Thursday

Totty woke and needed to go out at 6.00 this morning and it was very cold but I did manage to go back to bed for an hour.

I had a call from an architect who is drawing up the plans for the new garage on this house. He needed to come and check out some measurements and came later on but he didn't need to come inside so I didn't see much of him.

I took Tot out for her walk but being bin day it was difficult to make her walk as she doesn't like the noise of the bin lorries and we have three or four different companies and the council and they all collect on the same day.

I then went down to the post office to post some clothes that Heather had left behind $26!! I am sure the tops didn't cost that much!

I spent the rest of the day at home and did some ironing and washing and general housework and caught up at last with Neighbours.

Jon called and said he is fine but finding the days long. He went for a walk around the lake and managed to go the whole way round today - it was blocked yesterday as a big tree was being cut down. He said he goes back to his room after dinner and watches a DVD. I think he should try and stay in the lounge and find someone to talk to but he says he is fine. His treatment tomorrow is 11.45 but they have told him they might get him in earlier and then he can get off home which he is really looking forward to. I will have to make him something nice to eat over the weekend.

I have a hair appointment after the shop tomorrow and we are going out for dinner and then to see a hypnotist show down at The Mount.

WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees

Wednesday

I woke at 7.00 after a good night's sleep which surprised me.

I had made arrangements to phone Sonia this morning but it was so cold when I woke up that I got the phone and stayed in bed while I phoned her. We haven't spoken for ages so we had a good catch up which was very nice.

Of course, it was then very late when I had my shower and washed my hair and I hate being late!

I had done a load of washing last night so got it all on the line before I had breakfast.

I don't really know where the rest of the morning went apart from walking Tot I can't see that I did much.

I made a bean and tuna salad for my lunch which will probably last me for three days.

I had an appointment to have the Shellac taken off my toe nails and a pedicure. I also had a voucher for an eyebrow tint and shape at the same place so I went off there at 1.30.

It was a lovely pedicure and I had a lovely foot massage with it. I have never had my brows tinted or shaped in a salon and they do look very good and the wax didn't hurt as much as plucking does.

I then went to the post office to post a drill to the owner of the house, he had left it in the garage and wanted it sent to him. I also went to buy some birthday cards as it is a busy month for me.

I got home after taking the plastics and newspapers to the recycling station and we now have a very clear garage.

Jon called this evening before he went for dinner and we chatted about our individual days. He had been out for a walk around the lake and had a coffee. His breakfast was just cereal and toast and lunch was a salad with ham so not too heavy. He had done some work and then walked to the hospital for his appointment. He said it was very cold and cloudy over there and said he will need to take his gloves back with him next week as his hands were cold. The temperature in Hamilton last night was down to 0 degrees and our lowest was 8 so a big difference.

Jon finished our chat to go and have his dinner and I cooked a bit of fish for mine and then watched some TV.

WEATHER
Sunny 17 degrees

A very difficult day

I was in the shower this morning when Heather and Kirsty called to wish Jon good luck and Jon had a chat with them and then I did, too. Just after that call Jane called and we had a chat with her. I left her chatting to Jon and went to my keep fit class.

I wasn't sure if I should go but Jon was busy packing and doing odds and ends and said he didn't mind and I was glad I went as it is good to keep things 'normal'. I signed up for the Golden Olympics on 13 June - you just need to be over 60!!! Not sure what it will involve but I will give it a go.

I came straight back after the class and picked up some coffees on the way. Jon had sorted all his things out and was ready to go and had taken his first lot of chemo pills. It was another sunny day and so warm outside. I hate it when I am sad on a sunny day.
It was finally time for him to leave and it was a very emotional goodbye. It feels so wrong to just let him go and face it all on his own. I felt I should be going with him if for no other reason than to make his bed up (he has to take his own sheets and towels every week). I had been trying to work out a way to go over with him and then get back by bus but it became very difficult as buses are few and far between and if I had got stuck over there who would see to the dog! So I just stayed here. I just want the next five weeks to go over very fast.

I had some lunch and then took some stuff to the recycling centre. I then went to collect my contact lens and to the post office before it was time to go to my aqua aerobics class.
As the sun is now down behind the Mount by 4.00 it is a bit cool in the pool. The water is hot but you really feel it when you put your arms out of the water so she kindly did exercises where we didn't have to.

I didn't go and sit in the very hot pool with the ladies after the class as I wanted to shower and get home before it was dark which is about 5.45 at the moment - not long to the shortest day.
I fed Totty and lit the fire which for the first time decided to be difficult and took ages to get going.

A couple of friends called to see if I was OK and I am, until they ask!!!

Jon finally called about 6.30. He is settled in and he says the room is probably too warm as we are not used to sleeping with central heating. He will keep the same room now for the five weeks. His treatment went well but due to the times of the bus from the lodge he was there too early but that can't be helped. His treatment is at 3.30 again tomorrow and he was given the timetable of all his sessions. It is bank holiday on Monday and we were not sure if he would have it or not but he does at 1.30 so will have to leave here about 10.00.

He went to Happy Hour and had a beer but said all the other people are old so nobody to talk to. Dinner was at 6.00 and he said it was OK but a typical Kiwi meal - too big! Breakfast is from 6.30 - 8.30 and lunch 12.00 - 1.00. He hopes it will be a light lunch as he says he won't manage two cooked meals a day.

He thinks he might go for a walk around the lake tomorrow as he will be free till his treatment and then he will do some work. He was back in his room when we spoke and he was going to watch a DVD and read his book. Hopefully, things will get better and he will settle down a little but it is all so new for him.

There is a bus that goes across every day from the Cancer Society but I am not sure if it is only for patients. I might enquire if I can go over on it one day and we can go and have lunch or walk around the gardens in Hamilton or we could go to the casino!!!

It is all so much harder than I thought it would be.

I watched some TV and had a sandwich and now it is time for bed.
WEATHER
Sunny 17 degrees

Monday

Not sure why but I didn't sleep so well last night.

Jon was up early to watch the Grand Prix but only managed to watch part of it before he had to go to work.

It was too wet to take Tot out this morning but we did get out later on although she wouldn't walk down on the main road as they are doing road works and she won't walk past the big diggers and machinery so we got so far and then had to turn around and come back.

I enjoyed looking at the photos of Jane's Hen Do on Facebook, it looks like they had a good time. I still don't understand why she had it so early! Her friend Claire did a good job with the organising.

I phoned my sister this morning and had a long chat with her which was nice as we haven't spoken for a while.

I then got on with my housework and had a phone call from Carol, the Avon lady, to say she would call around later in the morning so I carried on with my housework till she arrived.

We had a nice chat and she told me to cal her anytime and we can go out for a coffee.

I had some lunch and watched a bit of TV and then started my ironing and caught up on the Ellen programmes while I was doing it.

I made a vegetable curry and prepared some Tandoori chicken for dinner.

Life seems very strange at the moment and I am not sure what or how I should be feeling. If I think about things for too long I do get very tearful and can't imagine what Jon must be feeling inside. He came home with a nice card tonight signed by all the people at work.

I read an article today about people who have reached their 100 birthday and they all say it is down to positive thinking so I think a big dose of 'positive pills' is what we need over the next few months. I wonder if you can get them on prescription?

WEATHER
Rain and cloud first and then some sunshine 19 degrees

Sunday

It rained really hard last night but it was much brighter this morning than the forecast and it was really warm.

Jon watched the Grand Prix this morning so we were late taking the dog out and so late going for coffee. We sat in the sun and found it really warm after the last cold week we have had.

When we got back I hung out the washing , read the papers and then started on my ironing and watched TV while I did it.

We had some lunch and then Jon continued to make the filing cabinet and then put all our papers away in it.

We left to go to the cinema at 3.30 for the 4.00 showing of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. We didn't think it would be busy but the cinema was full and we were lucky to get seats near the back as I can't see at the front. We really enjoyed the film.

When we came out we went across to Collar and Thai for dinner and had a lovely meal but the portion were very big.

We got home just before it started to rain and as it was still early we watched a film we had recorded a while ago. The Last King of Scotland which was about Idi Amin's regime, very interesting but bloody!!

We haven't needed to light the fire tonight as it has been so warm today, long may it last!

WEATHER
Overnight rain, sunny spells 19 degrees.

Saturday

We had a bit of a lie in this morning which was nice.

I showered and Jon had breakfast and then went down to the garage to stack all the wood I brought in, with the help of the delivery man, and now it is all neat at the back of the garage.

We took Tot out for her walk and then we went into Tauranga for coffee but I was still not feeling well and still have this pain in my back and side. We went to buy some new towels and sheets that Jon will need for his stay at the Lodge. I also bought a little plastic box with compartments. I have labelled them all with the days of the week and am and pm on them and put all his tablets in them so that he does not need to worry about forgetting to take them as they are now all labelled.

I popped into the chemist on the way back to buy some solution for my lens. I also asked about stronger nail varnish remover as it takes me ages to remove my Shellac nails and they do it so fast in the salons. She sold me a bottle of 100% acetone which is what they use in the salons. I will have a try tomorrow and see if it is quicker.

We got home and I made sardines on toast for lunch and read the papers.

