Thursday

I had a really lovely sleep last night, Totty didn't wake once to have her cover put on and the first I heard was Heather getting her breakfast.

I took Tot out for her walk and it was cold but really sunny, just the sort of winter day I like. We had a nice slow walk around the park before coming home.

Did a bit of housework, cleaned and swept the garage which gets really messy now with the logs for the fire. I also sorted out what to eat next week and made my shopping list in between hanging out the washing.

I finally got out to the shops at 11.00 and went up to Newworld, Gate Pa as that is the only supermarket that sells Robinson's blackcurrant and apple which Heather likes so I bought the four bottles they had on the shelf!!!

Got back and called Viv to see how she got on with her breast biopsy. She thinks it will all be OK and will get the result in a week.

Heather came home for lunch and was very excited about Katharine arriving. she sorted out her overnight bag and went back to work. Michelle will take her to the airport and Heather will leave her car at the office. Michelle will pick her up again tomorrow and then Heather will bring Katherine home.

I went out after lunch to buy a small oil filled radiator that I think we will need for Katharine as although the days are warm nigh time and mornings are cold. I got one that was reduced to half price and most importantly has a timer on.

Got back and decided to tackle the showers. It never ceases to amaze me how dirty showers get. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies that get 'gunk' in them. I bought some shower cleaner and tackled them both with a toothbrush!!! Maybe a bit extreme but they drive me mad and the glass never looks sparkling like they get them in hotels???? So when Jon got back - early - from Auckland he found me in the shower in bra and knickers scrubbing away!!! They do look better now.

Once dressed again I took Tot out for her afternoon walk and there was a lovely red sky so Heather should have a good flight.

After a quick cuppa and a five minute rest in front of the fire I tacked the rest of my ironing while Jon went out for a haircut. Heather texted to say she was in the hotel safe and sound and going for something to eat.

I cooked some nice steak for dinner with salad.

I need to stay up till Katherine's flight gets in and then Heather will call me and then I have to call her dad to say she has arrived so I am in for a late night as her flight is due in at 10.45 pm

WEATHER
Sunny and bright 16 degrees.

Back to Aqua aerobics

We had a lot of rain this morning but it cleared to leave a lovely day.

I went off to Bay Wave which is the big council pool over near Mt Maunganui. The Hot Pools where I usually go are closed due to a leak and will be closed for at least five months. I found out that we can use our card from there to go to the bigger pool which is a good deal as we only pay $6.50 a class and at the big pool they charge $16 and I think that is a bit much to pay just because it has a roof!!!

Les was supposed to meet me there but didn't turn up but there were some of the other ladies I am friendly with so it was fine. I must say it was nice to be indoors today as it was very wet and cold. However, we use the big wave pool for the class and as it slopes down you have to make sure you find the right spot or you go under when you jump or it is not deep enough for the underwater arm exercises but it will do for the next five months. One good thing is they have a coffee bar there so we don't need to go out and look for one.

I came home at lunch time and made lunch for Heather but Jon had a board meeting so didn't come home. I made a sandwich for him and Heather took it back.

As it was so sunny and Tot missed out on her morning walk I took her out this afternoon and walked around to my friend's house, about 40 minutes, as I needed to collect something from her. It was a really nice walk and a long way for Tot as she has been a bit lazy about waking recently.

When I got back Jon arrived to pack his bag as he is up in Auckland tonight for meetings tomorrow and back tomorrow night.

When he had gone I spent a lazy afternoon just watching TV and not ironing at the same time!

I cooked dinner for Heather and I and then she got ready for her date and went out about 7.00 so I had the remote all to myself tonight and it was very enjoyable as I could watch all the animal programmes I wanted to.

Heather seemed to have had a nice time but didn't say much. She is so excited about Katharine coming tomorrow night. We checked on Heathrow departures and her flight took off at 11.00 our time midday UK time. Now we just have to hope she got on it!!! She has a stopover in Kuala Lumpur and then should arrive in Auckland at 11.00 tomorrow night.

WEATHER
Very wet first thing then sunny and warm 15 degrees

I am now the official 'Tail Twister'

I managed to get Tot out for her walk before the binmen came around this morning.

I went to keep fit and stayed for a coffee and then popped into the supermarket for some fruit and veg.

When I got home I did some cleaning that I hadn't managed to get done yesterday and the morning seemed to fly by. I made a spaghetti sauce as Heather wants lunch as she is going to the cinema tonight.

J & H came home and had lunch and I seemed to have an awful lot of dishes to wash, it is a lot of work doing main meal at lunchtime especially as it was only for one!

The Avon lady called around and we had a chat and when she left I took Tot for an early walk.

When I got back I showered and got ready and painted my nails and was ready to go and pick Janice up at 5.30 for Lions. It is the changeover night and our new board is voted in. I am going to be Tail Twister and really wish I had not said I would!!!

The meeting was better than I was thinking it would be and being MC was not so bad. I am now Tail Twister which means I have a part to play at every dinner meeting. Our dinner was really good again but the puddings, all three of them, even better!!

I was given a cake with a candle on it for my birthday.

Got home and had a chat to Heather who had just gone to bed. She has a date tomorrow night but doesn't want me to tell Jon. I hope she doesn't get to like him too much and want to stay forever! That would cause me a real problem!!!

Jon has booked Jane and Jason's tickets and they come on 1 September but only for two weeks, Jane is now really excited.

WEATHER
Bright and sunny with the odd drop of rain 15 degrees

Where does the wahing come from?

I had a little lie in this morning, well, 7.45!!

Jon and Heather had left by the time I got into the shower, seems really odd for some reason being in the shower and the house so quiet.

During the morning I managed to get four loads of washing done and hung out on the line and two clothes dryers but I am not looking forward to ironing it all.

I managed to get a lot of my housework done this morning, too. Jon and Heather were late home for lunch and so I only saw them for a few minutes as I had to go out for an eye test. My eyes don't change now but they did tell me the price of contact lens has come down which is very nice.

I did a bit of shopping and looking round for cards and had a cup of coffee and then took the cardboard, plastics and papers to the recycling centre before filling up with petrol on the way home.

After giving Tot her tea I collected all my washing from the line and staggered back in to fold it all before taking Tot for a walk.

I got back and got stuck in to the ironing while watching Dancing on Ice.

Heather came home and we caught up with another Neighbours so we are only two behind now. Jon came home very late due to an accident which had blocked the road near Bayfair and wanted to watch the end of the Grand Prix so we couldn't watch more Neighbours.

I made Macaroni cheese for dinner but found it very heavy but it is one of Heather's favorites.

Heather has now decided to stay for the full year. Not sure what has brought it about but they did say that they had missed her a lot in the office when she was away. I also think she is more settled and feels happy at work now, enjoys netball very much and is making and being able to save a lot of money. If she went back to UK in August it is nearly the end of the summer and who knows if she will get a job so I think she will stay. She needs to be sure by 27 July as that is the date on her ticket and she is allowed to change it once for free but will have to pay to change it again. If she does stay Jon and I are going to need to start living our lives again as we used to. We seem to have put everything we do on hold since she arrived and whilst I am not complaining I do miss golf!

WEATHER
Sunny and bright 15 degrees

A trip out for breakfast on a lovely sunny day.

We had to get up early this morning so that we could have a chat to Jane. The time difference at this time of year is a real pain. We chatted to her about her house move next week, the plans for her wedding and their trip down here so a long time.

I then took Tot out for her walk and although it was really sunny there was a cold south wind blowing causing quite a chill.

We then all went out to Tay Stree Cafe down on the beach to have breakfast - a treat from Heather. After that we took a trip to the shop at the Mount and then came home to read the Sunday papers.

Spent the rest of the day 'pottering'. There seems to be so much stuff around the house that needs to be put away after the holiday and I suppose I will eventually get it all sorted.

Heather went off to play a netball match and Jon washed the car and I watched Downton Abbey. I will need to rent the DVD as the last episode looks really good and the Sky ran out of space so did not record.

