Meatloaf!!!

I was awake very early after a very restless night so got up as I have a lot to do and wonder how I am going to do it all over the next two weeks!!!

It was too wet to walk Tot and she was scared by the binmen anyway so no point in trying.

I went for my hospital appointment and went in straight away and all is good and the biopsy is clear so just need to go back for my usual three monthly checkup.

I went in to Tauranga to get some packing boxes for Heather and popped into a shop and found some nice leggings and a top. When I went to pay I didn't have my card and thought Heather might have used it for an Internet purchase and not put it back. The lady put the clothes to one side and I said I would call back tomorrow.

I phoned Heather but she said she had not used it so I had to try and think back to when I last used it but my brain wasn't working so I went and sat down and had a coffee and fortunately had cash to buy it. I went over what I had done yesterday and decided I must have left it at the breast cancer desk when I registered us for the walk. It was close to where I was so went down there.

A lady who used to be in Lions was at the desk today and as soon as she saw me she said we have your card here I was going to call you when I got home - phew!!! After a catch up chat with her I went back to buy my clothes.

I had a quick look around the shops for birthday presents and cards and then bought two packing boxes for Heather. We need to look into the cheapest way of sending her things back - she has far too much.

I then went to the supermarket and picked up some empty boxes for us to pack stuff in to move or 'shift' as they say here.

I got back and made pasta and sauce for Heather and I as Jon is out for lunch and we have Meatloaf concert tonight so will just have a snack.

I then went over to the book rooms and Patsy and I got stuck in to arranging the boxes for puzzles and setting out the boxes to take the magazines. Because so many books have come in lately they have just been piled up and are in such a muddle it is hard to know where to start. I think we made some progress no doubt someone will come along and have a better way of doing it and want it moving which seems to happen quite a lot.

When I got back I was so tired so had a cup of tea and then took Tot out before getting stuck into the ironing - again. I had wanted to catch up with Downton Abbey as I have three episodes to watch and another will be on tonight and I need to get them watched before we move or I will lose them but Jon came home early and put paid to my viewing.

The builder called to arrange to come on Saturday and Sunday at 10.00 I said OK much to Heather's disgust but it needs to be done.

We had a snack and went out to Tect Arena. So many people must have got the money back as it was not very full. Our tickets were standing but the seated area was not full so I managed to sit there most of the night. It was a pretty awful show and very boring, he should have stopped live shows when he was good. I hardly recognised the songs as they were that bad. It was also very loud and I had to go out as it made my head vibrate and I felt horrible. One of the door staff gave me some disposable earplugs which were very helpful and I managed to watch the rest but was glad when it ended - very sad.

Got home in five minutes even though it was raining very hard and Tot had done a wee on the carpet. I don't know how she can go all day and not do anything and then you leave her for a few hours and she does a wee!!!
WEATHER
Cloudy and heavy showers and drizzle 19 degrees

So much stress in moving house!

I was up early this morning as I wanted to get my hair dyed before we had our meeting with the estate agent. I managed to get it finished and three loads of washing out on the line and the dog walked all before 9.30.

The consultant's secretary left me a message to ask if I could make 9.15 tomorrow instead of 11.45. I can but it does mean missing my class.

I met Jon at the office and we met the Principal of the agents who is a very nice man and is blind. He asked us to explain our story to him which we did and Sue and her husband Gary were looking very nervous. I wonder if she was worried we might mention that she offered her daughter's house to us?? Jon told the Principal that we had been put under undue pressure and when Gary, Sue's husband, asked by who Jon told him Sue and she didn't even try to defend herself. Anyway the long and the short of it is we told them we would like to be released from the lease on 14 November and we would not take it further. I think they were relieved that is all we wanted as we were within our rights to get compensation from them and Seleena but that is not what we wanted at all. We just want to move out and get on with enjoying our life here.

Jon and I left and they told us they would contact Seleena and I think both Sue and Gary might have been in for a few words from the Principal. I just hope lessons have been learned from it all.

We went for coffee and a chat before Jon went back to work and I went into Tauranga to register five of us for the Breast Cancer walk on Wednesday. I collected some books from a house on my way back.

I got back and sorted more things out. I am taking everything downstairs and will pack it down there. The cupboards are looking empty. I heated two tins of soup for lunch today as it will be two tins less to move. Why do you need soup on a hot day? Jon asked!!!

