about their trip to Oz an here next March. We thought they had not got anything organised but James has done a spreadsheet with everything on and it is all looking good. He has sent me a copy and I can add things that they can do while down here. so we can now go ahead and book the trip to Melbourne for the Grand prix.
WEATHER
Started clearer than yesterday 2 degrees. Snow, mist. Rain. Sun and more rain then fine. 16 degrees
Off to the snow
We were both up early to shower and get on our way. We took Totty to the kennels and it is about half way there when she realises where she is going. She wouldn't get out of the car and then the lady had to carry her to the kennel - only for one day!
We decided to go through Tokorroa and then turn off and head down the left side of Lake Taupo, a road we have not been on before. On the whole it was a really good journey even though the weather was not very good. We stopped for coffee near Turangi, a little place on the main road and had a huge coffee and a huge muffin. By the time we got back into the car it had started to rain heavily and it was not looking good.
By the time we got to the village of Whakapapa the weather was getting really bad and there was a lot of mist and rain. The Chateau looked lovely when we arrived but you couldn't see the mountain or the snow behind and I knew it was there.
The hotel was lovely and we were upgraded to an 'executive suite' which was huge with a lovely gas log fire, central heating and under floor heating and hot towel rail in the bathroom. More heat than we have seen since we left the UK.
We unpacked and then went up to the mountain. It was raining and there were all sorts of lovely tropical plants growing and then they changed to low growing alpine plants and lots of little waterfalls. We seemed to go up a long way before we eventually started to see snow. We drove up to car park 1 and were able to park as so many cars were leaving. There was lots of snow up here. We changed into our snow boots, hats, gloves and scarves and then we set off up the hill. There were lots of people around on skis and snowboards or, just like us, walking and having a look around in the snow. It was quite difficult to walk on and there was no view which was a real shame. We didn't go higher on the chairlift as you couldn't see anything so we didn't think it was worth it.
After taking photos and a walk around we went back to the car and then down to Whakapapa to a cafe for lunch. We had some lovely, hot vegetable soup and a roll. We bought some postcards and then braved the weather again. We went to the information centre where we watched two videos of how the, according to the Maori people the mountains came to be, very interesting.
We then went back to the hotel to find a bottle of champagne and some chocolates in our room. We settled down in front of the fire and had a glass of champagne and read our books. I had a little sleep.
We got ready for dinner. I love the underfloor heating in the bathroom, a real treat. We had more champagne and a play with the camera to take a photo of us both. We then went for dinner which was really good. We had lovely dip of pistachio, almonds and fennel seeds with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and hot bread, really good. Jon started with ostrich and I had smoked duck pancakes with soy dip. Jon then had rack of lamb and I had fillet of beef. And we ended with white chocolate creme brulee and rhubarb crumble and cinnamon ice cream. Our waitress was really nice, she was from Wellington with an English boyfriend and very chatty. She told us we could go and sit in the lounge and she would bring our coffee to us. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. We sat and listened to a man playing the piano while we drank our coffee before going to bed feeling very full.
WEATHER
Not too bad in Tauranga. Awful in Whakapapa!
We decided to go through Tokorroa and then turn off and head down the left side of Lake Taupo, a road we have not been on before. On the whole it was a really good journey even though the weather was not very good. We stopped for coffee near Turangi, a little place on the main road and had a huge coffee and a huge muffin. By the time we got back into the car it had started to rain heavily and it was not looking good.
By the time we got to the village of Whakapapa the weather was getting really bad and there was a lot of mist and rain. The Chateau looked lovely when we arrived but you couldn't see the mountain or the snow behind and I knew it was there.
The hotel was lovely and we were upgraded to an 'executive suite' which was huge with a lovely gas log fire, central heating and under floor heating and hot towel rail in the bathroom. More heat than we have seen since we left the UK.
We unpacked and then went up to the mountain. It was raining and there were all sorts of lovely tropical plants growing and then they changed to low growing alpine plants and lots of little waterfalls. We seemed to go up a long way before we eventually started to see snow. We drove up to car park 1 and were able to park as so many cars were leaving. There was lots of snow up here. We changed into our snow boots, hats, gloves and scarves and then we set off up the hill. There were lots of people around on skis and snowboards or, just like us, walking and having a look around in the snow. It was quite difficult to walk on and there was no view which was a real shame. We didn't go higher on the chairlift as you couldn't see anything so we didn't think it was worth it.
After taking photos and a walk around we went back to the car and then down to Whakapapa to a cafe for lunch. We had some lovely, hot vegetable soup and a roll. We bought some postcards and then braved the weather again. We went to the information centre where we watched two videos of how the, according to the Maori people the mountains came to be, very interesting.
We then went back to the hotel to find a bottle of champagne and some chocolates in our room. We settled down in front of the fire and had a glass of champagne and read our books. I had a little sleep.
We got ready for dinner. I love the underfloor heating in the bathroom, a real treat. We had more champagne and a play with the camera to take a photo of us both. We then went for dinner which was really good. We had lovely dip of pistachio, almonds and fennel seeds with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and hot bread, really good. Jon started with ostrich and I had smoked duck pancakes with soy dip. Jon then had rack of lamb and I had fillet of beef. And we ended with white chocolate creme brulee and rhubarb crumble and cinnamon ice cream. Our waitress was really nice, she was from Wellington with an English boyfriend and very chatty. She told us we could go and sit in the lounge and she would bring our coffee to us. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. We sat and listened to a man playing the piano while we drank our coffee before going to bed feeling very full.
WEATHER
Not too bad in Tauranga. Awful in Whakapapa!
Friday, 27 August 2010
Red Cross Day
Took Totty out for a walk and she was really slow, I think she must be feeling her age! I had to make sure the house was tidy in case Seleena comes early.
The shop was very quiet this morning and Les had gone up to Auckland to see her son so only Sharon and I but we kept busy and I found a T shirt and a sweatshirt and a sweatshirt jacket for gym. I also found a snowsuit for Bronwyn's granddaughter for $6, still with the labels on. I am not sure she will like it as it is a bit boyish but she only needs it for a weekend and will never wear it again. If she does not like it I will take it home to give to someone in the UK as it is really nice.
Got home for lunch and then made sure all was in order.
Seleena arrived at 2.15 and stayed till nearly 4.00. We had a nice chat and she took more things from her cupboard. She says the only things left are things of her daughter's when she was a child. We had hoped she would clear the cupboard as we would like to use the space but she has locked it again so is obviously leaving the things there till her daughter says she wants them.
I took Totty out for her walk and then came back and got my things sorted for the weekend. I thin did the bit of ironing I had left to do.
Jon went out for our fish and chips for dinner and then after clearing up I did the packing as we need to be away by 8.15 tomorrow.
I was typing my blog when my friend, Enid, popped up on chat on FB. It is so nice to be able to chat to people so easily. It is strange that the people who keep in touch regularly are not the people I expected to - I really know who my friends are now!!!!
I got to bed later than I had intended and very tired.
WEATHER
After overnight rain it was cloudy and a bit cold but sunny later. 17 degrees.
The shop was very quiet this morning and Les had gone up to Auckland to see her son so only Sharon and I but we kept busy and I found a T shirt and a sweatshirt and a sweatshirt jacket for gym. I also found a snowsuit for Bronwyn's granddaughter for $6, still with the labels on. I am not sure she will like it as it is a bit boyish but she only needs it for a weekend and will never wear it again. If she does not like it I will take it home to give to someone in the UK as it is really nice.
Got home for lunch and then made sure all was in order.
Seleena arrived at 2.15 and stayed till nearly 4.00. We had a nice chat and she took more things from her cupboard. She says the only things left are things of her daughter's when she was a child. We had hoped she would clear the cupboard as we would like to use the space but she has locked it again so is obviously leaving the things there till her daughter says she wants them.
I took Totty out for her walk and then came back and got my things sorted for the weekend. I thin did the bit of ironing I had left to do.
Jon went out for our fish and chips for dinner and then after clearing up I did the packing as we need to be away by 8.15 tomorrow.
I was typing my blog when my friend, Enid, popped up on chat on FB. It is so nice to be able to chat to people so easily. It is strange that the people who keep in touch regularly are not the people I expected to - I really know who my friends are now!!!!
I got to bed later than I had intended and very tired.
WEATHER
After overnight rain it was cloudy and a bit cold but sunny later. 17 degrees.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Thursday
It was very wet overnight and I was woken by the heavy rain on the tin roof more than once!!
I walked Tot when the rain had cleared up and then came back and hung out the washing as it was so warm and bright after all the rain.
I caught up with Corrie at some stage through the morning as there is a new one tonight, we are so far behind.
I had a nice salad for lunch and then got on with a bit more cleaning, I am sure the landlady will not even come upstairs but it makes me feel better just in case she does.
Margaret called and we had a nice chat, she is getting ready to go to Brisbane with her friend from Napier, I hope I am as well and willing to do things like she does at the age of 73.
I did a few sewing jobs that I had been leaving one was Tot's duck that she had torn a hole in. I gave it back to her and it was like giving her a new toy, she was so pleased with it.
I went out to collect my top from Kooky's and am really pleased with it and the service!
I then went to the supermarket and bought some prawns and salmon to make a Thai stir fry for tonight.
I went to the vacum cleaner shop to see if he could tell me why the brush won't go back and forwards. Basically a bit has snapped and I needed to buy a new one $50 Ah well I need to clean.
Jon was home when I got back, much earlier than I thought so we had a cup of tea and then took Totty out for a walk.
The house at the front of us, well two houses actually, has a sign in front of it saying 'chainsaw sharpening' it also had a bright yellow chainsaw welded on the top. they have only lived there for a couple of months but have obviously upset the neighbours, not us, as the council came and told him to remove the chainsaw and make the sign smaller so he was busy doing that this evening.
The prawn salmon stir fry was very good.
A bit of TV then bed.
WEATHER
Very heavy rain overnight and first thing, then sunny and warm 17 degrees
I walked Tot when the rain had cleared up and then came back and hung out the washing as it was so warm and bright after all the rain.
I caught up with Corrie at some stage through the morning as there is a new one tonight, we are so far behind.
I had a nice salad for lunch and then got on with a bit more cleaning, I am sure the landlady will not even come upstairs but it makes me feel better just in case she does.