Jon bought a filing cabinet last week and he went down to the office to put it together. It was worse than a Rubik cube and took forever and he had to go and buy different screws. He finally left it and will have a look tomorrow. he said he felt like taking a hammer to it!!

I cooked a very nice apple and walnut cake but it wasn't ready for tea so we had a hot cross bun. I also cooked a very nice Asian, spicy beef pie which was soo good. We had the apple cake for pudding but I think it would be better as a cake to go with coffee or a cup of tea. Lots left o I have frozen it and will take it out as we need it.

We watched some TV after dinner and it had started to rain a lot and we have rain forecast for tomorrow so I think we will go to the cinema to see Salmon Fishing on the Yemen.

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells and rain in the evening. 18 degrees

Friday

It was so nice to wake to a warm morning and no frost! We did have cloud though so not sure which I prefer.

I left early to take my car in for a service. The garage is not far from the Red Cross so I leave it there and collect it when I finish at the shop.

We were so busy this morning and I lost count of the amount of boxes of clothes we put out, we didn't stop but the morning flew by. I didn't even get the chance to tidy the children's clothes this morning.

I finished at 2.00 and then walked to get my car and so had to rush to get home as the man said he would deliver the logs at 3.00. I arrived home at 2.45.

I had lunch but I was not feeling very hungry and had a horrible pain in my side all morning so just some toast and a cup of tea.

By 4.30 the wood had not arrived and there was no reply on the phone so I had to wait and couldn't take Tot out.

I did some ironing as it has been piling up all week and I have so much. Finally at 5.00 the wood man called to say he would bring the load of logs down in five minutes.

He arrived and was able to back the trailer down the slope to just outside the garage. He told me we should get it under cover as rain is forecast this weekend so I moved the kayak further back and we unloaded the whole trailer, piece by piece, into the garage. Jon and I will have to stack it all properly tomorrow but at least it is all inside.

Jon came home from work and opened his post and he has another appointment card, we have had so many now. This one is for the Oncologist here in Tauranga who is in charge of his chemo.

He went out for the fish and chips and although the fish was nice I wasn't really hungry and still have this annoying pain in my side and no idea what it is.

Heather called just as we were finishing dinner and we had a chat. They are all excited about going off for Jane's 'hen do' and I am pleased the weather is good as the house they have rented has a pool. I am sure all 12 of them will have a lovely time. Kirsty is driving and they will stop off at a pub for lunch somewhere along the route to Cheltenham.

We watched TV and used some of the new wood and I am not sure if it is because I did not light the fire till late but it really didn't burn that well and there didn't seem to be much heat - I hope it is not all like that.

WEATHER
Light cloud, a few drops of rain, sun 19 degrees

Finally we have a date.

After another really cold and frosty start the sun came out and I got cooked.

Jon left for work and I did a bit of housework and did some stuff on the computer for Heather and walked Tot before going to pick up my friend who has her foot in plaster. She is getting fed up being in the house and still has another four weeks before the plaster come off.

We went down to the Mount and sat outside a cafe and had a coffee. It got so hot I could hardly stand it and I wished I had a short sleeved top on. We are so lucky with the weather at the moment with the lovely clear skies the cold mornings aren't so bad. We sat chatting for ages before the heat got the better of us and I took her home again.

I quickly went to the supermarket to buy some fish for dinner and then got home and called the hospital to find out when Jon was going to start his treatment as we had no letter this morning. They said they would get a message through to the department and cal back. It took forever and meantime Jon called to ask if I had heard, we really want it to start next week.

Finally I had a call to say he is to start on Tuesday at 3.30 - phew. He can go and check into the lodge first and then go over for his treatment. He is to have 28 sessions, Mon - Fri, which means he will finish on 5 July giving him four weeks before we are due to fly to UK. We just want it done now. Jon is not looking forward to it but we are glad to have a date.

Once I had the call and had let Jon know I was able to call about the log delivery as I had not heard and the wood pile is going down. Fortunately, they say they can deliver tomorrow. I just hope they can get the trailer down the slope to the rear garage or we are going to have a lot of carrying to do!

I then phoned Specsavers who said they would call me back in five minutes and that was on Sunday! It seems like I am no longer on the direct debit for my lens!! Strange really as the payment comes out of our account every month but no lens delivered and no record of the payment. The man I spoke to back in January, about the same thing, is not back till tomorrow and so he will give me a call. I am getting fed up with them now as they really don't know what they are doing.

I went to get my washing in and I noticed that, over our fence and in the park, a car was parked and by the side of it a couple were lying down wrapped in a blanket, their shoes cast to the side and I know what they were up to!!!!! I should have let the dog out and she would have run down to the gate barking. She did bark earlier when she was on the upstairs deck which must have been when they arrived and were getting themselves settled but as she barks at lots of dogs in the park I told her to be quiet and I didn't go to check - maybe I am not as nosey as I thought I was!! When I looked out a little later they had gone.

I made a white chocolate and berry cheesecake this afternoon but the chocolate was a month out of date and would not melt so I had to leave it out. It tasted OK but not as sweet as it should have been.

I also made a lovely fish pie with salmon and prawns. The white sauce was made with cider and it was topped with scalloped potatoes and grated cheese and it was very nice.

Jon came home and brought lots of paperwork with him. He has been having a clear out to make sure people can find what they need when he is away and also bringing all the papers home that he will need.

We had dinner and watched TV and then I did a bit more on the computer for this software for Heather and hopefully we have it sorted now and it will mean she can log in to our computer if we have a problem and sort it out for us instead of all the frustrating conversation we have trying to do things now!!

So tired tonight and need to go to bed as I have to take my car in for a service in the morning before I go to the shop. All that sun on my face is making me feel very rosy but haven't looked in the mirror so not sure if I am or not.

WEATHER
Cold start then REALLY warm 20 degrees

Fiasco at lunch!

I didn't actually hear Jon leave for his early morning meeting but I did wake at just after 7.00 so I think maybe my subconscious must have heard the door and so I woke up to another cold and frosty morning!

I quickly showered and dressed and was ready when Kirsty called. We had a really long chat, an hour and a half!! While we were chatting I noticed lots of big sea birds down in the water at the bottom of the garden, I have never seen so many. I am not sure if they were catching fish or if they were just having a wash and brush up before they carried on their journey to a warmer climate. I know that there are an awful lot of black swans around the harbour now and we have never had them before so not sure what is going on.

I took Tot out and it was soon time to go and pick Margaret up to go to our keep fit lunch at the garden centre in Bethlehem. Diane, our instructor, had booked for 55 of us and when we arrived the ladies were already queueing to order food. Margaret went to order hers and I waited for my friend Ros to arrive and sat chatting to the other ladies. Food started to come out for the ladies that had ordered first and as Margaret was still in the queue Ros and I thought we had better get on and order our food too so we joined the queue. We waited for a very long time and just as we got near the front an old lady, not from our group, took a funny turn and we had to get a chair for her, she did look a funny colour!!! We sorted her out and I got her to a table and her and her friend ordered their food but she didn't look well. A long wait and lack of food I should think!

Finally, at 1.04 we ordered ours!! We had arrived at 12.00!! We went back to the table and lots of ladies had already eaten and some were ready to leave. Some had only ordered a coffee and a muffin but they too had to wait. It got to the stage where Ros and I and three other ladies were in hysterics as it was funny. A waitress came out with a tray of food and asked us what we were waiting for we told her, one frittata with salad and one without. On the tray she had two frittatas without salad and one slice of lemon cake so she told us they were not ours so we waited some more. The lady waiting for the muffin finally got hers but her coffee was well finished so I said to the waitress 'Can she have a free coffee as a muffin and no coffee is not nice'. They other ladies on the table all laughed at me but the waitress came back out with a free token for us all but said don't order it now as we are too busy!!!

Diane went in to complain and said two of my ladies are still waiting. The waitress who came out earlier came back and had a real go at us and said she had had to take frittatas back to the kitchen as nobody wanted them!!! I told her it was her fault as she wouldn't let us have them as we didn't want the lemon cake as well. Not sure what happened to 'the customer is always right'? The other ladies backed me up though and told her she was wrong. Eventually our lunches came out at 2.10 and I could have eaten the table by then. It was very nice but not worth the long wait.

As the queue had gone down, well most of the ladies had left and there were only eight of us now, Margaret went in and ordered our free coffees. Diane does a class for cardiac patients and was going to take them all there. I told her I didn't think it would be a good idea as their hearts wouldn't stand it! Still you have to laugh. The manager was not there but he knew they had a big group in and should have had more staff in to cope. It didn't do his business any good.

We had a walk around the garden centre and then I took Margaret home and I went on to see my friend who I had found some nice new tops for at the Red Cross. She is going on a cruise up the Queensland coast on Friday and I thought they would be nice for her. She was really pleased with them and they had been very expensive as the original labels were on them. I also picked up our tickets from her for the hypnotist night we are going to on 1 June.

Still no letter to say if Jon is going to start his treatment next week. I phoned this afternoon but they had already left so I will need to call in the morning. I really hope it starts next week as another week means less time for him to recover before we go to UK.