I went over to the book rooms later and there are so many books there now and more coming in. I think they need to make a plan of the categories as it is a little chaotic there at the moment. It did look better when we had finished though.

I got back and got stuck in to my ironing and all the washing I had brought in from the line.

Jon and Heather came home and I cooked dinner and carried on with more ironing till bedtime.

WEATHER

Long sunny spells and 21 degrees.

Looking forward to the new house

Just feels like we are on a roller coaster and can't get off at the moment.

We took Tot out and then had to dash over to meet the agent at the new house to measure for furniture. I love the views and I am sure I will get used to the house which is old with beams and old fashioned light fittings but never mind.

We then went for coffee and met up with Bronwyn before going back home and picking Heather up. We then went to give the cheque to the lady for the furniture we bough yesterday. Our cards have a limit on them and so we could not pay for all the furniture so had to go back today with a cheque. Strange really as I always carried my cheque book around in UK now I just have my debit card and that is usually enough. Well it is all paid for now and delivery arranged.

We then went to look at kettles and kitchen things we might need. We ended up with a wooden patio set and a food processor!!

We were by now very hungry and so went for lunch and had a very nice steak sandwich but I really should have asked for it with no chips as I could not resist them!

It was then off to another shop to look at TVs but we didn't buy one as it would not fit in the car and Jon is going to arrange with Mike to collect some things once we have the key.

Finally we got back about 3.30. I went across to Alison's to giver her birthday card but I had missed her birthday, it was Thursday and I had in my head 30th. Never mind she liked her card and we arranged to meet on Wednesday for the Breast Cancer Walk.

We had a cup of tea and Heather and I watched some Neighbours and Jon washed the car. We need to catch up with TV as we will have to leave the Sky box so need to watch my episodes of Downton Abbey.

Heather and I finally got motivated and I started to clear out cupboards and she sorted things to go back to UK so we did quite well in the end.

I cooked rack of lamb for dinner which was very nice.

WEATHER

Beautiful day 21 degrees

So much to do!

We were up and getting ready this morning when the doorbell rang and Jon answered it to find the builder there and asking to come in to repair the hole in the wall he made over two weeks ago!! Jon told him it would not be possible as Heather was still in bed and we really did not want to be bothered with builders over the weekend - not unreasonable! He told us he could only work at weekends and may not be able to come back till next month. Not my problem Jon said. So not sure what is going to happen. Legally we should have 24 hours notice before someone comes into the house and since he left 9 days ago we have heard nothing from him. - Watch this space!

Jon started cleaning the garage and sorting boxes and then we went over to Bayfair for a coffee and then on to look at furniture prices. We checked out Farmers which look pretty good especially for whiteware and then we checked out Harvey Norman who were expensive for furniture and beds. We found some lovely bears that were being sold cheaply after the World Cup and so bought two, for us and Heather. I then thought the children next door would like them so bought three more plus one each for Jane and Kirsty. We now have a lot of bears!

We continued on to a place called Furniture 4 You which is close to the Red Cross shop and they we really came up trumps. We bought a lovely leather three piece suit, greatly reduced to 'get rid of it' with lovely recliner chairs and sofa. We then bought a lovely recycled pine dining table and six chairs and a single bed and tow queen beds and all for the grand total of $5,000 which we thought was pretty good.

When we got back we called Allen, the agent, and he told us the landlord would like us to start the lease as from 11 November so it looks like we will move into our new house sometime that week!!!

I went over to Bayfair again with Heather this afternoon while Jon finished the garage. We bought another bear for Bronwyn and a few tops for Heather before going across to Lisa's' to see the puppies and collect Heather's car. The puppies are so sweet.

We had some nice asparagus and smoked salmon for dinner tonight.

Really looking forward to moving into our new house now but not looking forward to all the packing!!

WEATHER

Rain and cloud most of the day 19 degrees

Meatloaf Concert - I don't think so!!!

It makes so much difference when the weather is warmer to getting out of bed in the morning. I rang the agent about the house to confirm it is all going ahead and asked him to call us to arrange a time to go and view and measure for fridge and deck furniture and to have a look inside to see what combination of sofa and chairs we want. He will call me tomorrow morning as he was on the way to Auckland.

I took Tot out for her walk and then went off to the Red Cross. We were really busy this morning putting out stock and sorting out the shop. Sharon, Les and I all work very well together and have the shop looking good by the end of our shifts. It is a shame they other volunteers are not so good!!

