We had a discussion about what time it would be back home. We had seen on FB that James had written that the washing machine was broken so we thought we better find out about it and needed to make a quick call home. We were working it out as the clocks change in the UK this weekend and so when we had decided on the time and were about to call I suddenly said to Jon 'It is still Saturday night and they won't have changed yet anyway'!!! We did call and the girls were all getting ready to go out on the town. Anyway I told them to get a man in to fix the machine so hopefully it can be fixed.
We then walked Tot and once again there was a chill wind down in the park near the sea. We saw Alison on the way back and she told me she had forgotten about looking after the dog but I told her it was fine as Kim did it. We then saw Kim sitting up on her deck with Brent and I asked how her head was as they had been out to a 40 birthday party the night before. She said she was fine but Brent was a bit delicate. She asked if we had heard them coming in as she had had to know her mother in law up as Brent had lost the key!! We hadn't heard anything. she told me Totty was fine with her when she went in yesterday, did her wee and then just ran back upstairs. Now I have done that once I will do it again when we go out for long days.
We then went out to McLaren falls for coffee and were able to sit outside in the sun but in a sheltered spot. I had taken some bread so we then went to feed the ducks before having a walk around the lake. We have seen a lot of water this weekend.
We decided to have a quiet afternoon and so after lunch I caught up with emails and my blog and Jon went out to hit balls.
I cooked the dinner and left it cooking and we then took Totty for a walk.
WEATHER
Sunny but with a chill wind 19 degrees
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Saturday, 30 October 2010
World Rowing Championships
We took Tot out to Rotary Park and although it was sunny there was a chilly wind blowing.
We went for coffee in Greerton before setting off to Lake Karapiro. They had a park and ride system set up so we were directed onto a road we don't know and which took us round the back of the lake and through some lovely scenery, typical of NZ, rolling green hills with lots of sheep. We were expecting lots of traffic but there was none. When we arrived at the car park there were only 15 cars there!
We were first to arrive at the gates and had to wait for three minutes as they would not let people in till noon so we were first past the post! For such a major event it was really quiet and not many people around. As it had been so sunny and warm when we left and we remembered our hats today, I had forgotten to put a fleece in the car and down by the lake it was very windy and as I was so cold we went into the merchandise shop and I bought a pink rowing championship rugby shirt to keep warm. It is very nice and I am really happy with it and it kept me warm. Jon bought a T shirt.
We bought lunch, rolls with hot wild roast pork and venison and salad, very nice. We walked around the stands but there was not much going on so after an ice cream we went up to the stand and our seats. We had paid for the best seats on offer for the opening but they were awful. We were a long way from the stage and undercover which would have been fine if it was really hot or raining but it was cold and windy and we needed to be in the sun!! The stand seats 10,000 and we could see there was no way it was going to be full so while we waited we sat down in the sunny seats before deciding to move along so that we were in front of the stage with the intention of moving if someone came to claim the seats but nobody did.
Unfortunately, the sun moved over the back of the stand during the opening and so we got colder and had to move down a few rows into the sun again. The opening was all pretty boring really. It was mostly in Maori and nobody explained what was happening and people were bored. The Haka was impressive as it was one of the biggest held in NZ but we couldn't see much of it as it was all done on the lakeside which was not all visible from the stands. They had the 'Royal Fleet' out on the lake which was pretty impressive as I have never seen those huge canoes out on water and they seat a lot of men.
When the canoes had passed by most people got up and left as they thought it was the end. A commentary would have been helpful. They then had the mayor of Cambridge on (that is the local town to Karapiro) and then the president of the games and he declared them open and the flags were raised, the NZ anthem sung and lots of streamers shot out of big boxes followed by lots of coloured balloons which was pretty good. Unfortunately, most people missed the best parts. I have seen much better performances by Maori singers than they put on today so it was a bit of a disappointment. As one man sitting next to Jon said "They (Maori) don't know when to bloody well stop" which summed it up nicely.
A pop group, Op Shop, then started to perform on the big stage up at the end of the stand which was very nice for the young people but far too loud for us so we went to get the bus back to the car park.
On our way home we stopped at a park in Hora Hora which was at the top end of the lake a long way from all the action. I have been wanting to have my photo taken on a little wooden pier, they have around lakes in NZ, since I got here. Ideally I would like the sunset in the background! Well you can't have everything but at least the pier was there so off I went to stand on it. Unfortunately, it was in the shade but I told Jon to take it anyway. Just next to it was another pier, much narrower and in the sun so he made me walk out on that to have a photo taken!!! Scary!
We were home much earlier than we thought and stopped at the supermarket to buy something for dinner (we were going to pick up a pizza if we had been late). Being totally lazy we decided on a ready cooked chicken which were two for $18. We only wanted one and a lady was looking at them and she also only wanted one so we decided to share. She gave us $9 and we paid at the checkout and left it at Customer Services so we both got what we wanted.
Tot was in the garage when we got back as Kim had not closed the door through to the house but she looked happy enough and I think she had only come downstairs when she heard the car.
A good day but a bit of a disappointment. I hope they do better for the Rugby World Cup!
WEATHER
Sunny but with a cold wind across the lake 18 degrees
We went for coffee in Greerton before setting off to Lake Karapiro. They had a park and ride system set up so we were directed onto a road we don't know and which took us round the back of the lake and through some lovely scenery, typical of NZ, rolling green hills with lots of sheep. We were expecting lots of traffic but there was none. When we arrived at the car park there were only 15 cars there!
We were first to arrive at the gates and had to wait for three minutes as they would not let people in till noon so we were first past the post! For such a major event it was really quiet and not many people around. As it had been so sunny and warm when we left and we remembered our hats today, I had forgotten to put a fleece in the car and down by the lake it was very windy and as I was so cold we went into the merchandise shop and I bought a pink rowing championship rugby shirt to keep warm. It is very nice and I am really happy with it and it kept me warm. Jon bought a T shirt.
We bought lunch, rolls with hot wild roast pork and venison and salad, very nice. We walked around the stands but there was not much going on so after an ice cream we went up to the stand and our seats. We had paid for the best seats on offer for the opening but they were awful. We were a long way from the stage and undercover which would have been fine if it was really hot or raining but it was cold and windy and we needed to be in the sun!! The stand seats 10,000 and we could see there was no way it was going to be full so while we waited we sat down in the sunny seats before deciding to move along so that we were in front of the stage with the intention of moving if someone came to claim the seats but nobody did.
Unfortunately, the sun moved over the back of the stand during the opening and so we got colder and had to move down a few rows into the sun again. The opening was all pretty boring really. It was mostly in Maori and nobody explained what was happening and people were bored. The Haka was impressive as it was one of the biggest held in NZ but we couldn't see much of it as it was all done on the lakeside which was not all visible from the stands. They had the 'Royal Fleet' out on the lake which was pretty impressive as I have never seen those huge canoes out on water and they seat a lot of men.
When the canoes had passed by most people got up and left as they thought it was the end. A commentary would have been helpful. They then had the mayor of Cambridge on (that is the local town to Karapiro) and then the president of the games and he declared them open and the flags were raised, the NZ anthem sung and lots of streamers shot out of big boxes followed by lots of coloured balloons which was pretty good. Unfortunately, most people missed the best parts. I have seen much better performances by Maori singers than they put on today so it was a bit of a disappointment. As one man sitting next to Jon said "They (Maori) don't know when to bloody well stop" which summed it up nicely.
A pop group, Op Shop, then started to perform on the big stage up at the end of the stand which was very nice for the young people but far too loud for us so we went to get the bus back to the car park.
On our way home we stopped at a park in Hora Hora which was at the top end of the lake a long way from all the action. I have been wanting to have my photo taken on a little wooden pier, they have around lakes in NZ, since I got here. Ideally I would like the sunset in the background! Well you can't have everything but at least the pier was there so off I went to stand on it. Unfortunately, it was in the shade but I told Jon to take it anyway. Just next to it was another pier, much narrower and in the sun so he made me walk out on that to have a photo taken!!! Scary!
We were home much earlier than we thought and stopped at the supermarket to buy something for dinner (we were going to pick up a pizza if we had been late). Being totally lazy we decided on a ready cooked chicken which were two for $18. We only wanted one and a lady was looking at them and she also only wanted one so we decided to share. She gave us $9 and we paid at the checkout and left it at Customer Services so we both got what we wanted.
Tot was in the garage when we got back as Kim had not closed the door through to the house but she looked happy enough and I think she had only come downstairs when she heard the car.
A good day but a bit of a disappointment. I hope they do better for the Rugby World Cup!
WEATHER
Sunny but with a cold wind across the lake 18 degrees
Friday, 29 October 2010
I'm really tired!
Managed to get Totty out for a walk and get my washing in the machine before going off to the shop this morning.
We were really busy there as we needed to take all the stock off the rails that was marked with green tickets in order to send it to another shop. They are trying stock rotation but it means a lot of work as it all has to be packed up and while our shop is pretty efficient at doing it the other two shops here in Tauranga are not so not sure how long the system will last. Anyway Sharon, Angela and I all had a good giggle while doing it. I manged to find three polo tops for Jon which he is very pleased with.
Jon was already home when I got back so I quickly made lunch and then he was off again and I had to get the washing out before the lady came to do the survey for NZ Statistics.
When she keyed our details into the computer it came up as Jon being the main one to answer the questions. I told her I didn't think he would do it but she is going to give him a call. It is not obligatory but it is difficult to refuse so I will have to persuade him but he hates doing that sort of thing. I spoke to him tonight and he said he will do it if she can go to his office. she was very pleasant and sat chatting to me for ages.
I then shot out to get rid of the recycling that I have been carrying around in the car for two days. The man at the centre was very kind and did all the bottles for me - it is three or four weeks since I did it!!!
I got back and saw Kim, my neighbour, and asked her if she or Brent could let Totty out tomorrow afternoon as we are off to the World Rowing Championships and won't get back till 8.30 or so and I think Totty might be desperate by then. She is happy to do it so I hope Totty behaves herself!! I then got stuck into the pile of ironing, I don't know why I always have so much. At least I had lots of recorded TV to watch while I was doing it.
Jon came home and we took Tot out for a walk. I had left it till late as it was too hot to take her earlier.
Our fish and chips was good tonight. Jon complained that the chips had been cold the last two weeks and we also tried the fish with breadcrumbs rather than batter and it was better.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny 20 degrees
We were really busy there as we needed to take all the stock off the rails that was marked with green tickets in order to send it to another shop. They are trying stock rotation but it means a lot of work as it all has to be packed up and while our shop is pretty efficient at doing it the other two shops here in Tauranga are not so not sure how long the system will last. Anyway Sharon, Angela and I all had a good giggle while doing it. I manged to find three polo tops for Jon which he is very pleased with.
Jon was already home when I got back so I quickly made lunch and then he was off again and I had to get the washing out before the lady came to do the survey for NZ Statistics.
When she keyed our details into the computer it came up as Jon being the main one to answer the questions. I told her I didn't think he would do it but she is going to give him a call. It is not obligatory but it is difficult to refuse so I will have to persuade him but he hates doing that sort of thing. I spoke to him tonight and he said he will do it if she can go to his office. she was very pleasant and sat chatting to me for ages.
I then shot out to get rid of the recycling that I have been carrying around in the car for two days. The man at the centre was very kind and did all the bottles for me - it is three or four weeks since I did it!!!
I got back and saw Kim, my neighbour, and asked her if she or Brent could let Totty out tomorrow afternoon as we are off to the World Rowing Championships and won't get back till 8.30 or so and I think Totty might be desperate by then. She is happy to do it so I hope Totty behaves herself!! I then got stuck into the pile of ironing, I don't know why I always have so much. At least I had lots of recorded TV to watch while I was doing it.
Jon came home and we took Tot out for a walk. I had left it till late as it was too hot to take her earlier.
Our fish and chips was good tonight. Jon complained that the chips had been cold the last two weeks and we also tried the fish with breadcrumbs rather than batter and it was better.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny 20 degrees
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Just too busy
Spent the morning catching up with emails and cleaning the house as I missed doing my housework on Monday.
Took Totty out for a late walk and it was so warm.
After rushing around doing all I had to at home I went to collect Janice to go and help sort books. There are so many books this year, I hope we do as well as we did last year. I was so excited to find a book, while sorting through a box, that Alison had let me borrow but I had had to give it back. It is a dictionary of Maori place names and I used to have it in the car when we went out and I found it very interesting. Alison had tried to get another but it is out of print. I couldn't believe it when I saw it sitting on the top of a box!
I left there and went for my appointment at the chiropractor, 7 minutes today but it is feeling better.