Margaret called and we had a nice chat, she is getting ready to go to Brisbane with her friend from Napier, I hope I am as well and willing to do things like she does at the age of 73.
I did a few sewing jobs that I had been leaving one was Tot's duck that she had torn a hole in. I gave it back to her and it was like giving her a new toy, she was so pleased with it.
I went out to collect my top from Kooky's and am really pleased with it and the service!
I then went to the supermarket and bought some prawns and salmon to make a Thai stir fry for tonight.
I went to the vacum cleaner shop to see if he could tell me why the brush won't go back and forwards. Basically a bit has snapped and I needed to buy a new one $50 Ah well I need to clean.
Jon was home when I got back, much earlier than I thought so we had a cup of tea and then took Totty out for a walk.
The house at the front of us, well two houses actually, has a sign in front of it saying 'chainsaw sharpening' it also had a bright yellow chainsaw welded on the top. they have only lived there for a couple of months but have obviously upset the neighbours, not us, as the council came and told him to remove the chainsaw and make the sign smaller so he was busy doing that this evening.
The prawn salmon stir fry was very good.
A bit of TV then bed.
WEATHER
Very heavy rain overnight and first thing, then sunny and warm 17 degrees
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
No swimming again
Jon left very early this morning to go to Auckland and I only woke to hear the garage door closing.
I got up and showered and then took Totty out for a walk and met Browyn and Uppy who wanted to play but as he is naughty and runs away he was kept on a lead.
I phoned the shop where I bought my merino top to go with my jacket and told them it was too big but as it was over a month ago I didn't think they would do anything about it but she told me to come in to see her.
I went out and met Les for coffee at 88 down in the Mount. Swimming was cancelled so she had walked up the Mount. We had our coffee and usual long chat and Bronwyn came in just as we were about to leave, she was meeting a friend there.
I then went shopping to Tauranga and went into Kooky and explained about my top being too big even though it was a small. She was very nice and rang around other branches till she found an XS for me in Rotorua and they will have it sent up by courier for tomorrow. I was very relieved as it was expensive and I didn't really want to take the chance on having it altered in case they made a mess of it as it is wool.
I also went into another shop I like and found a black top for $15. It said slightly imperfect on the label but when the lady looked on the computer it said it was because the sleeves were short but it fitted me very well so I bought it along with a nice red and black stripped tunic top.
I then went to the supermarket before going home for a very late lunch and I was so hungry.
Jon phoned to say he had arrived but as it was raining he was not going to walk around the lake like we had when we stayed at the same place last August.
I took Tot out for a walk but it started to rain so we just went around the block.
I cleaned my kitchen cupboards on the outside and washed the cooked hood so all I need to do now is vacuum and clean the floor in the hall and hopefully the landlady will see that it is all well kept when she comes on Friday.
I did stir fry vegetables for my dinner then watched TV. It had started to rain and was really windy before I went to bed.
WEATHER
Cloudy and cold this morning then the sun came out but heavy rain tonight. 15 degrees
I got up and showered and then took Totty out for a walk and met Browyn and Uppy who wanted to play but as he is naughty and runs away he was kept on a lead.
I phoned the shop where I bought my merino top to go with my jacket and told them it was too big but as it was over a month ago I didn't think they would do anything about it but she told me to come in to see her.
I went out and met Les for coffee at 88 down in the Mount. Swimming was cancelled so she had walked up the Mount. We had our coffee and usual long chat and Bronwyn came in just as we were about to leave, she was meeting a friend there.
I then went shopping to Tauranga and went into Kooky and explained about my top being too big even though it was a small. She was very nice and rang around other branches till she found an XS for me in Rotorua and they will have it sent up by courier for tomorrow. I was very relieved as it was expensive and I didn't really want to take the chance on having it altered in case they made a mess of it as it is wool.
I also went into another shop I like and found a black top for $15. It said slightly imperfect on the label but when the lady looked on the computer it said it was because the sleeves were short but it fitted me very well so I bought it along with a nice red and black stripped tunic top.
I then went to the supermarket before going home for a very late lunch and I was so hungry.
Jon phoned to say he had arrived but as it was raining he was not going to walk around the lake like we had when we stayed at the same place last August.
I took Tot out for a walk but it started to rain so we just went around the block.
I cleaned my kitchen cupboards on the outside and washed the cooked hood so all I need to do now is vacuum and clean the floor in the hall and hopefully the landlady will see that it is all well kept when she comes on Friday.
I did stir fry vegetables for my dinner then watched TV. It had started to rain and was really windy before I went to bed.
WEATHER
Cloudy and cold this morning then the sun came out but heavy rain tonight. 15 degrees
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Lions dinner meeting
Took Totty out for her walk this morning and delivered flyers to the end bit of the street that I had missed so just the Maungatapu Road to do now and then that is all for this area. Met my old Liverpudlian man in the park, I wish I knew his name! We were chatting about house prices here and in the UK, They have been here for 35 years and would not go back. The binman swa doing the rounds so Totty was shaking at my feet, I don't know why she dislikes the binman.
Came back and did lots of housework, Selena, the owner is coming on Friday afternoon to pick up some more things from her cupboard. This cupboard goes under the stairs and must be huge as she seems to have taken lots from it but there is still more. As it is locked I have no idea how much is left. It would be really good if we could eventually use it as we are running out of space and will need more when Heather comes out.
I cleaned the shower and all the little fiddly bits of trim on the door. How can showers get so dirty? I think we might get a man in to clean the glass door and panel as I have used everything to try and get the spots and water stains off but nothing works.
Jon came home for lunch and then I went back to a bit more cleaning then I watched Neighbours before taking Totty out for her afternoon walk.
When I got back I prepared Jon's dinner and then got ready for Lions. I picked Janice up and we were there in record time as there was very little traffic. Dinner was really good tonight, they had cooked a huge ham and had some really good salads to go with it. There was also fish and roast beef in gravy and some really good vegetables. For pudding there was fresh fruit salad, Pavlova, cheesecake and fruit crumble and custard.
The speaker was a young chap, 34 who had been in the NZ Air Force and serving in Perth in 2003 when he fell from the third floor of a building (he can't remember anything from the two years before the accident but has been told he had been drinking) he hit the concrete and had multiple fractures to his face and skull and all his left leg. Against all the odds he is now back talking, walking and living life. His speech is often mixed and he has to think hard to find some words but he is an inspiration and wants to speak to more people to tell them not to give up, amazing and very emotional.
Jon was watching Dr Who when I got home, the only chance he has to watch it is when I am at Lions. He had lit the fire so it was nice and warm. We are at the stage of lovely sunny days but cold nights and mornings.
Jon is going to Auckland tomorrow and has to leave at about 7.00 and won't be back till Thursday evening so I will need to keep myself busy.
WEATHER
Clear blue skies. A bit cool first thing then lovely warm sun. 17 degrees
Came back and did lots of housework, Selena, the owner is coming on Friday afternoon to pick up some more things from her cupboard. This cupboard goes under the stairs and must be huge as she seems to have taken lots from it but there is still more. As it is locked I have no idea how much is left. It would be really good if we could eventually use it as we are running out of space and will need more when Heather comes out.
I cleaned the shower and all the little fiddly bits of trim on the door. How can showers get so dirty? I think we might get a man in to clean the glass door and panel as I have used everything to try and get the spots and water stains off but nothing works.
Jon came home for lunch and then I went back to a bit more cleaning then I watched Neighbours before taking Totty out for her afternoon walk.
When I got back I prepared Jon's dinner and then got ready for Lions. I picked Janice up and we were there in record time as there was very little traffic. Dinner was really good tonight, they had cooked a huge ham and had some really good salads to go with it. There was also fish and roast beef in gravy and some really good vegetables. For pudding there was fresh fruit salad, Pavlova, cheesecake and fruit crumble and custard.
The speaker was a young chap, 34 who had been in the NZ Air Force and serving in Perth in 2003 when he fell from the third floor of a building (he can't remember anything from the two years before the accident but has been told he had been drinking) he hit the concrete and had multiple fractures to his face and skull and all his left leg. Against all the odds he is now back talking, walking and living life. His speech is often mixed and he has to think hard to find some words but he is an inspiration and wants to speak to more people to tell them not to give up, amazing and very emotional.
Jon was watching Dr Who when I got home, the only chance he has to watch it is when I am at Lions. He had lit the fire so it was nice and warm. We are at the stage of lovely sunny days but cold nights and mornings.
Jon is going to Auckland tomorrow and has to leave at about 7.00 and won't be back till Thursday evening so I will need to keep myself busy.
WEATHER
Clear blue skies. A bit cool first thing then lovely warm sun. 17 degrees
Monday, 23 August 2010
My car needs a WOF
Got my washing out early and then took Tot for a walk.
Janice called me to check what time I would pick her up and while I was on the phone I was standing looking out of the window and saw the cat from down the drive was on the children's trampoline nextdoor and he was having a really good time and I wish I had had a video. He was running round and round and then jumping up on the side nets before bouncing back onto the tampoline, really funny!!
I had to take my car for a WOF (warranty of fitness) MOT. I took it to the Ford garage where I bought it as I wanted to ask if they had managed to find my manual they had promised 10 months ago but the salesman was not there. They said they will ask him to call me - I won't hold my breath. I had to wait an hour and was glad I had my jacket on as it was so cold in there as they have all the salesroom doors open. It passed as I knew it would. I asked when it was due for a service as I have no service history either, I have another 800kms to do.
Got back and after a cup of coffee to warm me up I got stuck in to some housework.
Jon came home for lunch and we had the rest of the feta made into a Greek salad which was very nice.
I had to pick Janice up just before 2.00 to go and bunch the daffodils for the Cancer Society. We had to go to a church hall and it was lovely to walk in and see so many daffodils and the smell was lovely. There were varieties that I had not seen in UK a lovely orange one I particularly liked. It only took us till 3.30 and they were all done. They are all standing in pots of water with pretty yellow bows on and then they will be divided into areas and the Boys College and the Girls College pupils help deliver them tomorrow. A pretty good tried and tested fundraiser.
Got back and did my ironing while watching TV. and then walked Tot. You can really notice the difference with the longer days now.