We are running out of logs for the fire and I called up the Lions club here in Welcome Bay as somebody told me they sell logs to raise funds. They took my number and will call me and hopefully they can deliver by the weekend.

I took Tot out for her walk and then came back and lit the fire and prepared the dinner. Jon was going out with the Pest Control Division for a drink after work. It was a bit of team building as he is leaving somebody else in charge while he is away and they don't get a chance to chat at work.

We had dinner and watched TV and Jon went to bed early after his early start he needed to sleep.

WEATHER
Cold, frosty start then sunny 17 degrees

Another cold day

When I looked out the window this morning it looked like a winter's day in UK with frost on every roof. However, Jon said that by the time he got up to the main road the temperature was up by three degrees so I guess we are in a dip and so I am going to have to get used to frost. At least the sun is out and it will soon be warmer.

I went to my keep fit class which was good and stayed for coffee and chat before going to the supermarket to buy some orange juice.

I stopped in at my friend's Janice to give her two lovely new tops I had bought at Red Cross, she will try them on and let me know.

I got home and took Tot out for her long walk and it was by now lovely and warm.

I had lunch and called a few people who had left messages and arranged to meet Margaret for the keep fit lunch tomorrow.

It was soon time to go out to my aqua aerobics class. It was lovely and warm in the pool and the class was really good but getting out was cold. As it was getting dark and there was a queue for the showers I just got dressed and went home but as the pools are salty my skin feels horrible.

I arrived home at the same time as Jon who is still struggling with his cold.

I made dinner and we watched TV. I am having an early night tonight as Kirsty is going to call in the morning so I need to get up.

WEATHER
Cold and sunny 17 degrees

Another frosty day!

I really could have stayed in bed this morning as it was so cold outside. Jon was glad he parked at the side of the house under the trees.

We had breakfast and Jon went to work though he has a bad cold. I am glad it is this week and so won't affect the start of his treatment next week.

It was so cold I re kindled the fire which was still glowing from last night and as I was going to be at home all day I wanted to be warm.

After hanging out the washing I got stuck in to doing my housework instead of spending too much time on the Internet and it was surprising how much I got done! I took Tot out for a long walk and it was lovely in the sun but cold in the shade.

I even managed to re pot my mint plant and dye my hair and all before lunch!

We are going to see a hypnotist show on 1 June and so I need to take the money over to one of my Lions friends for the tickets so I spoke to her to arrange that.

Still no mouse though lots of droppings. When I got the vacuum cleaner out Tot went mad in the cupboard under the stairs where I store it. The only other things in there are my shopping bags and when I moved them there were lots of droppings. I think there must be more than one mouse as I have found droppings in the pantry, in the base units in the kitchen and now under the stairs. I think we have given them a chance and now we are going to have to bring in the big boys - real traps - sorry guys but I have had enough now. Hopefully, we can get rid of them before Jon goes away as I really don't fancy having to pick them up and get rid of them myself.

I left the house to meet Jon up at the hospital to meet Lorraine, the chemo nurse to discuss the tablets. She is very nice and comes from Yorkshire. She has been here for 20 years but still has a very strong accent. Jon was feeling really rough and makes more fuss about his cold than he does about the cancer!

We just went through all the things he needs to know about the medication and how to take it and the side effects and that he must contact her if he has any problems no matter how small. It is very reassuring to know they are just at the end of a phone line should be need them at weekends. Now we just need a start date!

Jon went to buy a wall panel heater to put in the office downstairs as it is cold down there and if he is going to work from home he will need some heat.

We had a cup of tea and I did some ironing before taking Tot out again and then preparing dinner.

We watched some TV and then went to bed.


WEATHER
Cold and sunny 16 degrees

A frosty day

I could hardly believe how frosty it was this morning! As we never had a garden in our other house we didn't see frost when it happened, which wasn't often anyway. Here, the front lawn was all white!! I had to go out and touch it to make sure!!

It soon warmed up though. We didn't go out early as Jon was watching Chelsea and was very happy with the result.

Heather called and we had a long chat trying to fix up this software but still can't get it connected so she will have to speak to someone at work and see what is wrong.

We took Tot out later and had a walk around the block and the sun is so warm but in the shade it is cold.

We went for a coffee at the garden centre and were able to sit outside in  a sheltered spot.

We went to pick up my contact lens and I asked them to check when my last lot were delivered as I seem to be very short of spare ones. They say they will check the records and get back to me. I really should put it on the calendar when I get them.

We then went to buy a metal bucket for the ashes from the fire (we had to leave the old one at our old house) as they are about four inches deep at the moment!! We also had a look around the shops for some tops for Jon which he will need over in the cold Waikato region when he is there for his treatment.
We got back and had lunch and read the papers and Jon caught up with paperwork and bills.

I took Tot out as Jon seems to be coming down with a cold but my runny nose must have been too much pepper while cooking the dinner last night.

I cooked dinner and Jon made sure he moved his car to a more sheltered part of the garden, under the trees, just in case we have another frost. We watched some TV and then it was bed.

I really miss having central heating!!! The fire is lovely but then you have to go upstairs!!!
WEATHER
A cold frosty start but clear blue sky 17 degrees

An early birthday treat!

We had just woken up and Heather called and had a chat to Jon and I managed to shower and dress before it was time for her to chat to me. It was lovely to catch up with all her news and the fact that she has passed her probation and is now employed and they are happy for her to do extra training - very happy for her.

The mouse didn't find the 'irresistable' bait as none of it had been touched!!! Fingers crossed for tonight. if not the 'nasty' traps will be going down!!!

We took Tot out for a long walk this morning and although the sun was shinning it was chilly with the wind blowing from the SW and as they have had snow on Mt Ruapehu we get the chill here but at least it was sunny.

I rang the blokart place to see if Jon could have his ride today as it does depend on the wind they said that was fine and we booked for 1.00.

We went down into Papamoa and to one of the garden centres and had a coffee and sat listening to two people play guitar and sing. They were good but I don't think 11.00 in the morning is a good time to listen to music but it was nice while we had our coffee.

On our way out I noticed a nice mounted photo of the Tauranga port at night which is taken from the Mount and is really pretty. We decided to buy it and get it framed. They gave us a good price and said it would be ready next week and they will call us.

We then went into Papamoa as Jon was looking for some winter tops as it is going to be colder over in Hamilton than it is here. We found some nice summer polo tops but no winter ones.

We then went to the Blokart place and it was very quiet. The manager said two more men were coming for the 1.00 session but Jon decided to call Mike who he works with and he said he would come down and join us. He arrived with Bob (Roberta), his partner and his two children and so there was quite a group which is more fun. The watched the safety video and off they went. It was good to watch and see how they got used to it and so went much faster the longer it went on. It looked good fun but hard work controlling the sail.

When they finished they all had wet bottoms with driving through the big puddle but all of them enjoyed it.

We drove home and I made lunch. Jon spent the afternoon in the garden and I did some ironing before preparing roast chicken for dinner tonight.

We watched Invictus on the TV and I really enjoyed it and it made me want to go and visit SA and hopefully we will one day.

We have both started with runny noses and I hope it isn't the start of a cold, I think we have only had two cold since we arrived in NZ and now is not the time to get one!!!

WEATHER
Sunny 17 degrees

Red Cross Day

We both managed to get up on time today.

Jon left for work and after I had breakfast I took Tot out. One thing really annoys me about Kiwis and their dogs, so many of them walk them along the street off the lead and this is what happened this morning. I was coming round the corner with Tot on the lead and a lady was walking her black lab off the lead. She saw us and called her dog who totally ignored her and came over to sniff at Tot. The woman saidn'Gently' but the dog obviously doesn't understand and in a second had jumped on top of Totty. I was trying to get her away and the woman was calling her dog but it chose to ignore her. She finally got it away and then just walked off. I said in a loud voice 'An apology would not have gone amiss' but nothing. I took Tot home and she was fine and then I left for work. As I came out of the drive the woman was walking her other dog down to the park and it also was off the lead. Unbelievable!! There must be a problem if she can't walk them both together and she must get a lot of exercise. She only lives down the road so it is not as if I can avoid her so I will just have to choose my walking time carefully.

I got to the shop just about on time and it was very quiet. We put some new stock out and then I went to tidy the children's clothes as I enjoy that. I had my coffee at eleven and then back to more sorting and the morning passed very quickly.

On my way home I went to the supermarket, the post office and filled my car so by the time I got back I was very hungry and more than ready for lunch.

I took Tot out again and as it is fish and chip night I had no dinner to prepare.

Totty is now going mad sniffing at every cupboard and as soon as we open one to get something out she is in and sniffing. I said to Jon it seems like we are infested with mice not just one.

Jon brought more traps home tonight of the inhumane kind and some 'irresistable' liquid to go in them. I can't bring myself to use them just yet so we will try the 'irresistable' bait in the humane traps first and see what happens.

Fish and chips was particularly good tonight and I had my first glass of wine of the week and it was very good.

We watched some TV and enjoyed the lovely fire and now it is bed time.

WEATHER
Sunny 19 degrees

Not much doing today

It was really cold this morning and Jon's car had ice on it!!!!