From there it was on to the supermarket and when I came to put the shopping in the boot I realised it was full of the recycling boxes which I had forgotten to empty!
Back at home I unloaded the shopping and put it all away and after feeding Tot I took er for a walk. I found Findlay, a dog, out on the street outside his house so put him back behind the gate not sure how he got out as he is usually locked in the back but nobody was home.
Jon got back from Auckland and the gym and we had stir fry for dinner.
I am so tired I could drop.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny 20 degrees
Took Totty out for a late walk and it was so warm.
After rushing around doing all I had to at home I went to collect Janice to go and help sort books. There are so many books this year, I hope we do as well as we did last year. I was so excited to find a book, while sorting through a box, that Alison had let me borrow but I had had to give it back. It is a dictionary of Maori place names and I used to have it in the car when we went out and I found it very interesting. Alison had tried to get another but it is out of print. I couldn't believe it when I saw it sitting on the top of a box!
I left there and went for my appointment at the chiropractor, 7 minutes today but it is feeling better.
From there it was on to the supermarket and when I came to put the shopping in the boot I realised it was full of the recycling boxes which I had forgotten to empty!
Back at home I unloaded the shopping and put it all away and after feeding Tot I took er for a walk. I found Findlay, a dog, out on the street outside his house so put him back behind the gate not sure how he got out as he is usually locked in the back but nobody was home.
Jon got back from Auckland and the gym and we had stir fry for dinner.
I am so tired I could drop.
WEATHER
Bright and sunny 20 degrees
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Alison's birthday
Kirsty called this morning in time for Jon to have a chat to her before he went to work. I had a chat to her but as I had my swimming class and needed to get Totty out I couldn't speak for too long.
I was a little late getting to my class but at least I manged to get Totty out, I have a hair appointment later and won't be home till very late.
The class was very good and we took over the whole pool today so had a lot of space. I missed Carol as she is away in Bali at her son's wedding. I went for coffee with Diane and Monica and a few others.
I went into the Mount shops to look for a T shirt to go with a skirt I have but 'brown' is not 'in' so I was told!
Went and had my hair cut and my lovely hairdresser can only fit me in for one more cut before she leaves to live in Oz. she also told me she is pregnant and due in may which is lovely news for her, she is so sweet.
Jon has gone up to Auckland till tomorrow so I didn't need to get back for lunch. I then went to have a look in Bayfair for a T shirt but couldn't find one.
It was 1.30 by the time I got home and not much in the fridge for lunch so I used up a tiny bit of cheese I had and made a sandwich. It was then time to get ready to go across to Bronwyn's and then pick up Alison and take her for her birthday tea. We went down to ** in the Mount and we had huge pieces of carrot cake but I had to bring half of mine home. I bough Alison a pen and she said she liked it.
Back home and time to take Totty out for her walk and it was good to smell a few bbq around this evening.
Got back and cooked some fish for my dinner and did a few things on the computer that I needed to catch up with.
I phoned Rene, my old neighbour who has just celebrated her 87 birthday. she still cries when I speak to her but on the whole sounds OK.
I then spoke to Joyce to wish her a happy holiday down in Suffolk to see her new granddaughter and then it was time for me to fall into bed.
WEATHER
Cloudy for most of the day but warm 19 degrees
I was a little late getting to my class but at least I manged to get Totty out, I have a hair appointment later and won't be home till very late.
The class was very good and we took over the whole pool today so had a lot of space. I missed Carol as she is away in Bali at her son's wedding. I went for coffee with Diane and Monica and a few others.
I went into the Mount shops to look for a T shirt to go with a skirt I have but 'brown' is not 'in' so I was told!
Went and had my hair cut and my lovely hairdresser can only fit me in for one more cut before she leaves to live in Oz. she also told me she is pregnant and due in may which is lovely news for her, she is so sweet.
Jon has gone up to Auckland till tomorrow so I didn't need to get back for lunch. I then went to have a look in Bayfair for a T shirt but couldn't find one.
It was 1.30 by the time I got home and not much in the fridge for lunch so I used up a tiny bit of cheese I had and made a sandwich. It was then time to get ready to go across to Bronwyn's and then pick up Alison and take her for her birthday tea. We went down to ** in the Mount and we had huge pieces of carrot cake but I had to bring half of mine home. I bough Alison a pen and she said she liked it.
Back home and time to take Totty out for her walk and it was good to smell a few bbq around this evening.
Got back and cooked some fish for my dinner and did a few things on the computer that I needed to catch up with.
I phoned Rene, my old neighbour who has just celebrated her 87 birthday. she still cries when I speak to her but on the whole sounds OK.
I then spoke to Joyce to wish her a happy holiday down in Suffolk to see her new granddaughter and then it was time for me to fall into bed.
WEATHER
Cloudy for most of the day but warm 19 degrees
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Another busy day
Went to my Body and Soul class and stayed for coffee and a chat, as usual.
When I got back there was a message from Heather on the phone telling me she was fed up trying to get to speak to me. You would think she would know by now when my classes are!
I hung the washing out and then took Totty for a walk. Brent, our neighbour saw me coming back and came over to give me some fish that his mother and father in law had caught. That will save me having to go out to the supermarket for something for Jon's dinner.
I had a class with Angela and we went and sat in the park. She asked me why I had not brought the photo album so she really must be interested, I told her I will bring it next week. I think we must have sat in the coldest spot in the park as we were both freezing after an hour of talking.
I then had my appointment with the chiropractor. It only takes about 6 minutes, not sure it is good value, we'll see how I go.
I popped down to the shops and found a big map of NZ and bought it to mark on where we have visited.
When I got home Brony called to ask if I wanted to take Alison out tomorrow for afternoon tea as it is her 60 birthday so we agreed to collect her from school.
I then had a quick walk with Tot got back and brought the washing in, prepared Jon's dinner, got ready for Lions and was out by 5.30 to pick Janice up. We had to be there on time as we were down to collect the money as people come in.
I didn't think the dinner was very good tonight, soggy fish.
The speaker was a lady talking about British Icons or at least what she thinks are totally British. I probably learnt a lot about UK and it was interesting to hear it from a visitor's point of view, we do have a very beautiful country.
WEATHER
Light cloud but sunny all day 21 degrees
When I got back there was a message from Heather on the phone telling me she was fed up trying to get to speak to me. You would think she would know by now when my classes are!
I hung the washing out and then took Totty for a walk. Brent, our neighbour saw me coming back and came over to give me some fish that his mother and father in law had caught. That will save me having to go out to the supermarket for something for Jon's dinner.
I had a class with Angela and we went and sat in the park. She asked me why I had not brought the photo album so she really must be interested, I told her I will bring it next week. I think we must have sat in the coldest spot in the park as we were both freezing after an hour of talking.
I then had my appointment with the chiropractor. It only takes about 6 minutes, not sure it is good value, we'll see how I go.
I popped down to the shops and found a big map of NZ and bought it to mark on where we have visited.
When I got home Brony called to ask if I wanted to take Alison out tomorrow for afternoon tea as it is her 60 birthday so we agreed to collect her from school.
I then had a quick walk with Tot got back and brought the washing in, prepared Jon's dinner, got ready for Lions and was out by 5.30 to pick Janice up. We had to be there on time as we were down to collect the money as people come in.
I didn't think the dinner was very good tonight, soggy fish.
The speaker was a lady talking about British Icons or at least what she thinks are totally British. I probably learnt a lot about UK and it was interesting to hear it from a visitor's point of view, we do have a very beautiful country.
WEATHER
Light cloud but sunny all day 21 degrees
Monday, 25 October 2010
A lovely last day
Had a lovely lie in and didn't wake till 8.30. Went for breakfast, really nice again.
We decided to head off home after breakfast. We did intend going to the museum and then back to the Langham for afternoon tea (it starts at 12.00 and goes on till 4.00) but on looking at the map we would have needed to get the car to go to the museum and it was all too much hassle, next time we will do the museum.
I had found a place I wanted to visit and as it was on the way home we thought we would go there. It is Te Aroha and is famous for the hot springs and had some lovely Edwardian spas. It is about an hour or so south of Auckland so more or less half way home but off the main road. It is a very pretty village and I can see why it has won prizes for it.
we walked around and went to see the only hot soda geyser in the world. A disappointment as it looks more like a fountain, even though it is about 5 foot high and amazingly only works between 12.00 and 4.00 every day!!! Certainly not as good as Rotorua.
The village has the Kaimai Mountains as a backdrop and so is very pretty and the spas are at the foothills.
We went to the museum which was lovely and very well kept with lots of lovely old washing machines, mangles and things that I had long ago forgotten about.
We then went to an old cottage which is now a cafe and we had the most enormous burgers. We haven't had a burger for I don't know how long. These were very good but I couldn't eat it all so the resident cat helped me.
We then set of home and it took us about an hour and it was so nice to be back, we feel like we have been away for weeks.
After unpacking it was time to go for Totty who was very happy to see us and has slept since she got home.
We had bought some steak and salad things on the way home so dinner was easy tonight.
Looking forward to my own bed tonight.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm, light cloud 19 in Auckland but 23 in Tauranga
We decided to head off home after breakfast. We did intend going to the museum and then back to the Langham for afternoon tea (it starts at 12.00 and goes on till 4.00) but on looking at the map we would have needed to get the car to go to the museum and it was all too much hassle, next time we will do the museum.
I had found a place I wanted to visit and as it was on the way home we thought we would go there. It is Te Aroha and is famous for the hot springs and had some lovely Edwardian spas. It is about an hour or so south of Auckland so more or less half way home but off the main road. It is a very pretty village and I can see why it has won prizes for it.
we walked around and went to see the only hot soda geyser in the world. A disappointment as it looks more like a fountain, even though it is about 5 foot high and amazingly only works between 12.00 and 4.00 every day!!! Certainly not as good as Rotorua.
The village has the Kaimai Mountains as a backdrop and so is very pretty and the spas are at the foothills.
We went to the museum which was lovely and very well kept with lots of lovely old washing machines, mangles and things that I had long ago forgotten about.
We then went to an old cottage which is now a cafe and we had the most enormous burgers. We haven't had a burger for I don't know how long. These were very good but I couldn't eat it all so the resident cat helped me.
We then set of home and it took us about an hour and it was so nice to be back, we feel like we have been away for weeks.
After unpacking it was time to go for Totty who was very happy to see us and has slept since she got home.
We had bought some steak and salad things on the way home so dinner was easy tonight.
Looking forward to my own bed tonight.
WEATHER
Sunny and warm, light cloud 19 in Auckland but 23 in Tauranga
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Waiheke Island
Once again breakfast was good.
We needed to get to the port and so we got a bus from just outside the hotel and it cost us all of 50 cents each - bargain.
I had bought tickets on a website called Grab One and they had cost me $15 each instead of $30 and we had to collect them from a special window but it was easy and no waiting.
We were more or less first on the boat and got good seats on the top deck at the front but as the boat filled up the sun became hotter and hotter and unfortunately we had not brought our hats but I did have sunscreen to put on which is more than can be said for the family sitting behind us with a little girl in a strappy top with no cream and no hat so I just had to let them have some of ours as I did not want the child to get burnt.
We eventually set off and the trip took 40 minutes and was very smooth.
When the ferry docked it was like hundreds of people milling around and then ten minutes later they had all gone. Unfortunately all the bus trips were booked, the hire cars all allocated and so we were left with two choices, bicycles or public transport! After a quick coffee we decided on the bus!!! We walked up to the town, Onerua, which took 20 minutes, had a look around and then caught the bus to Onetangi passing some lovely countryside and lots of wineries.
We got off the bus at the end of the route and found ourselves at a lovely beach 2.5 km long with lovely white sand but for a busy day it was very quiet.
There was a choice of two bas to eat at, one was really full and the other not much better. The lunch menu was not brilliant and Jon was not happy with the choices but it was a nice spot with good beer and the food was OK we had chicken liver pate and toast.
We bought an ice cream and then walked along 2.5 km beach and saw very big jelly fish. We found ourselves at the the bus terminus so waited for the next bus which was due in five minutes, we didn't want to miss it and have to wait an hour. When we got to the next stop, the one we had got off at, there was a huge mass of people waiting for the bus and we were glad we had walked to the end of the beach. He allowed as many as he could to get on and then radioed for another bus to come and pick up the rest - no real timetables here then! The bus took us back to Onerua and we found a little cafe to have a cup of tea.
