Another full day

I was up at 6.00 and showered ready to go and collect Viv to take her to the hospital. It is a problem not having a door on the en suite when one of us needs to get up early!!

I left the house at 6.45 and was over to collect Viv and we were at the hospital by 7.15 which was far too early as the clinic did not open till 7.30 so we sat and chatted. I needed to stay with her so they knew she was not going to be on her own when she goes home. I am glad she is being kept in for the night as I was worried she would be at home on her own after having a procedure like that I thought it was dangerous. He granddaughter will collect her tomorrow.

I got back home and had breakfast and got ready for Red Cross. Jon left not long after I got back and was going out for lunch with someone so did not need sandwiches today.

It was really quite cold and windy again this morning and I looked like I had been through a storm when I got to work.

We had to change the windows this morning and so we did one like it was a beach and the other like a picnic and they both looked nice when we had finished but it took ages. We have a lovely Korean girl helping for a couple of hours on a Friday and then we have a Japanese lady who comes in at 11.00 every Friday and she loves the cakes I bake and take in. We are a really happy group and all work well together and don't just sit behind the counter!!!

A man was killed in Tauranga the other day after a motorcycle accident and it was his funeral today. The funeral cars drove past the shop on the way to the crematorium followed by hundreds of people on motorbikes, very noisy.

I left the shop just after 1.00 and went and did my shopping and then home for lunch and I was starving as it was nearly 3.00 by the time I got home.

Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and later he went out for fish and chips and we watched the last episode of Close Up a NZ current affairs programme. We recorded it and will keep it for Heather to watch as we had many a laugh over Close Up when she was here.

I was really tired after my early morning and I had texted Viv to see if she wanted me to pop in and see her but she said no but that she would call me tomorrow.

I had asked my sister to find some photos of me as a teenager as I need to take one to a Christmas party I am going to and have none here. she kindly found some and my nephew kindly scanned them and put them on FB so I have copied them and printed one. Wow! What a blast from the past. I have sat here giggling at them. I love old photos and there is one with mum and dad and they look so young.

Now I really will go to bed if I can stop reminiscing I might get to sleep.

WEATHER
Cold windy start followed by sunny spells 20 degrees

A stay at home day.

I had a little lie in this morning and didn't get up till7.30 so had to rush and have a shower so Jon could have his.

Jon went off to work and I logged on to my email and read one from Wendy the president of our Lions group. she wrote that we had made $22,000 which is a great achievement. she went on to thank everyone and then said that special thanks should go to Sue and Lori who had worked like navvies on the counter. Well hello, I, too was on the counter for eight hours and I think I did pretty well considering I was the only one to start who knew how to use the card machine and I stayed to tidy up and Lori only did a half day anyway.

Now it takes a lot for me to get angry and it doesn't happen often but I was sooooo mad I was shaking at the unfairness of it all. One lady spent the whole day standing by the back door so people would not get out without paying and she did it again on the Sunday. I did not particularly want a special mention but you are treading on very dangerous ground when you start 'naming names' after a team effort. I replied to the email 'So I was invisible for the eight hours I worked on the counter on Saturday?'

I rang my friend Janice and told her and she told me to get my togs on and come swimming with her but I declined as I had promised myself a day at home to get things done. I did however, stand by the window and watch the fourth largest cruise ship in the world dock in Tauranga for the first time and it is very big!!

Kirsty called me and I calmed down a little and she told me she had slipped and fallen over and wanted to know how to get the mud off her handbag. Her pride was hurt but she was OK.

We put our bin out this morning and Jon went up the steps first and we managed without either of us falling down!!

I needed to go to the post office to post some cards and also to get petrol so I decided to take Totty over to the park where we used to live in Maungatapu and go to the post office and petrol station over there.

I shouldn't have bothered as she wouldn't walk any better there than she does here. I thought I would pop in and see my friend Viv who lives near the park. she is down from looking after her grandchildren in Auckland as she has a hospital appointment tomorrow. We had a nice chat and then I went to the PO and petrol station before going home and Totty seemed happy to be out in the car so maybe I should just give up the walking in the street with her.

When I got in Wendy had called and left a message for the 'invisible woman' and said she would call back. So far she hasn't.

I had lunch and then got stuck into my ironing and I am at last up to date.

Jon came home early as he was tired.