When Jon got up the lights weren't working so he had to have a shower in the dark. The lights came back on just as he got out!! It was very strange though as none of the sockets were off, just the lights?

He went off to work and I walked the dog and then spent the morning 'pottering', in fact most of the day was pottering. We did have a call from the cancer nurse to arrange an appointment for Monday afternoon to talk about the medication.

I did my nails this afternoon and that took ages. Painting them and drying them under the UV light does not take that long but taking the gel polish off takes forever. I caught up with some TV while I was doing it.

Totty seems to have 'mouse smell' in her nose now and every cupboard I ope she has to go inside for a sniff. I am not sure where the mouse is now or if it is only one. Totty sat for ages just looking at the cupboard under the stairs. I checked the cupboard and the only thing in there is the vacuum cleaner and a small ladder and nowhere for a mouse to hide but she seems to think there is something there, pesky mouse.

Jon came in from the gym and after his shower we had dinner and then watched TV. We didn't need to light the fire tonight as it is not cold. I am doing my blog early tonight as I need to go to bed as I am at work tomorrow. No messing around trying to sort out the computer tonight!

WEATHER
Very cold first thing then sunny spells 17 degrees

Where did the day go

I was up after Jon today and he was going out to work before I got into the shower that is a first for a long time.

Kirsty phoned just as I got out so I asked her to give me five minutes to get dressed and then she rang again. We had a long chat about wedding things and Jon and she said how much she liked her Guess handbag and purse we bought for her and the girls took home. She has a lot on her plate at the moment but the wedding plans are coming along well.

By the time I got off the phone it was nearly time to go and meet the ladies after the aqua class for coffee. I just had time to take Tot out for a quick walk but we got caught in a heavy shower and I had no umbrella!

I sent a text to Les to meet at the Hot Pools but she replied and told me she is off to Adelaide on Friday and so was busy. Les needs to leave the country every six months as her visa is not in order yet. she has had so much trouble getting her visa and will have to leave in November and go back to SA, where she lived for 30 years before coming out here, or UK, where her sisters live, and apply and hopefully it won't take too long as she will miss being with her daughter and granddaughter and her son and his baby but I don't suppose she will be back in time for Christmas. Les' daughter is the manager of the Red Cross where I work and she has been on maternity leave but is due back next month.

I went across to the Hot Pools and met Carol but she told me the class had been cancelled as the weather was bad so none of the other ladies were there so just the two of us went for coffee which was nice as we had a good catch up. She is going over to Sydney for a few weeks to help her son and daughter-in-law move house and she will take care of her grandson while she is there.

On my way home I did some food shopping and then once home I did some housework and another English friend called to chat so I really didn't get much done and only managed to eat my lunch at 3.00!  I took Tot out for her afternoon walk and just missed another shower! I don't really know where the rest of the day went.

Jon came back late as he went to the gym and I cooked pork chops in cider with apple and cream and it was very tasty and we had bread and butter pudding made with croissants and that was yummy, too.

It feels strange to have a day without hospital visits. Jon was fine when he came home and now he is sleeping better does not get so tired at night.

I have been emailing Heather all night trying to set up this thing on the computer but it just seems to be getting more and more complicated and the windows she says should open don't and I ended up with so many windows open my mind was going crazy. I have told her I can speak to her on the phone on her Wed night and hopefully we can get it sorted.

WEATHER
Sun and heavy showers 17 degrees

Another trip to Hamilton

Jon has a new alarm clock, one that is not so bright it feels like Blackpool in the bedroom!!! Only one problem, he didn't set it properly last night and so we slept in this morning!! It does prove that he is sleeping better now though!!

He left for work and I got ready for my keep fit class and then Heather called as she is trying to set up some software from her company for us to enable her to log in to our computer and sort out anything that goes wrong which when it is done will be very useful. I couldn't do it though so she said she will think of another way.

The sky was looking pretty dark but the rain stayed off and I got to my class. It was a good class and I really enjoyed being back. I stayed for a quick coffee. I went to the doctor's surgery to collect Jon's Chemo tablets and was very surprised to see how much they cost, $857 (428GBP no pound sign again!) for two weeks worth of tablets, we only have to pay $3 per item thank goodness.

I got  home to get ready to go to Hamilton as Jon was coming home at 11.30. I even manged to get Tot out for a walk.

We set off and had to stop in Cambridge as that was where we were one hour from the appointment and he had to go to the loo and then drink 200mls of water. We arrived at the hospital at 1.30 and he had to drink another 200mls of water. We found our way up to the clinic with no problems this time and waited till 2.00 to go in.

It was really funny as the radiologist is called John and comes from Bristol, he had a student from Otago University with him, called John and my Jon. There was also a lady in with them but I can't remember her name but there were laughing about all the John's!!!

Jon had a CT scan and they took measurements and put on the tattoos which are permanent. I meant to ask to see them when we got home but I forgot and he is in bed now but I am sure they are not silver ferns!!!!

He was finished by 2.30 and then one of the nurses came up for a chat and to introduce herself and told us that if there are any problems we must tell them ASAP however small they seem and they will get it sorted.

By this time we were very hungry and managed to get to one of the cafes in the hospital grounds just before they stopped serving lunch. I had a really lovely club sandwich on chunky bread with chicken, bacon, cheese and salad with alioli and it was so good. Jon had a gourmet pie which he said was good.

We then went to see the cancer lodge where Jon will stay Monday to Friday for the five and a half weeks that he has the treatment. A volunteer showed us round and we met the manager and the chef. I have copied the link at the bottom of this post should anyone want to check it out. It is really lovely with the best views over Hamilton and you can walk to the hospital for the treatment via the walkway round a lake or take the shuttle bus. The facilities are very good and there is Wi-Fi throughout the building, a small gym, a library, a couple of private lounges where you can see visitors. The kitchen and dining area are open plan and if you are able they ask if you can give a hand in the kitchen to prepare vegetables or wash dishes. They serve three meals a day and the local Lions group bake cakes and bring them in fresh every Monday morning and there are tea making facilities in the dining area and also in the rooms. All in all very comfortable. Jon will even have CENTRAL HEATING in his room - luxury here in NZ! Little did I know when I was doing all the fund raising for it (our club donated $24,000) that one of us would be using it. He will be able to take his computer over and work from there if he feels up to it.

The volunteer told us they have Happy Hour at 5.00 every day. We are not sure if that is alcohol Happy Hour or not?? I wouldn't have thought so but you can come and go as you please as long as you are there for your treatment and let the kitchen know if you are out for meals. And all for free!

We set off back to Tauranga and got caught in traffic which would be another problem and why it is better for Jon to stay as it took us a long time to get home and the weather at the top of the Kaimai was bad again.

We had a cup of tea when we got home and then I made dinner and we watched some TV.

Heather emailed me to try and do something on the computer again but it didn't work and it is now gone midnight and I need to go to bed.



http://www.cancernz.org.nz/divisions/waikato-bop/the-new-cancer-societys-lions-lodge/untitled-document/

WEATHER
Showers, some heavy 17 degrees

More appointments

We had a good night last night but Jon was awake at 6.00 and so decided to go down and watch the Grand Prix. I woke up to take the dog out but went back to bed for an hour.

We had an appointment at Tauranga Hospital, Cancer Clinic this morning at 9.00 and saw a very nice doctor, Michelle, who is the medical oncologist in charge of Jon's chemo. She kindly went over the treatment plan that Hermann spoke about last week and thankfully wrote it all down for us as we told her we were getting a bit confused by it all. Glad to say she has decided on chemo tablets for Jon and so he won't have to have the 'bum bag' and 'condom'!!! He will have three or four tablets twice a day for six weeks along with the radiotherapy but he will take them every day as opposed to radiotherapy where he has a break at weekends. He will also have another course after the surgery to 'clear up any spills'. All in all his treatment will take 8 months. She said it would probably cause diarrhoea and possibly nausea and so he has tablets to take for both of those if they happen. If it gets too much they will 'tweak' the dose to try and control it. Talking about Jon's bowel habits is becoming a normal part of conversation these days!! Hopefully, at the end of the chemo/radiotherapy treatment the cancer will be gone and the surgeon will just need to remove the debris and the tumour further up the colon. We are lucky it has been caught at an early stage.

Jon will see Michelle every two weeks on a Monday morning before he goes across to Hamilton. He is now coming round to the idea of staying in Hamilton and Michelle said that driving could be a problem if he decides to travel everyday as he will be tired and so it would be dangerous and he will be able to work over there as they have Wi-Fi but we will talk about that tomorrow and go and have a look at the lodge.

He will have to have a blood test every two weeks so after our appointment this morning we went to Central Med and he had his first one. Next time he goes he will be given a book to log the results - a bit like a coffee loyalty card!! I put his prescription in to the pharmacy there and they say as it is a very expensive drug they have to order it and so I will need to collect it tomorrow. We will need to make sure we don't run out and order the next two weeks in plenty of time. Prescriptions here in NZ are very cheap and we only pay $3 per item (1.50 no pound sign on this new computer keyboard!).

We then went to the supermarket to get a few things and save me having to come out again. We picked up some coffees on the way back and when we got home Jon watched the end of the Grand Prix and then went to work.