I got home late and met Linda one of my neighbours in the drive. She was doing a bit of gardening and I stopped the car to say hello. I told her I was late for lunch and hungry and had to go and she offered me a quiche dish she had made without pastry and I said I would like it and thank you.

When I got in I ate it and it was lovely. Made with feta cheese, potato and Swiss chard and very good. I will miss my neighbours and they say they are going to miss us a lot too.

I spent far too long sorting photos out on Facebook and before I knew it it was 4.30. I fed Tot and started to do some of my mountain of ironing.

Jon and Heather were in by 5.30 and Jon brought in the fish and chips. Very early to eat but we had to leave just after 7.00 to go to the new arena to see Meatloaf.

We left the house at 7.15 and arrived and joined the queue of cars waiting to go into the car park. A car drew up alongside of us and signalled to open the window and he told us the concert was cancelled and then we saw all the cars turning round and coming out of the car park. Even the chap on the gate was not sure what was happening and everyone was confused. We then had a call from Mike, who works with Jon and Heather, and he told us it was cancelled as he was ill and it would now be on Tuesday. What a pain for all the people who have travelled a long way!!

So we drove across to Welcome Bay to show Heather the house and the garden looked even better as the tide was in so the water was lapping up to the bottom of the garden, it is so pretty. She liked it even though we could not get inside.

We got back home and Heather went out to meet Lisa and we had a glass of wine and I spent more time sorting out photos on Facebook and trying to sort out the dates on this blog and I think I have now but I seem to be missing Saturday 15 October and don't know where it has gone. Never mind.

WEATHER
Overcast with a few sunny spells and a bit of light drizzle 18 degrees

Sorry

Sorry about the blog being out of order. Not sure what they have done but I used to be able to put a post on as a draft and type it later but it always appeared in the correct date order. Now they all come on the date I publish so they are all mixed up. I am not sure if I can sort it out so will have to put dates on all my posts now.

Things don't get any easier!

I was awake early this morning as my brain is working overtime and thinking of all the things we have to do regarding the move.

I took Tot out for her walk and then went over to collect books from two houses and ended up with a very full car.

I then went to have a look at fridges and freezers etc at the pawnshop. I had passed it the other day, never noticed it before, and saw they had white goods outside and as we need to buy everything thought I would check them out. Definitely a non starter they were all pretty horrible so I think it is all going to be new stuff.

I then went to the courier office to collect two parcels one was some cooking utensils I had bought online and the other was Jon's old passport. He needs a new one as he has run out of pages. Hopefully it will be here in five days and then he will need to send it away again to have the residents visa put in.

I had a quick coffee and then went to the supermarket before going home to get lunch for Heather and me, beans on toast.

After lunch I went out to Bethlehem and the book rooms. They are better rooms than we had but now it is all in a muddle and we have so much to do to get it sorted.

Once home I fed Tot and took her out again and then intended to do my ironing but as Margaret had called and left a message yesterday I thought I ought to call her and so spent half an hour on the phone.

Jon came in and told me that Seleena had sent an email to Ross (he is the son in law of the owner of the company and originally got this house for us) telling him that she has organised a van to collect the furniture on 2 December and is having the phone, Internet and electricity cut off on that day, too. So obviously she now is not going to communicate with us.

Jon was really angry and forwarded the email to the agent and told her to speak to Seleena and tell her to stop putting so much pressure on us. She can't turn us out (though we will probably be gone by then anyway) as we have the right to stay. Jon has said we will take legal action unless she sorts herself out. He will call the agent to arrange an appointment to go and see them. Meanwhile, we have not seen sight or sound of the builder so not sure when he is going to come in and finish the job. There is just no end to it all.

An old friend of ours is in NZ visiting his son in Wellington. Jon worked with this man in the Sudan and we haven't seen them for about 25 years. He hoped to get up here but he is now not going to make it as his plans are tight and he called tonight for a chat and it was as if 25 years had only been yesterday. He and his wife now live in France and so hopefully we will get over to see them but not sure when that will be but at least we are in contact again.

Had a nice stir fry for dinner. Heather came in and she won her last netball game.
WEATHER
Overcast with some occasional, light drizzle 19 degrees

House hunting

Early start again and then a chat to Kirsty but I had to rush off to my swimming class which was lovely and nice to be in the sun.

We all went for coffee and then I went home had lunch and went to meet Jon and heather at the house we were to look at.