I thought I might go down to the Mount and see the cruise ship leaving but it wasn't going till 8.15 so I decided to wait till it comes in again on 17 December and will go and see it leave then as it is due to depart at 6.00 which is a better time.

We had dinner and watched some TV. I then went on the computer to see if I can find any of the china pieces that we have in the Red Cross. Bianca thought they might be worth something but it is taking me such a long time to find them all as I don't know what the patterns are. I have found some and we should be able to get more than the usual 50c we charge for a cup or saucer.

I had told Viv I would take her into the hospital in the morning if her daughter can't make it and she called me tonight to ask if I could do that so I am now off to bed as I need to collect her at 7.00 am to get her there for 7.30.

WEATHER
Cloudy and windy 21 degrees

Dentist!!!

I was up early this morning and had made a cake before 8.00 as Bronwyn and Alison were coming to tea and I wasn't sure how much time I would have later.

Heather called for a chat this morning and managed to catch Jon before he went to work and then I had a quick chat but I had a dentist appointment so needed to go into Tauranga.

After the lovely weather yesterday I though we were in for more of the same and so I put a dress on but when I got outside it was so cold but too late to change!!

I went to the dentist and he said he needs to remove one of my fillings as it is old so I made an appointment for next week. He is so nice and gentle and always cleans my teeth using a hand scraper as opposed to the electric on which I hate. so now I have to hope it is over fast next week - I hate the dentist even if he is nice!!

I had a coffee on my way home and also went to the bank and nearly froze waiting to cross the road.

I got home and took Tot out and the sun had come out and it was really warm.

It was then time to go to my Pilate's class which once again was very good. As from next week it will be once a week on Mondays.

I did a few jobs around the house and had lunch and made some cupcakes for Jon as the cake I made this morning has nuts in and he can't eat it. Bronwyn and Alison arrived just after three. I showed them round the house which they liked very much. We were out in the garden when I realised Totty had got out again so I had to run round to next door and get her back. I thought Jon had found the hole but obviously there is another.

We went in and had tea and cakes and a chat which was nice.

Once they left I went to find the hole in the fence and found a small one but big enough for her to get through but not anymore - I hope!!

Jon came home and we watched the news and I did a bit of ironing and then we had dinner and watched some TV.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow as I have nothing planned and can do what I want but all at home - bliss. I think I am going to have to slow down as I am not getting enough time in the house and I still have boxes to unpack.

I started to write some Christmas cards tonight and the letters I need to go to friends who are not on email. I need to think about shopping sometime, too as I have nothing yet and I need to anything I buy posted by the end of next week!!

I am looking forward to my bed now.

WEATHER
Cold start, cloudy 24 degrees

Summer, at last!!!

Another day and it started with keep fit this morning and it was so hot we were all exhausted after the class.I stayed for a cup of coffee and a chat and then came home.

I took tot out for a walk but not far as she won't walk again!! I left the doors open and she was out in the garden. She had been gone a long time so I went out to see what she was up to and I could hear her barking and it was coming from next door, the empty house. I had to run up about 20 steps to the deck into the house up another five steps, grab my keys and out round to the neighbour's. She was in a wooed area barking at a hedgehog!!! I got her back in and blocked off the stairs to the garden so she couldn't get out again.

I had my lunch and got ready to go to the Red Cross as I said I would help out as two ladies are on holiday. I don't think I will help again on a Tuesday as the two women on with me were pretty useless. One left at 2.30 and the other stayed behind the counter all the time. She went to move her car and then came back and went for a break leaving me on my own. When she came back she went back behind the counter and I was getting more and more angry as there were loads of clothes to be put back onto the racks that people had tried on. I asked her if that was all she did and she said 'Oh what would you like me to do?' I told her if that is what she normally does then nothing! She must have realised I was cross as she decided to put some things away. What is the point of being a volunteer if you don't do anything?

We closed the shop at five and I came home and fed the dog and let her out. she immediately started barking and when I went down to see why she had found another hedgehog but in our garden. I ended up smacking her on the bottom to keep her away. She is probably covered in fleas now.

Jon came home and found the space she got out and put some wire around so hopefully we will just hav the  hedgehogs in the garden to worry about.

We had dinner and watched some TV and I did some ironing. I am really tired now!!

It has been really hot today and I hope it continues for the weekend as we have the Santa Parade.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

House inspection!