We were about to walk the 20 minutes to the ferry when we saw a bus at the stop and although it was very full he let us on. Apparently, as it was a holiday and there were so many people they had put extra buses on, lucky for us. We arrived at the harbour with plenty of time to spare and were very glad to be at the front of the queue as the 5.00 ferry was obviously a popular one. We managed to get seats easily but it soon filled up and it was like watching ants walk down to get on they seemed to come from nowhere and were never ending. I was glad when we set off but was a bit nervous with so many people on board. However, the journey was much quicker going back.
We were by now very tired so caught a taxi back to the hotel and had a little snooze before having a shower and getting ready for dinner.
We decided to have a drink in the hotel bar as it is so nice. I ordered a G&T and it was brought over with the gin in the glass a little ice bucket and a little carafe of tonic all very elaborate but nice. Jon had a mojito. The waiter then came back with some nibbles, bread sticks, crisps and walnuts.
We intended to have dinner at a restaurant/wine bar behind the hotel but when we got out there it was closed so we caught a taxi down to the port again. We found and Italian, and the food was OK but the service really slow and to make matters worse the waiters were coming in and out from the veranda area and leaving the door open and it was so cold. The couple on the table next to ours got fed up waiting and were so cross about the door being left open they got up and left.
We didn't stay out long as we were tired so got a taxi back to the hotel and went to bed.
Another lovely day.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny all day 20? degrees, I haven't seen the TV weather today.
We needed to get to the port and so we got a bus from just outside the hotel and it cost us all of 50 cents each - bargain.
I had bought tickets on a website called Grab One and they had cost me $15 each instead of $30 and we had to collect them from a special window but it was easy and no waiting.
We were more or less first on the boat and got good seats on the top deck at the front but as the boat filled up the sun became hotter and hotter and unfortunately we had not brought our hats but I did have sunscreen to put on which is more than can be said for the family sitting behind us with a little girl in a strappy top with no cream and no hat so I just had to let them have some of ours as I did not want the child to get burnt.
We eventually set off and the trip took 40 minutes and was very smooth.
When the ferry docked it was like hundreds of people milling around and then ten minutes later they had all gone. Unfortunately all the bus trips were booked, the hire cars all allocated and so we were left with two choices, bicycles or public transport! After a quick coffee we decided on the bus!!! We walked up to the town, Onerua, which took 20 minutes, had a look around and then caught the bus to Onetangi passing some lovely countryside and lots of wineries.
We got off the bus at the end of the route and found ourselves at a lovely beach 2.5 km long with lovely white sand but for a busy day it was very quiet.
There was a choice of two bas to eat at, one was really full and the other not much better. The lunch menu was not brilliant and Jon was not happy with the choices but it was a nice spot with good beer and the food was OK we had chicken liver pate and toast.
We bought an ice cream and then walked along 2.5 km beach and saw very big jelly fish. We found ourselves at the the bus terminus so waited for the next bus which was due in five minutes, we didn't want to miss it and have to wait an hour. When we got to the next stop, the one we had got off at, there was a huge mass of people waiting for the bus and we were glad we had walked to the end of the beach. He allowed as many as he could to get on and then radioed for another bus to come and pick up the rest - no real timetables here then! The bus took us back to Onerua and we found a little cafe to have a cup of tea.
We were about to walk the 20 minutes to the ferry when we saw a bus at the stop and although it was very full he let us on. Apparently, as it was a holiday and there were so many people they had put extra buses on, lucky for us. We arrived at the harbour with plenty of time to spare and were very glad to be at the front of the queue as the 5.00 ferry was obviously a popular one. We managed to get seats easily but it soon filled up and it was like watching ants walk down to get on they seemed to come from nowhere and were never ending. I was glad when we set off but was a bit nervous with so many people on board. However, the journey was much quicker going back.
We were by now very tired so caught a taxi back to the hotel and had a little snooze before having a shower and getting ready for dinner.
We decided to have a drink in the hotel bar as it is so nice. I ordered a G&T and it was brought over with the gin in the glass a little ice bucket and a little carafe of tonic all very elaborate but nice. Jon had a mojito. The waiter then came back with some nibbles, bread sticks, crisps and walnuts.
We intended to have dinner at a restaurant/wine bar behind the hotel but when we got out there it was closed so we caught a taxi down to the port again. We found and Italian, and the food was OK but the service really slow and to make matters worse the waiters were coming in and out from the veranda area and leaving the door open and it was so cold. The couple on the table next to ours got fed up waiting and were so cross about the door being left open they got up and left.
We didn't stay out long as we were tired so got a taxi back to the hotel and went to bed.
Another lovely day.
WEATHER
Hot and sunny all day 20? degrees, I haven't seen the TV weather today.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
A lovely day in West Auckland
After a very good night's sleep we went down and had breakfast. We both chose continental and there was an amazing selection to choose from, really good.
We had the car brought round, you can't get it yourself, and headed out west but got a bit lost looking for the motorway and our trip took about 45 minutes longer than it should have but we eventually found Scenic Drive and it was very pretty.
Bearing in mind this is a bank holiday weekend the places to stop for a drink are few and far between. One big cafe said they won't be open till next weekend - you don't get UK cafes missing opportunities like that. We finally found Elevation cafe which had lovely views except it was misty over Auckland even though it was a sunny day. Unfortunately, they had no muffins in fact, he had very little food!!!!
We went on to Karekare beach which is where the film 'The Piano' was made. It was really difficult to get to it from the car park as you had to wade through a deep, cold stream OR climb over hills which is what we chose to do. I can understand why it is so clean, not many people can get there! It was quite spectacular and very good for surfers but not families. As the sand is volcanic it is not really pretty like our white sandy beached on this coast. I think they must have had to get the piano in by helicopter.
We carried on to Piha stopping to take some photos from the road above. Once again a very beautiful beach but black sand and really rough and dangerous. There is a TV programme on about the lifeguards on this beach and I am amazed anyone goes swimming there as it is so dangerous. Jon was really disappointed with it all but I liked it.
The only place we could find for lunch was a greasy snack bar and I had a very greasy toasted sandwich and Jon had fish.
We got back to the car and I read the instructions for the train ride and realised I had made a mistake with the time and we had 20 minutes to do a half hour drive to the train depot!!!! I was in a real panic as I thought we would miss it. Fortunately we made it in time and they were just giving the safety talk as we arrived phew!!!
It was a nice journey, lovely views, though lots of tunnels that were dug out by had 100 years ago and over lots of bridges. It follows a water pipe which carries 6% of Auckland's water from a dam.
We could walk up a gravel road to the dam or go up 155 steps, we, and a young couple from Oz decided on the steps and it wasn't too difficult and much nicer than the road. Lovely views at the top.
The couple from Oz were just over from Sydney for the weekend to buy a car!!!! I think it was a classic car and they were going to have it shipped back. Really pleasant couple and we enjoyed their company. We meet some really interesting people on our travels.
When we got back we drove to the visitor centre just down the road and on a clear day it must be amazing but it was still misty so not as good as it could have been.
We then drove to Titirangi, the main town up that way, as we really needed a drink. We stopped at a small cafe and had a cuppa but the most awful brownie which just crumbled like dust. We haven't had the most successful day for food so far.
The journey back to Auckland was easy and only took 40 minutes or so. We had time to have a shower and get ready to meet Richard and his wife Lyn for dinner down at the port. We were given a chocolate on the way out in a little pink box, don't know why but very nice.
Auckland night life is so busy and not what we are used to but it was great fun. We met in a bar looking over the harbour and had a drink and then went on to a restaurant overlooking the harbour. The meal was a very nice and I had baby chicken with vegetables followed by a lovely apple cheesecake. Only problem was the price they charged for Lyn's scallops. Very expensive for what was a small meal of scallops, they did reduce it when Richard complained.
We then walked to the Hilton for coffee. The Hilton is built on the end of a pier where the cruise ships come in and it is actually built to look a bit like a ship. Richard is living in one of the apartments there at the moment but will move back to Hawke's Bay at the end of the month, it is all very nice down there. We then got a taxi back and we were more than ready for bed again!
WEATHER
Sunny all day 20 degrees.
We had the car brought round, you can't get it yourself, and headed out west but got a bit lost looking for the motorway and our trip took about 45 minutes longer than it should have but we eventually found Scenic Drive and it was very pretty.
Bearing in mind this is a bank holiday weekend the places to stop for a drink are few and far between. One big cafe said they won't be open till next weekend - you don't get UK cafes missing opportunities like that. We finally found Elevation cafe which had lovely views except it was misty over Auckland even though it was a sunny day. Unfortunately, they had no muffins in fact, he had very little food!!!!
We went on to Karekare beach which is where the film 'The Piano' was made. It was really difficult to get to it from the car park as you had to wade through a deep, cold stream OR climb over hills which is what we chose to do. I can understand why it is so clean, not many people can get there! It was quite spectacular and very good for surfers but not families. As the sand is volcanic it is not really pretty like our white sandy beached on this coast. I think they must have had to get the piano in by helicopter.
We carried on to Piha stopping to take some photos from the road above. Once again a very beautiful beach but black sand and really rough and dangerous. There is a TV programme on about the lifeguards on this beach and I am amazed anyone goes swimming there as it is so dangerous. Jon was really disappointed with it all but I liked it.
The only place we could find for lunch was a greasy snack bar and I had a very greasy toasted sandwich and Jon had fish.
We got back to the car and I read the instructions for the train ride and realised I had made a mistake with the time and we had 20 minutes to do a half hour drive to the train depot!!!! I was in a real panic as I thought we would miss it. Fortunately we made it in time and they were just giving the safety talk as we arrived phew!!!
It was a nice journey, lovely views, though lots of tunnels that were dug out by had 100 years ago and over lots of bridges. It follows a water pipe which carries 6% of Auckland's water from a dam.
We could walk up a gravel road to the dam or go up 155 steps, we, and a young couple from Oz decided on the steps and it wasn't too difficult and much nicer than the road. Lovely views at the top.
The couple from Oz were just over from Sydney for the weekend to buy a car!!!! I think it was a classic car and they were going to have it shipped back. Really pleasant couple and we enjoyed their company. We meet some really interesting people on our travels.
When we got back we drove to the visitor centre just down the road and on a clear day it must be amazing but it was still misty so not as good as it could have been.
We then drove to Titirangi, the main town up that way, as we really needed a drink. We stopped at a small cafe and had a cuppa but the most awful brownie which just crumbled like dust. We haven't had the most successful day for food so far.
The journey back to Auckland was easy and only took 40 minutes or so. We had time to have a shower and get ready to meet Richard and his wife Lyn for dinner down at the port. We were given a chocolate on the way out in a little pink box, don't know why but very nice.
Auckland night life is so busy and not what we are used to but it was great fun. We met in a bar looking over the harbour and had a drink and then went on to a restaurant overlooking the harbour. The meal was a very nice and I had baby chicken with vegetables followed by a lovely apple cheesecake. Only problem was the price they charged for Lyn's scallops. Very expensive for what was a small meal of scallops, they did reduce it when Richard complained.
We then walked to the Hilton for coffee. The Hilton is built on the end of a pier where the cruise ships come in and it is actually built to look a bit like a ship. Richard is living in one of the apartments there at the moment but will move back to Hawke's Bay at the end of the month, it is all very nice down there. We then got a taxi back and we were more than ready for bed again!
WEATHER
Sunny all day 20 degrees.
Friday, 22 October 2010
An early start
Up and off to kennels with Totty by 8.00
We had a good drive up to Auckland with coffee stop at our usual place on State Highway 2
The Langham Hotel was easy to find as it is just off the motorway. A very impressive entrance with doormen and bellboys all over the place and the car was taken for valet parking.
We checked in but the room was not quite ready so we left the cases and were sitting in reception and Jon was ringing Richard who was to come and pick him up when my mobile rang and it was the reception to say our room was ready. Quite funny really as we were sitting just round the corner!!! The room was really nice, very elegant and lots of goodies in the bathroom but no time to check it out too much as Jon was due to be picked up by Richard who dropped me at the port to catch the ferry to Devonport which is a ten minute trip.
There is quite a holiday atmosphere over there and it is like a little seaside town though so close to busy Auckland. I walked to the new Navy Museum which opened earlier this month. Not the most interesting museum I have been to but they had a nice little cafe there where I had lunch before walking back. I was wearing trainers so my feet were not sore like they were in Wellington.
I knew I was going to need a taxi to get back to the hotel and as I had no cash I had to use a cash machine!!!!! I haven't used one since 1980 when I first went back to live in England. I had never used one in Spain and so when it asked to put in the amount in units of five (I wanted £25) I put in 55555 and it came up with 'insufficient funds'. I was so embarrassed I never used one again until today. There will be no stopping me now!