I cooked the dinner and we watched a programme that had recorded while we were away on the aftermath of the Japanese Tsunami. Not sure how it recorded but it was very interesting and so we were glad it had.

After dinner I put more photos on facebook and then went to be to get ready for a very busy week as Katharine, Heather's friend arrives on Friday and Heather is sooo excited.

WEATHER

Bright and sunny 18 degrees but a southerly wind.

A lovely lie in

After all the awful rain and storm last night we woke to a really lovely day, cold south wind but sunny. We were told that 20 -30mm rain fell last night in 30 minutes and people lost electricity power so we should count ourselves as lucky.

After a nice lie in I got up and showered. Jon told me that Les had called to say that Bianca had a baby girl at 6.10 this morning. I called her back and she was so happy but really wanted to go and see them but they want 'time on their own'. Shame for Les as she is their only relative here and I can't see what harm a half hour visit in the hospital would do?

We took Tot out for her walk and then went off to Bayfair for a coffee which was very nice along with the banana and walnut muffin!

We did a bit of shopping and bought some new reading glasses to replace the ones I broke in Vanuatu. We bought a new external hard drive for out PC but not sure if we have done the right thing. Heather needs to be in a more receptive mood to tell us if we have done right or wrong!!! Kids!!!

Heather had a tattoo done on her tummy today of a Kiwi (bird, not fruit) it looks fine. We were worried about the effects of the dye on her skin as she is so allergic to things. She was told by the tattoo man that it should be fine - I hope he is right. It looks OK.

I cooked cannelloni stuffed with ricotta, bacon and silver beet for dinner. I really liked it but Jon said it was not a Saturday night dinner and Heather said it was OK. The coffee cheesecake was very nice though.

WEATHER
A beautiful day, where was the forecast rain? 17 degrees

What a lot of rain!

I didn't wake till 7.35 this morning so really had to get a move on. I managed to shower, have breakfast and get the dog out for her walk all by the time I had to leave for the Red Cross.

As soon as I got to the shop Les was so excited as Bianca, her daughter, had gone into labour in the early hours of the morning and so she was beside herself with excitement.

We had a busy morning in the shop and you could tell that I had been away as the children's section was a bit of a mess which I sorted out and now it looks very nice again.

Lisa, Bianca's replacement, came in and gave me my 'volunteer's' present. They had a get together while I was away and I got a very nice pot of NZ body cream and some chocolates which was very nice.

I came home and Jon arrived for lunch but Heather was having early lunch so went to a cafe for hers. We had some soup and then Jon went back to work. Jon and I received a nice birthday card from James' mum and dad. I don't know why it took such a long time to get here as it was posted early.

I called Margaret after lunch and we had a chat.

I then got stuck into sorting out the washing and getting the ironing done. I watched Dancing on Ice while I did it. I was going to take Tot out for a walk but it came over very black and we had a lot of rain. A little later it came over REALLY black and we had the most amazing thunderstorm with hail and so much rain. The dog was in a real stat and I lost the signal for the TV. I had a call in the middle of the storm, just as I was worrying about Jon and Heather coming home, from Tauranga hospital which really gave me a fright but she was just checking something about my eligibility for treatment and told me I need to take my passport to my next appointment.

Jon came in about 6.00 and told me the roads were like rivers and it had taken him a long time to get home. Fortunately, Heather had gone for a drink after work and the weather was not so bad over at the Mount. We called her and told her to wait before trying to get home. By the time she did come home the roads were all clear again.

We eventually had our fish and chips and then caught up with more TV. One day we will be back on track.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells this morning and HEAVY rain and thunderstorms this afternoon 16 degrees

Back to normal

Too wet to take Tot out this morning so spent some time on the computer sorting out the 130 or so emails I had and putting some photos on Facebook.

I also had lots of phone calls from various people and put loads of washing on and try to get it all dry so before I knew it it was nearly time for Jon and Heather to come home for lunch and I had to rush around and make the bed and get some tidying done.

I went out to the supermarket this afternoon and dropped off the duty free to Bronwyn and Peter who are always grateful.

When I got back I made some leek and potato soup for lunch tomorrow and then remembered that Jon and Heather always go out for lunch on Fridays!!

I did a nice beef shank for Jon and I tonight as Heather was playing netball so would not be home till late and would just have a snack. It was nice to have some beef for a change as Heather does not like it.

We tried to catch up a bit with some TV. We ran out of space on Tuesday night before we got back and Downton Abbey failed to record so I was not happy. I need to watch Dancing on Ice as it takes a lot of space and it is on again tomorrow so I will have to spend tomorrow afternoon ironing and watch some TV.

WEATHER
Wet all day 16 degrees

A week in Vanuatu

WEDNESDAY.
After a good night's sleep we got up and ready and went down to breakfast where the service was better than last night's dinner. I went to the loo and as I came out walked the wrong way and straight into a huge mirror wall!!! Heather was watching and nearly fell off her chair laughing. Fortunately for me nobody else saw!

After breakfast and checking out we walked across the road to the airport, this is a very convenient hotel. We checked in quickly and went through immigration all in about ten minutes. The airport was so quiet due to all the flights across to Australia being cancelled due to the ash cloud. We looked through the shops and bought the duty free and some perfume and then went for a coffee and a muffin.

Our gate as one of the farthest away so we had a long walk to get there. We boarded the flight which was full and a tight squeeze, just like Ryan air. Heather had a very annoying and arrogant young man in front of her who chose to lie his seat back for the whole of the flight even though he was not leaning back in the seat. The flight was so full as many people used it as a way to get back to Oz. They were flying up to Vanuatu and then across to Oz - a very long way to get home!!

The food was pretty awful on the flight and there was not much on the TV but as far as flights go it was very smooth but a long three and a half hours!

As we were landing we could see all over the island of Efate and it looked really green. The airport itself is very small and only has flights from NZ and Oz plus their own internal flights to the other main islands. Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands but only a few have airports and only one other has international flights. Efate is the most populated island and has the capital of Port Vila on it with a population of 45,000 but were they all are I don't know!

The heat hit us when we got off the plane and as we were in winter clothes we felt very hot. Clearing customs and immigration was quick and as we got through we were met by or driver and given a shell necklace each. We went out to the minibus and he gave us a lovely frozen facecloth and a really chilled bottle of water and both were very welcome.

The drive to our hotel took 15 minutes and you could see immediately how poor the country is. The road was full of potholes, the vehicles old and scruffy and lots of groups of ladies sitting under trees along the road selling fruit and vegetables.

We arrived at our hotel 'Poppy's on the Lagoon' and were very pleased to see where it was located. The rooms were built around a main pool, which was quite small but the gardens were lovely with beautiful plants all around and very well cared for. The hotel is on a lagoon with a mainly coral reef beach so reef shoes are a

Our apartment was upstairs and overlooked the pool and lagoon. The room was not of a particularly high standard and not what Jon and I would have chosen but we had to consider Heather as she was paying for it herself but it was clean which is very important. My first impression was that it was not as nice as Fiji and they are a long way behind with tourism.

The system for ordering food and drinks was very odd. We had to order at reception and the girl put it on the computer to charge to our room and then printed a slip off which another girl took across to the kitchen. They cooked it and brought it out to you. Not sure what happened in translation though as so many time we never got what we had ordered. That said, they are such lovely, friendly people it is hard to get cross as they just smile and say 'sorry' and go and get the right thing.

We had a meeting with some of the staff and they told us what was available and all about the bus system and taxi service. The hotel was down a very steep hill so we thought we might be using taxis more than buses as the taxis pick you up at the door. The buses you have to walk up to the road. There is not much difference in some of the buses and taxis and the only way to tell is a bust has a 'B' on the registration and a taxi 'T'. The buses come along very frequently and are very cheap. If you are first on you get dropped off first. Their are no routes but this means if you are last on you could end up going for a very long ride to get to where you want to go!