A couple of friends phoned during the day to see how things are.

I looked into the garden and saw a jumper hanging over the back of one of the chairs. It belongs to Heather and I remember she left it there when she went out on the kayak and she obviously forgot to bring it in. Never mind it wouldn't have fitted in the case anyway!! I will post it or take it when we go over.

I sent some emails and then did some housework and put the house to rights again so it is as if the girls were never here!!! It was such a horrible day today and the rain at times was lashing against the windows and you could not see across the bay. I decided to light the fire and then the house feels better. I had to use the dryer for all my washing today as I had all the bedding and towels from the girls. I feel a heavy bill coming in this month.

I did manage to get Tot out for a walk this afternoon between showers. We were forecast to have thunder and there has been a lot around the country but so far we have been lucky.

Jon came in at 6.30 and I more or less had the dinner ready and I was so hungry tonight.

We watched TV, listened to the rain and then it was bedtime.

WEATHER
Strong winds and heavy showers for most of the day 18 degrees.

Sunday

Surprisingly, we both slept very well last night despite the noise of a big city.

We were up and down for breakfast by 8.00 and I was very pleasantly surprised at how good the breakfast was. Lots of juices to choose from and I had some very good muesli with fresh fruit salad and berries topped with passion fruit yogurt - yummy. I had some apple juice and tried a spurilina smoothie - not my idea of a smoothie - followed by bacon and toast with a cup of tea. All in all not bad for a hotel.

Jon's mood is still pretty low and he really isn't talking much. We finished packing and checked out and they brought the car round to the entrance and we set off before the forecast rain started!

The drive back was pretty quiet and I know Jon is upset at the girls leaving and what he is going through but shutting me out is not the answer. It is very difficult.

We stopped at The Woodcutters Cafe, a new cafe on the way home near Paeroa. We got out of the car and Jon was very emotional and said he 'needed' a hug - 32 years of marriage and he has never been like this. I have to remind myself that it is him that is going through all of this and I am just a spectator!!

We had a coffee sitting in the sun and then carried on home. the rain started just outside Katikati so not too far away.

We got back and the house was very quiet, no girls and no Totty till four o'clock!!!

We unpacked and then I made lunch and then Jon sorted out the laptop in preparation for him to work from home when he needs to. i stripped the beds and put all the sheets in the wash though I am not sure how I will get them dry as the forecast is for rain tomorrow.

We packed up the recycling and took that to the transfer station on the way to collect Tot. We were the first there waiting for the gates to open. Totty was very pleased to see us but seems to have a problem when I pick her up as she yelps. Not sure if she has had a bit of a fight so will have to check her over tomorrow when she has settled down.

I have been checking the girls flights since we got back and they still have so far to go and must be fed up.

I made dinner and then we watched TV.

Jon has gone to bed and I just checked on the flight and it looks like it will be about 20 minutes late. So hard to believe how much we have done and they are still sitting on a plane.

I will go to bed as soon as I know they have landed as we need to go to the Cancer Clinic tomorrow for the chemo assessment.

WEATHER
A good start in Auckland but showers in Tauranga 18 degrees

Bye, bye Jane and Heather & Jersey Boys Show.

I was up early and had my shower and was ready to take Tot to kennels just after 8.00. The main road through Welcome Bay was closed as they are laying pipes and need to connect the main one across the road and as there is not so much traffic at weekends they decieded to close the road on Saturday and Sunday.

Totty nearly choked herself to death on the way. She went across from the front seat to the back and when she tried to get back her lead caught on the set and she couldn't move. I had to stop and try and release her but the lead was so tight I could not un clip it and had to struggle to release it from the seat. i won't be putting her leadon again in the car!! She was very good with the kennel maid and stayed with her while I drove off.

When I got back I did my packing and then had to start on Heather's and Jane's!!!!! They had a luggage allowance of 60kgs between them but they did not have space and we ended up packing one of our small cases for them. they now have three big cases, one small and two 7kg hand bangs!!! All for ten days!!!

Once packed we went to the local garden centre to meet Rachel from the office for coffee. We had a nice chat sitting in the sun till it was time to go.

We made good time and arrived at the airport and thought we would have lunch before checking in but the check in was open so thought we would get it over with and then we could relax. The check in girl gave them a row of four seats which they would have till Dubai but she could not guarantee it after that but at least that was the long stretch. All the luggage went through and although they were a little overweight she let it go as the plane was not full.
We then went to have lunch in the Aussie pub, Downunder which is really good. Jon and Heather had chicken pie, Jane had a chicken and brie wrap and I had and Asian plate. We sat and chatted and I have to say that is the worst part of going to the airport with the girls - I hate the waiting bit. Heather said they should go through at 4.00 and it was hard. Heather was very upset and Jon was very quiet and didn't say much after that.

We found our way to hotel but did not have the harbour view we had booked and paid for!!! Jon was not happy. Our view looked across to TVNZ and a block of apartments that looked like a Chinese laundry and not what you expect for the price we paid. Such a shame our usual place was fully booked.

Jon did not feel well and said his lunch had not agreed with him. We got changed and set off to find the theatre. We finally managed to find the entrance after walking round the whole block. My feet were killing me as it was the first time I had put boots on since September last year and my bunion was hurting sooooo much!!

We collected our tickets from the box office and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the theatre was and how big. We had a drink in the theatre bar but Jon was not hungry so we didn't go for dinner.

As we were going into find our seats someone shouted us and it was Bron and Peter who were there for his birthday treat but Jon was not in the mood to chat so we just found our seats. The theatre was big inside and we were very high up even though we had paid a lot for our seats. Unfortunately, and this seems to happen a lot to us, the people in front were 'big' and the women decided to sit on the front edge of their seats and lean forward making it difficult for Jon to see. I had restricted view but managed to see most of it. I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have as I knew Jon was not happy. Maybe we should have just gone out for dinner and nothing else but I thought it would be good to have our minds taken off the girls leaving.

We went straight back to hotel which was not far but my bunion was killing me. I will never wear these boots again I made a coffee and ate the vege chips in the room and I am looking forward to breakfast!

The Girls are in Sydney now and hopefully they will have a good flight to Dubai.

WEATHER
Sunny with a chill wind 18 degrees

So much to do!!! Thursday and Friday

Friday

We had a bit of a lie in this morning and so did Tot but then I was up with her at 2.00 as she needed to go out.

It was a little choppy to take the kayak out this morning and I am sure they would have been seasick had they gone out on it.

I did two loads of washing and got it out and then took Tot out.

Jon and I went to the local garden centre for coffee while Heather was still doing stuff on the computer.

I made a bacon and sweetcorn tart for lunch. A recipe Heather had seen and had asked me to make it. Unfortunately, it took longer than it should have as my packed of filo pastry was too dry and so I had to make pastry. It turned out well though and we had it for lunch.

Totty is driving me crazy as she is sniffing in every cupboard and as soon as the pantry door is opened she is in sniffing. I know the mouse is still around but it is not going into the traps so I think we are going to have to use 'proper' traps and he might end up dead but we have given him a good chance and he has missed it but I don't think I can take much more of Totty sniffing and going crazy like this and she is wearing herself out!!

We went down to the Mount after lunch and Jon and Heather climbed it and Jane and I went to look in the shops for a few more things to take home. They called us when they were on the way down and we met them at the ice cream shop where Jon and Heather had a big ice cream.

On the way home we went to buy Jason's birthday present for Jane to take home but we got caught in the rush hour traffic and it took ages to get home.

Heather went out this evening to meet up with people from work and we all stayed in. We lit the fire as it is a bit cold tonight and it does feel nice when the house is warm.

Our new computer is now up and running but the new keyboard is taking some getting used to. Heather has done a good job sorting it all out.

We had fish and chips and Heather finally came home and still had a mountain of packing to do. I had hoped she would be able to take some of the things she left in January but I don't think she will, she does not know the meaning of 'travelling light'!!! We have managed to get it all in but they will have to take one of our small cases back, too.

I had to get my own things sorted out tonight as I need to get Tot to kennels at 8.00 and then we are meeting a friend for coffee on our way so we need to leave by 10.00 and then the mouse can have the house to him/herself for the night.

WEATHER
A little cloudy but sunny and warm 21 degrees

Thursday
After such a terrible night with strong wind and heavy rain we woke to a really beautiful morning with clear skies - weathermen!!!!!

We decided to go to Rotorua and visit Rainbow Springs which is a park that is doing a lot of Kiwi conservation and Genera is going to be doing the pest control and also sponsoring them.

We set off and stopped at \kiwi 360 on the way as the girls wanted to look in the shop and they also have a very nice cafe there. We sat in the sun and it was really, really hot and in the end we had to move as it was too hot!

The girls bought a few things and then we continued on to Rotorua but got caught behind a few slow cars and the journey seemed to take forever.

We bought our entrance tickets and only had half an hour to wait for the next tour behind the scenes so we had a quick walk around and a loo stop and off we went. It was really interesting and I was glad we did it. We saw an x-ray of a Kiwi that had an egg inside and the egg takes us 25% of the space in its body and would be the equivalent of a human giving birth to a 35lb baby!!!! We went into the nocturnal house and saw the oldest bird they have, 35 years, and had been injured in the past and so not been able to be released into the wild but they can live up to 50.