Despite the roaring gale force winds through the night we had a good sleep and i was glad I went to bed early and felt the benefit this morning.

I spent most of the morning cleaning as the agent was due to visit at 11.00. Even when on the phone to Heather I was busy with my feather duster!! It was lovely to speak to Heather and hear about her lovely birthday day in London, she sounds like she had a really good time.

The agent arrived and I had managed to do all of my housework and the house is looking very good now considering we have only been in for two weeks. Hopefully, once the bookcase is here we can get the books sorted and that will mean I can get heather's room ready.

The agent thought it might be better if we go for Roman blinds as there is not much space either side of the windows to put curtains up. she said she will speak to the owner and let me know. I don't mind either as long as it is darker in the mornings.

Once she had gone I had my lunch as I had a Pilates class to go to. I love my class and fee so much better for going. I go again on Wednesday and then it will be every Monday till just before Christmas. I will stay with this group as we are all on the same level.

I popped to the supermarket for a few things and then went home. I really had to get stuck into my ironing. The problem is I hate ironing shorts and trousers and always start on the tops and shirts which means I have a big pile of 'bottoms' to iron!!

Jon came home from work and said we could collect the book shelves at 6.00 so we set off to Payes Pa. The house we went to was out in a lovely rural area on a small estate with some really big houses. The one we went to was for sale and the board outside showed pictures of a garden with a lovely pool. the owner was in the drive and said he would open the garage. He was obviously English from the accent and about mid 40s. We got chatting and he told us they had been in NZ for six years but were selling up and going back to the UK. He had been made redundant in August and was very bitter and depressed and basically a real 'whinging Pom'. He had a bad attitude and I am not surprised he does not like it here as he does nothing but complain and we had only just met him. He went on and on and it was difficult to get away but we finally did with our very nice Ikea book shelves - phew!!! I think if he can't be happy living in NZ in the house he has then he is not going to be happy anywhere.

We got back and Jon watched the Grand Prix and I made dinner and did a bit more ironing.

We had recorded NZ Got Talent last night as it has too many breaks and we were able to watch it tonight without the breaks by fast forwarding. There are about four good acts but not sure which will win, probably an eleven year old who has a lovely voice but maybe one of the others might pip her to the post.

I just remembered I can't go swimming tomorrow as I have said I will work at the Red Cross - just as well I remembered!!

WEATHER
Strong winds during the night and most of the day 20 degrees

First bbq of the season

We managed a bit of a lie in this morning which was nice. Heather said she would call but I should think after such a long day for her birthday she was still in the land of nod. Glad she had a good time.

Although it is nice to have a lie it it does upset the day and the morning goes by so fast. After hanging out the washing I didn't get much else done before it was time to go for a coffee. Jon noticed that you could see the cruise ship from our bedroom which is in Mt Maunganui this morning.

I had popped into the garden centre in Bethlehem yesterday on my way back from the book rooms and bought some compost to fill the troughs but we needed more and I also wanted to spend more time having a look around so we went back there.

As garden centres go it is probably the best around. We had a good coffee and a slice of lemon and cherry cake before looking around. They have some lovely Christmas things on sale and they had a rack with 'half price' items on it. I found some lovely wall tiles with Kiwi pictures on and it said half price. I picked two up one of the NZ wood pigeon and another of the Pohutakawa tree. I saw another with a Kiwi bird on but it was not on the sale shelf. I went to the cash desk and found a lady and asked her if they were half price and if they were I would also buy the Kiwi. She said she thought not but we went to look at the shelf and she saw the boxes there and so said I could have them at half price and told me to get the Kiwi, too!! I now have three very nice tiles to go on three hooks left by the previous owner and we are just about there with pictures now.

We paid for the tiles and then went and put them into the car before getting a trolley to go and buy the compost. I managed to get the four bags onto the trolley but couldn't move it. A very kind lady came over and told me she would wheel it to the checkout for me and leave it there till we were ready, how nice is that? We got another trolley and then bought some parsley plants and a sage and a chives and a bay. We also bought some marigolds to go in the trough with the tomatoes and some pretty pink flowers to go in a tub for the deck. On the way out we saw a lovely standard fuchsia which we bought. It was really cheap, about twenty pounds, for such a lovely plant. We went to pay for everything and then loaded the car.