We went out for a walk and to go to a supermarket to buy some water and beer. We walked into town which we were told was 15 minutes. We now know that is 15 minutes 'island time' and it was a lot longer so we won't be doing it again especially in the heat and humidity.

We bought what we needed and got in a taxi to bring us back. We told the driver the hotel name but he took us to a very different hotel and then said 'Is this it?'. We said no and he asked us where it was. Now we had only been on the island a few hours and had no idea where we were so we were no help at all. He had to get out and ask another driver and he eventually got us back.

We had dinner at the hotel and it was OKish but there are no tables set with clothes, no waiters and every time you want another drink or pudding you have to go to reception and go through the whole ordering bit again. This for me was the biggest down to the hotel. I like to sit and see a menu and choose what I want over a drink not stand in the reception but never mind we are here and we have to make the best of it.

The apartment didn't have AC but it did have big ceiling fans which I prefer so off we went to bed and hopefully a good sleep.

THURSDAY - Jon's birthday
Well I slept well but Jon and Heather didn't and Heather had a huge bite on her back. Jon really liked his presents we brought with us. I bought him four gliding classes and he is really pleased as it is something he has wanted to do for ages. We went down for breakfast which was included in the deal. We had lime juice, fruit place or fruit smoothie, toast or croissant and tea/coffee/hot chocolate. There was also a menu to choose extras from. The fruit looked pretty naff but it is all organic, in fact, the whole island is organic and they have no pests and do not need to spray any of the crops which is pretty impressive. The fruit tasted much nice than it looked so all in all a good start.

We then went to book some excursions and booked to go horse riding after lunch, a buggy safari for Friday, Tann Island and volcano for Saturday, Sunday free and a round island trip for Monday.

We spent the morning by the pool but there are only four sunbeds and very little room to move them to catch the sun. I was a little worried where mine was as it was just below a very heavily laden coconut tree! Jon and Heather went out on the free hotel kayaks. I had a go but really didn't feel safe so I came back in. They went right across to the other side of the lagoon and really enjoyed it.

We had an early lunch as we had to get off horse riding. Jon and I ordered burgers and Heather ordered a plain cheeseburger, meaning no lettuce, tomato or mayo. When the food arrived Heather's was just a toasted bun with cheese on it!!!! Mine was raw and Jon's was OK. I sent mine back and we asked for the burger for Heather. Eventually they came back but mine was still raw so I left it and so did Heather!

We were picked up by a very old black man with white hair and taken out to the stables. We saddled up and set off through the coconut plantations, us three and a guide. My horse, Boy, ate grass all the way along and kept pulling me forward as he bent his head to eat it and every time my knuckles rubbed against the saddle and he just wouldn't stop he ate so much. Jon's was called Charlie and Heather's Mia. They were very docile and sometimes wouldn't move until the guide made them. It was a long trip and over two hours and we were very saddle sore by the time we got back. Jon and Heather didn't mention that the paper hat they give you to wear under the helmet was showing all the time I was riding and in the photos I look like Ena Sharples with a hairnet on!!! How mean are they?

They unsaddled the horses and then we were able to mount them bareback and ride them into the lagoon. I never knew a horses back was no bony and the spine really is uncomfortable. We managed to get them into the water but they wouldn't do much so we just stood about for a while and then came out but it was nice to do but I don't think I will be able to sit down for a week.

Heather now has lots of bites. We showered and asked reception to book a taxi for us and we went into the town. We went to the supermarket first as they close early, it is not like Spanish resorts with the shops open till late. We then went for dinner to a nice place called Chill. It was on the harbour and they have bright lights shining into the water and you can see the fish swimming around, very pretty. We enjoyed our cocktails and dinner and a nice decaf coffee before getting a taxi back to the hotel and bed.

FRIDAY
Breakfast was a bit of a rush this morning as we were due to be picked up to go on our Buggy Safari.

We thought we would be taken to a place outside the 'city' to get into the buggies and were shocked to be driven only five minutes up the road!!! We were given a brief safety chat and had to sign a disclaimer should anything happen to us and then given more paper hats to put on under the safety helmets (I made sure mine was well tucked in this time). All the men's helmets had horns on. We got into our vehicles which looked 'well used' and I had to have our beach bag on the floor between my legs which was a little uncomfortable!!

By now I was panicking as Heather was in the buggy in front and we were going to have to drive out of the city in convoy and she has never driven on the 'other side of the road' before!! WE set off with a guide on a huge cross country bike in front and one behind, very reassuring. One of the staff stopped the traffic to get us all out together but about 100 yards down the road was a roundabout!!!! It was busy and nobody would give way and half had already gone through so eventually the guide from the back came and stopped the traffic and then we were off. It was great fun and you felt you were going really fast but as the speedometer didn't work we had no idea of the speed!!! The road out to the country was full of potholes and we had to try and miss them. Eventually, Heather gave us the 'thumbs up' so I knew she was fine.

We seemed to go for miles passing factories and shops and eventually villages where all the children ran out wave and slap your hand as you passed. They are so poor and many had no clothes on but all were so happy to see us. The dust was amazing and at places Jon was driving blind. I was regretting wearing a white T shirt!.

We eventually stopped on a beach and it was so funny to see how dirty we all were. After a walk around the beach and realising we had forgotten our water bottles we set off again through more dust tracks and villages till we eventually arrived at the bar where we were to have brunch.

Unfortunately, just as we arrived we had one of many tropical downpours. We managed to wash some of the dust of while waiting for the rain to pass and then we went down to the jetty to feed the fish on the coral reef. The owners are building a new jetty but by the looks of it he is going to be a long time building. I am sure once it is done the view of the fish on the reef will be amazing. We walked on the reef and saw beautiful bright blue starfish.

Eventually, our brunch was ready and it was really good with some yummy sausages. We had French bread and butter sausages, beef steaks, salad and sweet grapefruit and papaya for pudding. Unfortunately, we didn't have any 'Vatu' money with us as we thought it was all included and we had forgotten our water so we could only scrape up enough money for two drinks. I drank some water and I think this might have been a mistake!!!

After brunch we all set off again in our very wet buggies. As Jon and I had been last we were told to go first so not so much dust in our faces. Getting back into the city was incredible. We were in a traffic jam and it was so funny with people looking at us in our dirty clothes with dirty faces and men with horns on their helmets!!!

Eventually, we arrived back at the depot safe and sound after a really fun morning. So it was back to the hotel and who would be first into the shower and more clean clothes!

We had a lot of rain in the afternoon but we were able to walk into town and have a look around and do some shopping. However, there is not much to buy in the way of anything really so souvenirs were thin on the ground but we managed to get a few things for the girls.

We then went to have a look at the fruit market which is amazing and open 24 hours six days a week. The women bring their produce to town and set up on tables in the market and have most of the family with them. They sleep under the tables and there is a corner where they can cook food and there they stay till they have sold everything. They then return to their village and prepare to do the same next week. They weave lovely bags from coconut leave and the vegetables are sold in them so no plastic bags needed. Sadly we couldn't bring one back with us as we would not be allowed to bring it into NZ. The variety of fruit is nothing like an English market and most of the fruit I didn't know but they do sell huge, sweet, pink grapefruit. We bought one and it cost next to nothing and was so good.

We got a taxi back and then got ready to go out for dinner.

The owner of the hotel was just going out as we were and he offered to take us so we didn't need to get a taxi.

We went to the Waterfront for dinner and had a good meal with a live band playing. After our meal we walked to the market square to get a taxi back.

SATURDAY
It seemed to rain all night and was still raining when we had to get up. We managed to have our breakfast before the taxi came to take us to the airport. I was getting worried as the rain was so heavy and wondered how we would be able to go in such bad weather.

The domestic airport is so small with one departure gate and two check in desks but it does have Wifi which Heather was pleased about. We were told we might not be able to fly as, although the weather was good on Tanna it was pretty bad in Efate. We waited till 9.00 and then the pilot came to tell us we could go.

Our plane was a little Cessna for six people and we had a young Australian couple with us who I think might have been on honeymoon. Our plane which was bright yellow looked so small. Heather and I were in the back and Jon and the Australian woman in the middle and her husband up front with the pilot.