WEATHER
After overnight rain lots of sun, then a bit of cloud 17 degrees
Janice called me to check what time I would pick her up and while I was on the phone I was standing looking out of the window and saw the cat from down the drive was on the children's trampoline nextdoor and he was having a really good time and I wish I had had a video. He was running round and round and then jumping up on the side nets before bouncing back onto the tampoline, really funny!!
I had to take my car for a WOF (warranty of fitness) MOT. I took it to the Ford garage where I bought it as I wanted to ask if they had managed to find my manual they had promised 10 months ago but the salesman was not there. They said they will ask him to call me - I won't hold my breath. I had to wait an hour and was glad I had my jacket on as it was so cold in there as they have all the salesroom doors open. It passed as I knew it would. I asked when it was due for a service as I have no service history either, I have another 800kms to do.
Got back and after a cup of coffee to warm me up I got stuck in to some housework.
Jon came home for lunch and we had the rest of the feta made into a Greek salad which was very nice.
I had to pick Janice up just before 2.00 to go and bunch the daffodils for the Cancer Society. We had to go to a church hall and it was lovely to walk in and see so many daffodils and the smell was lovely. There were varieties that I had not seen in UK a lovely orange one I particularly liked. It only took us till 3.30 and they were all done. They are all standing in pots of water with pretty yellow bows on and then they will be divided into areas and the Boys College and the Girls College pupils help deliver them tomorrow. A pretty good tried and tested fundraiser.
Got back and did my ironing while watching TV. and then walked Tot. You can really notice the difference with the longer days now.
WEATHER
After overnight rain lots of sun, then a bit of cloud 17 degrees
Sunday, 22 August 2010
A really lovely spring day
We had run out of wood so Jon had to chop wood first thing this morning and so I cleaned the oven as the chocolate pudding I made last night dripped over the dish and made a big, smelly mess!
We too Totty out for a walk down to Rotary park and it was really lovely down there again.
We went for coffee to the Swiss Chalet at downtown the Mount. They do lovely Danish Pastries which make a change from muffins so we shared one of those. Jon was looking at the breakfasts coming out and really fancies one so we will come down one weekend and try it.
The rain jacket I bought last week was difficult to zip up so we took it back and they changed it. We looked in so many shops for hat and scarf we didn't know where we had been and which we finally liked. We got a hat with NZ on it and then Jon decided on one of the possum scarves and I told him to try it on as some people don't like the feel. Just as well I did cos he didn't. At least we can rule possum out.
We then went to Bayfair shopping centre and I found a really sweet little jug for cream in the sale for $2. I love jugs. We then went into a man's clothing shop and I spotted a black and white stripped scarf which was perfect so we are all kitted out for the snow now.
Went to the supermarket to get some cloves and feta cheese for the stuffado recipe I am cooking for tonight.
It was nearly 2.00 by the time we got home for lunch and we were starving so I quickly made some scrambled eggs on toast.
Had a nice afternoon reading the papers and cooked the casserole which takes four hours in a low oven.
Had a cup of tea and a piece of the very nice chocolate cake I made on Friday, I will have to freeze some of it or it will be stale by the time we get to the end of it.We went for a walk with Tot and saw Bronwyn on the way back. she is doing a baby funeral tomorrow, the first baby she has ever done. It is very sad the baby was eight months and died of a cot death.
We had dinner which was very good the feta added at the last minute was really good and made it very rich.
We watched TV and then Jon went to bed and I started to watch Fat Doctor. It was a programme on overweight people and the operations they have, this woman weighted 30 stone but was down to 20 at the end of the programme. It is hard to imagine how you could get up to 30 stone.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm all day 17 degrees
We too Totty out for a walk down to Rotary park and it was really lovely down there again.
We went for coffee to the Swiss Chalet at downtown the Mount. They do lovely Danish Pastries which make a change from muffins so we shared one of those. Jon was looking at the breakfasts coming out and really fancies one so we will come down one weekend and try it.
The rain jacket I bought last week was difficult to zip up so we took it back and they changed it. We looked in so many shops for hat and scarf we didn't know where we had been and which we finally liked. We got a hat with NZ on it and then Jon decided on one of the possum scarves and I told him to try it on as some people don't like the feel. Just as well I did cos he didn't. At least we can rule possum out.
We then went to Bayfair shopping centre and I found a really sweet little jug for cream in the sale for $2. I love jugs. We then went into a man's clothing shop and I spotted a black and white stripped scarf which was perfect so we are all kitted out for the snow now.
Went to the supermarket to get some cloves and feta cheese for the stuffado recipe I am cooking for tonight.
It was nearly 2.00 by the time we got home for lunch and we were starving so I quickly made some scrambled eggs on toast.
Had a nice afternoon reading the papers and cooked the casserole which takes four hours in a low oven.
Had a cup of tea and a piece of the very nice chocolate cake I made on Friday, I will have to freeze some of it or it will be stale by the time we get to the end of it.We went for a walk with Tot and saw Bronwyn on the way back. she is doing a baby funeral tomorrow, the first baby she has ever done. It is very sad the baby was eight months and died of a cot death.
We had dinner which was very good the feta added at the last minute was really good and made it very rich.
We watched TV and then Jon went to bed and I started to watch Fat Doctor. It was a programme on overweight people and the operations they have, this woman weighted 30 stone but was down to 20 at the end of the programme. It is hard to imagine how you could get up to 30 stone.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm all day 17 degrees
Saturday, 21 August 2010
A really good day
Feel much better this morning after reading the reply from Mrs Gull. Very reassuring and very kind of her to reply so quickly. She said the treatment I have had would have been much the same in the UK but would have been done sooner and with more information given. So I should now relax and get over the operation and look forward to our weekend in the snow next week.
We took Totty out but it started to rain, not much but still wet so we didn't go too far.
We drove over to Papamoa and had a nice coffee in the garden centre before going on to the shopping centre and butcher. We were looking for a woolly hat and scarf for Jon but I managed to find a very nice blue, long, short sleeved jacket which will go nicely with a long sleeved top and jeans or trousers and it was in the sale. It is like a red one I bought a few weeks ago and is really useful for the climate over here as it turns from cold to hot in a matter of hours and you can find yourself overdressed so layers are the thing to wear. No hat though!
We went to the butcher and I got a nice piece of beef on the bone to roast, some beef for a casserole and pork pies for lunch.
We went into the Warehouse (Heather's favorite shop when she was here) to look for wellies, hat and scarf. We didn't find any! All the men's wellies seem to come with steel toe caps!!! We did find some nice snow boots for Jon but they didn't have his size so we went across to the other branch near our house. They had his size and they were $20 cheaper than the other branch???? They also had some for me and although I have some colourful wellies, bought when Heather was here, these will be much warmer. Still no hat or scarf.
Got back and we were so hungry and really enjoyed our pork pies, the first thing I have eaten and enjoyed since Tuesday.
Jon went off to the gym and I lit the fire and started looking at maps and all the leaflets I have on the area we are going to. Looks like we will be able to get a ski lift up to the ski fields and have lunch at the restaurant up there. The package at the hotel includes, chocolates and champagne in the room, and a four course dinner and a full breakfast with late checkout the following day so should be nice.
I am so fed up with the meat not being cooked enough that we bought an oven thermometer today so cooked dinner and the beef was very good, nice and pink but not raw or overcooked as it has been, so hit and miss this oven!
We watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Wet first thing then sunny and warm with clouds 16 degrees
We took Totty out but it started to rain, not much but still wet so we didn't go too far.
We drove over to Papamoa and had a nice coffee in the garden centre before going on to the shopping centre and butcher. We were looking for a woolly hat and scarf for Jon but I managed to find a very nice blue, long, short sleeved jacket which will go nicely with a long sleeved top and jeans or trousers and it was in the sale. It is like a red one I bought a few weeks ago and is really useful for the climate over here as it turns from cold to hot in a matter of hours and you can find yourself overdressed so layers are the thing to wear. No hat though!
We went to the butcher and I got a nice piece of beef on the bone to roast, some beef for a casserole and pork pies for lunch.
We went into the Warehouse (Heather's favorite shop when she was here) to look for wellies, hat and scarf. We didn't find any! All the men's wellies seem to come with steel toe caps!!! We did find some nice snow boots for Jon but they didn't have his size so we went across to the other branch near our house. They had his size and they were $20 cheaper than the other branch???? They also had some for me and although I have some colourful wellies, bought when Heather was here, these will be much warmer. Still no hat or scarf.
Got back and we were so hungry and really enjoyed our pork pies, the first thing I have eaten and enjoyed since Tuesday.
Jon went off to the gym and I lit the fire and started looking at maps and all the leaflets I have on the area we are going to. Looks like we will be able to get a ski lift up to the ski fields and have lunch at the restaurant up there. The package at the hotel includes, chocolates and champagne in the room, and a four course dinner and a full breakfast with late checkout the following day so should be nice.
I am so fed up with the meat not being cooked enough that we bought an oven thermometer today so cooked dinner and the beef was very good, nice and pink but not raw or overcooked as it has been, so hit and miss this oven!
We watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Wet first thing then sunny and warm with clouds 16 degrees
Friday, 20 August 2010
A quiet day at Red Cross
I really didn't sleep well last night and just want this to be sorted out.
I had a nice phone call from Heather and Kirsty this morning. Heather to tell me she had her visa pack through and Kirsty to chat about her trip
By the time I had finished it was too late to take Tot out, poor little dog.
Red Cross was very quiet today but the area manager was coming so we did a lot of tidying the rails. We sell bangles for special appeals like for Pakistan and I bought a very pretty Celtic one in silver, very pretty.
Got home for lunch and Jon was already here. The Avon lady called with my mascara and we had a chat.
We do not have much wood and it is really chilly as no sunshine today. I called Jon and he said he would buy some on the way home so to light the fire.
Jon went out for the fish and chips but I am really not hungry. I have felt really down today.
After dinner we watched TV and then Jon went to bed.
I had a nice phone call from Heather and Kirsty this morning. Heather to tell me she had her visa pack through and Kirsty to chat about her trip
By the time I had finished it was too late to take Tot out, poor little dog.
Red Cross was very quiet today but the area manager was coming so we did a lot of tidying the rails. We sell bangles for special appeals like for Pakistan and I bought a very pretty Celtic one in silver, very pretty.
Got home for lunch and Jon was already here. The Avon lady called with my mascara and we had a chat.