Got the ferry back and caught a taxi to the hotel. I had to call to get the cases sent up and after unpacking went to have a swim at the pool on the second floor. I met Jon on his way in as I was on the way up there but as he had phone calls to make I went anyway.
The pool was lovely and only me in it, there was a bit of a chill wind blowing across it so after my swim I went and sat in the hot spa for a while. They had lovely changing rooms, showers a sauna and a steam room there all very nice.
Back in the room we had a cuppa, read my book and fell asleep - it had been a long day.
After a shower I was fit to go again and we went for dinner just across the road at the back of the hotel to an Italian place. Not bad fish but not the best though nice dip starter and nice upside down cheesecake for pudding.
When we got back the bed was turned down, slippers put out ready on a little mat, a chocolate mint on the pillow and a bottle of water all very nice. i could get used to this!
WEATHER
Clear skies and warm 18 degrees
We had a good drive up to Auckland with coffee stop at our usual place on State Highway 2
The Langham Hotel was easy to find as it is just off the motorway. A very impressive entrance with doormen and bellboys all over the place and the car was taken for valet parking.
We checked in but the room was not quite ready so we left the cases and were sitting in reception and Jon was ringing Richard who was to come and pick him up when my mobile rang and it was the reception to say our room was ready. Quite funny really as we were sitting just round the corner!!! The room was really nice, very elegant and lots of goodies in the bathroom but no time to check it out too much as Jon was due to be picked up by Richard who dropped me at the port to catch the ferry to Devonport which is a ten minute trip.
There is quite a holiday atmosphere over there and it is like a little seaside town though so close to busy Auckland. I walked to the new Navy Museum which opened earlier this month. Not the most interesting museum I have been to but they had a nice little cafe there where I had lunch before walking back. I was wearing trainers so my feet were not sore like they were in Wellington.
I knew I was going to need a taxi to get back to the hotel and as I had no cash I had to use a cash machine!!!!! I haven't used one since 1980 when I first went back to live in England. I had never used one in Spain and so when it asked to put in the amount in units of five (I wanted £25) I put in 55555 and it came up with 'insufficient funds'. I was so embarrassed I never used one again until today. There will be no stopping me now!
Got the ferry back and caught a taxi to the hotel. I had to call to get the cases sent up and after unpacking went to have a swim at the pool on the second floor. I met Jon on his way in as I was on the way up there but as he had phone calls to make I went anyway.
The pool was lovely and only me in it, there was a bit of a chill wind blowing across it so after my swim I went and sat in the hot spa for a while. They had lovely changing rooms, showers a sauna and a steam room there all very nice.
Back in the room we had a cuppa, read my book and fell asleep - it had been a long day.
After a shower I was fit to go again and we went for dinner just across the road at the back of the hotel to an Italian place. Not bad fish but not the best though nice dip starter and nice upside down cheesecake for pudding.
When we got back the bed was turned down, slippers put out ready on a little mat, a chocolate mint on the pillow and a bottle of water all very nice. i could get used to this!
WEATHER
Clear skies and warm 18 degrees
Thursday, 21 October 2010
A VERY, VERY busy day
I had a nice chat with Kirsty first thing which lasted an hour! Followed by lots of phone calls, Angela to change time of class, Janice to speak about books,Carol re Avon!!!
I finally manged to walk Totty and then came back to do some much needed house work.
Just as well J0on was not home today for lunch as I was able to change the time for the class with Angela as she needed to got to see about getting a job. She kindly took me for coffee and we had a lovely chat and I showed her the photo album that the girls made for us. She loved seeing the photos and was very interested in what the girls do but we only got half way through the album so she asked me to bring it again to finish. she said we look like a happy family. When I logged on to FB later in the day she had sent me an invitation to be a contact on FB which is nice of her, my first Asian contact.
After the class I had to go to the library and just happened to see a lovely dress in one of my favorite shops. I went in to try it on and it is so nice I bought it for Christmas. It is lime green and black and soooo nice.
I then went for my first proper treatment at the chiropractor, I hate the sound of cracking bones! It was then on to the supermarket to do some shopping, thankfully I didn't need much so it was a quick trip.
Out for a quick walk with Tot before finishing my ironing and starting the packing. We have to leave early as Jon has meetings up in Auckland as soon as he arrives.
I can't believe how busy my life has become, but it is good.
WEATHER
Showers and strong winds in the morning turning to sunny spells in the afternoon 18 degrees
I finally manged to walk Totty and then came back to do some much needed house work.
Just as well J0on was not home today for lunch as I was able to change the time for the class with Angela as she needed to got to see about getting a job. She kindly took me for coffee and we had a lovely chat and I showed her the photo album that the girls made for us. She loved seeing the photos and was very interested in what the girls do but we only got half way through the album so she asked me to bring it again to finish. she said we look like a happy family. When I logged on to FB later in the day she had sent me an invitation to be a contact on FB which is nice of her, my first Asian contact.
After the class I had to go to the library and just happened to see a lovely dress in one of my favorite shops. I went in to try it on and it is so nice I bought it for Christmas. It is lime green and black and soooo nice.
I then went for my first proper treatment at the chiropractor, I hate the sound of cracking bones! It was then on to the supermarket to do some shopping, thankfully I didn't need much so it was a quick trip.
Out for a quick walk with Tot before finishing my ironing and starting the packing. We have to leave early as Jon has meetings up in Auckland as soon as he arrives.
I can't believe how busy my life has become, but it is good.
WEATHER
Showers and strong winds in the morning turning to sunny spells in the afternoon 18 degrees
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Fun walk
Got up early as I had forgotten to do the muesli and yogurt for breakfast and had spent most of the night dreaming about it.
The muesli should have been left overnight to soak so was not as good as the one I had at the hotel in Wellington - try again.
Went off to the pool and there was a very stiff wind blowing across Pilot Bay and in the pool the water was whipping up off the surface and to make matters worse the teacher had called to say she would be late!!! I spent my time jogging on the vent that pushed the hot water into the pool - very nice. One the class got started it was fine and I ended up feeling very warm. The teacher got in with us today which was much better as she realise you can't do things in the water as fast as you can on the side!!
After a ten minutes in the hotter pool we got out and showered and then went for coffee. We didn't stay too long today as I had things to do and Carol is leaving for Bali tomorrow for her son's wedding on Sunday and so she needed to pack.
When I got home I took Totty out and then came back and did got lunch ready but Jon was late so I started mine. I need to put the colour on my hair so had a lot to do.
I finished my hair and dried it and then made spag bol for dinner before taking Totty out. By the time I got back and fed her it was time to get ready for the 4.5km Fun Walk and go and get Alison.
It had been windy all day and I thought it might spoil the walk but it was just as good as last year and we had a good time and even stopped for out thimble full of wine this year. Alison surprised me as she joined in with the Maori poi dance at the start of the race to warm up. She will need to teach me the actions for next year.
Got home and was ready for my glass of wine. Jon was catching up on one of the MANY Dr Who he has recorded but unfortunately they keep finishing before the end and he doesn't know why!!!
We had dinner and then I caught up with putting photos on the computer and suddenly it was bedtime!!!
WEATHER
Cloudy and windy and cold first thing then warmer with sunny spells but still windy.
The muesli should have been left overnight to soak so was not as good as the one I had at the hotel in Wellington - try again.
Went off to the pool and there was a very stiff wind blowing across Pilot Bay and in the pool the water was whipping up off the surface and to make matters worse the teacher had called to say she would be late!!! I spent my time jogging on the vent that pushed the hot water into the pool - very nice. One the class got started it was fine and I ended up feeling very warm. The teacher got in with us today which was much better as she realise you can't do things in the water as fast as you can on the side!!
After a ten minutes in the hotter pool we got out and showered and then went for coffee. We didn't stay too long today as I had things to do and Carol is leaving for Bali tomorrow for her son's wedding on Sunday and so she needed to pack.
When I got home I took Totty out and then came back and did got lunch ready but Jon was late so I started mine. I need to put the colour on my hair so had a lot to do.
I finished my hair and dried it and then made spag bol for dinner before taking Totty out. By the time I got back and fed her it was time to get ready for the 4.5km Fun Walk and go and get Alison.
It had been windy all day and I thought it might spoil the walk but it was just as good as last year and we had a good time and even stopped for out thimble full of wine this year. Alison surprised me as she joined in with the Maori poi dance at the start of the race to warm up. She will need to teach me the actions for next year.
Got home and was ready for my glass of wine. Jon was catching up on one of the MANY Dr Who he has recorded but unfortunately they keep finishing before the end and he doesn't know why!!!
We had dinner and then I caught up with putting photos on the computer and suddenly it was bedtime!!!
WEATHER
Cloudy and windy and cold first thing then warmer with sunny spells but still windy.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
A visit to the chiropractor
I went out to my keep fit class and stayed for a coffee and a chat before coming home and taking Totty out and doing two loads of washing, I am glad it is sunny.
I saw my neighbour while I was out hanging the washing and we had a chat.lunch, she is just recovering from a broken ankle.
Spent the afternoon putting photos on FB.
I had an appointment at chiropractor and he did a thermal scan of my spine and hopefully he can sort my neck out which has been so painful, I think I spend too much time on the computer and bend my neck. He thinks we can get it on ACC which means I only pay half the cost and the government pay the other half which will be good.
Margaret called me to see how Wellington went. She has broken her wrist and is having a lot of trouble as the bone is not mending well.
I did lots of ironing - the downside to going away but I have to get it done as we are off again on Friday.
WEATHER
Sunny but a bit windy to start 18 degrees
I saw my neighbour while I was out hanging the washing and we had a chat.lunch, she is just recovering from a broken ankle.
Spent the afternoon putting photos on FB.
I had an appointment at chiropractor and he did a thermal scan of my spine and hopefully he can sort my neck out which has been so painful, I think I spend too much time on the computer and bend my neck. He thinks we can get it on ACC which means I only pay half the cost and the government pay the other half which will be good.
Margaret called me to see how Wellington went. She has broken her wrist and is having a lot of trouble as the bone is not mending well.
I did lots of ironing - the downside to going away but I have to get it done as we are off again on Friday.
WEATHER
Sunny but a bit windy to start 18 degrees
Monday, 18 October 2010
Home safe and sound
We went down for breakfast and it was a lovely sunny morning. I had the same as yesterday and Jon chose from the menu and had scrambled eggs with bacon - I think it was about three eggs and a half a pound of bacon!!!
Jon left for meeting and I packed the case and then left it at reception and set off to do more sightseeing.
I went to the National Archives as I wanted to see the Waitangi treaty which was formed in 1840. It is kept in a vault with dim lights and, I thought, was impressive and I was glad I went.
I then went to Old St Paul's church and that is a lovely old wooden church. They have a little gift shop in there and I chatted to the lady working there who was English but had been here for 30 or more years, she was very nice and I could have chatted on but I had a lot to see.
I then walked down onto the port and along the seafront and I have to say Wellington on a lovely day is something special. It is very small for the capital city but it has a very nice feel to it. It was too nice to sit in for coffee so I bought a take away and sat looking across the harbour. I saw a small naval ship docking and was able to get right down to it, all very relaxed and no security, unlike Portsmouth.
I then went into the Maritime Museum and saw the very moving video of the Waihine disaster which was in the great storm of 1968. The ferry was coming up from near Christchurch and struck the rocks just inside the harbour and due to the terrible winds could not get off and capsized killing 51 people of the 700+ passengers. There were many stories of brave men in little boast going out to help with the rescue, all very sad.
I then walked up to the main shopping area and the big department store called Kircaldies which is quite plush and has a lovely doorman, just like Harrods.
I decided to buy a sandwich and a drink and go up to the Botanical gardens on the cable car as it was just too nice to sit inside. I was really glad I did as the views were so much nice in the sunshine. I didn't have long enough to go to the observatory as the lady said you need at least 90 minutes so that will have to wait for the next trip.
On the way back I popped into the little chapel in the graveyard near our hotel to have a look and that was very interesting and told about the graveyard and how they had to move the bodies to build the motorway. It is unusual to have such a large graveyard in the middle of a city, I suppose it is a bit like Highgate cemetery in London.
Jon rang me to say he was waiting at the hotel so I went back and we collected our cases and took a taxi out to the airport and he took us the pretty way, all around the coast road.
We met a couple of Jon's colleagues in the Koru lounge and I had a nice glass of wine and some cheese and biscuits while waiting for the flight. I am amazed at how small the airport is for the capital and the only international flights that land there are from Oz. The flight was a bit bumpy taking off but on the whole not bad. The views over the mountains were not so good but coming in to land at Tauranga was very good and the landing was smooth even though it was as windy in
Tauranga as it was in Wellington!