I really shouldn't have worried as the take off was smooth and once up we managed to get out of the rain and the journey was very smooth and much better than the Pacific Blue flight to Sydney a few weeks ago.

We arrived on Tanna in beautiful bright sunshine and no other planes on the runway. The airport, which is going to open to international flights next year, is really small but they do have a fire engine! We had to pay our departure tax when we arrived as they said the airport would be closed when we came back - our flight was going to be at 3.30 in the afternoon!!!

I went to the loo and the notice on the wall in Pidgin said 'Pis Pis long bowl, no pis pis long floor'! I think everyone can understand that.

We were picked up in a very new Land rover Jeep and all sat in the back. We were taken to a small hotel and given a drink of lime juice before setting off on our two hour trek.

You could not call most of them roads as they were just dirt and had big splits in them and fell away at the edges due to recent heavy rain. We bounced along and had to hold on tight, we banged our heads on the top bars but it was all good fun. Seeing how these people live was a real eye opener. I really did not think people still lived in huts like that and went around in such clothes - but they have a lot of mobile phones and top up sheds/shacks in some really out of the way places.

We came across an accident where a ute had turned upside down. Not sure how as the road was so narrow but the driver said it was the brakes. One man had been air lifted to hospital but the others were fine.

We got to the ash plane and stopped for lunch. The lunch had been carried in a cardboard box under the seat on the back of the jeep, not even in the cab where it was cooler!! It was seven sandwiches made on thick sweet bread with a slice of beef steak, onion, cucumber and lettuce. Pudding was a Mandarin orange and drink was a bottle of lemon juice. For the amount we paid for the trip it was pretty poor and at least they could have stored it in a chilly bin. Another possible for my tummy trouble the next four days. Heather wouldn't even try it so went without food for the whole day as you don't find bars and shops to stop and buy things. no corner shops on these islands!

The ash plane was amazing and looking up to the volcano was fantastic. We then continued on and drove through a river and on up to the volcano passing through the village at the bottom, not a place I would like to live with an active volcano in my backyard.

As we got nearer to the top the road was smoking!! We parked at the bottom of a track and then had a 400 yard walk to the crater rim. We have never experienced anything like it. There were flashes of lightening in the crater, bangs and rumbles and the ground shook then boulders were thrown into the air and you could see they were red hot. Then smoke came billowing up from the three holes. Mt Yasur has been erupting sine 2010. It had been downgraded to a level 2 more than that and you are not allowed to get so close. Some of the boulders are the size of cars. It is so impressive. Strangely, it does not smell like White Island and is much more scary. The ash come down on top of you and first we thought it was rain and then you see it on your skin. My head was covered in it and it felt like I had been on the beach on a windy day and was covered in sand. We could have stood there for hours. Jon had wanted to do the night trip but after seeing the road he was glad that Heather and I said no.

Heather and I headed down to the parking area as we wanted to go to the loo before the two hour trek back. The loo was just a three sided coconut screen, no door, no roof and just a wooden seat covered in about three inches of volcanic ash. Yes I just had to go and eventually so did Heather.

The ride back was just as bumpy but didn't seem so long. We passed the accident spot and they had righted the ute and were trying to start it.

We arrived at the airport at the same time as the pilot and so all we had to do was climb aboard and off we went. The flight back was fine and much clearer and after one hour we were back. We got a taxi back to the hotel and all wanted to shower first and yet more dirty clothes. Two hair washes and I can still feel the ash.

Heather ordered a bowl of chips as she was hungry and then we sat and had a bit of a rest before going out to dinner.

There is an Australian family in the apartment next door and although it is detached the noise of one of their children crying is driving most of the hotel mad. He is about 18 months old and cries all the time and especially so if his dad goes out. As the floors are tiled the noise echoes and it is awful but they never seem to try and stop him Arggggg!!!

We ordered a taxi to take us out and got him to take us to a cash machine as we seem to be using so much money, eating out is certainly not cheap here. He then took us to Rendevous for dinner and gave us his number to call him to take us back.

We had a nice dinner but we were all very tired. We called 'Nial' and he came in a few minutes and took us back and we were more than ready for bed and sleep - child next door permitting!!!

SUNDAY
Today we are relaxing and so we had a late start and a late breakfast before going down to the little hotel beach where we managed to grab the three sunbeds - just as well there are no Germans in this hotel!! Lovely morning but not much sun but very warm. Jon and Heather went out on the kayaks again while I enjoyed reading my ereader.

We had a beer on the beach and I took the two glasses back when we went to order luch. We ordered another two beers and sat at a table to wait for lunch and drinks (we chose toasted cheese sandwiches as they can't do much wrong with them and they won' be rare). The lunch came but no drinks so I went back to reception and she said she had forgotten and went and got two beers. I asked for two glasses and our dirty ones were still sittling on the bar with sand on the bottoms and she told me they only have two beer glasses!!!! The Ozzies must drink out of the bottles. I asked her if she could wash them which she did. They don't use their common sense thats for sure.

In the evening I had been reading about Iriiriki Island and saw that it had a good restaurant and was reached by a three minute ferry trip and as it sounded nice we went there. To get to the ferry you have to go through The Grand Hotel and Casino reception and the young chap on reception was very kind and showed us where to go. The ferry was just leaving so he whistled to him and he came back for us.

It is only a short crossing and is free but it was very nice to be in a boar at night and see all the fish. The resort is very pretty, no beach on the island but it does have three pools and areas that you can go snorkeling from. Part of the resort is adults only and with that awful child next door I am beginning to think it is a good idea. A young waiter from the Seychelles saw us looking around and said he would show us the way, really nice chatty young man who is there for two years.

The bar and restaurant were really lovely with a lovely deck area where we sat and had cocktails and looked at the menu. There was no problem with Heather either as they said she could choose from the bar menu so we were all happy. When we sat at our table I saw a huge rat run across the deck and then Heather saw a mouse in the dining room and in the loo we saw a huge cockroach. Maybe Poppy's and the crying child is not so bad!!

MONDAY
My birthday and we were off on a round the island trip and decided it would be quicker to order breakfast in our room as we needed to be ready early - wrong, it took forever. I didn't want much as my tummy was making very odd noises and felt very painful.

Our bus arrived and we set off to pick a couple of people up from Erakor Island but they didn't get off tow ferries so we went without them. The next stop was two ladies from Australia. They got on the bus and one said 'My friend is not very well so we don't want to sit at the back'. This made Heather and I panic but then we set off out of town and I was convincing myself that maybe she was just an 'ill' woman when suddenly she shouted 'Will you please stop I am going to be sick'. Day ruined for Heather and I!!! I told the other lady we would move and let them sit right at the front as I didn't want her bing sick down our backs.

Our first stop was at Eton Beach which was just beautiful. We put our reef shoes on and walked in the water and the 'blue hole' which is where the river meets the sea. The sick woman's friend told us her friend was travel sick. Why would you sign up for a seven hour bus trip if you are travel sick?????

The guide, Maurice and the driver Joel were really nice and full of information. They prepared fresh fruit and banana chips and sweet potato chips for us and drinks. The toilet there was just a bowl and you had to pour a bucket of water down after you!! But it was clean and didn't smell.

We set off and the rest of the trip was just a dream. The road around the island, Efate Ring Road, is new and part of a millenium project given by the Americans to Efate, it is really smooth and much better than the roads in the city. We did not pass one shop or cafe on the whole road 144kms (much less distance than driving to Auckland) there is nothing much at all out of the city and no petrol stations either.

We stopped at a lovely place for lunch and Heather and I went in for a swim, she didn't want to but I told her she HAD to swim in the S Pacific ocean so she did but as it was shallow you had to be careful. To get out into deeper water you had to cross the reef which was a bit rough and a long way.