We do not have much wood and it is really chilly as no sunshine today. I called Jon and he said he would buy some on the way home so to light the fire.
Jon went out for the fish and chips but I am really not hungry. I have felt really down today.
After dinner we watched TV and then Jon went to bed.
Not sure where the idea came from but I decided to write to Mrs Sarah Gull who was my gynaecologist in the UK. I have explained the situation to her and asked for her advice. Not sure if she will answer but we will see.
WEATHER
Cloudy and cold this morning but rain after lunch 15 degrees.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Haircut
I got all the washing hung out early this morning as it was so sunny with a nice breeze.
I took Totty out for her walk but when we got down to the park she was pulling to come back as there was some building work going on in a house near the park and they were using a nail gun and as she hates bangs she would not go near it, silly dog.
I am feeling a bit low after discovering the new place they cells were taken from and I think I should have been told before I was discharged what they had done.
I went out for my hair appointment at 1.00 but really wasn't in the mood. However, I did get a nice head massage as I was his first customer and he had plenty of time. He was very chatty and I really couldn't be bothered and was glad to get out of there.
I went to the supermarket and did a quick shop and when I came out everywhere was wet after a very heavy shower which meant all my washing was wet and it would have been dry so I had to put it in the dryer.
It was by now 3.00 so I had a late lunch then Janice called me to see how I was and we chatted for ages and as soon as I put the phone down I had another call from Les who also chatted for ages.
I took Totty out for her afternoon walk and got caught in a shower but fortunately I had my umbrella.
Jon came in from the gym and I decided to have a glass of wine to help me relax. He could see I was upset and told me not to worry everything will be fine but I can't help it. We had a nice steak for dinner with some salad.
We watched TV and I manged to stay awake till the news came on and I should have got up then as the next thing was Jon bringing me a coffee and I had fallen asleep. I hate doing that as it then takes me ages to get to sleep when I go to bed!
WEATHER
Sunshine and showers 16 degrees
I took Totty out for her walk but when we got down to the park she was pulling to come back as there was some building work going on in a house near the park and they were using a nail gun and as she hates bangs she would not go near it, silly dog.
I am feeling a bit low after discovering the new place they cells were taken from and I think I should have been told before I was discharged what they had done.
I went out for my hair appointment at 1.00 but really wasn't in the mood. However, I did get a nice head massage as I was his first customer and he had plenty of time. He was very chatty and I really couldn't be bothered and was glad to get out of there.
I went to the supermarket and did a quick shop and when I came out everywhere was wet after a very heavy shower which meant all my washing was wet and it would have been dry so I had to put it in the dryer.
It was by now 3.00 so I had a late lunch then Janice called me to see how I was and we chatted for ages and as soon as I put the phone down I had another call from Les who also chatted for ages.
I took Totty out for her afternoon walk and got caught in a shower but fortunately I had my umbrella.
Jon came in from the gym and I decided to have a glass of wine to help me relax. He could see I was upset and told me not to worry everything will be fine but I can't help it. We had a nice steak for dinner with some salad.
We watched TV and I manged to stay awake till the news came on and I should have got up then as the next thing was Jon bringing me a coffee and I had fallen asleep. I hate doing that as it then takes me ages to get to sleep when I go to bed!
WEATHER
Sunshine and showers 16 degrees
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
The day after the op
I slept well but woke at 5.00 and then couldn't get back to sleep till about 7.00 when Jon got up so I dozed a bit longer then got up and had a shower. I felt very shaky. I had a cup of tea as I wasn't hungry.
Bronwyn called to see how I was and we had a chat and I sent out some emails to people. I made a nice bean and sardine thing for lunch and we had it in pitta bread. Jon reminded me of an Air New Zealand function we are due to go to tonight that I had forgotten about. It starts at 6.00 but we won't stay long.
Shirley called to ask how I was going with flyers and I told her I would need more from her next week at the dinner meeting.
I watched the final of Dancing on Ice and really enjoyed it. I hope they put it on again here next year.
WEATHER
Sunshine and showers 17 degrees
Bronwyn called to see how I was and we had a chat and I sent out some emails to people. I made a nice bean and sardine thing for lunch and we had it in pitta bread. Jon reminded me of an Air New Zealand function we are due to go to tonight that I had forgotten about. It starts at 6.00 but we won't stay long.
Shirley called to ask how I was going with flyers and I told her I would need more from her next week at the dinner meeting.
I watched the final of Dancing on Ice and really enjoyed it. I hope they put it on again here next year.
I got ready to go out but I am feeling very hot and look very flushed in my face so I hope I am not coming down with an infection. Jon arrived home and commented on how red I was but we got out to the Devonport where the presentation was. There were quite a few people there and we were given our name badge, there was a complimentary bar and staff walking around with trays of hot nibbles. They did the presentation but it was standing only so I sat near the back on the chairs. It was a presentation about the new planes that we hope to fly home on in January and they look very nice and roomy and they will be serving 'on demand' food apart from all the main meals and all cooked fresh on the plane and it all looks very promising and they are ahead of most other companies. We met Ross and Sandra there and I had a chat to them about their holiday, they have just come back from Samoa and said it was lovely. We left after the presentation and were given a goody bag with some nice travel pots of shampoo etc.
We got home and I heated the casserole I had taken from the freezer so all very quick.
Poor Totty hasn't had a walk today and I feel very mean but I just didn't think my legs would go far.
WEATHER
Sunshine and showers 17 degrees
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Hospital day
I was up very early as I had to have breakfast before 7.00 and then could only have clear fluids till 10.00 then nothing else, not that I was hungry anyway.
Heather phoned and that passed nearly an hour away and then I took Totty out for her walk and got caught in a shower and had to shelter in the park.
I had noticed the window in the downstairs bathroom, which we don't use, was rather mouldy so decided to give it a scrub. We have so much condensation in this house and in fact most Kiwi houses have the same problem.
I was just about ready to leave when Jon came home at 12.00 and I was very nervous. We arrived at the hospital and the receptionist said I was second to last to go down so I knew I was in for quite a wait. I saw the same nurse as last time for check in and then put my gown on and then to the waiting room.
I saw the anaesthetist at 3.20 and went down after that. Last time I just had to breath some oxygen and they put the anaesthetic in but this time it seemed to take ages and I was getting in a panic with the mask over my face and then I was out.
I came to in ICU and felt so mush sleepier than I did last time and they were doing the usual observation like temp and bp. The registrar popped in to say she would see me in two weeks. I was eventually taken to recovery and she told me it was 5.30!!!! They gave me a cup of tea and I eventually called Jon to come and get me and that was at 6.10. The nurse explained that I had been given a deep anaesthetic as they had not wanted to use any local on the 'area' and that was why I felt so sleepy. She took the drip out of my arm and I was ready to wobble down to the car.
We got home and Jon heated the chilli I had taken out and cooked rice and made a salad but I wasn't very hungry. I watched Coronation Street and then I had to go to bed as I was so tired.
WEATHER
Sunny spells and few showers. 17 degrees
Heather phoned and that passed nearly an hour away and then I took Totty out for her walk and got caught in a shower and had to shelter in the park.
I had noticed the window in the downstairs bathroom, which we don't use, was rather mouldy so decided to give it a scrub. We have so much condensation in this house and in fact most Kiwi houses have the same problem.
I was just about ready to leave when Jon came home at 12.00 and I was very nervous. We arrived at the hospital and the receptionist said I was second to last to go down so I knew I was in for quite a wait. I saw the same nurse as last time for check in and then put my gown on and then to the waiting room.
I saw the anaesthetist at 3.20 and went down after that. Last time I just had to breath some oxygen and they put the anaesthetic in but this time it seemed to take ages and I was getting in a panic with the mask over my face and then I was out.
I came to in ICU and felt so mush sleepier than I did last time and they were doing the usual observation like temp and bp. The registrar popped in to say she would see me in two weeks. I was eventually taken to recovery and she told me it was 5.30!!!! They gave me a cup of tea and I eventually called Jon to come and get me and that was at 6.10. The nurse explained that I had been given a deep anaesthetic as they had not wanted to use any local on the 'area' and that was why I felt so sleepy. She took the drip out of my arm and I was ready to wobble down to the car.
We got home and Jon heated the chilli I had taken out and cooked rice and made a salad but I wasn't very hungry. I watched Coronation Street and then I had to go to bed as I was so tired.
WEATHER
Sunny spells and few showers. 17 degrees
Monday, 16 August 2010
Washing day
After all that rain it was nice to see the sun.
I watched the final of the tennis and was pleased to see Andy Murray win, not that I particularly like him as a person but it was a good match.
Took Totty out for her walk after hanging out two loads of washing.There is no wind so not sure if it will dry.
I went out to the post office and then to the supermarket in case I can't get out later this week.
Came back and did my housework before Jon came home for lunch.
Was doing my ironing when Alison called to say she would come over when she got home from school for a cuppa.
We had a nice chat and I needed that to take my mind off tomorrow, I will be glad when it is over. Bronwyn phoned to wish me well, too.
I cooked chicken with Risoni for dinner tonight. It is pasta but it looks like rice and cooks in 10 minutes, it is really nice and I have never seen it before.
Watched TV.
WEATHER
Dry and bright all day 17 degrees
I watched the final of the tennis and was pleased to see Andy Murray win, not that I particularly like him as a person but it was a good match.
Took Totty out for her walk after hanging out two loads of washing.There is no wind so not sure if it will dry.
I went out to the post office and then to the supermarket in case I can't get out later this week.
Came back and did my housework before Jon came home for lunch.
Was doing my ironing when Alison called to say she would come over when she got home from school for a cuppa.
We had a nice chat and I needed that to take my mind off tomorrow, I will be glad when it is over. Bronwyn phoned to wish me well, too.
I cooked chicken with Risoni for dinner tonight. It is pasta but it looks like rice and cooks in 10 minutes, it is really nice and I have never seen it before.
Watched TV.
WEATHER
Dry and bright all day 17 degrees
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Sunday and more rain.
No walk again this morning as it was still raining so hard.
We went across to the Mount for coffee at the new 88 cafe and had a passion fruit and custard muffin mmmmmm.
On our way back to the car an outdoor clothes shop had a sale on and I saw a showerproof jacket that was a good price and as my other one did not keep me dry at all in Phuket I bought it.