One look in the door and we knew we didn't like it and I think the agent knew we wouldn't like it as he told us straight away he had another that he thought we would like better and as soon as he finished with the other couple viewing (they thought it was a wonderful house but they looked a little odd) he would meet us there.

The second house was nearer to where we are now but with two big dogs in the drive that belong to the neighbour it was a non starter, they would eat Tot for a snack!!

We then went across to Welcome Bay and I had said I didn't want to go there as it is a bit further out of town. When I saw the house and where it was and the garden I fell in love with it. The garden goes right down to the water and is directly across the estuary from our Rotary Park where we walk the dog. The garden is big with some lovely trees and to Jon's delight a lemon tree which he has always wanted for his G&T!!!

The house is a bit old and has pine walls inside but the views make up for it. The kitchen is also old but then we knew we would never get another like this. It has four bedrooms and what they call a 'rumpus' room downstairs which leads onto the garden and has a snooker room and table which would be left unlocked for the 'right' tenants - us!!

The owner is building a double garage at the front as the garage is at the back and down a slope and difficult to get into, he is also going to put electronic gates on which would be lovely and safe with the dog going out. He also said he will consider a new bathroom in the future but wants the garage done first. It has an wood fire which also heats water if you need it failing that the water is heated with solar panels.

The agent called tonight and told us the owner will allow the dog and likes the look and sound of us, the agent sent him a photo taken on his phone. The agent is very happy to have us as we are a safe and good bet. Hopefully it will all go through OK and then we have to start buying furniture as we have none.

I finally got home and fed Tot then rushed out to the supermarket as I had nothing out for dinner. I got back and walked Tot and then made the dinner and I am more than ready for bed now as my feet don't feel as if they have touched the ground all day.

WEATHER
Lovely sunshine 19 degrees

Tuesday??????

After listening to Jon sniff and cough all night I was glad to get up this morning. Just as well it was such a lovely day or I might have been in a bad mood!! Not even sure what day it is with having a bank holiday!

Dreamt a lot about houses and moving last night. I will be glad when this is all sorted and we have moved.

I found a few potential houses last night but had to go and get Tot from kennels early so had to wait to call them. Tot was very happy to see me and very happy to get home.

I called the agent of the house I like best and set up a viewing for tomorrow. Sounds like it might be a good deal as the house is an investment and so it is for long term let. It is in a nice area but across the other side of town. There is a lovely park there and it is right on the coast but of the inner harbour. I know a couple of ladies from Lions who live there and it is not too far for Jon to get into work. So fingers crossed. Most importantly, they will allow a dog.

I went to my keep fit class and stayed for a coffee. One of the ladies had a big box of books for me to take to Lions.

On my way home I looked at another house between here and where my class is but I think it is in an area that is too busy with lots of traffic.

Got home and hung another load of washing out, four in total.

Two of my nails are damaged and I only had them painted on Thursday so I called the salon and I went at 12.00 to have them repainted. Fortunately, it was a different girl and she took more time. Whitney, the girl that did them the first time took a lot of time over them but the girl on Thursday seemed in a hurry which is probably why one peeled off and the other two chipped. My fall on the glacier didn't help either. Anyway, they charged me $10 to re do them so I am happy with that.

Rushed in to the supermarket to get a few things and then got home just in time for Heather's lunch, Jon has an all day meeting.

After lunch I had a bit of a rest as I seem to have been on the go since last week without stopping and my head is all over the place.

I took Tot out and fed her and then got ready for my Lions dinner meeting. I thought the builder might be coming but I was not sure and as I have no number for him and he left without saying anything on Thursday I can't let him know I will be out. Tough luck for him!!

I picked Janice up and we went across to the restaurant. We had another Lions club join us for dinner so a big group. Dinner was as good as ever and we had a lovely Pavlova for pudding with lemon buns and raspberry sauce.

The speaker was a man, born in Burnley and arrived here with his parents and brothers many years ago, his father was an alcoholic and beat them before eventually leaving home. He grew up and got into drugs and had a pretty terrible life. He finally turned it all around and is now married and has five children and gives talks to schools and communities about mainly drug addiction but also to troubled youngsters. I have never heard anyone speak with more passion, he was really good. He also works on an ambulance crew and told us some very sad stories about young people being killed by drink/drug driving and suicide which is a big problem here. All in all a very good meeting.