After the tour we went on the new ride, Big Splash. New Zealand does not have theme parks and so this is a new thing and I thought it was really good. Jon and I were in the front of the boat and when it gets to the top of the slide it looks like it is really high but it was too late to go back. We got very wet but it was fun. I wanted to go again but nobody else did.

We then went into the new play area and we all had a go on the big round swing and one day soon I fear Heather is going to put the video on Facebook of me on it!!!

We left the park and went into Rotorua, Burgerfuel for lunch. I am not keen on burgers but at least they are cooked to order here and I did have a very nice vege burger.

We set off back to Tauranga and had a better drive home and reached Bayfair and did the shopping we needed before going home for a cup of tea.

As Rachel and her husband could not come for dinner I made the same meal anyway which was OK. Heather was going to meet Dana, our hairdresser, but she texted to say she was late in from work and asked Heather if she could make it tomorrow but she has plans so they will not be able to meet which is a shame.

I took Tot out for a walk and our neighbour was standing in her drive. I was very friendly and said hello to her and she smiled and said it was a lovely day so all back to normal just as if nothing had happened!

We spent the rest of the night setting up the new computer which is very smart and a much bigger touch screen and hopefully it will be much faster.

Totty is still trying to find the mouse!!!

WEATHER
Bright and sunny all day 20 degrees

New computer

Installing new computer so no blog today but will update tomorrow. We have had a really good day today.

Another busy day.

It is really late for me to be typing this so I think it might be a short one.

We had some really strong winds and very heavy rain overnight and it was so dark and dull this morning and I could have stayed in bed.

I checked the mouse traps but no mouse in them but he had managed to eat the dog biscuits I left. So, just in case he prefers dog biscuits to peanut butter I have put some more in the traps and hopefully we will catch the little devil tonight.

Jon had breakfast and left for work and I answered some emails and and caught up with a few things before the girls got up. Unfortunately, it was far too wet to take Tot out so she didn't get a walk today, she hates the rain.

We were due to have some friends over for dinner tomorrow but she phoned today to say her grandma had died and she is really upset. Her grandad died back in February and she went back to the UK for the funeral but she is not going back now but is not in the mood to go to a dinner party.

We went into Tauranga and I popped in to the Red Cross to see Sharon and we had a chat and I then carried on to the library and changed Jon's books. I chose six new ones for him so hopefully there will be at least one he likes. He didn't do so well choosing his own last time anyway.

I then took the girls up to Wendy's which is a bit like McDonald's and Heather said she would like to go all the time she was here but we never got round to it. After today's visit I wish we never had! It was pretty grim.

We then went to the cheesecake shop and bought a half a cheesecake which we will have tomorrow after dinner as I will still cook the meal I was going to but Rachael was going to bring pudding and now she is not coming I thought I had better get one.

We then went to the supermarket and I did my shopping and Jane and Heather added a few things to the trolley that they want to take back, I hope they have enough space with all this shopping.

We got back and we had a call to say the computer was ready for collection so Heather drove Jane over and they picked it up. We had planned to go swimming in the hot pools but it was far too wet!!!

We have decided to stay in Auckland on Saturday and so I spent a little while on the computer trying to book tickets to go and see Jersey Boys. After a very long time I finally managed to get seats that I think will be OK. I thought we might need a distraction on Saturday night.

Jon arrived back at the same time as the girls with the computer and another present or Kirsty so I think we are just about shopped out now I know the bank will think so.

We booked to go to an Italian restaurant tonight and Heather drove us there but the rain on the way was awful We had a really good dinner and got back at 9.30 in time for Jon to have a bedtime drink and then bed. I stayed up with the girls for a while watching TV but now it is much too late as I have been reading The Mail online and I should have gone to bed!!

WEATHER
Heavy rain all day with some strong winds 20 degrees

A very busy and full on day.

We all got up very early this morning and I managed to get Tot out for a long walk and by the time I got back we were ready to leave 8.00AM!!

The traffic to Hamilton was heavy and the weather over the top of the Kaimai was horrible but better once we got down to the other side. We did notice that we were running out of time and were not going to arrive on time for our 9.30 appt. I phoned the hospital and they said that was OK.

We made it to the hospital by 9.30 but had to park and then find our way to the clinic. The hospital is huge with lots of renovations going on but we found a very nice nurse who put us on the right track and just as we got to the clinic a man came out and asked us what we were looking for and could he help. He just happened to be the Consultant Oncologist and he said I am waiting for you so come on up and he showed us the way.

Jon had to register at reception and while doing so, Herman, put extra chairs in his office and told me it was fine and, in fact good, that the girls were there so we all went in together.

He was very good and explained everything to us and some of it I have already forgotten but I think we have the main bits OK. He did say Jon was to have chemotherapy which we didn't know about so he rang Tauranga Hospital to get an appointment sorted. It will not be a strong dose and he will not lose his hair but it will be attached to him for seven days. We can't remember if he said it was just for seven days or more.

He explained to us how bowel cancer starts and told Jon not to worry that it is not his lifestyle or anything we have done to make it start that it is his DNA and probably came down the line. He said he should tell his siblings, our daughters and grandchildren that they should insist on having a colonoscopy at the age of 45 to check there are no polyps as they would be small and could be removed easily. They apparently take ten years to grow and he says Jon has had his for about 18 months and in cancer terms that is not long so although he has had symptoms we have been lucky catching it early.

He examined Jon and then he showed us the MRI pictures and where it is and what he is going to do. He also believes that a permanent bag can be avoided. He thinks the treatment will start around the 29 May for five and a half weeks and agrees with the surgeon that surgery should take place at the end of August.

He told Jon he can really discount this coming year as he is going to feel bad and in fact he says he will not feel 100% for about three years. Jon must keep up his fitness and training at the gym as that is very good and eat as much and as well as he can though there will be times when he won't feel like food. He told us about side effects and what to expect during and after treatment.

He talked about the effect on us as a couple and told us the divorce rates for people going through cancer treatment and they are very high. He said we need to be patient with each other as it is going to be hard. He was lovely with Jane and Heather and I was very glad they were there with us

He suggests Jon stay over in Hamilton, Monday to Friday at the Cancer Lodge. He says he will be able to drive himself over and back on the Friday and he will have his own parking space and once treatment is done he will be able to come and go as he wishes. We are not sure what we will do about that but it would help if the weather over 'The Hill' is as bad as today.

We need to go back on Tuesday and they will measure up and 'tatoo' Jon as to where the radiotherapy will be. It will come into his back and into both sides and be the same each day.

We felt he had covered everything and we asked all we needed to. Our heads were completely full and it is very scary to know what is going to happen and I am not looking forward to it one bit and nor is Jon but if the end result is good then that is the way it has to be. I wish I could have recorded the conversation as I am sure we will have forgotten something.

We found our way back to the car park and it just so happened to have a very nice cafe there and it was nearly 11.00!! We had a lovely coffee and a chat and a giggle as the girls thought it was very funny to hear an adult, even though he is a doctor, talking about 'poo' and saying 'fart'!!! When he said it I did not dare look at the girls!!

We then made our way, eventually, as the sat nav would not work, out of Hamilton and onto the Raglan Road. Heather and I have been wanting to visit Raglan and as it is only about 40min from Hamilton thought we would go there for lunch. Raglan is famous for surfing and they hold big championships there. Jon had a call on his mobile on the way to say we have an appointment at Tauranga on Monday about the chemo.

It was a pretty drive over and the town is very small but very sweet and I am sure it must be buzzing with young people in the summer. We found a lovely place to eat and I had the best seafood chowder I have ever had and everyone enjoyed what they had.

We had a look around and bought the obligatory fridge magnet and then set off to see Bridal Veil Falls just 13 km out of the town. We walked down the path for ten minutes and got to the top of the falls which drop 55mtrs to a pool below and so pretty. We then went down to the mid viewing platform and I thought this was the best spot to see them. We carried on to the bottom down all 262 steps and it was so beautiful, shame it wasn't sunny.

We dragged ourselves back to the top after all the photos were taken and got back to the car just as it started to rain. The journey home took a long time as we hit rush hour in Hamilton and Cambridge and the weather over The Kaimai was horrible, wet, windy and foggy. and Jon was tired as he does tire these days.

Fortunately, Totty had not had a wee when we got home and she had been on her own for such a long time, ten hours poor thing. She spent a long time in the garden when I let her out though.

We had a cup of tea and a sit down and watched the news.

I made the dinner and we were all so tired. Everyone has already gone to bed so I had better let Tot out and go myself. The weather is not good outside it is very windy and we have showers which are due to last till after lunch tomorrow.

WEATHER
Some sun but overcast and rain in the afternoon 18 degrees

Problem neighbour!

I could easily have turned over this morning and gone back to sleep! However, it wasn't as cold as it has been so not too difficult to get up.

Unfortunately, although the mouse trap was in the closed position and so I carried it carefully out to the garden but when I opened it there was nothing inside! I think we have a clever mouse! Better luck tonight maybe!