We phoned the kennels as we were leaving the airport at 5.10 pm as they close at 5.30 and as Totty is going back in again on Friday we really wanted to get her out and we made it. She is very tired and slept as soon as she got home.
WEATHER
Lovely sunny day in Wellington. Windy when we got to Tauranga 18 degrees
Jon left for meeting and I packed the case and then left it at reception and set off to do more sightseeing.
I went to the National Archives as I wanted to see the Waitangi treaty which was formed in 1840. It is kept in a vault with dim lights and, I thought, was impressive and I was glad I went.
I then went to Old St Paul's church and that is a lovely old wooden church. They have a little gift shop in there and I chatted to the lady working there who was English but had been here for 30 or more years, she was very nice and I could have chatted on but I had a lot to see.
I then walked down onto the port and along the seafront and I have to say Wellington on a lovely day is something special. It is very small for the capital city but it has a very nice feel to it. It was too nice to sit in for coffee so I bought a take away and sat looking across the harbour. I saw a small naval ship docking and was able to get right down to it, all very relaxed and no security, unlike Portsmouth.
I then went into the Maritime Museum and saw the very moving video of the Waihine disaster which was in the great storm of 1968. The ferry was coming up from near Christchurch and struck the rocks just inside the harbour and due to the terrible winds could not get off and capsized killing 51 people of the 700+ passengers. There were many stories of brave men in little boast going out to help with the rescue, all very sad.
I then walked up to the main shopping area and the big department store called Kircaldies which is quite plush and has a lovely doorman, just like Harrods.
I decided to buy a sandwich and a drink and go up to the Botanical gardens on the cable car as it was just too nice to sit inside. I was really glad I did as the views were so much nice in the sunshine. I didn't have long enough to go to the observatory as the lady said you need at least 90 minutes so that will have to wait for the next trip.
On the way back I popped into the little chapel in the graveyard near our hotel to have a look and that was very interesting and told about the graveyard and how they had to move the bodies to build the motorway. It is unusual to have such a large graveyard in the middle of a city, I suppose it is a bit like Highgate cemetery in London.
Jon rang me to say he was waiting at the hotel so I went back and we collected our cases and took a taxi out to the airport and he took us the pretty way, all around the coast road.
We met a couple of Jon's colleagues in the Koru lounge and I had a nice glass of wine and some cheese and biscuits while waiting for the flight. I am amazed at how small the airport is for the capital and the only international flights that land there are from Oz. The flight was a bit bumpy taking off but on the whole not bad. The views over the mountains were not so good but coming in to land at Tauranga was very good and the landing was smooth even though it was as windy in
Tauranga as it was in Wellington!
We phoned the kennels as we were leaving the airport at 5.10 pm as they close at 5.30 and as Totty is going back in again on Friday we really wanted to get her out and we made it. She is very tired and slept as soon as she got home.
WEATHER
Lovely sunny day in Wellington. Windy when we got to Tauranga 18 degrees
Sunday, 17 October 2010
A very wet Wellington
I didn't sleep very well as it was too hot in the room and didn't know how to change the AC without putting a light on and waking Jon so I suffered, we will have to sort it for tonight.
We had a lovely breakfast which included lovely muesli mixed with yogurt and fruit and a cherry compote on top mmmmm! I followed that with some ham and cheese and a piece of toast. Jon tried the cooked but as it was buffet it was not so good as it is always left standing.
After breakfast we set off walking to Te Papa, the very big museum which the Kiwis are very proud of. It was a bit overcast and rain was not far away but we managed to get to the museum before it got too heavy. We realised how close to hotel we were last night!
The museum is all free and enormous and the Kiwis are right to be proud of it. At the entrance you can leave your coat, bags and in our case, umbrellas. They give you a token to wear on a band and you just collect on your way out. Just as well as it was so hot in there and it was nice being hands free.
Of course the first thing we did was have a coffee and look at the plan. We decided to go along with the 'must see' list of things first and then fill in with everything else until we were tired.
It was all really good and the simulated ride around NZ was really rough, too rough really but good fun. We then went on the deep sea simulator which was much calmer and took us on a journey into the Bay of Plenty and we saw some of the underwater volcanoes that have recently been discovered - I hope they never erupt as they are not too far from us!!! We went into a little wooden house and experienced an earthquake and I hope we never have to go through one of those either. Somewhere along the way we stopped for lunch and the cafe had lovely armchairs to relax in and it was hard to get moving again! All in all it was a really good and just the place to spend a very wet day as by the time we came out the rain was pouring but it is Wellington! We got a taxi back to the hotel.
After a nice cup of tea I had a lovely sleep for half an hour.
We had dinner in hotel as we really couldn't face going out to find somewhere and our feet were very sore.
I was certainly not the best meal we have had and was very expensive, the pudding was so bad we didn't eat it and the waiter, who was very nice and it wasn't his fault anyway, took it off the bill. We should have gone out in a taxi!
Bed was very welcome.
WEATHER
Woke up to drizzle, then rain, then heavy rain and back to light rain and then dry 15 degrees.
We had a lovely breakfast which included lovely muesli mixed with yogurt and fruit and a cherry compote on top mmmmm! I followed that with some ham and cheese and a piece of toast. Jon tried the cooked but as it was buffet it was not so good as it is always left standing.
After breakfast we set off walking to Te Papa, the very big museum which the Kiwis are very proud of. It was a bit overcast and rain was not far away but we managed to get to the museum before it got too heavy. We realised how close to hotel we were last night!
The museum is all free and enormous and the Kiwis are right to be proud of it. At the entrance you can leave your coat, bags and in our case, umbrellas. They give you a token to wear on a band and you just collect on your way out. Just as well as it was so hot in there and it was nice being hands free.
Of course the first thing we did was have a coffee and look at the plan. We decided to go along with the 'must see' list of things first and then fill in with everything else until we were tired.
It was all really good and the simulated ride around NZ was really rough, too rough really but good fun. We then went on the deep sea simulator which was much calmer and took us on a journey into the Bay of Plenty and we saw some of the underwater volcanoes that have recently been discovered - I hope they never erupt as they are not too far from us!!! We went into a little wooden house and experienced an earthquake and I hope we never have to go through one of those either. Somewhere along the way we stopped for lunch and the cafe had lovely armchairs to relax in and it was hard to get moving again! All in all it was a really good and just the place to spend a very wet day as by the time we came out the rain was pouring but it is Wellington! We got a taxi back to the hotel.
After a nice cup of tea I had a lovely sleep for half an hour.
We had dinner in hotel as we really couldn't face going out to find somewhere and our feet were very sore.
I was certainly not the best meal we have had and was very expensive, the pudding was so bad we didn't eat it and the waiter, who was very nice and it wasn't his fault anyway, took it off the bill. We should have gone out in a taxi!
Bed was very welcome.
WEATHER
Woke up to drizzle, then rain, then heavy rain and back to light rain and then dry 15 degrees.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Wellington
Took Totty to kennels and as usual she had to be carried off to the kennels. We then went home and finished packing and then off to the airport.
We checked in and then went to the Koro lounge to wait until our flight was called we had coffee and waited for the plane to come in. Take off was fine and although it was a small plane it felt OK and we had lovely views of Tauranga and then we were in the clouds. Fortunately we came out of the cloud over Lake Taupo and had amazing view over Mt Ruapehu and the Tongarrio crossing and as far west as Mt Taraaki with the snow top poking out of the clouds.
Our in flight snack was a cup of water and a cup for tea or coffee with a biscuit!
I thought we had got on the wrong flight as we flew right out across the Cook Straits and I thought we were going to the South Island. The pilot then turned and we headed for Wellington and it was very bumpy due to high winds. Landing at Wellington, one of my friends says, is like landing on an aircraft carrier and she is right! However, it is very pretty once you get over the fright.
We got a taxi to our hotel and as the room was not ready we left our case and went into the city. It was really quiet for a capital city on a Saturday afternoon. We saw the tram stop and decided to go up to the top and see the botanical gardens and get some lunch. Lovely views but very windy and the cafe was closed and the nearest was at the bottom of the gardens so we had to walk all the way through them and by the time we got to the bottom we were very hungry. We had some nice soup for lunch which was very welcome as it was so cold and I was shaking with hunger.
We continued along the path marked with roses as this was the tourist route. It took us through a graveyard which had been cut in half to build an urban motorway and the 3,700 bodies exhumed are now buried in a vault under the chapel. The path brought us out near our hotel but we carried on to Parliament House. The next tour was due in 20 minutes so we went into the cathedral to have a quick look before going on the tour. It was very interesting but a bit rushed as there were things around I would have liked to read about but there was no time. We went into the Beehive which is the round, ugly building next door and is used for all the admin. We also went into the Parliament Library which is a lovely old building.
There is a very big lottery draw tonight to we had a lucky dip, it is the first time we have played the lottery here.
By this time our feet were very sore so we found a shop and bought a piece of cake and went back to the hotel for a cuppa and a rest.
I had booked a table at a Maori restaurant called Kai so we took a taxi there. Unfortunately, he couldn't find it at the address so he called his office and turned off the metre. The office phoned them and there was a recorded message to say they had moved. The driver, who was so nice, said he would take us there. We arrived to find a Thai restaurant and we got out and went in and the place was so busy Jon said he didn't want to eat there and as I was expecting Maori food neither did I so we walked out. The taxi was still there and he kindly took us to have a look at the original address but we couldn't find anything. I felt bad as the Lonely Planet guide book said it was a very small, family place and I felt bad letting them down but we couldn't do anything about it. The driver dropped us outside a nice restaurant and we went in. Unfortunately, they could not fit us in so we had to go and look for another place. We had to check the taxi had gone as it was getting a bit embarrassing getting free rides from the very kind driver!
After walking miles we finally found an Italian that we both liked the look of and we had a lovely meal but had to get another taxi back as our feet were soooo sore. Too many Indian, Chinese and Turkish places in Wellington.
Our room is lovely and although the view is over the churchyard we have a huge window and all you can see are trees and you would never believe you were in the middle of the capital. Bed was very welcome.
WEATHER
Cloudy and windy but not too cold
We checked in and then went to the Koro lounge to wait until our flight was called we had coffee and waited for the plane to come in. Take off was fine and although it was a small plane it felt OK and we had lovely views of Tauranga and then we were in the clouds. Fortunately we came out of the cloud over Lake Taupo and had amazing view over Mt Ruapehu and the Tongarrio crossing and as far west as Mt Taraaki with the snow top poking out of the clouds.
Our in flight snack was a cup of water and a cup for tea or coffee with a biscuit!
I thought we had got on the wrong flight as we flew right out across the Cook Straits and I thought we were going to the South Island. The pilot then turned and we headed for Wellington and it was very bumpy due to high winds. Landing at Wellington, one of my friends says, is like landing on an aircraft carrier and she is right! However, it is very pretty once you get over the fright.
We got a taxi to our hotel and as the room was not ready we left our case and went into the city. It was really quiet for a capital city on a Saturday afternoon. We saw the tram stop and decided to go up to the top and see the botanical gardens and get some lunch. Lovely views but very windy and the cafe was closed and the nearest was at the bottom of the gardens so we had to walk all the way through them and by the time we got to the bottom we were very hungry. We had some nice soup for lunch which was very welcome as it was so cold and I was shaking with hunger.
We continued along the path marked with roses as this was the tourist route. It took us through a graveyard which had been cut in half to build an urban motorway and the 3,700 bodies exhumed are now buried in a vault under the chapel. The path brought us out near our hotel but we carried on to Parliament House. The next tour was due in 20 minutes so we went into the cathedral to have a quick look before going on the tour. It was very interesting but a bit rushed as there were things around I would have liked to read about but there was no time. We went into the Beehive which is the round, ugly building next door and is used for all the admin. We also went into the Parliament Library which is a lovely old building.
There is a very big lottery draw tonight to we had a lucky dip, it is the first time we have played the lottery here.
By this time our feet were very sore so we found a shop and bought a piece of cake and went back to the hotel for a cuppa and a rest.
I had booked a table at a Maori restaurant called Kai so we took a taxi there. Unfortunately, he couldn't find it at the address so he called his office and turned off the metre. The office phoned them and there was a recorded message to say they had moved. The driver, who was so nice, said he would take us there. We arrived to find a Thai restaurant and we got out and went in and the place was so busy Jon said he didn't want to eat there and as I was expecting Maori food neither did I so we walked out. The taxi was still there and he kindly took us to have a look at the original address but we couldn't find anything. I felt bad as the Lonely Planet guide book said it was a very small, family place and I felt bad letting them down but we couldn't do anything about it. The driver dropped us outside a nice restaurant and we went in. Unfortunately, they could not fit us in so we had to go and look for another place. We had to check the taxi had gone as it was getting a bit embarrassing getting free rides from the very kind driver!