As we had found the payment on the bank statement for Jon's pullover we went back to the shop to change it. The shop assistant phoned up to the manager and was told as it was not a manufacturers fault there was nothing they could do. I told her I was not happy and it was not good enough and I wanted to speak to her. she phoned her back and as she was having her lunch she had to phone another manager (this shop is a bit like Debenhams in UK) who came over straight away, looked at the hole and said 'Yes of course we will change it' The poor assistant looked very embarrassed. Unfortunately, they didn't have one to exchange it for at that branch and so called the Tauranga shop who had one and put it away for us. We decided to go across for it in case the staff changed and we would have to go through the story again. When we got to the shop they just said yes that is fine and gave us the new one. In future I will keep all receipts until I have washed things.
After our hunt for brown shoes for Jon we found two really nice pairs as we were walking through the shop. They were reduced to £20 and are leather and were his size. So it was just as well we had to take the jumper back or we would not have found them!
Got back and Jon changed the gas bottle and went to the garage to refill it. I have marked it on the calendar so I know when we did it, it has been such a long time I can't remember when we did it.
We had the leftover soup for our lunch.
The hospital called to confirm that I would be going in for my operation on Tuesday. I think they do this so that if you forget you will be reminded and also if you change your mind they can fill the space.
We watched the tennis in Canada on TV and the were able to finally take Totty out for a walk at last. We went down to Rotary Park and there must have been a really high tide as the line was well over the grass.
Came back and cooked dinner, roast pork. I really must buy a meat thermometer as it was not cooked again and I had to put it in the microwave after I had sliced it. I can't trust this oven.
We watched TV before going to bed.
WEATHER
Rain till about 3.00 then a bit brighter 15 degrees but lots of local flooding.
We went across to the Mount for coffee at the new 88 cafe and had a passion fruit and custard muffin mmmmmm.
On our way back to the car an outdoor clothes shop had a sale on and I saw a showerproof jacket that was a good price and as my other one did not keep me dry at all in Phuket I bought it.
As we had found the payment on the bank statement for Jon's pullover we went back to the shop to change it. The shop assistant phoned up to the manager and was told as it was not a manufacturers fault there was nothing they could do. I told her I was not happy and it was not good enough and I wanted to speak to her. she phoned her back and as she was having her lunch she had to phone another manager (this shop is a bit like Debenhams in UK) who came over straight away, looked at the hole and said 'Yes of course we will change it' The poor assistant looked very embarrassed. Unfortunately, they didn't have one to exchange it for at that branch and so called the Tauranga shop who had one and put it away for us. We decided to go across for it in case the staff changed and we would have to go through the story again. When we got to the shop they just said yes that is fine and gave us the new one. In future I will keep all receipts until I have washed things.
After our hunt for brown shoes for Jon we found two really nice pairs as we were walking through the shop. They were reduced to £20 and are leather and were his size. So it was just as well we had to take the jumper back or we would not have found them!
Got back and Jon changed the gas bottle and went to the garage to refill it. I have marked it on the calendar so I know when we did it, it has been such a long time I can't remember when we did it.
We had the leftover soup for our lunch.
The hospital called to confirm that I would be going in for my operation on Tuesday. I think they do this so that if you forget you will be reminded and also if you change your mind they can fill the space.
We watched the tennis in Canada on TV and the were able to finally take Totty out for a walk at last. We went down to Rotary Park and there must have been a really high tide as the line was well over the grass.
Came back and cooked dinner, roast pork. I really must buy a meat thermometer as it was not cooked again and I had to put it in the microwave after I had sliced it. I can't trust this oven.
We watched TV before going to bed.
WEATHER
Rain till about 3.00 then a bit brighter 15 degrees but lots of local flooding.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
RAIN all day
Too wet for a walk this morning, it was pouring with rain. Jon had a hair appointment so while he was away I made some broccoli soup for lunch.
He was about an hour having his hair cut, his takes longer than mine as the woman talks so much. By the time we got out for coffee it was nearly lunch time.
After coffee at Chapel Street cafe we went over to Briscos and bought a new toaster. It is a bigger one and will take four slices and is thick and thin. We had to buy a tray to sit it in as the landlady has one on the old one and we will leave this one for her as it won't be worth taking back to UK. We stopped off at the supermarket for a few things on the way home.
The soup for lunch was really good and we had it with slices of French bread toasted with some blue cheese melted on top - yummy!
Jon went to the gym and I did some ironing, I feel I need to keep myself busy and although the final of Dancing on Ice is recorded I am not in the right frame of mind to watch it yet.
Jon came back and showered and then we had a cuppa and the rain was still pouring down and so not much use taking Totty out as she won't go!
I cooked dinner chicken, peas and apple with wine and it was very good - even though the gas ran out just at the end of cooking and I had to finish it off in the microwave - followed by the cheesecake which is yummy but so big I will have to freeze some or we will be eating it till this time next week!
We watched Poirot and it was still raining!
WEATHER
Wet all day, very heavy rain non stop but still 16 degrees
He was about an hour having his hair cut, his takes longer than mine as the woman talks so much. By the time we got out for coffee it was nearly lunch time.
After coffee at Chapel Street cafe we went over to Briscos and bought a new toaster. It is a bigger one and will take four slices and is thick and thin. We had to buy a tray to sit it in as the landlady has one on the old one and we will leave this one for her as it won't be worth taking back to UK. We stopped off at the supermarket for a few things on the way home.
The soup for lunch was really good and we had it with slices of French bread toasted with some blue cheese melted on top - yummy!
Jon went to the gym and I did some ironing, I feel I need to keep myself busy and although the final of Dancing on Ice is recorded I am not in the right frame of mind to watch it yet.
Jon came back and showered and then we had a cuppa and the rain was still pouring down and so not much use taking Totty out as she won't go!
I cooked dinner chicken, peas and apple with wine and it was very good - even though the gas ran out just at the end of cooking and I had to finish it off in the microwave - followed by the cheesecake which is yummy but so big I will have to freeze some or we will be eating it till this time next week!
We watched Poirot and it was still raining!
WEATHER
Wet all day, very heavy rain non stop but still 16 degrees
Friday, 13 August 2010
Not much rain yet
I didn't get up till late, I keep telling Jon to leave the bedroom door open on Fridays but he doesn't and so I go back to sleep. I rushed up and had to wash my hair before going off to the Red Cross. We weren't really busy today, we are due to get the spring clothes in soon and I think everyone has bought what they need for winter. I did buy a beanie hat for me for when we go to the snow and also a very nice sarong. Noleen, the manager of the processing room is battling leukaemia t the moment and a friend came in to take photos of us all to show her to cheer her up. She needs a marrow transplant and her brother is a match but if you are over 40 in NZ it is difficult to be allocated a transplant bed but it is her only chance, she is too ill to travel to OZ so we are all waiting to see what happens
Got home and as Jon was out for lunch I took Totty down to Rotary Park before I had my lunch.
In the afternoon I made some oaty slice - a bit like flapjack but with pine nuts, coconut and pumpkin seeds. It smells really good but it is not as chewy as the one Alison makes. I also made a cheesecake for the weekend, white chocolate with berries on the top, looks really good but very big.
Took Totty for a quick walk and then watched TV till Jon came home.
We had fish and chips again and then watched TV. The rain we had been warned about finally started at bedtime.
WEATHER
Cloudy but warm 16 degrees, a bit of drizzle in the evening and then lots of rain before bed.
Got home and as Jon was out for lunch I took Totty down to Rotary Park before I had my lunch.
In the afternoon I made some oaty slice - a bit like flapjack but with pine nuts, coconut and pumpkin seeds. It smells really good but it is not as chewy as the one Alison makes. I also made a cheesecake for the weekend, white chocolate with berries on the top, looks really good but very big.
Took Totty for a quick walk and then watched TV till Jon came home.
We had fish and chips again and then watched TV. The rain we had been warned about finally started at bedtime.
WEATHER
Cloudy but warm 16 degrees, a bit of drizzle in the evening and then lots of rain before bed.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Thursday
Took tot out for her walk and it was really nice weather, the street is always so quiet.
Went out to Fraser Cove and had a coffee, I ordered a large and forgot this bar does REALLY large coffee, like a soup bowl!!!
Went to the supermarket to do the shopping and pottered around looking for all the right things with the Heart Foundation tick on them before eventually going home for lunch which was pate and toast and definitely not the Heart Foundation tick!!
After lunch I went over to Papamoa to get my meat from the butcher and also get some for Les. Unfortunately, they had sold out of pies - looks like the Heart Foundation is looking after me!!!
I then went back to Bayfair and took a sleeveless pullover of Jon's back to the shop as it had gone into a hole after one wash and it was not cheap. Unfortunately, I did not have the receipt but the assistant kindly went through the till for me - back five or six weeks - and found what she thought was it and now I have to check on the bank statement and then hopefully, they can get a new one.
I did intend to go for a pedicure but had a really bad tummy ache so went home and did my own toes although, due to painful ribs it did hurt. I watched the semifinal of Dancing on Ice which helped.
I have had three messages from Janice to collect books for the book sale all from the flyers I have put through.
Cooked some nice fish for dinner with cheesecake, shop bought, for pudding.
There is lots of rain forecast for tomorrow and the weekend and we have been told to make sure out emergency kits are up to date. due to the constant threat of earthquakes here in NZ everybody is supposed to have a kit ready, all I have, apart from what is in the cupboard and the freezer, is a 6 ltr container of water!!! maybe i should get onto that!!!
There are 1200 people stuck up Mt Hutt, near Christchurch. The weather turned bad and they had 200km winds and so nobody was allowed down on the road and they all had to bed down in the ski lodge. I take my hat off to the management as they were able to feed them all and keep them warm.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny all day 15 degrees
Went out to Fraser Cove and had a coffee, I ordered a large and forgot this bar does REALLY large coffee, like a soup bowl!!!
Went to the supermarket to do the shopping and pottered around looking for all the right things with the Heart Foundation tick on them before eventually going home for lunch which was pate and toast and definitely not the Heart Foundation tick!!
After lunch I went over to Papamoa to get my meat from the butcher and also get some for Les. Unfortunately, they had sold out of pies - looks like the Heart Foundation is looking after me!!!