On our way back we went into Nosh to buy some food for a bbq this evening. I also got some meat from them as it is all organic or free range and all very good prices. I also bought some of the lovely fishcakes they do. We bought some ham, cheese and tomato empanadas for lunch and then went home. We tried to buy a bit of fence or trellis to go on the steps - the ones I fell on - to stop the dog getting out but it was all too big.

We managed to get all the compost into the yard by throwing it through a window type opening in the wall near the front door that goes into the yard and it saved a lot of time and effort.

We had lunch and then Jon planted up the troughs with the tomato plants and herbs and they look very nice.

Jon went to the Warehouse to buy a cover for the sunshade but they didn't have any but he did find a bit of trellis which works well and looks better than plants on the steps.

I did some washing and a bit more sorting. We have the agent coming in the morning to measure up for the curtains so I need to make sure we are all tidy and clean.

We had a bbq and although the sun was shinning it was bit windy and Jon burnt the ribs but the sausages were good.

Started to watch the final of NZ Go Talent but I get fed up with the breaks and the winner won't be announced till next week so we recorded it and will watch it another time. I was too tired to watch any other TV as I would have fallen asleep and then wake up and can't go to bed. So here I am doing my blog very early and then off to bed.

Totty seems to be very happy here and loves being able to go in and out to the garden and wander around so she is not just lying sleeping all day which has to be better for her.

WEATHER
Some cloud but mostly sunny 21 degrees

Book sale

I was up just before six this morning and showered as quietly as I could when you have no door to the en suite!!! Jon got up anyway before I left.

I arrived at the book rooms just after 7.30 and there was already a queue waiting outside. We put the finishing touches to the room and tied up the balloons outside and the doors opened to the usual rush at 8.00. It still amazes me how many people come rushing in once the doors open. I didn't lift my head for about two hours after that as we were so busy and I was on the EFTPOs machine (taking debit card payments). The room was busy all morning and Jon came over about 11.00 and brought me a very needed cup of coffee. The sun was shinning in the window where we were and I was hot and also drank two bottles of water.

I went for lunch just after 12.00 and enjoyed the quiet of the empty shop next door were we had our tea/coffee facilities and a very welcome chair.

Back to it at 12.30 till nearly 4.30 and it was pretty much non stop. Lots of people came in and said hello which was nice and makes me feel very much at home.

I finally shouted out to everyone that we were closing and they needed to leave or they would just have carried on 'browsing'. We made the table tidy ready for tomorrow and then we all left.

I stopped off at the garden centre to buy compost and then went home.

Jon had painted all the deck furniture and it is pretty much all done now and just in time for us to have a bbq tomorrow - I love the sunshine!!

Christine called me and told me we had made about $16,000 today! GBP8,000 pretty good I would say.

So glad I had dinner ready and just needed to put it in the oven and make a salad. For pudding I made a Kiwi dessert and for the life of me I can't remember what it is called but it is whipped cream, crushed meringues, chopped berries and mini marshmallows all mixed together with some vanilla, I am sure Heather will remember what it is called as she loved it and it was very nice.

After a bit of TV it is bedtime and I think I can just about drag myself off to bed and I am so looking forward to it.

WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees

Looking forward to a rest next week

Things are pretty full on at the moment and I am looking forward to next week when the book sale is over!

After breakfast this morning I took Tot for a quick walk as I knew I would be out all day. She didn't walk far and was glad to be back home. She seems very settled in this house and enjoys going out into the garden more than she ever has so not walking is not a problem.

I put the hood filters into soak with the soda crystals and my goodness what a disgusting mess, the water was like thick brown mud. It really isn't surprising that the grease was dripping down when I was using the hob. It took two changes of water and then I left them to soak.

I went off to the Red Cross and we had a busy morning. We now have lots of stock in and so lots of people are in and out all the time. One lady brought me a T shirt that had obviously been worn and was dirty and stained. We think somebody must have tried one on and liked it and left the old one ugh!!

I photographed a lot of the china cups and saucers that we got in the other day. I had been trying to check them on the Internet but you need to know the name and sometimes the shapes of the cups and plates so I thought it was best to have the photographs and I can do them bit by bit.

I had some fruit for my lunch at the shop before I went up to the book rooms. It is now looking nice and tidy ready for the big day tomorrow. I don't think it will take long before it looks a mess as once the crowds move in there is not much you can do.