After walking miles we finally found an Italian that we both liked the look of and we had a lovely meal but had to get another taxi back as our feet were soooo sore. Too many Indian, Chinese and Turkish places in Wellington.
Our room is lovely and although the view is over the churchyard we have a huge window and all you can see are trees and you would never believe you were in the middle of the capital. Bed was very welcome.
WEATHER
Cloudy and windy but not too cold
Friday, 15 October 2010
Red Cross day again!
I managed to get Totty out for a quick walk before going to the shop. We were very busy today and had lots of skirts to put out and lots of tops. The shop has received an award from Red Cross HQ for 'outstanding customer service' and it is nice to know we do a good job, well we do on a Friday as we are a happy group on Fridays, not so the rest of the week I am told.
An old lady fell over outside the shop this morning and cut her head. Sharon went to help her and brought her into the shop to sit down and gave her a cup of tea. She was very sweet and wanted to drive home but really did not look well so we persuaded her to let us contact her husband and he came for her. She thanked us for looking after her, I hope she will be OK.
We had another old lady in looking for a floaty skirt and was cross as we don't put things out in sizes, only colours. We helped her look through the rails and found her two skirts, which was not easy as she is a size 22, she bought them and went home happy. We really do deserve our award.
Angela's boyfriend came in to meet me. He is called Michael and it strikes me as very strange for two Korean people to have such English names but he is very polite.
The morning just flew by and before I knew it, it was time to leave and get home to make lunch. Jon brought some eggs home last night so we had scrambled eggs.
I did some washing and ironing and got ready for our trip tomorrow.
I took the dog out and it was such a lovely afternoon, so warm.
Had fish and chips and it was better this week and then packed the case and Totty knows we are going away as she is looking sad.
WEATHER
Cloudy to start with a few showers the warm and sunny in the afternoon 23 degrees.
An old lady fell over outside the shop this morning and cut her head. Sharon went to help her and brought her into the shop to sit down and gave her a cup of tea. She was very sweet and wanted to drive home but really did not look well so we persuaded her to let us contact her husband and he came for her. She thanked us for looking after her, I hope she will be OK.
We had another old lady in looking for a floaty skirt and was cross as we don't put things out in sizes, only colours. We helped her look through the rails and found her two skirts, which was not easy as she is a size 22, she bought them and went home happy. We really do deserve our award.
Angela's boyfriend came in to meet me. He is called Michael and it strikes me as very strange for two Korean people to have such English names but he is very polite.
The morning just flew by and before I knew it, it was time to leave and get home to make lunch. Jon brought some eggs home last night so we had scrambled eggs.
I did some washing and ironing and got ready for our trip tomorrow.
I took the dog out and it was such a lovely afternoon, so warm.
Had fish and chips and it was better this week and then packed the case and Totty knows we are going away as she is looking sad.
WEATHER
Cloudy to start with a few showers the warm and sunny in the afternoon 23 degrees.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Shopping
It was raining a lot this morning when we got up.
I had a chat to Barb as she is going away on holiday and I think she is so brave going on her own.
I went into Tauranga, had a coffee, went to the library, picked up some leaflets on Wellington, bought a lovely merino blanket for my nephew's baby and parceled it and some other things I have bought and sent it off.
I then went to register Alison and I for the for fun run next Wednesday for breast cancer. They have a new T shirt this year so I bought one of those, too. I will have to let Alison know in case she wants to buy one.
I have been having a lot of neck pain and so stopped off at the chiropractor clinic where they are offering a free spinal scan with no obligations so I made an appointment for next Tuesday.
As I was busy this morning I didn't have time to do my supermarket shop so had to do it after lunch.
Took Totty out for a very wet walk but as she hasn't had a good walk for a few days, due to the weather, I made her go out but she really doesn't like the rain.
We are trying to plan a trip away for Christmas but can't decide where to go. The Cook Islands was our first choice but it really isn't good value as the prices go up so much for Christmas. Cairns is going to be too hot so we might try the far north of NZ as we haven't bee that far yet, we need to do some planning.
WEATHER
Pretty miserable all day but still 20 degrees!!!
I had a chat to Barb as she is going away on holiday and I think she is so brave going on her own.
I went into Tauranga, had a coffee, went to the library, picked up some leaflets on Wellington, bought a lovely merino blanket for my nephew's baby and parceled it and some other things I have bought and sent it off.
I then went to register Alison and I for the for fun run next Wednesday for breast cancer. They have a new T shirt this year so I bought one of those, too. I will have to let Alison know in case she wants to buy one.
I have been having a lot of neck pain and so stopped off at the chiropractor clinic where they are offering a free spinal scan with no obligations so I made an appointment for next Tuesday.
As I was busy this morning I didn't have time to do my supermarket shop so had to do it after lunch.
Took Totty out for a very wet walk but as she hasn't had a good walk for a few days, due to the weather, I made her go out but she really doesn't like the rain.
We are trying to plan a trip away for Christmas but can't decide where to go. The Cook Islands was our first choice but it really isn't good value as the prices go up so much for Christmas. Cairns is going to be too hot so we might try the far north of NZ as we haven't bee that far yet, we need to do some planning.
WEATHER
Pretty miserable all day but still 20 degrees!!!
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
A cool swim
Aqua class this morning was cool as there was a chilly wind but we warmed up in the 'hot' pool after the class before having a drafty shower (the changing rooms are going to be revamped soon) and then joined the ladies for coffee. It started to drizzle and by the time we had finished and were walking back to the car it was heavy and miserable.
I stopped at the picture frame shop to ask if I could have a string put on the back of a big frame we have bought and filled with photos of our first year in NZ. The lady in the shop is Swiss and she put new brackets on the frame and new string and wouldn't charge me, so kind.
One of the ladies at the pool had told me about a secondhand shop that had new swimming costumes for sale and as the pool water is so hard on my costumes I thought I would check it out. I found three swimming costumes all new and it cost all of $18 so I am very pleased.
I got home and it was just as well Jon was late or he would have been home before me.
I went out to buy some fish for dinner from the supermarket but I was watching the miners in Chile being rescued, amazing job and so emotional to watch, how will they ever get over that?
After getting an email from the Rain Forest Express train to say they had tickets for the Saturday we are in Auckland I phoned them to book tickets. The train usually only runs on a Sunday so I was really pleased they had contacted me to say they had extra trips. I am not sure we will ever get up to that part of NZ again so would have been very disappointed.
Totty has been twirling around on her bottom again so I made an appointment with the vet to have her anal glands cleaned again! Unfortunately when he did them it made a bit of a mess on the wall and he had to clean the walls down. He did see the funny side of it. He asked me if I wanted to learn how to do it myself but I told him I was more than happy to pay my $17 and have him do it!!
We had some really good fish for dinner and I will certainly cook it again.
We phoned Jane for her birthday and had a nice chat to her.
WEATHER
Cool all day and cloudy. Rain started at 11.00 and was on and off for the rest of the day.
I stopped at the picture frame shop to ask if I could have a string put on the back of a big frame we have bought and filled with photos of our first year in NZ. The lady in the shop is Swiss and she put new brackets on the frame and new string and wouldn't charge me, so kind.
One of the ladies at the pool had told me about a secondhand shop that had new swimming costumes for sale and as the pool water is so hard on my costumes I thought I would check it out. I found three swimming costumes all new and it cost all of $18 so I am very pleased.
I got home and it was just as well Jon was late or he would have been home before me.
I went out to buy some fish for dinner from the supermarket but I was watching the miners in Chile being rescued, amazing job and so emotional to watch, how will they ever get over that?
After getting an email from the Rain Forest Express train to say they had tickets for the Saturday we are in Auckland I phoned them to book tickets. The train usually only runs on a Sunday so I was really pleased they had contacted me to say they had extra trips. I am not sure we will ever get up to that part of NZ again so would have been very disappointed.
Totty has been twirling around on her bottom again so I made an appointment with the vet to have her anal glands cleaned again! Unfortunately when he did them it made a bit of a mess on the wall and he had to clean the walls down. He did see the funny side of it. He asked me if I wanted to learn how to do it myself but I told him I was more than happy to pay my $17 and have him do it!!
We had some really good fish for dinner and I will certainly cook it again.
We phoned Jane for her birthday and had a nice chat to her.
WEATHER
Cool all day and cloudy. Rain started at 11.00 and was on and off for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Jon went to the South Island for the day!!
I managed to get Totty out for a walk before my keep fit class but just a quick one. Really good class and enjoyed chatting and coffee after the class. I was talking to a lady who is from Liverpool and moved down here in the 60s. She has a sister living in Bootle, where I am from, and another living in Southport!!! It is a very small world.
After the class I had to go and collect a parcel from NZ Couriers and it was my very late contact lens but better late than never.
I got back and had enough time to get changed and have my lunch before picking Janice up to go to the book room. We sorted the jigsaws and priced them and that took us nearly two hours. I found two CDs of Australian music and took them home to listen to and I really like them so will buy them. Janice said we sold CDs for $2 each last year so I feel I have a bargain.
Got back and took Totty out for an early walk as I needed an early dinner as we have a Lions business meeting tonight at Wendy's house. We went there a few weeks ago but it was dark and tonight we could see the views from her house and she looks across the harbour and the views are lovely and I found it hard to concentrate on the meeting as I was watching the change in the harbour as the tide was coming in.
Go home and Jon had arrive home at 8.15 after a slight delay.
WEATHER
Cool but bright first thing then sunny later 19 degrees
After the class I had to go and collect a parcel from NZ Couriers and it was my very late contact lens but better late than never.
I got back and had enough time to get changed and have my lunch before picking Janice up to go to the book room. We sorted the jigsaws and priced them and that took us nearly two hours. I found two CDs of Australian music and took them home to listen to and I really like them so will buy them. Janice said we sold CDs for $2 each last year so I feel I have a bargain.
Got back and took Totty out for an early walk as I needed an early dinner as we have a Lions business meeting tonight at Wendy's house. We went there a few weeks ago but it was dark and tonight we could see the views from her house and she looks across the harbour and the views are lovely and I found it hard to concentrate on the meeting as I was watching the change in the harbour as the tide was coming in.
Go home and Jon had arrive home at 8.15 after a slight delay.
WEATHER
Cool but bright first thing then sunny later 19 degrees
Monday, 11 October 2010
Monday
Had a nice call from Heather this morning just after I had finished chatting to Sonia and catching up on the news. The weather was wet so couldn't get Totty out.
I then had a call from Janice to talk about Lions and books.
In between all the calls I managed to get some housework done.
I went out to collect some books from a house in Ohauiti. In the box were two nice CDs of Australian music and they are so relaxing. I spoke to Janice about them and decided to buy them.
It has turned very cold today and if I wasn't going out I would have lit the fire this morning.
We had soup for lunch!
I went to give a lesson to Angela and she was very sweet and it went well. I was surprised to learn that she is 25!!! she looks about 18.
I came back and did my ironing and as that did not warm me up I did light the fire.
We had stir fry with leftover chicken for dinner and it was yummy.
WEATHER
Wet and cold with very cold strong wind 15 degrees
I then had a call from Janice to talk about Lions and books.
In between all the calls I managed to get some housework done.
I went out to collect some books from a house in Ohauiti. In the box were two nice CDs of Australian music and they are so relaxing. I spoke to Janice about them and decided to buy them.
It has turned very cold today and if I wasn't going out I would have lit the fire this morning.
We had soup for lunch!
I went to give a lesson to Angela and she was very sweet and it went well. I was surprised to learn that she is 25!!! she looks about 18.
I came back and did my ironing and as that did not warm me up I did light the fire.
We had stir fry with leftover chicken for dinner and it was yummy.
WEATHER
Wet and cold with very cold strong wind 15 degrees
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Sunday
Took Totty out to Rotary Park for her walk and it was a bit nippy.
We went up to Gate Pa for coffee and managed to sit outside and the sun was out for most of the time so nice and warm.
After walking in all the gunk last week I had to throw my walking shoes away so we went to buy some more. I managed to find some nice soft ones so no need to break them in.
We popped into the Dogs Breakfast which is still selling off things due to closure and we found some nice T shirts so bought one for Jane and I and two for Jon, really ice and very cheap.
By the time we got home it was time for lunch and then Jon watched the qualifying rounds for the GP and then we went out to the driving range to hit some balls. By the time we got back it had started to rain so no walk with Totty this afternoon.