Lunch was fine, chicken casserole, a beef mince sauce, shredded beef and veg and rice and homemade bread but no pudding. They told us we could buy drinks so we ordered two beers, (we had money today) but they only had one beer so we had to share. You really can't get cross with these people as they are so nice. There was a little craft stall set up near the restaurant but they had put very high prices on things compared to the town which although I feel sorry for them is a bit silly as I don't like to feel cheated so we didn't buy anything. There was a little child there about age three, and I gave her one of the pencils we had brought with us from NZ (we had been told they don't like tips but accept little gifts). This childs face was a picture and she had the biggest smile. I then gave her a keyring and she was so happy. I took her photo and showed it to her on the camera. I will get a copy and send it to Maurice to pass on to her, she was so sweet. There are not many countries in the world where a child would be so happy with a pencil.

After lunch we went to a nature reserve which was really pretty and on the coast. WE had hoped to see a dugong in the sea there as they are common in that area but we didn't which was a shame.

Our last stop was at the Mele Cascades. This was when I realised I had left the bag of reef shoes at the place we stopped for lunch!!! Oh dear.

We walked though the woods and along and through the river till we got to nearly the top. We then put our swimming things on and the guide helped us to walk up the waterfall to the top pool and then we swam in the pool and stood underneath the 35 foot fall and it was so beautiful and certainly worth sitting on the bus with a sick 'Shelagh' for.

After our fill of swimming we walked back to the bottom and had another swim in the bottom pool before going and having a cup of tea and some biscuits and it was the best cup of tea I had in the whole week and a lovely way to spend my birthday.

We went out for my birthday dinner to a French restaurant which looked very nice and where we had a beer earlier in the week to shelter from a downpour. Unfortunately it was not good. I ordered a plain steak, medium. When it came it had the green peppercorn sauce on and it was so rare it looked like it could have walked to the table on its own!!! Jon had veal cutlets done in filo pastry with feta cheese and it was tough as old boots. Heather did well with pasta carbonara. Jon and I didn't eat ours and told the waiter it was bad and so he said I could have my glass of wine free. He took the plates back to the kitchen and I saw him talking to a man and when he came back he told us the food would be taken off the bill and we could have another glass of wine. I ended up having my pina colada before dinner and also a vodka cocktail Heather ordered and did not like plus two glasses of wine and all on an empty tummy!! Certainly not the best birthday dinner I have had, just as well the day trip was so good.

We caught a taxi outside and the young driver was very chatty and we told him we were going out to Erakor Island tomorrow and so he gave us his number and asked us if we would use him. They are so poor but so nice and friendly and we told him we would.

Had coffee in the apartment and watched them spray the site for mozzies, Jon was very interested in the process.

TUESDAY AND OUR LAST DAY
Woke up with really bad tummy pains this morning but did not feel ill. We, well Jon and Heather, managed to get the right order for breakfast this morning which is the first time out of the whole week. We watched them bringing down coconuts from the tree where I was sunbathing the oterh day. I am glad none fell on my head. They are holding a cultural night tonight in the hotel and we said we wouldn't go as the food had been so bad but we felt mean and so booked in but Heather and I are going for vege burgers and Jon the steak, the other option was chicken.

We calaled James to come and get us to go to the Erakor Island ferry, he was a little late but the day was once again overcast so no hurry to get out into the sun!! When he arrived we set off up the hill but his car had a bit of trouble getting up to the top so he had to let it roll down and then tried again and we went shooting to the top with the smell of burning rubber!!! We got to a busy junction and had to turn left but the car stopped and would not start again!! Amazingly not one car sounded their horn and they all just managed to get around. He told us we would ahve to go the rest of the way by bus and it just happened that his cousin was passing inhis bus so he stopped him and asked him to take us the rest of the way and even though we were last on he dropped us off first and nobody complained and some of them had a little chat to us.

We got to the ferry and you have to buy a ticket for 1000vatu but this is taken off whatever you buy to eat and drink there or kayak hire so it is a good deal and just stops people using the ferry as a free ride.

We all loved Erakor and wished we had been staying there. It only has about 30 little bungalows and you can walk round it in half an hour but it is so pretty with a lovely little chapel for weddings and an old missionary house from the 1800s. There are signs telling you to be careful of falling coconuts and the little beach is white soft sand with hundreds of starfish. There are LOTS of sunbeds, sunshades and a beach bar with waiters sooooo nice I could have stayed another week there. It was just as well we didn't need our reef shoes as the guide had said he would pick them up and bring them back to us but didn't so I hope they have found a good home.

Jon and Heather went out in a clear plastic kayak and could see the fish and hundreds more starfish, I think it must be a good breeding ground for them as there are lots of baby ones you have to be careful of as they are the same colour as the sand but the adult ones are huge and if you stood on one it would really hurt as they are tough with big spiny lumps on their backs. We made our initials out of them and went off for lunch. The staff were all very polite and we had a lovely lunch and it was, despite my tummy pains, the best meal of the week and we had two lovely puddings to share.

When we got back to the beach the starfish had moved away, but not far but you can hardly see them move. We had a nice sleep before it was time to pack up and head back. The ferry could see us getting ready to leave and so they waited for us and lots of the resort staff were going on it, too but they waited for us to get on before they did and I felt quite mean as we are no better than them. When we got off we got on the bus and once again I felt mean as this is obviously a bus that waits for them but with three tourists extra there were not enough seats for them all and so some of them started to walk. We did not realise this till it was too late and had a taxi been there we would have got that. Still they all seemed happy so off we set. The driver was so busy talking on his mobile that he went past our hotel and all the other passengers shouted at him to stop and it was a huge joke with everyone laughing, what nice people they are.

We just had enough time to shower and get ready for the 6.00 start to the cultural evening. We were put on a table with the manager and two Australian women who were really loud and a bit coarse, typical 'Shelaghs' I think. The staff talked about the food we would eat and how it was prepared and we started with the fresh coconuts they had harvested this morning. The top was shaped and a straw was in the top and we had to drink some of the milk and then they poured some rum into it and it was lovely. We were given headresses made of woven coconut leaves to wear and everyone was in a good mood and we were glad we decided to attend. They had a 'string band' playing music and the instruments really did have 'strings' on them.

The food was really good with some lovely salads and vegetable dishes, Jon's steak was delicious and our vege burgers good but a little cold. All in all very nice and I think if the manager let the chef prepare typical food dishes instead of trying to teach him Western food it would all be much better.

Dessert was mainly fruit and the staff told us all the names and most of it we would never see in Europe. They aslo had tow lovely cakes one with fruit and the other with coconut and lemons.

They then played music and we had to dance and even Jon got up. The security guard was there dancing, too with his big torch in his hand, very funny to watch. They asked who had had a birthday this week and we said we had so the band sang happy birthday to us and the second verse is really sweet as the words are 'Have a long life for you' to the same tune. So all in all a really enjoyable night apart from the Australian women.

There was lots of talk of flights cancelled due to the ash. I hope ours isn't as we have to get up at 4.00 and leave for the airport at 4.45 so we thought we had better go and finish packing and get to bed.

WEDNESDAY
It seemed to rain all night really hard and it made such a noise. I probably didn't sleep very well as I knew we had to be up early and it was so dark when we did get up.

The taxi arrived and off we went in the rain. We arrived at the airport and Heather and I went in one direction and Jon headed for Business check in!!! He had upgraded us and we didn't know so at least we wouldn't be so uncomfortable on the return journey. After check in we were told we could use the first class lounge but as the immigration staff had not started yet we couldn't go through, none of the staf apart from check in and baggage and the cafe start till 7.00 and it was only 5.30 and it was so hot and humid. We had a coffee and then eventually the airport started to wake up and we went through. We had some money left and Heather and I wanted to buy some sweets or biscuits for the office and the shop but there was nothing much from Vanuatu apart from coffee everything else came from Oz so we ended up with a beer glass for Jon, a shell magnet, a few postcards and a lonely Planet book on Pidgin.

We waited in the lounge and by now it was pouring with rain. Our flight was called and they had to bring out umbrellas to get everyone over to the plane. They had about ten which some young lad had to keep bringing back. It was a good job the plane was not too full or we could have been there for a long time.