Jon went to work and I had breakfast and then took Tot out for her walk and no papers were in the drive from our neighbour! It took a bit of coaxing to get Tot to walk all the way round the block but she did in the end.

When I got back Jane and Heather went out on the kayak for a little while as the tide was turning but the water was very calm. I stayed in the park with Tot and had a chat to a couple with a little dog that was happy to play with Tot and she seemed to enjoy it.

When we brought the kayak back in I was washing the sea water off with the hose and the end came off and soaked me and spun round and soaked Jane's shoes and the garage!!

The girls got ready and we went out for coffee and sat in the sun and it was so warm after the last few days when it has been sunny but a nip in the air today was just warm.

We then went to the shops and had a look around and the girls bought some things to take back with them. We also bought a nice present for Kirsty and I hope she will like it but it is a surprise.

On the way back the girls bought their lunch at the bakers and I went into the supermarket and then we went home. We let the dog out and then we got ready and went up to McLaren Falls to feed the ducks and they were very hungry!! The trees looked very pretty up there with all the autumn colours.

On the way back we popped in to Alison's as she had a parcel for the girls to take back to the UK for her daughter who lives in London and whose boyfriend's family lives just down the road from us in Newmarket!!!

Once we got home Heather went out to meet Michelle for walk around the Mount. BUT in our drive were the three bags of newspapers again!! I picked them all up and went round to see Beryl. I knocked on her door and asked her why she is throwing the papers over our fence. She got very mad and shouted at me and said they were not hers and so I told her they were not mine either. I told her they must have started on her side but she would have none of it and told me that I would have to put them in my bin and as she was beyond reason I walked down the drive and was going to leave them by her gate. I saw one of the neighbours across the road and went and introduced myself to her and asked about Beryl. She told me she was odd and thought she had dementia. Then Beryl saw us and came down the path and across the road. She was calmer and told me they were not hers and probably belonged to the people in front who moved last week!!! So why she threw them over to us I don't know. She then went on to say that 'people who rent houses are like that'! I told her I would put them in my bin but if it happens again I would tell the council. As I walked back to pick up the bags I had left by her gate I saw her carer and so I told her what had happened and she said she is getting worse. I really think she needs more care than she has and shame on her children for leaving her like that. Hopefully, we will have no more problems but I will be giving her a wide berth from now on. That's the thanks I get for helping her out last week when she was locked out!!!

I cooked dinner when I got back and then Jon came home and then Heather from her walk so we all ate together and peace was restored.

We have an early start tomorrow, probably 8.00 as it will be rush hour going to Hamilton and we have to be there for 9.30.

One thing I forgot to mention in my blog yesterday. When we went for lunch and computer shopping Jon parked the car in the main car park. We must have been away for about two hours but when we got back to the car it was still running!!! Not sure how it happened as Jon had the key and although you don't need to put the key in the ignition to start it you should be near the car so not sure what happened. Silly thing is none of us heard it was we walked away!!! We will have to be more careful.

WEATHER
Warm and sunny 18 degrees

A busy shopping day

ANOTHER good night's sleep we are doing well since the girls arrived!

We all got ready, eventually, and made it out at 9.30 for breakfast. We went to the bar opposite the Red Cross shop where I work and get my coffee. Heather was not impressed with the decor but once breakfast arrived she had to agree it was good.

We then went to Heather's favourite shoe shop Number 1 Shoes. She loved it when she was here and still loves it. So much so she bought two pairs yesterday and three today!!! They did have a buy two get one free deal!!!

We then went off to the DIY shop to buy some mouse traps as the food I left out for the mouse last night had gone so I knew he/she/they were still about. I had also found more droppings on one of the shelves in the pantry so I knew we had to sort it. We bought some very cute humane traps and I have now put peanut butter in them, apparently mice like it, not sure how this was discovered, and hopefully we can catch the little b*****s and be done with it. Oh, hang on, is my husband the General Manager of a pest control company???? If they don't work we might have to have some 'training' in our house!!!

Traps set we went off for lunch and sat in a lovely sunny spot and had lunch which was very good.

After lunch we went to have a look at desk top computers as ours is now very slow and Jon thinks we ought to have a new one. After doing the rounds of the electrical shops - fortunately all on one mall - we settled on the one Jon, Jame and Heather had seen the other day. They don't have it in store but can get it for us from Auckland by Wednesday. We also bought a new water filter/chiller which holds seven litres. As I am fed up with the jug taking so much space in the fridge I think this will be a good deal. We also needed a new alarm clock as I am sure the one Jon had keeps him awake as it is like Blackpool in the bedroom at night so we bought one that 'dims'. All in all we got a good deal and the young salesman, Jonathan, gave us some good discounts.

A quick trip to the supermarket fiisihed our afternoon and we didn't have enough time to play mini golf as planned.

We got home  and in our drive were three bags of old newspapers just by the bit of fence that our elderly neighbour uses to get through. I collected them up and threw them back over!! What is she thinking? We had a cuppa before Jane and Heather went out to meet Lisa for dinner before the big netball match. They called to say they had a spare ticket but I was looking forward to a night in.

I took Tot out for a walk and saw that all the newspapers were thrown over the fence again!! So, when I got back I threw them all over again!!! Oh dear!

I made dinner which was very nice and we tested our new water filter and it tastes so good and is really cold. Hopefully, I will now drink a lot more water.

After dinner when I was clearing away I looked out of the utility window and saw that the papers were back again!! Out I go and collect them all up and over the fence they go, a little further this time. I wonder what I will find in the morning. I think the lady needs help and so if she does it again I will ask her why and depending on what she says I will phone Age Concern and ask for help!! Why us????

Jon said he was feeling very tired tonight and feels bad at having to go to bed so early when the girls are here. I told him not to worry and that they understand and it is all part of it and they are here to 'see' him and we don't have to be 'doing' things all the time.

There is a lovely moon tonight, super moon! It is shinning on the water so brightly but the photos do not show it.

WEATHER
Sunny 19 degrees

A day in Rotorua

We all managed a little lie in this morning which was good.

The first thing Tot did when she got up was sit by the dishwasher and was not even interested in her breakfast so not sure if the mouse is still there or not.

After breakfast and dog walking we finally manage to leave the house at 10.00 - only an hour later than we wanted to!! We left Tot sitting looking at the dishwasher not sure how long she will stay there!

The drive to Rotorua was fine and it was such a lovely day again. We stopped at Okere Falls for coffee and sat outside where Jane got sun burnt on her arm and it was such a sheltered spot we had to move as it was too hot! The coffee and muffin was good though.

We arrived at the luge and went up in the gondola, had a look around the shop and then went on the luge and as usual it was great fun. However, in the wooded areas under the trees there was a definite nip in the air. I only had one ride, Jon had two and the girls had three.

It was by this time very late so we went to the Fat Dog for lunch and ate far too much. We then had a look around the shops and I bought some slippers and Heather bought some boots and shoes.

Jon wants us to have a new computer and so we were looking at some which had good deals on but we will buy it here in Tauranga.

We got home and had a cup of tea and then Jon went out to buy a mouse trap but the shop was closed.

I made the dinner but we were not really hungry after so much lunch so a bit of a waste of time.

We watched some TV and then they all went off for an early night and I am just about to go, too.

WEATHER
Sunny 19 degrees

Another fun filled day at the hospital!

We made our early start this morning and boy was it cold with a frost!!!!

Heather and I left at about 7.30 and made our way through the 'rush hour' traffic!!! Not much really. We arrived at Ward 2C at 8.00 and we were told they had no bed for her and we would have to wait in the ward lounge which was fine and better than a bed with all the 'sick' people!!!

At 8.20 they came in and took another blood sample and said it would be about an hour and a half to two hours for the result. So we waited and waited and I went down at 10.15 for a coffee and hot chocolate and brought it back to the ward.

We had not bee told anything other than a bed was now available for Heather but we decided to stay in the lounge where we had a nice view and a TV.

At about 11.30 I went to ask what was happening and was told that Heather's notes had been lost and everyone was trying to find them and as soon as they did they would let the doctors know and they would come up and see us.

I went down to the hospital cafe and bought us some sandwiches for lunch and when I got back the doctor and two registrars came in. the asked lots of the same questions again and said that the blood test result was still elevated and they could not rule out a clot thought they did think it was not a clot but could not let Heather go as there was still doubt. He said she would need the CT scan and one of the registrars went off to book it but we were told we might have to wait till the evening and so be prepared to stay till then!!! I told him we thought it might have been a muscle thing due to her lifting up her hand luggage into the overhead locker but until they could rule out the clot we were going nowhere.

All day I was texting Jon and Jane who had been out for lunch followed by coffee and then a trip to the home show and lunch and still Heather and I sat and waited.

Finally they came to tell us that Heather would be taken down at 3.00 for the scan and so one of the registrars came back - a VERY black man but very nice. I think nurses are the best to put cannulas in and this doctor really did not have much of an idea. He messed up the attempt in her left wrist and as she has had so many bloods taken over the last 18 hours could not use either arm and with the blood taken from her wrist artery which was very sore the only place left was the back of her hand and I could see it was really hurting her and would have liked to call a nurse to do it but had to keep quiet. Eventually, he managed to do it and then stuck it all up with tape.