WEATHER
Mixed weather today warm with clouds and rain later. 16 degrees.
We went up to Gate Pa for coffee and managed to sit outside and the sun was out for most of the time so nice and warm.
After walking in all the gunk last week I had to throw my walking shoes away so we went to buy some more. I managed to find some nice soft ones so no need to break them in.
We popped into the Dogs Breakfast which is still selling off things due to closure and we found some nice T shirts so bought one for Jane and I and two for Jon, really ice and very cheap.
By the time we got home it was time for lunch and then Jon watched the qualifying rounds for the GP and then we went out to the driving range to hit some balls. By the time we got back it had started to rain so no walk with Totty this afternoon.
WEATHER
Mixed weather today warm with clouds and rain later. 16 degrees.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Saturday
After early morning rain when we thought we would not get our golf lesson it cleared and we had a lovely sunny lesson. We did pitching and went out to the pitching green and it was really good. I find I am much better at the shorter shots and Jon is much better at the driving shots. We stayed on for another 30 minutes after the class to practice a bit more. Next week would be bunkers but we are away in Wellington and the following week we are in Auckland so we will have to try and get a class in the evening.
Went for coffee and sat in the sun and all the blossom was falling from the trees and it was like snow and landed everywhere, so pretty though.
We went down to the supermarket to buy some salmon for tonight and I needed coriander for the recipe but could not get it there. We came out and went across to the greengrocers and found the coriander and some purple carrots and at the checkout they had some strawberries to try and they were so good so we bought some - a very clever move on their part to be able to sample them!!! AND then buy a punnet
We got back and then took a very disgruntled Totty out for her walk.
Got back and read the paper and then got lunch.
Spent the afternoon planning our trips to Wellington and Auckland. I am so annoyed as the train ride I wanted to go on into the rain forest north of Auckland is fully booked. I should have booked it weeks ago as we knew we wanted to go on it but I did not think it would be so busy - silly really as it is a bank holiday weekend. I am on the cancellation list so fingers crossed.
Jon went for a haircut and came back cropped - he won't be going there again!!!!
After a cup of tea and a nice 'half' of a cream cake we took Totty out for a walk.
The salmon kebabs I cooked for dinner were very good and we had strawberries for pudding - yummy!
The qualifying for the grand prix was cancelled due to rain, much to Jon's disgust as it is one of the few we can watch live.
WEATHER
A wet start after overnight rain followed by lots of sun and then cloudy 19 degrees.
Went for coffee and sat in the sun and all the blossom was falling from the trees and it was like snow and landed everywhere, so pretty though.
We went down to the supermarket to buy some salmon for tonight and I needed coriander for the recipe but could not get it there. We came out and went across to the greengrocers and found the coriander and some purple carrots and at the checkout they had some strawberries to try and they were so good so we bought some - a very clever move on their part to be able to sample them!!! AND then buy a punnet
We got back and then took a very disgruntled Totty out for her walk.
Got back and read the paper and then got lunch.
Spent the afternoon planning our trips to Wellington and Auckland. I am so annoyed as the train ride I wanted to go on into the rain forest north of Auckland is fully booked. I should have booked it weeks ago as we knew we wanted to go on it but I did not think it would be so busy - silly really as it is a bank holiday weekend. I am on the cancellation list so fingers crossed.
Jon went for a haircut and came back cropped - he won't be going there again!!!!
After a cup of tea and a nice 'half' of a cream cake we took Totty out for a walk.
The salmon kebabs I cooked for dinner were very good and we had strawberries for pudding - yummy!
The qualifying for the grand prix was cancelled due to rain, much to Jon's disgust as it is one of the few we can watch live.
WEATHER
A wet start after overnight rain followed by lots of sun and then cloudy 19 degrees.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Friday
Went off to Red Cross and it was busy there again as the stock is still coming in. A new lady started, Corina, and seems very pleasant. I found some lovely summer skirts and a lovely designer dress from Australia, brand new and only $13 and I am so pleased with it.
When Angela, the young girl from Korea, came in I asked her if she would like me to help her with her English and she was so happy. I have told her I will go along to her house on Monday and we will start with some conversation. She is only here till May next year and really wants to be speaking better by the time she leaves. She was interested to hear that I lived in Spain as she is going to Spain next year so I think we will have a lot to talk about and I think I will enjoy the challenge and maybe she can teach me some Korean food dishes.
Got home just before Jon for lunch. Bronwyn had suggested we go for a coffee this afternoon and I called and left a message for her. she met me as I went out with the dog to say she was not feeling up to it and so we left it for another day.
I had a lovely walk with Totty, it was so warm and sunny but the weather people say it is going to come to an end soon.
I managed to get to the end of my pile of ironing this afternoon while watching 'rubbish' on TV!
Our fish and chips was not so good tonight. The batter was very soggy and while I always take it off anyway Jon did not eat it either tonight, he will have to have words with them next week.
Jon brought home some emails from the man who books all the travel for Genera. He had asked him to find some deals for us to go away at Christmas. We have a choice of Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanauatu, Fiji and Cairns. I quite fancy Cairns but after looking on the Internet the temperature would be 40.5 and high humidity so I think that will have to wait for another time.
This time two years ago I was a nervous wreck and worried about coming out to NZ and now here I am, very happy, and wondering where we should go out of all those exotic sounding places for Christmas!!! Life is strange and good. The biggest problem is Internet connections are not so good in the Pacific Islands and I will need to be able to speak to the girls on Christmas Day.
WEATHER
Overcast and cooler this morning but warmer and 20 degrees in the afternoon
When Angela, the young girl from Korea, came in I asked her if she would like me to help her with her English and she was so happy. I have told her I will go along to her house on Monday and we will start with some conversation. She is only here till May next year and really wants to be speaking better by the time she leaves. She was interested to hear that I lived in Spain as she is going to Spain next year so I think we will have a lot to talk about and I think I will enjoy the challenge and maybe she can teach me some Korean food dishes.
Got home just before Jon for lunch. Bronwyn had suggested we go for a coffee this afternoon and I called and left a message for her. she met me as I went out with the dog to say she was not feeling up to it and so we left it for another day.
I had a lovely walk with Totty, it was so warm and sunny but the weather people say it is going to come to an end soon.
I managed to get to the end of my pile of ironing this afternoon while watching 'rubbish' on TV!
Our fish and chips was not so good tonight. The batter was very soggy and while I always take it off anyway Jon did not eat it either tonight, he will have to have words with them next week.
Jon brought home some emails from the man who books all the travel for Genera. He had asked him to find some deals for us to go away at Christmas. We have a choice of Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanauatu, Fiji and Cairns. I quite fancy Cairns but after looking on the Internet the temperature would be 40.5 and high humidity so I think that will have to wait for another time.
This time two years ago I was a nervous wreck and worried about coming out to NZ and now here I am, very happy, and wondering where we should go out of all those exotic sounding places for Christmas!!! Life is strange and good. The biggest problem is Internet connections are not so good in the Pacific Islands and I will need to be able to speak to the girls on Christmas Day.
WEATHER
Overcast and cooler this morning but warmer and 20 degrees in the afternoon
Thursday, 7 October 2010
A quieter day today
Had some nice phone calls to UK this morning and chatted to Heather and Kirsty and they both sound well though Kirsty is a bit fed up with problems at work, hopefully it will get sorted out soon and she will feel better.
I then had a nice (typed) chat to Jane and she seems fine too although she does not know what she wants for her birthday so I expect it will be money again.
I spent the morning answering emails, surprising how quickly I get behind.
I took Totty out for a very late walk and saw saw Bronwyn on the way back. she has just come back from Dunedin where her brother is seriously ill in hospital, he had to be flown up from Invercargill by helicopter. Hopefully, he over the worst and will now get better.
Had lunch when Jon came home and then went out to do my supermarket shopping shopping. I went to Pak n Save and found Jelly Babies so bought some. I was so excited to see them I didn't even look at the price and now feel it is better if I don't check my receipt!!! I bought steak for dinner but only bought one as they were so big. Not sure what Jon will think when I tell him he is having a half a steak for dinner.
Took Totty out for her walk and it was lovely and warm.
WEATHER
Cold and overcast first thing bu sunny later 21 degrees
I then had a nice (typed) chat to Jane and she seems fine too although she does not know what she wants for her birthday so I expect it will be money again.
I spent the morning answering emails, surprising how quickly I get behind.
I took Totty out for a very late walk and saw saw Bronwyn on the way back. she has just come back from Dunedin where her brother is seriously ill in hospital, he had to be flown up from Invercargill by helicopter. Hopefully, he over the worst and will now get better.
Had lunch when Jon came home and then went out to do my supermarket shopping shopping. I went to Pak n Save and found Jelly Babies so bought some. I was so excited to see them I didn't even look at the price and now feel it is better if I don't check my receipt!!! I bought steak for dinner but only bought one as they were so big. Not sure what Jon will think when I tell him he is having a half a steak for dinner.
Took Totty out for her walk and it was lovely and warm.
WEATHER
Cold and overcast first thing bu sunny later 21 degrees
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
A really good class
We had a really good class this morning at the pool. The teacher had us trying to do a relay race and it was so funny and hard work. The new lady, Judith, that I have started chatting to still has no grandchild, now a week overdue. The weather was lovely and warm though not as much sun as was forecast.
We went for coffee and the group I went with were really good fun and we had a good laugh, something I haven't had for a long time.
Got back and took Totty out for a walk.
Jon's new golf clubs arrived and are very smart. He unpacked them when he came home for lunch.
I called Margaret and had a chat about her holiday to Brisbane and we decided to go for a walk so I went to meet her at her house and we walked down to the beach on her side of Maungatapu. We have never been over there and so it was all new for Totty and she enjoyed it. I kept her on the leas as it was new and just as well I did as she spotted two ducks and was away after them. We had to turn back as the tide was coming in and we didn't want to get cut off and have to paddle. We were out for about an hour and a half - Oh my poor legs!!!
Got back and tackled more ironing - nearly there but there is more washing drying on the line so more ironing!!
Cooked some nice pork for dinner tonight with white wine.
WEATHER
Not as warm as they said it would be and the sun didn't come out till mid afternoon 19 degrees
We went for coffee and the group I went with were really good fun and we had a good laugh, something I haven't had for a long time.
Got back and took Totty out for a walk.
Jon's new golf clubs arrived and are very smart. He unpacked them when he came home for lunch.
I called Margaret and had a chat about her holiday to Brisbane and we decided to go for a walk so I went to meet her at her house and we walked down to the beach on her side of Maungatapu. We have never been over there and so it was all new for Totty and she enjoyed it. I kept her on the leas as it was new and just as well I did as she spotted two ducks and was away after them. We had to turn back as the tide was coming in and we didn't want to get cut off and have to paddle. We were out for about an hour and a half - Oh my poor legs!!!
Got back and tackled more ironing - nearly there but there is more washing drying on the line so more ironing!!
Cooked some nice pork for dinner tonight with white wine.
WEATHER
Not as warm as they said it would be and the sun didn't come out till mid afternoon 19 degrees
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Lovely weather
I went to keep fit but my legs are still very sore especially when I stand up and start to walk. I stayed for coffee and a chat.
Came straight home as I didn't need to get anything from the shops.
I hung my washing out and then took Totty for a walk and it was time for lunch when I got back. We had scrambled eggs on toast which I think was a relief to Jon from corned beef.
Tried to catch up with my ironing pile, I hate it when I get behind as I never catch up for ages.
Took Totty for an early walk as I was going out to meet Jon at the golf club to practice on the range. It was a lovely evening with no wind and so quiet up there, we did OK!!!
Came back and cooked fish for dinner.
WEATHER
Another lovely spring day 19 degrees
Came straight home as I didn't need to get anything from the shops.
I hung my washing out and then took Totty for a walk and it was time for lunch when I got back. We had scrambled eggs on toast which I think was a relief to Jon from corned beef.
Tried to catch up with my ironing pile, I hate it when I get behind as I never catch up for ages.
Took Totty for an early walk as I was going out to meet Jon at the golf club to practice on the range. It was a lovely evening with no wind and so quiet up there, we did OK!!!
Came back and cooked fish for dinner.
WEATHER
Another lovely spring day 19 degrees
Monday, 4 October 2010
More walking - with sore legs
I was up early this morning and had very sore legs from all the steps yesterday. I had the washing out and had walked the dog by 9.15 as I was going out for another walk with Alison. I met Peter and Uppy in the park, typical I meet another dog for Totty to play with when I haven't the time to stay.
We went to Te Puna quarry and looked at the orchids which are beautiful at this time of the year. We walked around the park and went up to the top and sat looking at at the view in the sun and chatting, it was beautiful up there and so peaceful.