We were the only three in Business with two crew to look after us. Air Vanuatu is as poor as the country and our welcome aboard drink of orange juice was cordial and not very nice. The flight was good and I had smoked salmon and poached eggs for my breakfast. Jon and Heather went for the other option which was sausage and steak. Not sure why Heather went for that as she didn't really like it. It got very bumpy closer to NZ and we had to wear seatbelts but on the whole not bad and took less than three hours.

It was not as cold as I thought it would be in Auckland and we just had to cross the road and we were at the hotel car park and loaded the cases. We went intot he Novotel for a coffee and then set off home.

We got back about three after stopping in Paeroa for lunch.

Heather and I went to the supermarket and then went to pick Tot up from kennels and she was so happy to see us she jumped up on the gate and cut her paw so they had to sort that out before we came home.

I cooked some fish for Jon and I and Heather had a chicken burger. We watched a bit of TV and then had an early night as we were so tired. Back to work tomorrow for Jon and Heather.

The spell check is not working so not sure how many mistakes there will be.

All packed

I packed our cases and sorted out the house, put a load of towels on to wash and then went to buy some nail varnish remover pads so I don't have to take a bottle with me. I also bought some snack things to take with us to keep Heather happy in the evenings when we want to go for a drink and she is hungry.

Walked Tot with Peter and met Bronwyn on the way back, she needed some baking paper so she came over and I gave her all what I had left in the fridge and the Kiwi fruit.

I had lunch and then went to have my mammogram ouch. it really does hurt but you just have to do it.

Went and bought a new fleece and then home for a cuppa.

Off to take Totty to kennels now :-( and Jon and Heather should be here when I get back and we will be hitting the road to Auckland. I'm excited now and no planes have been cancelled today due to the ash.

WEATHER
Warm and sunny 19 degrees

Volcanic Ash!!!

Got some washing on first thing and then took Tot out for her walk and managed to get the washing out to dry in the sun !!

Rushed through my housework and tidied lots of things away and now the house is all ready for us to go away.

Jon and Heather came home for lunch and then after they left I ironed the sheets and got them back on to the bed and I then went over to Bayfair for my manicure and pedicure.

The place I went to is not my favorite but it is quick and does the job. They have lots of Asian girls working there and they never speak to you, just to each other. The girls that did my pedicure was really rough when it came to smoothing the bottom of my feet and took a chunk of skin out. I think she thought she was dealing with a Kiwi woman as they all walk around with no shoes on and have very hard skin!! Never mind they are all done and looking pretty, I just have to keep them like this now.

I went to buy some things Heather needed and then went home and made a spaghetti sauce and waited for Heather to come home to walk the dog and she was a bit late so it was a dark walk again. As we set off my knee locked and it was so painful to walk. I have no idea what I did but it is very painful. I hope it will be better in the morning.

After dinner I went down and packed all of Heather's things. She had put them all out but is not good at putting them in the case. She is all packed now and not overweight so I just have to do mine and Jon's tomorrow. Neither of them are home for lunch tomorrow so I hope I manage to get it all done.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 18 degrees.

Getting ready for our holiday

After all the rain over the last two days it was lovely to see the sun this morning.

Jon and I took Tot down to Rotary Park for a walk and it was beautiful down there and even better as we were the only ones. Days like this in 'winter' are a real treat and make us realise how lucky we are to live here.

When we got back we packed up the car with the recycling and got ready to go out for coffee. Michelle came to collect Heather and they went for walk up the Mount.

There is a new Coffee Club cafe opened up at Bayfair and we went there for coffee and it and the muffin was very good.

Jon is doing well with his contact lens and so now needed some sunglasses so we went off to buy them and I got some new reading sunglasses as mine are so old and out of date. Not sure how Jon is going to remember what he should be wearing between his normal glasses, lens, sunglasses and I don't know how many other pairs he seems to have!!

We then bought some suncream and then went to buy a chicken for dinner and then off home.

We had lunch and then I did some ironing and got all the washing from the line in and ironed while I watched Dancing on Ice.

Jon and Heather went off to buy some reef shoes. You need them in the islands as there is a lot of coral and lots of spiny little fish about.

I sorted out clothes with Heather and we are more or less there now and will just need to pack on Tuesday morning. Hopefully Jon and Heather will finish at 4.00 and we can be on our way by 5.00.

My tooth is still playing me up though not as bad. I really do think it is my tooth and and not my face and think I will continue with the antibiotics just to keep any infection away and maybe go for a second opinion when we get back. I can't eat on the right side of my mouth and it is sensitive to heat but cold is good. I have read so much on the Internet and my head is full of things. One thing is for sure I am not going to have any root canal work done, I would prefer them to take it out than have that.

WEATHER
A sunny morning and cloudy afternoon with occasional sunny spells 19 degrees.

My tooth/face pain is a mystery

I got up and showered and went out to the doctors, no appointment needed on Saturday and Sunday. Not too many people in front of me but with one thing and another I was there for 1 hour 45 minutes.

First I saw the nurse and told her why I was there and she put it on the computer. I then waited for the doctor who seemed happy to play and chat to the children in front of me and I realised you get far more time for your money on Saturdays! Eventually, Heath, came in to see me and I explained what had gone on so far in the past week. He said it could be neuralgia but it could also be my tempromandibullar joint (the joint that joins jaw to skull). He didn't want to rush in to the medication for neuralgia as it is very strong. He decided on a blood test and then a muscle relaxant drug and codeine and Panadol every four hours. So off I went with all my pills and hoped he was right.

Jon had an appointment to try out contact lens so he had gone over to Bayfair. I got home and bought a coffee on the way back but as it hurts so much when I have anything hot I really don't think it is worth it.

We decided that Jon should go out shopping on his own and also pick up the new lens that the optician called him about just to try for holiday and see how he gets on. He aslo needed to buy shorts. Heather and I decided to go out for lunch and then do the bikini shopping which has been ongoing for some weeks now but the ones she likes are all very expensive.

We had some nice Thai pumpkin soup for lunch but once again it was difficult to eat and so was not such a good choice for me.

We walked the length of the main street both sides and found not one but two bikinis in the very last shop - pity we didn't start the other way round and it would have been the first shop! Never mind, she got two which were in a sale and real bargains so she is very pleased.

We then went to Bayfair and the supermarket. I am just doing mini shops at the moment as I don't want to end up with lots of fruit and veg as we are going away.

Got back and had a cup of tea which I managed to drink so maybe the medication, which might make me sleepy and I am not to drink much, is working.

Heather gave me a lovely keyring tonight an early birthday present. It is a digital one and holds over 100 photos and she has put photos on taken last year in Thailand, it is really cute.

I cooked a quick curry for dinner which was quite spicy but tasty.

I have only managed to get some washing dried in the dryer today and have a load of jeans which can't go in the dryer and I have nowhere to hang them so I hope we have some dry weather tomorrow

I had a lovely email from Victoria's mum telling me how much she and Victoria appreciated staying here which was very kind of her.

I have just had my last coffee before bed and so far I have been able to drink it with no problem. I really don't know what to think about this as I have only had one lot of the medication and it feels better but it still feels like it is the tooth rather than the joint. The tooth feels numb but all the gum around it feels fine but I can't bite on it. Do I take more medication? I don't know! Let's see what tomorrow brings.

WEATHER
Started OK but then turned to rain heavy off and on all day 16 degrees

Another visit to the dentist!

It was a very early start today and a very wet one. I got Victoria to the bus stop and the bus was about 15 minutes late and it was pouring down with rain. Rather her than me sitting on a bus for 6 hours!! I was sad to see her go as I have really enjoyed having her to stay. She has a lot of luggage and her backpack nearly pulls her over!!

I rushed back home and got ready for the Red Cross and off I went. I was only there half an hour and then I had to go out for my gynae appointment. All is still well in that area so next visit is in three months.