I then went back to Bayfair and took a sleeveless pullover of Jon's back to the shop as it had gone into a hole after one wash and it was not cheap. Unfortunately, I did not have the receipt but the assistant kindly went through the till for me - back five or six weeks - and found what she thought was it and now I have to check on the bank statement and then hopefully, they can get a new one.
I did intend to go for a pedicure but had a really bad tummy ache so went home and did my own toes although, due to painful ribs it did hurt. I watched the semifinal of Dancing on Ice which helped.
I have had three messages from Janice to collect books for the book sale all from the flyers I have put through.
Cooked some nice fish for dinner with cheesecake, shop bought, for pudding.
There is lots of rain forecast for tomorrow and the weekend and we have been told to make sure out emergency kits are up to date. due to the constant threat of earthquakes here in NZ everybody is supposed to have a kit ready, all I have, apart from what is in the cupboard and the freezer, is a 6 ltr container of water!!! maybe i should get onto that!!!
There are 1200 people stuck up Mt Hutt, near Christchurch. The weather turned bad and they had 200km winds and so nobody was allowed down on the road and they all had to bed down in the ski lodge. I take my hat off to the management as they were able to feed them all and keep them warm.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny all day 15 degrees
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Alovely day for a swim
Really sunny today and a lovely day for a swim. I arrived at the pool and got undressed and the 'run' to the pool was quick and cold but once in the water it was lovely. We had a really good class with a new teacher, Shelly, who was stick thin and didn't stop for the whole of the class and it was really good. She had brought her baby daughter and she brought her into the pool after the class.
Les and I went to the new 88 Cafe and had the most amazing muffin, so big we had to share it. I will have to take Jon there at the weekend. As usual we sat chatting. It is not long before she has to leave to go back to S Africa and then on to UK. Hopefully her visa will come through quickly and she will be back in time for Christmas.
I forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer so stopped by the supermarket to buy some on the way home.
I took Totty out for a walk to Rotary Park as Jon had a working meeting so was staying out for lunch so I just had the leftover tuna dip - again! Just as well I like it.
The windows were annoying me as they get so much condensation on them and were all streaky so I cleaned them. It is difficult when the sun is shinning on them but at least they look cleaner.
I went for a walk with Tot and delivered more flyers. It was a little easier with her this time.
I am up to date with Neighbours now as it is getting exciting.
Jon came home after the gym and I decided to have a glass of wine tonight while I cooked dinner, my first this week! I cooked chicken and mushrooms with rice and broccoli.
We watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny, cold first thing then warmer 16 degrees.
Les and I went to the new 88 Cafe and had the most amazing muffin, so big we had to share it. I will have to take Jon there at the weekend. As usual we sat chatting. It is not long before she has to leave to go back to S Africa and then on to UK. Hopefully her visa will come through quickly and she will be back in time for Christmas.
I forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer so stopped by the supermarket to buy some on the way home.
I took Totty out for a walk to Rotary Park as Jon had a working meeting so was staying out for lunch so I just had the leftover tuna dip - again! Just as well I like it.
The windows were annoying me as they get so much condensation on them and were all streaky so I cleaned them. It is difficult when the sun is shinning on them but at least they look cleaner.
I went for a walk with Tot and delivered more flyers. It was a little easier with her this time.
I am up to date with Neighbours now as it is getting exciting.
Jon came home after the gym and I decided to have a glass of wine tonight while I cooked dinner, my first this week! I cooked chicken and mushrooms with rice and broccoli.
We watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny, cold first thing then warmer 16 degrees.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Back to keep fit
I went to my class this morning and managed pretty well with the exercises until the ones we do on the mat and I could only do a few of them. I had told Diane before we started so she knew I wouldn't be able to do the whole class but what I did was good.
Afterwards I helped with the tea and coffee and we all had a chat sitting in the sun.
Went to the supermarket and spent ages trying to decide which spread to buy. I prefer butter but I know it is not good, well a bit every now and again is OK. But the other spreads are so confusing and they all have so many additives and things in them, at least butter is just butter! I have bought one that is low in calories and is supposed to lower cholesterol absorbtion, we will have to wait and see what it tastes like!
It was nearly time for lunch when I got back so too late to take Totty out. Jon came home and we had lunch with the doors wide open as it was so warm.
When Jon went back to work I thought I would try the consultant's secretary again and surprise, surprise she answered, it is usually an answerphone. I asked her if I could give her Jon's mobile to put on my notes in case of a cancellation. She told me there was no need as she had just spoken to Dr McAuley and he told her to put me on the list for next Tuesday. I could have cried with relief. She will get the paperwork out to me tonight to fill in. Not sure what time it will be yet but I will be glad to get it over with.
I then took Totty down to Rotary Park and it was so lovely and sunny we stayed there for quite a while and we were the only ones there apart from a lady walking her dog way down on the sand as the tide was out.
I called Bronwyn to let her know and she was just about to call me to see how things were. We discussed the gammon and sausages and she is very happy with them, too.
I had a sad email from Mandy, Malcolm's ex wife to tell me that her husband died last week. She lives in Italy now and wanted me to let old friends know.
As I have a Lions business meeting I took a chill from the freezer and I had it with salad and I left a baked potato and salad for Jon who arrived home just as I was going out.
The meeting went well but they do go round the houses to sort things out but never mind they are all very nice.
Got home by 9.20 and had a much needed cup of coffee.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny, but cold first thing then 15 degrees later.
Afterwards I helped with the tea and coffee and we all had a chat sitting in the sun.
Went to the supermarket and spent ages trying to decide which spread to buy. I prefer butter but I know it is not good, well a bit every now and again is OK. But the other spreads are so confusing and they all have so many additives and things in them, at least butter is just butter! I have bought one that is low in calories and is supposed to lower cholesterol absorbtion, we will have to wait and see what it tastes like!
It was nearly time for lunch when I got back so too late to take Totty out. Jon came home and we had lunch with the doors wide open as it was so warm.
When Jon went back to work I thought I would try the consultant's secretary again and surprise, surprise she answered, it is usually an answerphone. I asked her if I could give her Jon's mobile to put on my notes in case of a cancellation. She told me there was no need as she had just spoken to Dr McAuley and he told her to put me on the list for next Tuesday. I could have cried with relief. She will get the paperwork out to me tonight to fill in. Not sure what time it will be yet but I will be glad to get it over with.
I then took Totty down to Rotary Park and it was so lovely and sunny we stayed there for quite a while and we were the only ones there apart from a lady walking her dog way down on the sand as the tide was out.
I called Bronwyn to let her know and she was just about to call me to see how things were. We discussed the gammon and sausages and she is very happy with them, too.
I had a sad email from Mandy, Malcolm's ex wife to tell me that her husband died last week. She lives in Italy now and wanted me to let old friends know.
As I have a Lions business meeting I took a chill from the freezer and I had it with salad and I left a baked potato and salad for Jon who arrived home just as I was going out.
The meeting went well but they do go round the houses to sort things out but never mind they are all very nice.
Got home by 9.20 and had a much needed cup of coffee.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny, but cold first thing then 15 degrees later.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Housework, housework and more housework
Got up early, for me, and was out early with Totty for her walk which was quite chilly.
Came back and got stuck into my housework and washing, a really good wind for getting it dry.
Jon came home for lunch and we finished off the bean salad and tuna pate. As he was leaving to go back to work Kim, my next door neighbour called round to ask me for the number of the man who sells the kindling wood as she had lost it. She was telling me she had been ill since Thursday and now Flynn has it and Petra had it last week. There is a bug going round the schools, she is a teacher, and some schools have had up to 150 children off at a time it has been so bad. She stayed to chat for a while - I hope she didn't leave the bug behind!!
Finished off my housework and then took Totty for an early walk and delivered some book sale flyers at the same time. I won't do it again with the dog as we got a bit tangled up with the lead and she kept thinking I was going into the houses and not just putting things in the postbox. I managed to deliver about 150, only another 450 to go!!!
Came back and had a cup of tea and watched Neighbours and then did the ironing. It is nice to get it all done when it is fresh off the line.
Jon came home after the gym and we had the sausages from the English butcher and they were very good, best I have had for 18 months or so.
Watched TV and then Heathery called for a chat. She was a little hungover as they had all been out last night to celebrate Sam's birthday (James' sister) so she didn't talk for long. she told me that Jane has started the training for her new job and is down in Kent this week.
Logged on to do my blog and I had an email from my friend Mandy in Italy to say her husband had died last Monday after a late diagnosis of bowel cancer. Very sad for her and the children.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny but cold to start. A good wind to get the washing dry.
More new shoes
It was a lovely day today even though the forecast was for rain. We took Totty out for her walk to Rotary Park and it was lovely down there.
I made a tuna pate ready for lunch before going out.
We went to the Cafe Swiss down at the Mount for coffee, I used to go there after swimming on a Wednesday. The lady is Swiss and all the food looks lovely, we took Jane there for lunch one day and it was good and they always give you a little biscuit with your coffee. It was busy and while we,were waiting to be served the chef in the kitchen started to yodel and he was very good and everyone was laughing. Then a bit later when we were drinking our coffee the lady was serving some people with their food and she started to yodel at the top of her voice. She has always been such a quiet lady so it was a surprise but very funny.
One of the travel shops was advertising a sale so we went along to see what they had for November but you had to wait for one of the desks to be free and we couldn't be bothered to wait. We went looking for shoes for Jon and I saw some lovely black court shoes which I have been looking for. I tried them on and they were so comfortable and didn't hurt my bunion. Unfortunately, they weren't in the sale so I had to pay full price for them. Still none for Jon though.
We went into Bayfair shopping centre on our way back and I bought a little mortar and pestle as I left mine in UK. We also found some nice brown boots for Jon - at last, he is happy now as we have been looking for ages.
Went to the tip and did the recycling on the way home. Got back and made the bean salad to go with the tuna pate for lunch - very good.
Jon went onto the computer and booked tickets for Andre Reu in Auckland for October. If you don't know who he is Google him, he is amazing. We will stay overnight and have a look around Auckland. We haven't done that properly yet. We have been up there when taking the girls back to the airport and done things that they would like but there is a really good museum I would like to go to.
Now we know when the Grand Prix is we went ahead and booked a hotel for Melbourne 2011 as they will get booked really quickly. James and Kirsty will have to get theirs booked. I am not sure I want to go and see the race, I think you see more on the TV but we will see.