I did my Tail Twisting bit with the Tail Twister from the other club and it all went well.

When I got home Jon told me he had a reply from the agent telling us that they knew nothing about the emails Seleena had sent to us and now say they want to meet with us and the principal of the company to help us and to sort it all out and move forward. I think Seleena has really shot herself in the foot with the email she sent to us telling us we had to stay till January. I think she was covering herself and did not expect to get an offer so soon and so she wanted to make sure of the rent. Now of course she is worried about losing the sale. It serves her right for being so difficult as all of this could have been avoided. Not sure when we will get to see the agents though as Jon is busy at work with meetings. Hopefully if we like this house tomorrow we can get it all done and dusted and everyone will be happy.

WEATHER
Beautiful sunny day 25 degrees

Nice nails again!

I had an early phone call from Kirsty this morning and we had a chat about how things are going for her. I had to finish though as I needed to get Tot out and then get to my appointment to have my nails done.

I really don't like the woman who is the manager of the salon - she calls everyone love or darling and I hate it.

I had my nails done by a new girl as the other one has gone to work in Oz. She was very nice but didn't do as good a job but they still look nice.

I then went for a coffee and to buy something for dinner. On the way home I went to post the Hakka bear to China for Mr Wong's son and the presents to Jane and Kirsty from China.

I popped in to see Bronwyn on the way back as Peter has been in hospital. He is OK now but needs to go back next week.

I got home and typed a letter to the owner of the house we like. They have said on the web that they don't want pets but I thought there was no harm in writing and explaining our situation and the estate agent has said she will give us a reference if need be. I can't lose anything and who knows he might say yes!

I got my clothes out to pack and then Carol, the Avon lady called round and by the time she left it was time to feed Tot, walk her and then take her to the kennels.

When I got back I did some ironing and tried to catch up with the rest of the ironing and now it is all done till we get back!

The builder came and put the shower together again. He didn't say goodbye he just left so I am not sure if we can use the shower tonight or not. He is a very strange man.

I cooked dinner and then we packed the case and now we are all going to have an early night as our flight is 6.35!

WEATHER
Sunny spells and a light wind 21 degrees

Back to aqua aerobics

Just as well I didn't need a shower this morning as we only have the one for now.

I took Tot out for her walk before going down to the Mount and back to my class. They have painted the pool and put down a new floor but for all the weeks it was closed I think they could have done more while they were replacing all the old pipework. The class was really good and we had some good music but it was too cold to put our arms out of the water.

After the class I had a chat in one of the hotter pools to some of the girls before going to have a shower. The showers haven't been improved and were quite cold and until Diane finished in her shower in the next cubicle I hardly had any water.

After the class I went to look at two houses that could be possibilities. One was definitely no good but the other was sort of OK but I could only look from the outside and will need to make an appointment.

When I got home I had a message left from the agent to call her but before I did I called Citizens Advice and they told me that we can leave as soon as we give three weeks notice so we can definitely look for a house now.

I called Sue and she wants to bring somebody around this afternoon or tomorrow I told her this afternoon would be fine as the builder is coming to sort the shower out. she has now got a paper signed from Seleena to say she will release us from the lease. I then told her we have no lease anyway as after the initial lease everything was done verbally. To say she was surprised is an understatement. She now has to go and discuss it with her boss but she agrees we are free to leave and only need to give three weeks notice.

I went out to collect a parcel from the courier this afternoon, it is some new china I ordered. I then went to the supermarket.

The builder finally turned up at 5.20 and said it was not dry enough and he would come back tomorrow afternoon. I think he just didn't want to do it today as it looks more than dry to me.

I took Tot out and was in no hurry as it is Heather's night to cook so I left her to it.

Jon came home and was not happy that we still have no shower.

Dinner was very nice and then we watched TV for a while and then I did my blog.

So tired tonight all this constant cleaning and keeping the house extra tidy is so time consuming and I will be glad when we find somewhere.

WEATHER
A chill wind and a few showers 18 degrees

Another busy day

I was more organised this morning and managed to have breakfast and tidy the house, walk Tot (even though she was frightened of the binmen and had to be pulled) all before going to keep fit.

I only stayed for a quick coffee as I needed to buy bread and had to get back and have a shower as I was taking Les out for lunch for her birthday.

When I got back there was a message about collecting some books but I will call it later as I need to make lunch for J & H and then go.