Back to the shop and I bought two coffees for Les and I from the hospital cafe and it was very difficult getting them back without spilling them but I managed.

The rest of the morning went over fast and we were busy. The new manager is having a tough time as her little boy has pneumonia and also some other illness and has been in and out of hospital and she is exhausted and all when she starts a new job. Bianca, the old manager, came in to see us and her bump is growing nicely, she has three weeks to go.

I finished work and went over to Cherrywood to my keep fit lunch. Viv and Margaret had saved a seat for me and I ordered a panini which was very nice. We had a good laugh and as usual we were last to leave.

As I was still having a lot of pain in my tooth I went back to the dentist and they kindly fitted me in. He took another x-ray and checked it again but says it is fine and he really doesn't know what is causing it. I think I might go mad.

I got home and lit the fire put some washing on and had a cup of tea and it was so nice to relax and only think of me for an hour so I watched an episode of Downton Abbey which I am really enjoying.

Jon came home and we watched the news for the first time this week!! Heather has gone out with some of the office people for a drink for a 40th birthday. She came home in time for fish and chips.

As my mouth is so sore I didn't really enjoy it and I think I might go to the doctor tomorrow as I would like this sorted before I go away.

We watched some TV after dinner and it was very cosy by the fire and listening to the heavy rain still falling outside.

I went on Facebook and my cousin commented on my status about my 'toothache'. She said it might be neuralgia and so I Googled it and blow me it fits with all the symptoms so I will definitely go and see the doctor tomorrow. The usual painkillers will not work as I have found out over the last week. Hopefully we can get it under control before I go away but it seems like it can't be cured and it is likely to come back but it might not be for years so fingers crossed.

I am off to bed now.

WEATHER

Heavy rain all day 15 degrees

A busy day

I still have toothache and I am getting really fed up with it now and think I will have to go back to the dentist.

I had breakfast and then took Tot for a walk and got grass all over my feet again from the park where they have just cut it.

When I got back Victoria was ready and we went out and drove straight to Karangahake Gorge where we stopped for my first time at the cafe across the road and had a lovely coffee. It is a lovely old building with lots of crafts and gifts around the place.

We walked along the path and to the old mine and had a look in there. I then thought we would go along the window walk that James did and he said it was fine. However, he didn't mention that a torch was needed!!! He probably never thought about it as he would have had the light on his phone and we didn't!! We walked so far along but it was pitch black so we turned back and returned the way we came.

When we left the gorge I decided we should go and see some waterfalls close by which Jon and I have been meaning to visit but never have. We went off the road and climbed up a hill and came to a bend in the road and a waterfall was going under it. We carried on up as we thought there must be a better view but found nothing so came back to the bridge and parked the car. We had a look at the falls and we both felt disappointed. We got back into the car and headed down the hill and then Victoria said she could see something through the trees so we parked in a lay by and walked down a track and there they were Owaharoa Falls and they were really pretty. Victoria said she would like to come back in the summer and go for a swim in the pool at the bottom but not today!!

We drove along to see Victoria Battery which is the remains of the old mine workings. A good photo opportunity for Victoria. She told me her name is not common in USA but of course over here there are lots of things named Victoria after the Queen who was reigning at the time of the pioneers settling here. So I took her photo by the sign.

We then drove into Waihi and had a look at Martha's Mine which is an open gold mine and really huge. We then had a nice Subway for our lunch and headed on to Katikati to see the murals. I think by now Victoria was really tired and so we headed home.

We got home and had time to have a cuppa before going out to meet Heather for netball. I went to the supermarket and the health food shop to get some oil of cloves for my tooth but the lady in the shop said it might burn and to try the hydrogen peroxide first so off to the chemist to buy that, not sure I like the idea though but I will do anything to get rid of the pain.

I cooked dinner and the girls eventually came back so we were very late having dinner. Victoria had all her packing to do and boy does she have a lot!!! I don't know how she manages to carry it all. She is going to leave a small bag of stuff here.

Off to bed now as I need to be up and out to take Victoria to bus at 7.15

WEATHER
Cloudy and cooler 15 degrees but a little bit of sun.

A visit to the dentist

Kirsty called first thing this morning and we had a chat about weddings and things, she seems to be very organised.

I toot Tot out and then Victoria and I went into to Tauranga to book her bus ticket for Friday to Taupo. Unfortunately, the website was down and she couldn't do it so she will have to try later online.

We had a look around the shops and tried some nice smelling creams and things and had a look at the Maori weaving in the Library. I then went off to the dentist and she had a wander around town.

I arrived early and he saw me straight away but could find nothing wrong. He thinks the gum may be receding and I have an infection so he put a bit of paste around the tooth which will hopefully block any tiny cracks near the nerve and gave me a course of antibiotics and told me to come back if it is still bad on Monday - two days before we go away!!!!

I got the prescription and some tablets to take for 'antibiotic support'!!! They are supposed to put the good bacteria back into your gut that the antibiotics take out. Not sure how that works but thought it would be good for my tum as we are going away and I don't want to get any tummy bugs while away and I have read that these help but usually forget to take them - watch this space.

I then met up with Victoria again and we shopped a bit more and then went to The Classic Flyer's for lunch which was so good. BLAT Bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato on Turkish bread, consistently good there. I then bought Jon's surprise birthday present - I hope he will like it.

A quick trip to the shop to buy some fish and then we went out to McLaren Falls and park which Victoria liked very much but then who wouldn't?

We got back and Victoria was going to watch Heather at netball practice but decided against it as she needed to sort some laundry out and book her bus ticket. I called Heather to say she wouldn't be coming and Heather told me she had been trying to call me to say it was off anyway!

We sat and had a cup of tea and I took some painkillers so far the antibiotics have not made a difference.

I prepared the dinner and Jon and Heather came home. They walked Tot as I was busy cooking and trying to dry some washing.

The snapper for dinner was good and then we just sat and chatted. I am really pleased Heather gets on with Victoria they have a lot in common which is nice for them both.

Just about to go to bed and not much improvement with my tooth. I really hope it gets better as I really don't have time to be going to the dentist.

WEATHER
Bright and sunny with a few clouds and the odd spot of rain 16 degrees

A rotten tothache

The first thing I did was phone the dentist as soon as I could. They had no spaces but put me on the cancellation list and said they would speak to the dentist and call me back. I got a call a bit later to say they could see me tomorrow so I will just have to grin and bear it.

After Jon and Heather left for work I got on and did some washing and got it hung out. Tot would not go out for a walk as she could hear the binmen.

Victoria got up about 10.00 and after breakfast we went to the post office to post a parcel to Jon's nephew's new baby - baby 26 or is it 27 I am losing count!!!

We then went for a walk around the Historic Village and I bought some rose quartz earrings to go with my new pendent that I hope Jon has bought for my birthday!!!

Back home we had lunch with Jon and Heather and then we took Tot out to Te Puna Quarry and had a walk around. Victoria sat in the back on the return home as Tot wouldn't keep still on the way there and covered her with hair. We drove down to Rotary park on the way back and had a walk around there,too.

We had a cup of tea when we got back and I cooked the dinner. Heather went to the hairdressers straight from work and Jon went to the gym.

We had dinner and then watched some TV.

I am really looking forward to going to the dentist tomorrow and that's a first.

WEATHER
Cloudy first thing then the sun broke through mid afternoon 17 degrees

Too wet to climb the Mount

After such a lovely day yesterday we woke to heavy cloud and drizzle. We toot Tot out for a damp walk and then went down to the Mount and had a coffee and a muffin. I have been having a lot of pain from one of my back teeth which is annoying as I was only at the dentist about 10 days ago. I will need to see him ASAP as I don't want this toothache on holiday!!

The weather was looking pretty miserable and you couldn't see the top of the Mount so we walked around the base track rather than up it. The sea was really rough and we enjoyed the walk and watching the waves crashing onto the rock, Victoria said it reminded her of home.

We then went to a swimsuit shop which was advertising a sale and I bought a new costume for holiday which is very nice.