We then went for coffee. Alison took me to a new place, Decor. It is a garden centre and very well set out.
I got home in time for lunch. There were only two bits of bread and two crusts so had to use that to make sandwiches - corned beef again!
After lunch I went out to buy bread and fruit.
Came back and did my usual Monday housework but in half the time.
I took Totty out for a walk and then came back and did the ironing.
Dinner - corned beef and salad - all gone now but good value.
WEATHER
Beautiful sunshine all day 18 degrees
We went to Te Puna quarry and looked at the orchids which are beautiful at this time of the year. We walked around the park and went up to the top and sat looking at at the view in the sun and chatting, it was beautiful up there and so peaceful.
We then went for coffee. Alison took me to a new place, Decor. It is a garden centre and very well set out.
I got home in time for lunch. There were only two bits of bread and two crusts so had to use that to make sandwiches - corned beef again!
After lunch I went out to buy bread and fruit.
Came back and did my usual Monday housework but in half the time.
I took Totty out for a walk and then came back and did the ironing.
Dinner - corned beef and salad - all gone now but good value.
WEATHER
Beautiful sunshine all day 18 degrees
Sunday, 3 October 2010
The highest waterfaill in the North Island
Got up this morning and I ached in all my body from playing golf yesterday. We took Totty out for a walk after breakfast and then came back and made a picnic.
We set off at 10.30 and stopped for coffee at the Kaimai Cafe on the way - not the best muffin I have ever had.
We arrived at Wairere Falls at 12.00 but as the camera time has not been changed all the photos are an hour out.
As we set off along the path Jon pointed a furry lump draped over a rock just after the start of the path!!! Then we heard a voice come out of the bushes nearby saying we are hiding from our grandchildren! This woman had dressed as a bear and was waiting to frighten her grandchildren as they came down from the falls. I would have liked to stay and see what happened but there was no sign of them so we carried on. It was about ten minutes before we saw a family on the way down so the 'bear' would have had quite a wait in the heat!!
The first part of the track is quite easy mainly over and around lots of boulders but as we have had so much rain it was rather muddy. We got to the first lookout in about 40 minutes. We were looking up at the top and I said to Jon that it looked very high and surely we were not going to go all that way up???????
The next bit was really rough and hard going mainly due to mud and how steep it was. At one point thought I was going to die, my heart was racing so fast. We got to a sign saying summit but some idiot had rubbed out how far it was so we just kept going. I was never so glad to see flat land. However, it was well worth it. The track opens out onto a river which has lots of stones in it but no boulders and is quite calm. When you walk along the track it comes to the edge of the falls and a lookout and the view is wonderful right out across the plain. After some photos we went back along the track and found some nice rocks to sit on and had our well earned picnic and we were so ready for it.
After lunch I thought we ought to go and have another look at the edge as there is NO WAY I will ever be up there again!
I had counted some the wooden steps on the way up 194 wooden and so on the way down I counted the log roll steps and got to 384 log give or take one or two. If I did ever go again I would have to count the boulders and tree root steps!!!
We made our way down which was not so hard but very tiring on the thigh muscles and I was ready for the loo when we got back to the car park. I would be very nervous if I had a child that wanted to use them as there was a toilet and seat but the wee seemed to make a big echo as you did it and it sounded so far away!!! I have since been told they are called a long drop!!!
I was glad we did it but so glad to get back to the car and drive home for a nice cup of tea. We then went out to walk Totty so painful!
I am glad to say dinner was easy, just beef and salad.
Bed was very welcome!
WEATHER
Sunny clear skies, a few fluffy clouds in the afternoon but very warm. 18 degrees
We set off at 10.30 and stopped for coffee at the Kaimai Cafe on the way - not the best muffin I have ever had.
We arrived at Wairere Falls at 12.00 but as the camera time has not been changed all the photos are an hour out.
As we set off along the path Jon pointed a furry lump draped over a rock just after the start of the path!!! Then we heard a voice come out of the bushes nearby saying we are hiding from our grandchildren! This woman had dressed as a bear and was waiting to frighten her grandchildren as they came down from the falls. I would have liked to stay and see what happened but there was no sign of them so we carried on. It was about ten minutes before we saw a family on the way down so the 'bear' would have had quite a wait in the heat!!
The first part of the track is quite easy mainly over and around lots of boulders but as we have had so much rain it was rather muddy. We got to the first lookout in about 40 minutes. We were looking up at the top and I said to Jon that it looked very high and surely we were not going to go all that way up???????
The next bit was really rough and hard going mainly due to mud and how steep it was. At one point thought I was going to die, my heart was racing so fast. We got to a sign saying summit but some idiot had rubbed out how far it was so we just kept going. I was never so glad to see flat land. However, it was well worth it. The track opens out onto a river which has lots of stones in it but no boulders and is quite calm. When you walk along the track it comes to the edge of the falls and a lookout and the view is wonderful right out across the plain. After some photos we went back along the track and found some nice rocks to sit on and had our well earned picnic and we were so ready for it.
After lunch I thought we ought to go and have another look at the edge as there is NO WAY I will ever be up there again!
I had counted some the wooden steps on the way up 194 wooden and so on the way down I counted the log roll steps and got to 384 log give or take one or two. If I did ever go again I would have to count the boulders and tree root steps!!!
We made our way down which was not so hard but very tiring on the thigh muscles and I was ready for the loo when we got back to the car park. I would be very nervous if I had a child that wanted to use them as there was a toilet and seat but the wee seemed to make a big echo as you did it and it sounded so far away!!! I have since been told they are called a long drop!!!
I was glad we did it but so glad to get back to the car and drive home for a nice cup of tea. We then went out to walk Totty so painful!
I am glad to say dinner was easy, just beef and salad.
Bed was very welcome!
WEATHER
Sunny clear skies, a few fluffy clouds in the afternoon but very warm. 18 degrees
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Busy Saturday
Off out for our 9.00 golf lesson and the sun is shining. Really good lesson today - driving. We both enjoyed it a lot feels like we are getting there now! Will need to buy some clubs soon. Mikaela has given us a driver each so we can practice.
Went for coffee and sat outside looking at the lovely pink blossom on the trees in Greerton.
Got back and straight out to walk Totty in Rotary Park, really nice down there, nobody about but windy wen we got round the corner.
Went into town to the library. I had put my watch in to the jewellers to see if they could fix it on Thursday and as I hadn't heard anything I popped in to see what was happening. This is the lovely watch bought for me by the surgery when I left and I haven't been able to change the time on it as I could not get the winder out so I have only been able to wear it in winter here and as the clocks have just changed I thought I really ought to have it looked at. The lady in the shop told me it is what is called a 'crown winder'. And what does that mean, I asked. Well you have to unscrew it and then it pulls out to change the time!!! So for the last 20 months I haven't worn it much as I couldn't change the time and that was all it was!!!! Doh!
We popped into the supermarket for a few bit and then home for lunch and we had a very nice ham sandwich. I don't often buy ham as it always looks a bit plastic but this was off the bone and very good.
We went over to the range and had a practice with our new drivers and hit 50 balls.
We then went over to the DIY shop and bought some crushed shells to go on our patch of garden as it is looking a bit bare. We also bought a new BBQ cover as the other one has gone into holes. We bought some adhesive brass numbers to put the number on the door as people never know if we are 142 A or B as our neighbour does not have a number on their house either. (The post boxes are down the drive on the street and they have the numbers on them so the post is fine.)
We had a cuppa and Jon did some gardening and then we took Totty out for her walk, we don't seem to have had five minutes sitting down today as we have been in and out so much.
I cooked corned beef for dinner tonight. It is not like the corned beef we get in UK from a tin. It is cured beef and you boil it with tbls brown sugar, vinegar, bay leaf, peppercorns, sprig parsley and the rind of an orange and it is very popular here. We had it with roasted vegetables and it was good, a bit like gammon really. Lots left for tomorrow.
WEATHER
Lovely clear skies but a bit of wind 18 degrees
Went for coffee and sat outside looking at the lovely pink blossom on the trees in Greerton.
Got back and straight out to walk Totty in Rotary Park, really nice down there, nobody about but windy wen we got round the corner.
Went into town to the library. I had put my watch in to the jewellers to see if they could fix it on Thursday and as I hadn't heard anything I popped in to see what was happening. This is the lovely watch bought for me by the surgery when I left and I haven't been able to change the time on it as I could not get the winder out so I have only been able to wear it in winter here and as the clocks have just changed I thought I really ought to have it looked at. The lady in the shop told me it is what is called a 'crown winder'. And what does that mean, I asked. Well you have to unscrew it and then it pulls out to change the time!!! So for the last 20 months I haven't worn it much as I couldn't change the time and that was all it was!!!! Doh!
We popped into the supermarket for a few bit and then home for lunch and we had a very nice ham sandwich. I don't often buy ham as it always looks a bit plastic but this was off the bone and very good.
We went over to the range and had a practice with our new drivers and hit 50 balls.
We then went over to the DIY shop and bought some crushed shells to go on our patch of garden as it is looking a bit bare. We also bought a new BBQ cover as the other one has gone into holes. We bought some adhesive brass numbers to put the number on the door as people never know if we are 142 A or B as our neighbour does not have a number on their house either. (The post boxes are down the drive on the street and they have the numbers on them so the post is fine.)
We had a cuppa and Jon did some gardening and then we took Totty out for her walk, we don't seem to have had five minutes sitting down today as we have been in and out so much.
I cooked corned beef for dinner tonight. It is not like the corned beef we get in UK from a tin. It is cured beef and you boil it with tbls brown sugar, vinegar, bay leaf, peppercorns, sprig parsley and the rind of an orange and it is very popular here. We had it with roasted vegetables and it was good, a bit like gammon really. Lots left for tomorrow.
WEATHER
Lovely clear skies but a bit of wind 18 degrees
Friday, 1 October 2010
Friday
No walk this morning with Totty as too wet and I ran out of time.
Very busy at the shop. The children's section was real mess. People put things back and mix boys and girls up and even some ladies stuff, it makes me cross.
Angela, the young Korean girl, comes in at 11.00. She is so sweet. She lives in a hostel and is here for a year to learn English. She comes to the shop to help as if she is at the hostel she is with other Korean students and so does not speak English. I spend time with her explaining things and correcting her English which she likes as she is so keen to learn. She is looking for a teacher to help her and I think I might suggest we have an hour a week together and see how we get on. She says if she learns to speak English well she has a better chance of getting a good job. She said she would like to meet Heather when she comes over.
I was very good and didn't buy anything today mainly as I was too busy to look.
Got back just in time to get lunch for Jon and I.
I made a cake but it overflowed the cake tin and made a bit of a mess in the oven!
Took Totty out and met Kim, my neighbour, she has to go to Christchurch next week on a teacher's course and is not looking forward to it as they are still having very strong aftershocks - 1200 so far and all pretty strong.
Had a cup of tea and a piece of cake when I got back but it was very late nearly 6.00 that is what comes of standing chatting!
Jon went for the fish and chips. I am very good now and don't eat the batter but I do eat the chips.
Watched the voting episode of X Factor glad to say one of the annoying men went, one of Ronan's much to his surprise.
WEATHER
Windy overnight, cloudy and rain first thing then brighter in the afternoon.
Very busy at the shop. The children's section was real mess. People put things back and mix boys and girls up and even some ladies stuff, it makes me cross.
Angela, the young Korean girl, comes in at 11.00. She is so sweet. She lives in a hostel and is here for a year to learn English. She comes to the shop to help as if she is at the hostel she is with other Korean students and so does not speak English. I spend time with her explaining things and correcting her English which she likes as she is so keen to learn. She is looking for a teacher to help her and I think I might suggest we have an hour a week together and see how we get on. She says if she learns to speak English well she has a better chance of getting a good job. She said she would like to meet Heather when she comes over.
I was very good and didn't buy anything today mainly as I was too busy to look.
Got back just in time to get lunch for Jon and I.
I made a cake but it overflowed the cake tin and made a bit of a mess in the oven!
Took Totty out and met Kim, my neighbour, she has to go to Christchurch next week on a teacher's course and is not looking forward to it as they are still having very strong aftershocks - 1200 so far and all pretty strong.
Had a cup of tea and a piece of cake when I got back but it was very late nearly 6.00 that is what comes of standing chatting!
Jon went for the fish and chips. I am very good now and don't eat the batter but I do eat the chips.
Watched the voting episode of X Factor glad to say one of the annoying men went, one of Ronan's much to his surprise.
WEATHER
Windy overnight, cloudy and rain first thing then brighter in the afternoon.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)