Jon cleaned garage as it had got a bit messy with all the logs and kindling wood which makes a bit of a mess.
I finished my book as it is due back to the library and I have renewed it twice so can't do it again.
Had a cuppa and then took Totty out. It had got quite cold and there was a cold wind and we had to rush back as it started to rain.
We had the gammon for dinner and it was very good and not salty. I made a cabbage dish which was a bit like a hot coleslaw but very good.
WEATHER
Dry first thing, showers later then more showers and cooler 15 degrees.
I made a tuna pate ready for lunch before going out.
We went to the Cafe Swiss down at the Mount for coffee, I used to go there after swimming on a Wednesday. The lady is Swiss and all the food looks lovely, we took Jane there for lunch one day and it was good and they always give you a little biscuit with your coffee. It was busy and while we,were waiting to be served the chef in the kitchen started to yodel and he was very good and everyone was laughing. Then a bit later when we were drinking our coffee the lady was serving some people with their food and she started to yodel at the top of her voice. She has always been such a quiet lady so it was a surprise but very funny.
One of the travel shops was advertising a sale so we went along to see what they had for November but you had to wait for one of the desks to be free and we couldn't be bothered to wait. We went looking for shoes for Jon and I saw some lovely black court shoes which I have been looking for. I tried them on and they were so comfortable and didn't hurt my bunion. Unfortunately, they weren't in the sale so I had to pay full price for them. Still none for Jon though.
We went into Bayfair shopping centre on our way back and I bought a little mortar and pestle as I left mine in UK. We also found some nice brown boots for Jon - at last, he is happy now as we have been looking for ages.
Went to the tip and did the recycling on the way home. Got back and made the bean salad to go with the tuna pate for lunch - very good.
Jon went onto the computer and booked tickets for Andre Reu in Auckland for October. If you don't know who he is Google him, he is amazing. We will stay overnight and have a look around Auckland. We haven't done that properly yet. We have been up there when taking the girls back to the airport and done things that they would like but there is a really good museum I would like to go to.
Now we know when the Grand Prix is we went ahead and booked a hotel for Melbourne 2011 as they will get booked really quickly. James and Kirsty will have to get theirs booked. I am not sure I want to go and see the race, I think you see more on the TV but we will see.
Jon cleaned garage as it had got a bit messy with all the logs and kindling wood which makes a bit of a mess.
I finished my book as it is due back to the library and I have renewed it twice so can't do it again.
Had a cuppa and then took Totty out. It had got quite cold and there was a cold wind and we had to rush back as it started to rain.
We had the gammon for dinner and it was very good and not salty. I made a cabbage dish which was a bit like a hot coleslaw but very good.
WEATHER
Dry first thing, showers later then more showers and cooler 15 degrees.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
A wet day
Totty had me up sooo many times last night it is getting beyond a joke
Jon decided to chop some wood this morning before having a shower as he always needs one when he has chopped wood so we didn't get to take Totty out as it started to rain while he was chopping and it rained a lot.
I had a chat to Heather on the computer and at the same time was chatting to Janice on Facebook. She can see across the harbour over to the Kaimai mountains from her house and she told me the rain was coming across and it looked like we were in for a downpour - she is my early weather forecaster as most of our weather comes across from the east.
I have been waiting for my payment to SKype to go through so have not been able to phone any landlines and so told my sister, Barbara this as she was on FB, too so she called me and we had a nice chat.
We then went out for coffee into Tauranga but had to sit inside today as it was raining. We then went to the library and a walk around the shops looking for brown shoes/boots for Jon. they really don't have many shoe shops for men down here.
After a quick trip to the supermarket to get some bread we went home for lunch and had the pork pie I had bought yesterday and it was really good. Bronwyn had called to say they had the gammon last night and really enjoyed it.
Jon went to the gym and I made a Weightwatchers chocolate cake. I had to make it double the size as I did not have a small cake tin - that is my excuse anyway! It turned out well but you can tell it is Weightwatchers as it is not very sweet, I will have to freeze it in pieces. I made a lamb tangine for dinner, also Weightwatcher's recipe but it was really good. And a lemon meringue pie for pudding - I have a new Weightwatchers magazine!!! That will last us for four puddings.
Jon got back and we had a cup of tea and a piece of the not so sweet cake but Jon said it was good.
No walk for Tot today as it has been raining and windy all day
I started to drink green tea today as it is supposed to be so good but I can't say I enjoy it but if it helps I will carry on we also had cabbage with our dinner and will be doing so for a long time now or broccoli is supposed to be good for you and build up your immune system.
Had dinner and then watched a bit of TV.
WEATHER
Dry for about 30 minutes first thing and then lots of rain, really heavy in the evening 16 degrees
Jon decided to chop some wood this morning before having a shower as he always needs one when he has chopped wood so we didn't get to take Totty out as it started to rain while he was chopping and it rained a lot.
I had a chat to Heather on the computer and at the same time was chatting to Janice on Facebook. She can see across the harbour over to the Kaimai mountains from her house and she told me the rain was coming across and it looked like we were in for a downpour - she is my early weather forecaster as most of our weather comes across from the east.
I have been waiting for my payment to SKype to go through so have not been able to phone any landlines and so told my sister, Barbara this as she was on FB, too so she called me and we had a nice chat.
We then went out for coffee into Tauranga but had to sit inside today as it was raining. We then went to the library and a walk around the shops looking for brown shoes/boots for Jon. they really don't have many shoe shops for men down here.
After a quick trip to the supermarket to get some bread we went home for lunch and had the pork pie I had bought yesterday and it was really good. Bronwyn had called to say they had the gammon last night and really enjoyed it.
Jon went to the gym and I made a Weightwatchers chocolate cake. I had to make it double the size as I did not have a small cake tin - that is my excuse anyway! It turned out well but you can tell it is Weightwatchers as it is not very sweet, I will have to freeze it in pieces. I made a lamb tangine for dinner, also Weightwatcher's recipe but it was really good. And a lemon meringue pie for pudding - I have a new Weightwatchers magazine!!! That will last us for four puddings.
Jon got back and we had a cup of tea and a piece of the not so sweet cake but Jon said it was good.
No walk for Tot today as it has been raining and windy all day
I started to drink green tea today as it is supposed to be so good but I can't say I enjoy it but if it helps I will carry on we also had cabbage with our dinner and will be doing so for a long time now or broccoli is supposed to be good for you and build up your immune system.
Had dinner and then watched a bit of TV.
WEATHER
Dry for about 30 minutes first thing and then lots of rain, really heavy in the evening 16 degrees
Friday, 6 August 2010
Another lovely day
Took Totty for a quick walk before going to the Red Cross and I am still feeling upset about things. I don't mind the thought of another operation it is the fact that it is now a VIN3 which upsets me.
Red Cross was quiet and I was able to chat to Les who has ha breast cancer and we talked about diet and how important it is so I will be making a few changes there. We had coffee and although Bianca is trying to convince me to change to a thermal mug I am sticking to the cardboard takeaway one as I don't like them!!!
I left the Red Cross and on the way home bought some green tea and cabbage - supposed to be very good.
I had lunch and then went out with Bronwyn, she had lunch and I had a cup of green tea, not my favorite thing but if it helps I will stick to it.
I told Bronwyn about and English butcher in Papamoa that Margaret had told me about so we went over there. Bronwyn was like a kid in a lolly shop! The owners are from Yorkshire and very friendly and they do some lovely things there. We bought some sausages, black pudding, pork pies and Bronwyn bought haggis - watch this space!
Got home and then went out for a walk with Totty.
Had fish and chips for dinner and then Malcolm called and we had a nice chat to him. Looks like he won't get down here till 2012 which is a shame.
WEATHER
Cold first thing then warm and sunny 17 degrees
Red Cross was quiet and I was able to chat to Les who has ha breast cancer and we talked about diet and how important it is so I will be making a few changes there. We had coffee and although Bianca is trying to convince me to change to a thermal mug I am sticking to the cardboard takeaway one as I don't like them!!!
I left the Red Cross and on the way home bought some green tea and cabbage - supposed to be very good.
I had lunch and then went out with Bronwyn, she had lunch and I had a cup of green tea, not my favorite thing but if it helps I will stick to it.
I told Bronwyn about and English butcher in Papamoa that Margaret had told me about so we went over there. Bronwyn was like a kid in a lolly shop! The owners are from Yorkshire and very friendly and they do some lovely things there. We bought some sausages, black pudding, pork pies and Bronwyn bought haggis - watch this space!
Got home and then went out for a walk with Totty.
Had fish and chips for dinner and then Malcolm called and we had a nice chat to him. Looks like he won't get down here till 2012 which is a shame.
WEATHER
Cold first thing then warm and sunny 17 degrees
Thursday, 5 August 2010
A visit to the consultant
I had my follow up appointment with the consultant this morning at 8.30. I thought I would be told that the wound had healed well and see you in a year. Unfortunately, that was not the case! His registrar saw me and told me the biopsy had shown a VIN3 so it has progressed from a VIN2 which is one stage away from cancer and to say I was shocked is an understatement. Not only that the biopsy also showed that he had not excised it all and I have to go back for another operation so not the best news and I was shocked and upset. I need to get my head round it all. He says he will get me in again as urgent but when that will be I don't know. Unfortunately, he does not see private patients so if it is too long I will have to change consultants. After the second op I will need annual smears and 6 monthly checks. I need to keep telling myself that it is NOT cancer but if left will turn to cancer but my mind is playing games and I feel very bad about it all.
I was back home by 9.30 and did some washing and tried to do normal things but I feel like screaming and I have so many questions I need to ask.
On my way out to Tauranga I saw Bronwyn and had a chat with her and she was very kind and told me to call her if I need to talk.
I went into Taurnaga and had a coffee and then went to buy a top I had seen which will go with my new top and then onto the supermarket.
Got home and sorted the shopping and then Jon was home for lunch. We had a chat and decided if it takes too long I should go private?
I watched Dancing on Ice and Margaret phoned and we had a nice chat and it really helps to put things into perspective and not let things get out of hand in my mind.
Went out to walk dog saw Alison and had a chat she was very kind but there is not much to be said really as it is all unknown.
Bronwyn called me late in the evening to invite me out for coffee tomorrow afternoon.