Then on to Bayfair where we had lunch and then Heather and Victoria went off around the shops on their own and I looked for a present for Jon's new niece, Essie - baby 26 now!!!!

We met up with the girls and came home. I prepared dinner and then Jon and I took Tot out again before coming home to eat dinner.

Watched TV and had a chatting evening before going to bed. Victoria is a lovely girl and very easy to get along with. She has been missing home a lot and I think she is enjoying being in a house with a family as opposed to a hostel. Not sure how long she is staying but it is nice to have her around.

Hopefully my tooth will not give me too much trouble tonight.

WEATHER
Wet first thing and then drizzle but clearer later 17 degrees

A visitor from USA

After all the rain yesterday we woke to a lovely morning. We were just about to take Tot out when Heather came upstairs to say Jane was going to call/ Tot's walk was put on hold and we had a chat to Jane.

We had to cut the chat short and get Tot out as we needed to be in Rotorua to meet Victoria. We left home late and texted her to say we would be late. Normally the trip takes 40-50 minutes but today it took forever and was made worse by getting stuck behind a car towing a boat.

We eventually arrived at her hostel and she was waiting outside with all her luggage - it must be difficult trying to get it all around.

We headed out to the luge but of course it was holiday weekend and the queues were so long we decided not to wait as it would have taken forever. We went back into town and went to the Fat Dog for lunch which, as usual, was very nice.

We then went to have a look at Lake Tarawera and then the Blue and Green Lakes before going out to Hell's Gate thermal park which was pretty impressive and very smelly. We enjoyed walking around there and seeing the 'hot' waterfall.

We drove home passing Kiwi 360 on the way for Victoria to have her photo taken by the big Kiwi fruit.

Back home I got the dinner sorted, roast lamb and roasted veg and lemon pudding which all went down well. Jon and I took Tot out while it was cooking.

We had a nice chat over dinner and then watched some TV. It is so warm again tonight and I still have the doors wide open. Last night we were sat round the fire and today has been hot again!!!!

WEATHER
Warm and sunny with some cloud 20 degrees

Lots of rain.

After overnight rain we woke to rain and should have taken the brief opportunity of a dry spell to get Tot out as it was the only one of the day so no walk for Tot today.

Heather slept late after her night out last night so we didn't see her this morning and went out for coffee before she was up. We went over to a new cafe near Briscoe's but although the coffee was very good the muffin was not so good.

We then went into Briscoe's, they have a Queens Birthday Weekend' sale. We bought a new washing basket as mine is broken and a new ironing board.

We then went to the warehouse where we bought a new bedside table for Jon as I broke his other one - standing on it to clean the window - oops. We also bought a tarpaulin to cover the wood though by now it is probably quite wet!!!

Back home it was time for lunch and Heather was up and watching TV.

After lunch Jon and Heather went out to Bayfair and I stayed home and cooked a casserole for dinner and a Tarte Tatin for pudding.

The daughter of a friend of a friend of mine from America phoned to say she was now in Rotorua and thinking of coming to Tauranga. I invited her to stay with us and hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and we can show her around a little. We will go and pick her up from Rotorua and go to the luge and maybe one of the thermal parks.

Heather came back with more clothes from the shops but said it was Jon's fault as he went for an eye test and so she had to fill her time doing something!!!! She also bought the Kiwi version of Monopoly which we played before dinner and not having played for years and years I quite enjoyed it.

Dinner was pretty good with no complaints and pudding was also yummy so despite the weather a good day for us all.

WEATHER
Rain all day but still 17 degrees

Winter

I took Tot out for her walk but she really wasn't happy as it was too windy!!!

Went off to Red Cross and we were really busy with lots of stock to take off the shelves and new stock to put out. The new manager was late coming in as her little boy is not well and she had spent part of the night in the hospital with him as he has D&V and high temperature. He is only 10 months and just started a nursery so I imagine he must have picked something up, poor little chap.

Got home and made lunch for us, Heather is still on cereal twice a day so not much for her but we had some nice soup.

After lunch I brought some of the new delivery of logs into the garage as the forecast is for lots of rain this weekend - typical it is a bank holiday!!! It was hard work but I managed to get a lot of them into the garage. We will need to cover the rest so they don't get wet.

I then vacuumed the house as I didn't do it on Monday and then made a cup of tea and watched Downton Abbey which I am really enjoying.

Jon and Heather came home and Heather got ready to go out. Jon took her over to meet the girls from the office and she will come back in a taxi later but so far no sign of her.

I had a phone call from Les to tell me that her daughter in law had given birth to a little boy today so she was very happy. I hope she will be able to get up to see him soon.

We had fish and chips and watched TV.

WEATHER
Cold and windy 17 degrees

I really don't like my GP

Jon went straight to a meeting in Rotorua this morning so didn't have to leave till 8.30 so Heather had to drive herself to work today.

It was certainly worth having the fire last night as the house was so much warmer this morning.

After taking Tot for her walk I went off for my doctor's appointment. I had asked to see a lady so they had put me in with the doctor I am registered with but have only seen twice. She is Scottish and really not very nice. She made me feel intimidated and having plucked up the courage to go about a 'woman's' problem I really could have done without her 'attitude'. Anyway she is going to refer me to a consultant but made me feel as if I was in the wrong as I did not have private medical insurance nor was I prepared to pay for private treatment and she then had the nerve to ask me if I was a resident!!!! I won't be going to see her again, that's for sure.

I then went into Tauranga and had a coffee and did some shopping and finally managed to find a new nightie similar to the ones I brought with me from the UK and it is very pretty.

I then did my supermarket shop and got home in time to do lunch for Heather who needed a big lunch as she is playing netball straight from work.

After lunch I was just thinking about calling Viv when she called me so I invited her round for a cup of tea and then called Margaret and invited her round too so we enjoyed a nice chat.

When they left I fed the dog and took her for a walk and came back and did the bit of ironing I had and then went onto the computer to try and download the books I had bought for my eReader. I tried for ages and could not do it. Jon came home and tried and he couldn't do it. Heather finally came home after we had had dinner and she couldn't do it but did eventually work it out so I now have three new books ready for my holidays - that will save some weight in the suitcase.

WEATHER
A cold start but sunny and warm later 17 degrees

A hard walk up the Mount

Once again it was cold first thing this morning but the sun was out so it soon warmed up.

I had a quick chat to my sister, Joyce, this morning as I haven't spoken to her for ages so that was nice to catch up.

I took the dog out for a quick walk and then went over to the Mount to meet Les. Since the heavy rain in February some of the tracks up the Mount have been closed due to slips so the only track to the top that is open is the most difficult one. It is mostly steps and it kills your legs. I had changed into a long sleeved top before I left home as it was cold but I soon regretted it as I got so hot. It was a lovely day though and the sun was shinning on the first day of winter and Tauranga topped the chart for the hottest spot in the country. Although very steep the track is much faster to the top than the others and we were soon enjoying the views.

After a little sit down and a chat to recover we then set off back down which was so much easier. We then went for a coffee and shared a well deserved scone!

I then went to have a haircut at 12.00 before going home for lunch and I arrived at the same time as Jon and Heather - oops!

After lunch I bought some books online for my eReader but then couldn't upload them so need to look into that before we go on holiday.

I waited for the men from Genera to bring the firewood but as they hadn't arrived by 4.30 I took Tot out. I saw the men on the way and by the time I got back they were chopping up the huge lumps that Jon had not been able to. They were very big men and I would not like to meet them on a dark night. I can't believe Jon is their boss they would make six of him they are so big and covered in tattoos. I hope he never upsets them!!! They stacked all the wood very nicely so we now have more than enough for winter we just need to get it all into the garage before we have rain or it will all get wet.

Heather didn't feel like going for a walk tonight and I was quite pleased about that as my trip up the Mount was more than enough walking for one day.

I cooked a nice fish chowder for dinner tonight. Jon and I enjoyed it but Heather made some pasta as she didn't like it.

WEATHER
Cold first thing then warm and sunny 19 degrees.