I went to meet Les at her house and she told me it was number 20 Ranch Road. When I got there I couldn't find a number 20 so I called her and she said it is near one of the speed bumps but said she would come out to the street to see me. I was just turning round when she phoned and said 'Oops sorry it is number 60'! Her daugher lives at number 20 but a completely different street. A very senior moment I think.

We went down to the Mount and chose a nice place on the front and had a good lunch with a glass of wine and had a good chat for about three hours before I took her home.

I then went home and went to the PO on the way. When I got back I rang the lady about the books and I also rang one of the Lions ladies who is in charge of fundraising to pass on a message. She told me we had some bad news about the book sale. We have been using two unoccupied shops in a shopping centre but the centre manager called her today to say that someone wants to rent one of them to make it into a gym and they want it by 28. She thought it would still be OK for our book sale as it is on 26/27 November but then he told her he wants it on 28 October!!!! This means all the thousands of books we have so carefully sorted and set out on tables in alphabetical order will now have to be moved. He has offered us a smaller shop which is very good of him but it is going to mean such a lot of work to move them all. Never mind we will just have to get stuck in.

I took Tot out and when I got back phoned Alison who had left a message earlier, she had wanted me to go over for a cup of tea but it was now a bit late. The builder and surveyor were coming to do the work at 5.00.

They did arrive and with one of the estate agents and to cut a long story short they were here till gone 7.00 and have made a hole in Heathers room and taken the skirting board off and he has taken the glass panels off the shower in the en suite. We have to have a dehumidifyer on in there for 24 hours and hopefully he can come and re fit it tomorrow. Then the dehumidifyer will need to go in Heather's room to dry that patch. He will need to dig a trench outside Heather's room to find where the crack is and then seal it but he can do that at the weekend when we are away.

Jon came home in the middle of all this and was hot from the gym and not impressed!

The agent told me they are trying to get us out and the people who looked around on Saturday are very interested if the damp is fixed. She thinks I am stupid and I told her they are not trying to get us out that Seleena would now want us out if it is sold and I told her I was not going to clap and thank her as she was only doing what SHE wanted and when she wanted so not to expect me to be grateful.

We have now started to look for houses as the lease we have says we only have to give her three weeks notice. We are not sure if she realises we have nothing signed and it was all done verbally and the only lease, which is now out of date, is the initial one the company signed three years ago for a period of 6 months.

We had a late dinner and I needed a glass of wine tonight. Hopefully the dehumidyfyer will not make too much noise!!

WEATHER
Heavy showers on and off all day 17 degrees

No housework Monday

Got up and had a cup of tea and then forgot to eat breakfast as Jane called and I was rushing around to get Tot out and then pick Sharon up to go to have coffee with Bianca and ended up doing nothing much.

Had a nice chat with Les, Bianca and Sharon and a lovely cuddle with baby Simone.

Got back and made lunch for J & H and me. I had a call from the estate agent to say the builder has had the go ahead from Seleena to do the repairs and he is coming tomorrow at 5.00. He thinks the shower will need to come out and so it is going to be a lot of work and an awful lot of mess and I am not going to clean it all up after him. We need to contact somebody to find out if all this is legal as many people are telling me she should allow us to get out and look for another house.

I went over to help at the book room and a lot of books are now coming in due to the radio advertising. I helped in the room next door to the main room with the CD, DVD, jigsaws, magazines and children's book as Patricia is going away for three weeks so it is going to be for me to sort out from now.

On my way back I bought a new ink cartridge as I want to print a letter and some photos to send to Rene for her birthday and I need to post it ASAP. I collected Jon's suits from the cleaners and posted the present to Katharine from Heather.

By the time I got home I was gasping for a cuppa.

I fed Tot and cooked the dinner for tomorrow.

Jon came in and said he had a copy of our contract and from the looks of things she has no right to keep us and so hopefully we can start looking for a house but we need to check it out first.

I cooked chicken breasts that I bought from the butcher on Saturday that were stuffed with Brie and chilli. When I tasted it it was horrible so we had to throw it away and fortunately I had made a casserole for tomorrow so we had to have that.

Spent the evening doing the ironing to catch up.

WEATHER
Overcast with a few sunny spells 17 degrees

Not good news about the house

We all had a lie in this morning which was nice but then I had to get a move on as the builder was coming to look at the damp areas in the en suite and Heather's bedroom.