I cooked a good chilli for dinner and did some ironing before Jon got home.
I hope I will calm down soon and feel better.
WEATHER
Cloudy first thing then warm a few showers 17 degrees
I was back home by 9.30 and did some washing and tried to do normal things but I feel like screaming and I have so many questions I need to ask.
On my way out to Tauranga I saw Bronwyn and had a chat with her and she was very kind and told me to call her if I need to talk.
I went into Taurnaga and had a coffee and then went to buy a top I had seen which will go with my new top and then onto the supermarket.
Got home and sorted the shopping and then Jon was home for lunch. We had a chat and decided if it takes too long I should go private?
I watched Dancing on Ice and Margaret phoned and we had a nice chat and it really helps to put things into perspective and not let things get out of hand in my mind.
Went out to walk dog saw Alison and had a chat she was very kind but there is not much to be said really as it is all unknown.
Bronwyn called me late in the evening to invite me out for coffee tomorrow afternoon.
I cooked a good chilli for dinner and did some ironing before Jon got home.
I hope I will calm down soon and feel better.
WEATHER
Cloudy first thing then warm a few showers 17 degrees
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
No swimming again
After going to bed so late I slept well and Totty didn't wake me to put her cover on!!!
I took her for a walk but it was not a nice morning.
I met Les for coffee after she had been swimming but I thought it best not to go to the class as my ribs are still too sore. We only had an hour as I had to get to the PO to post the parcel to Louise and then get home for lunch before going to my second shift at the cancer rooms.
Fortunately there were not too many calls to make as it was the end of the lists so we were only there for an hour and a half and business was much better and not having somebody looking over my shoulder helped.
Got back and caught up with some emails and then got dinner ready and watched TV waiting for Jon to come home which he did just after 8.00pm. I was very relieved to see him as we had a really bad spell of weather and it was so windy I was worried about his flight as they are only small planes. I heard the next day that we had a tornado and the roof of a house was lifted off and landed in the garden centre where we go for coffee.
We had dinner watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Cold wet and windy first thing, dry later but then heavy rain and wind in the evening 17 degrees
I took her for a walk but it was not a nice morning.
I met Les for coffee after she had been swimming but I thought it best not to go to the class as my ribs are still too sore. We only had an hour as I had to get to the PO to post the parcel to Louise and then get home for lunch before going to my second shift at the cancer rooms.
Fortunately there were not too many calls to make as it was the end of the lists so we were only there for an hour and a half and business was much better and not having somebody looking over my shoulder helped.
Got back and caught up with some emails and then got dinner ready and watched TV waiting for Jon to come home which he did just after 8.00pm. I was very relieved to see him as we had a really bad spell of weather and it was so windy I was worried about his flight as they are only small planes. I heard the next day that we had a tornado and the roof of a house was lifted off and landed in the garden centre where we go for coffee.
We had dinner watched TV and then went to bed.
WEATHER
Cold wet and windy first thing, dry later but then heavy rain and wind in the evening 17 degrees
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Ribs still too sore for gym
Jon left for Whangarei this morning, he has to fly to Auckland and then a short 20 minute flight to Whangarei which is near the Bay of Islands. His flight was delayed an hour due to bad weather.
I took Totty for her walk as i couldn't go to my class as my ribs are still too sore. Tuesday is bin day and on our walk we came across the bin wagon and I had to cross the road as Totty was so scared of the wagon - silly dog.
I did my housework that I should have done yesterday, changed bed and that was a mistake as putting the clean duvet cover on was so painful!
I went in to Tauranga to pic up my trousers that had been shortened and I also bought a musical mobile for Louise and some hair bobbles for the baby as she has so much hair and then I had a coffee, of course!!
I found a nice grey top to go with my new jumper and trousers, in the sale so I now have enough warm clothes for the UK in January.
By the time I had done all that I was back for a very late lunch.
Carried on with my housework and did hoovering!! that was very painful, too. I will be glad when my ribs are better.
I took Totty out and we had a wet walk!
Jon called to say he had arrived and the motel was very nice and he was just off out for dinner with some of the operators.
I felt really bad with headache that had been coming on all afternoon and felt sick. I took some Panadol and must have fallen asleep and when I woke at 9.15 I felt better so heated a tin of soup for my dinner. Totty was jumpy and kept running downstairs and barking and it was very windy and I felt very edgy which I don't normally when Jon is away.
I went onto the computer and did my blog and a few email and then started watching a TV programme about a little girl in USA who was born with her legs joined and she was called mermaid girl. It was really sad as she died in 2009. I didn't get to bed till nearly 1.00.
Totty is making a mess of her paw again!!! She has started to chew it again so I have had to start with the cream again.
WEATHER
Wet this morning than dries up and sunny and warm before more rain this evening 16 degrees
I took Totty for her walk as i couldn't go to my class as my ribs are still too sore. Tuesday is bin day and on our walk we came across the bin wagon and I had to cross the road as Totty was so scared of the wagon - silly dog.
I did my housework that I should have done yesterday, changed bed and that was a mistake as putting the clean duvet cover on was so painful!
I went in to Tauranga to pic up my trousers that had been shortened and I also bought a musical mobile for Louise and some hair bobbles for the baby as she has so much hair and then I had a coffee, of course!!
I found a nice grey top to go with my new jumper and trousers, in the sale so I now have enough warm clothes for the UK in January.
By the time I had done all that I was back for a very late lunch.
Carried on with my housework and did hoovering!! that was very painful, too. I will be glad when my ribs are better.
I took Totty out and we had a wet walk!
Jon called to say he had arrived and the motel was very nice and he was just off out for dinner with some of the operators.
I felt really bad with headache that had been coming on all afternoon and felt sick. I took some Panadol and must have fallen asleep and when I woke at 9.15 I felt better so heated a tin of soup for my dinner. Totty was jumpy and kept running downstairs and barking and it was very windy and I felt very edgy which I don't normally when Jon is away.
I went onto the computer and did my blog and a few email and then started watching a TV programme about a little girl in USA who was born with her legs joined and she was called mermaid girl. It was really sad as she died in 2009. I didn't get to bed till nearly 1.00.
Totty is making a mess of her paw again!!! She has started to chew it again so I have had to start with the cream again.
WEATHER
Wet this morning than dries up and sunny and warm before more rain this evening 16 degrees
Monday, 2 August 2010
More phoning
I was on rota for cancer daffodil phoning today so picked Janice up at 8.45 to go to the cancer offices. I was in the room with Denise, the office administrator and it was really annoying as she kept interfering with what I was saying but of course she could not hear what was being said to me so her comments were rather annoying. It was rather slow going as it was Monday morning but we got through lots and sold some but I was glad when it was 12.00.
Got back in time for lunch with Jon and then rushed around doing housework as this is my usual day and I like to get it done. I had arranged to go out with Bronwyn, she wanted to find a snowsuit for her granddaughter, and I wanted to find something for Louise's new baby but Monday is not my best day to go out but never mind.
I bought some nice baby things, shoes, towel, burping cloth all with a Kiwi theme so hope she likes them. We then went for a cup of tea before going home.
I gave Totty her dinner and then took her for a walk and met Kim, my neighbour on the way back and had a chat with her.
Bronwyn brought a big bag of grapefruit and tangelos over, we never seem to be without fruit here and all for free.
Took a pot out of the freezer for dinner so didn't have to cook.
Jon went to the gym and we had dinner when he got back I did my blog in the evening so that I would not fall asleep watching TV. My ribs are still sore but feeling better.
WEATHER
Really, really wet this morning but dry by 12 then 18 degrees and sunny
Got back in time for lunch with Jon and then rushed around doing housework as this is my usual day and I like to get it done. I had arranged to go out with Bronwyn, she wanted to find a snowsuit for her granddaughter, and I wanted to find something for Louise's new baby but Monday is not my best day to go out but never mind.
I bought some nice baby things, shoes, towel, burping cloth all with a Kiwi theme so hope she likes them. We then went for a cup of tea before going home.
I gave Totty her dinner and then took her for a walk and met Kim, my neighbour on the way back and had a chat with her.
Bronwyn brought a big bag of grapefruit and tangelos over, we never seem to be without fruit here and all for free.
Took a pot out of the freezer for dinner so didn't have to cook.
Jon went to the gym and we had dinner when he got back I did my blog in the evening so that I would not fall asleep watching TV. My ribs are still sore but feeling better.
WEATHER
Really, really wet this morning but dry by 12 then 18 degrees and sunny
Sunday, 1 August 2010
A very nice lunch
We were up and ready early today and typically nobody was online to chat so we were able to get Totty out for her walk early.
We went for coffee to Palmer's, the local garden centre so just down the road.
usually when you are invited to a drinks or something her in NZ you take a plate of something but Bronwyn said she didn't need anything so we went out and bought some lovely stocks for her.
I came back and made a casserole to have ready for our dinner.
Went across to Bronwyn's at 1.00 and they had invited a very nice Dutch people who worked for Shell and have travelled a lot and Jon was able to chat to them a lot about the Sudan as they spent time there, too. all in all a very pleasant afternoon with lovely nibbles and drinks. It was pouring with rain so was a very nice way to pass the time.
Got home in time to give Totty her dinner but couldn't get her out for a walk as it was too wet so we had a cup of tea. We lit the fire and watched TV.
The casserole was nice and so I didn't fall asleep watching TV I did some of my blog before going to bed.
WEATHER
Cold and cloudy first thing then wet and then very wet 14 degrees
We went for coffee to Palmer's, the local garden centre so just down the road.
usually when you are invited to a drinks or something her in NZ you take a plate of something but Bronwyn said she didn't need anything so we went out and bought some lovely stocks for her.
I came back and made a casserole to have ready for our dinner.
Went across to Bronwyn's at 1.00 and they had invited a very nice Dutch people who worked for Shell and have travelled a lot and Jon was able to chat to them a lot about the Sudan as they spent time there, too. all in all a very pleasant afternoon with lovely nibbles and drinks. It was pouring with rain so was a very nice way to pass the time.
Got home in time to give Totty her dinner but couldn't get her out for a walk as it was too wet so we had a cup of tea. We lit the fire and watched TV.
The casserole was nice and so I didn't fall asleep watching TV I did some of my blog before going to bed.
WEATHER
Cold and cloudy first thing then wet and then very wet 14 degrees
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