She was taken down by a porter just before 3.00 and was back by 3.15. She told me the dye they inject made her feel like she needed a wee and the taste in the back of her throat was horrible and as I have had a CT scan I knew what she meant.

The nice lady registrar came in about half an hour later and told us it was not a clot and not pneumonia and so she could go home. If it had been a clot we would have had to inject her over the weekend and have a blood test on Monday and then go onto pills - so glad it was not.

We were given a letter for her GP and told to take paracetamol. The problem has been the elevated blood result and nobody knew why that was plus the long haul flight. I am glad they were so through at checking it out as I would have been very worried about her going back if it was not sorted properly. You just never know. We were both so happy to get out into the lovely sunshine that we had been looking at through the window all day sitting in a very 'cool' air conditoned room!

We have no idea how much it is going to cost and Heather's holiday insurance does not take effect till she goes to Brussels and Spain in June!! She thought she would be fine in NZ with Mum and Dad!!!

So happy it is all over and getting home was so nice.

Heather had a shower and then went out with Jon and Jane to the shops in Bayfair just to feel normal. They picked up our Friday night fish and chips on the way home which was very good.

After dinner I was clearing away and Totty was sniffing around in the pantry and going a bit mad. We were all standing watching her when suddenly a mouse ran out and went under the fridge. What happened next I would find difficult to describe and it would have made a good video. Heather, Jane and I on chairs, Tot running round like a dog possessed and Jon standing in the middle of it all asking what the problem was!!!

We finally blocked everywhere off, put the dog out of the room and moved the fridge and I was waiting with a plastic bucket and a wooden spoon but the little blighter was too quick and ran under the only thing we had not blocked, the dishwasher!!! We moved that but could not find it and thought it had gone down through one of the holes for the pipes in the floor.

Totty came back in and was sniffing by the dishwasher and when I opened the cupboard door next to the dishwasher she climbed in and went mad but still no mouse. I put the dishwasher on and she sat by it for a long time so I imagine it must still be around. We will have to get some traps tomorrow and see if we can catch it. Hold on!!! Jon Trevenna, General Manager of Genera, Pest Control!!!!!!Hmmmmm.

We are all looking forward to a good sleep tonight and hopefully tomorrow we can have some fun.

We had our first fire of the winter tonight and the house is lovely and warm so hopefully it will not feel so cold in the morning. The forecast is still for good weather and they say this really cold weather will only be for another day or so!!

WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees

What an interesting day!!!

It felt really cold this morning even though the sky was clear and blue, I think we will need the fire tonight!

Jon left for work and I showered and did some washing. Heather woke and still had the pains under her ribs so we decided to go to the doctor. They have a walk in surgery and we got there around 10.20. We were taken in and eventually after seeing the nurse saw the doctor who was not sure what the problem was but in view of the fact that she had just had a long haul flight thought he would do a blood test to rule out a clot. He told us he would call this afternoon with the results.

We went home and picked Jane up and then I took Heather to the office where she went out with Michelle for lunch. Jane and I went and had a very nice lunch sitting down near the beach at the Mount. We also had an ice cream on the way back to the car.

We picked Heather up and had a chat to the girls in the office and I introduced Jane to the ones she didn't know. On the way home we popped in to buy some bread and got home at about 3.30.

The doctor called just as we got back and said he the blood test was borderline for a clot and so he was doing a referral and we had to go and collect it and then go to the hospital where they would do a CT scan!!!

I had just made a cup of tea but we rushed out and I left Jane to feed the dog and bring the washing in and I gave Jon a quick call at the office. We arrived at the hospital and had to go into A&E and Heather was checking in and giving details and I saw my friend Bronwyn in the waiting area so went to speak to her. She had a cyst removed from her foot last week and had fallen on it so was waiting to see if the pins had moved.

We didn't wait long and they took us to an emergency assessment ward. Heather had to undress and put a gown on and then over the next few hours she had a blood test, an ECG, urine test, chest x-ray. lots of questions another blood test from an artery this time and another urine test and eventually an injection into her tummy to thin the blood.

They wanted her to stay in overnight but she wouldn't. and I can't say I blame her as there were so many very odd and old people there and we heard some very funny snippets of conversation. 'Are they your own teeth?' - ' I have a Samurai sword and a chainsaw' - 'Cover my toes they are cold' Not to mention all the noises!!! One conversation with a ward orderly and an elderly male patient went like this.

Hi, how are you? Have you had your dinner?
Yes, thank you it was very good.
What did you have?
Oh I don't know what it was!!!!

They brought Heather a meal on a tray and when I lifted the cover I saw a scoop of mashed potato, a floret of cauliflower, a piece of roasted pumpkin and some tiny chicken bits in an orange sauce which could have been curry. A dish of the most insipid bread and butter pudding and custard was at the side of the tray. She didn't eat it. I think I am going to have to be 'meals on wheels' when Jon goes in for his operation.

They eventually said she could get dressed and go and they took the cannula from her arm and said she could take the dressing off her wrist where they had taken the blood from her artery and they told her it would be painful and the tummy injection might bruise. So from never having had a blood test or a visit to hospital she has more than made up for it in the last 12 hours.

They have a bed booked for her on a ward tomorrow and I have to get her back for 8.00 and they will do a CT scan. Not sure how long it will all take but we were hoping to go out somewhere tomorrow as Jon is off!!! Jon is going to take Jane out for breakfast and then we will have to see how things go. They are pretty sure it isn't a clot but not sure enough to let it go without investigation. Not sure how much it will all cost as she has no insurance apart from Mum and Dad!!

We picked up some pizza on the way home but she couldn't eat as she is now worried!! I am just so tired and need to get to bed now ready for my early start and I must remember to take my book with me. This is not the way their holiday was meant to be!!

WEATHER
Cold but sunny 19 degrees

Not much doing today for the girls!

Heather was already awake when we got up and she said she had not slept much through the night and still had pains in her tummy and couldn't eat anything.

I made Jon's breakfast and had my own and then Jon went off to work. I took Tot out for her walk and although it war really sunny outside, like most Kiwi houses, this house is cold inside apart from the rooms where the sun shines ins

Jane finally woke up at 11.00 and I had spent the morning baking cakes and keeping busy.

Heather didn't want anything to eat but finally showered and dresses and we popped out to the shops and her favourite shoe shop where she found THREE pairs of shoes she liked!!!

We got back and I put the leg of lamb in to cook and we watched some TV.

We heard raised voices in the park and when we looked out some women who were down having a bbq and picnic were arguing and one of them hit the other and all hell broke loose!!! Never seen that before in our little park. Eventually one women drove off in her car and it was all quiet again/

Jon came home and we discussed going down to Mt Ruapehu which is the winter ski field in the central part of the N Island. The forecast looks good but I will need to check if the chairlifts are open to get us to the top if not, it will not be worth going.

Dinner was good and Heather ate a little bit but not much. Hopefully, after a good night's sleep she will be OK tomorrow.

It was really cold this evening so we tried out the electric heaters and they work well we are just not sure how much they cost to run. I think we are going to need the fire soon so I bought some kindling today!! I really don't understand why they don't insulate the houses here. I think I say the same every winter!!!

WEATHER
Sunny but a real nip 19 degrees

What a day!

We were kept up to date with the girls flights on the various airport websites and knew that they had landed and were due to take off from Sydney on time.

After breakfast I took Tot out for a long walk as she was going to be in the house for over six hours so I didn't want any accidents!!

We set off when we saw that the flight was 'closed' and so knew they would be on time.

The drive to Auckland was the usual boring drive and we stopped at Karangahake Gorge for coffee on the way. The forecast had been for a sunny day but we went through a few villages and they had obviously had some rain but fortunately, we missed it!

We arrived at the airport just as the flight landed and then waited about half an hour for them to come out and they looked very tired. I don't think the 'two stop' option is a good one as they really didn't know where they were or what day they were on but it was lovely to see them.

We set off and drove for about an hour and then stopped for some lunch. Heather was not feeling well and had not felt well since Sydney so didn't eat anything. We had some lunch and then set off again.

We got home about 4.00 and fortunately Tot had not had any accidents!! We got in and had a cup of tea and Heather went for a nap while we showed Jane around the house.

I took Tot for her walk and when I got back woke Heather up and I heated up the lasagne I made yesterday but Heather was not feeling well enough to eat and so went back to bed hopefully she will feel better tomorrow and it is just because she is tired.

We had dinner and while we were eating my iPod started to ping to say I had mail and it 'pinged' a lot so I thought I ought to check it. When I did I realised my email had been sending out mail and I had been hacked. I am not sure if it is something to do with the email I received last night after I posted my blog. It told me I had to verify my account or it would be taken down. It looked genuine and I checked with my nephew and he thought it was but now I am not so sure. I have changed my password and hopefully I have stopped any more trouble. I hate hackers. Why can't they do some 'useful' work if they are so clever.

Heather is still not well and I think she is probably having one of her panic attacks as she does. Hopefully she will settle down tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud in Auckland 19 degrees