He arrived with Sue, the agent, and they had a look around. Jon went out for a paper while they were here and Heather went to the gym so it took the pressure off me as neither of them like Sue and I know she has been pushy and difficult to deal with but she is just doing her job.

The top and the bottom of it is there appears to be moisture behind the shower and so it all has to come out. Sue told me she is meeting up with Seleena next week and is trying to persuade her to let us look for another house as it is not fair to expect us to put up with this. Hopefully she will agree and we can start looking. If not I am not going to be too happy having builders and a dehumidifier in for three days and if I can I will refuse. I think I need to go to the Rent Tribunal to see what I can and can't do.

We took Tot out for a walk and then when Heather came back she showered and we all went out for an early lunch to Bayfair. I was very good and just had a Greek salad.

We came home and I put some photos on FB before going over to Fraser Cove to look at some shoes Heather had seen, but she didn't buy them in the end. I have no idea how she is going to decide what she can take back to UK with her!

I have started to buy some things for the house as we are not going to find one as well kitted out as this one so I bought a cake mixer today as I need to make a cake for a coffee morning I am going to tomorrow.

Got back and started to chop up dried fruit to make some fruit truffles for tomorrow. It took ages and gave me a blister on my finger. I chose it as I thought it was going to be easy. Not sure I like them now they are finished!

We had dinner and Jon watched the Grand Prix. I took Tot out after dinner and then we settled down to watch the rugby and the All Blacks have done really well against the Australians but are very beaten about with lots of blood, much to Heather's disgust!!

WEATHER
Occasional showers and sunny spells 17 degrees

Back to Red Cross

Got up and ready as Kirsty was going to call for a chat.

Just managed to chat for 45 minutes before getting off to Red Cross.

We had a really busy morning and it was 11.40 when I said to Les that it was time for coffee - neither of us realised how fast the morning went over.

I stayed late at the shop looking for clothes as the summer stock is in. I found a nice top in red and white for me and five polo shirts for Jon. They are French Connection, Country Road and three other Australian brands and all still with the labels on and the lot cost me about £25.

Got home late, 2.10 and had a quick sandwich. There was a message on the phone to say the surveyor had found a few problems and the builder would be coming on Sunday at 11.00 to check them out. No 'Is it OK', just he is coming. I phoned the agent and changed it to 10.30 as Jon will be even more angry if he misses out on his coffee.

I took Tot out and she was so slow and enjoyed eating a lot of grass on the way.

When I got home a different agent called to confirm the time for the viewing tomorrow and also said the builder was coming on Sunday and would take the skirting board off in the bathroom as the surveyor had a damp reading. I told her there was no skirting board as the bathroom was tiled. So not sure what is happening and we really don't want the builder here doing work on a Sunday and he only has half an hour. Jon has sent an email to the main agent asking for clarification.

I thought I had better get a move on as it was nearly five o'clock and I needed to do some cleaning to get the house ready for a viewing.

I managed to get everything sorted by the time Jon and Heather came home and so we went down to the beach to have a look at all the oil and containers that have been washed up. Fortunately, we didn't see much as the clean up people seem to have done a good job today and as far as I know no more containers have fallen off. Hopefully, now that the weather is calmer they can get the oil off, too.

We came back and went to order the fish and chips and went for a beer while they were cooking it. Got back and really enjoyed it.

I got stuck in to my ironing after dinner and only have about 9 pairs of trousers left to do!!!

WEATHER
Cloudy with some heavy showers 18 degrees

So much washing

Jon and Heather went off to work and I spent the day washing and going to the supermarket and now I can't remember much else as I did not write notes!

WEATHER
Cloudy with a few showers 19 degrees

Home safe and sound

I am just going to have to write what I remember as I have taken so long to catch up. I have the full 14 days of the trip on another post but still need to write us some more days but that will appear later.

Got back to Tauranga and it was lovely to see Heather. We went home and it was lovely to see Tot who ignored Heather after her looking after her for all that time and only wanted to see me.

We unpacked and showered and spent a quiet day sorting out things and then went to pick up the computer which had been in for a clean up.

The surveyor came at 4.15 and when I asked him who was the survey for he told me the purchasers. However, when the agent arrived she told me it was for Seleena, well someone is telling porkies! He was here till about 6.00 and we were so tired and all the time the agent made herself at home in our living room and made her phone calls. Jon was not impressed.

We had an early dinner and then an early night.

WEATHER
Wet and very windy 17 degrees