I got home at 4.30 and fed Tot and rinsed off the filters. What a difference, they now feel better and look very different. I cooked some chicken I had taken from the freezer and it will do for dinner tomorrow as I might be too tired to cook any. Jon went out for fish and chips for us so nice and easy.

I took a carrot cake from the freezer and topped it with some cream cheese icing ready to take tomorrow. I usually bake for the afternoons we go to sort  books but this year I have been too busy moving house amongst other things!! I thought I ought to show willing tomorrow.

I sorted Jon's medication into the littel boxes ready for him to start his chemo again tomorrow and he is not looking forward to it.

We watched some TV and now I am going to have an early night as I need to be up at 6.15 tomorrow as I need to be at Bethlehem for 7.30!!!


WEATHER
Cloudy start followed by sun 22 degrees

A better day today.

Jon slept really well last night and so was in a better mood this morning and the sun was shinning!

It is bin days on Thursday and we have to lift and carry out bin out of the courtyard and up some silly, narrow steps. I went up first, backwards, and Jon was lifting the bottom. Not sure what or how it happened but I lost my footing and fell at the top. I could feel myself falling into our neighbours garden, a bit of a drop, and I was trying to hold onto something. I think, my bottom must have hit the metal fence and pushed me forward and then my face hit the ground. Although it hurt and my face and bottom are both sore and bruised it could have been worse had I been a few inches to the right as we have a bed of very large cobbles and I think they might have done some real damage. We have such a narrow access into the garden it is stupid. The gardener came later and I told her what had happened and she agreed it was silly. She kindly moved some of the cobbles back which gives a better pathway but I think we need to move more of them.

Jon went off to work and I did some housework and had a chat to the gardener, Trina. I told her I wanted to add some plants as once the spring flowers go over the garden will be mostly green. We decided on geraniums and begonias.

She left at 10.00 and I left soon after to meet Jon at the hospital for his appointment. I can't quite get used to living where we are and getting my travel time right. it takes so much off a trip into town living here and I am arriving early for everything. I had a good 15 minutes before Jon arrived.

We went in to see Michelle and Jon told her he had been really tired on the chemo and was not looking forward to starting again on Saturday. She said she would keep him on the same dose as, other than the tiredness and diarrhoea, he has no other symptoms like dry skin, weeping eyes or mouth ulcers so all good really. His bloods are good, too. We will see her again in six weeks but Lorraine, cancer nurse, will keep in touch with him.

Jon went back to work and I went to 11th Ave Plaza  for a coffee and sat in the sun which was lovely. I then went to the Red Cross and had a chat with Sharon and Bianca, still no news on Les' visa. Bianca asked me to work on Tuesday afternoon which is fine. She also asked me if I would look at a box of china they have to see if it is worth anything much. I have checked some of it and it could be interesting. I also found a lovely skirt while I was there!!!

I did some shopping on the way back and by the time I got home I was starving so had some lunch sitting in the sun. I have Lions dinner meeting tonight and I had told Jon I needed to leave at 5.40 and he said he would not be home till later so I parked my car in the middle of the car port as it is easier for me to back out from the middle and it does not scrape the bottom of my car. At last some decent sunshine. I painted my nails  sitting outside.

I got dinner prepared for Jon to cook and was just about to go and get myself ready and of course he came home and could not park the car so had to leave it half way up the drive - typical!! So, when I left he had to go and move his car, too. I just knew I should have parked in my usual spot.

We had a good meeting and the District president was there and I sat next to her during dinner. I think she has Lions written through her middle as she lives and breathes Lions. I enjoy the club but I could never be like that. Dinner was good again and we had fresh asparagus so we will all have smelly wee tonight!! Wendy gave me some nice little tomato plants which we can put in our troughs.

Margaret's grandson will be buried on Saturday and she has asked for donations to be made to Ronald McDonald House in Christchurch where they have been staying rather than flowers so Lions will send a donation to them which is better than flowers.

I came home and had a coffee and am starting to feel bruises in other places now, toes, shoulder and back. I don't think you bounce so well when you get older!!

Jon had painted another chair tonight and the table but ran out of paint. He managed to do them all outside so we don't have the house smelling of vanish.

Not sure what time Jon will get to bed tonight as Bertie has decided to 'play up'!

WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees

Bertie needs to learn some discipline!!

Last night was eventful in so much as Bertie misbehaved and had Jon up at 2.30 to sort him out. We have done well up to now and so one 'off night' is not too bad as long as he doesn't make a habit of it.

Jon was not in a good frame of mind this morning after last night and not much I could say to make him feel better. He left for work and stopped off for his blood test on the way.

I finally managed to call my friend, Mary, and we had a nice chat and I hope her dinner was not completely ruined by the time she ate it.

As soon as I put the phone down it rang again and it was Heather so I had a quick chat to her as I needed to get ready to go and pick Bronwyn up. Heather told me the seal on the freezer is broken. I told her to call the repair man to see if he can fix it and if not we will have to get another one.

I quickly rushed around and did a few bits and took Totty out. We didn't get far as there was a very BIG dog at the end of the street standing by his gate and I was not in the mood for a confrontation so we turned back much to Totty's delight.

I went to collect Bronwyn and I took her to the garden centre and we had a coffee and I had a  cheese scone as I had forgotten to have my breakfast. We had a look around the garden centre and then I took her home. She gave me three bags of books to take to the book sale.

We have had some lovely 'new house' cards from family and friends and they look very nice on the unit.

I just had time to hang out the washing and then i was off to my Pilates class which was so good and I love it and I am really pleased I am back into it. I have had two classes a week on this deal but I will drop it to one a week.

After the class I went to the book rooms and ate an apple and a banana for my lunch. All this rushing about had got to be good for the weight!!!

One of the ladies told me that Margaret's grandson had died at 1.30 yesterday but that all the family managed to get down to Christchurch to be with him. So, so sad, he was such a lovely looking boy.

We are pretty much there with all the books now and it is just some tidying and a bit more sorting. The photographer came to take photos for the newspaper today.

Coleen, one of the Lions, brought a big bag of tangelos in from her garden and they are so juicy, you have to eat them standing over the sink!!

I got back and got stuck in to cleaning the filters from the cooker hood - what a mess they are. i had left them in soak overnight and then this morning I had put them into more hot water with soap powder and still I had to scrub and they are not clean. Somebody told me to use washing soda so I will have to buy some tomorrow. All the workings inside the hood are very greasy and don't look like they have been cleaned for a very long time.

I put the filters back as I needed to cook the dinner and got on with a lasagne well, two actually, one to freeze.

Totty seems to be enjoying the garden now and is in and out all the time. I heard her barking this afternoon and when I went out she had found a hedgehog and the poor thing could not get away from her as all the garden had mesh fence around so I am not sure how it got here. I managed to lift some of the mesh and it went through to the neighbour. I just hope I haven't separated a mum from her babies!! Still if she got in once she can do so again.

Jon came in and was still not in a good mood and only ate the lasagne and would not have any salad which made me cross as I had de seeded the tomatoes and cucumber and then he didn't try any!!

I washed up and was in a bit of a temper with his attitude. I can do sympathy if he is in pain but I am not big on self pity so I thought I would go for a walk before I said anything to make things worse. I know it is hard but Bertie is here to stay and we have to learn to cope with all his moods and get on with things as best we can. Easy for me to say, I know.

Well, my walk was very good, I nearly walked into Tauranga!!! I got as far as the bridge and enjoyed looking at the turns that are nesting in the old wooden bridge structure. I have noticed them every year and have always said I would stop and have a look at them and tonight I got the chance. I don't think they were impressed at having an angry woman peering at them so late in the evening when they had settled down for the night.

My walk took me 40 minutes of brisk walking and I felt much better when I got back. The doctor told me I might need to do some walking!!!

WEATHER
Mostly sunny 21 degrees

Lovely sunshine

I had lots of dreams thinking about Margaret and her family lat night. I had an email this morning from our Lions president telling us that they were turning the life support off today - so sad and what a waste of a young life.

I went to my keep fit class and she worked us very, very hard today made worse by the warmer weather still, it is good for you. I stayed for a coffee and a chat and then went to buy some bananas before going home.

Still not sure when the agent is coming to measure for the curtains as I have not heard anything from her which is annoying as I emailed her all my times for the week.

When I got back I just could not resist sitting out on the deck in the sun as it was so lovely and warm. I had my lunch outside and read a magazine - bliss.

Avon Carol called round with my things today but I haven't had time to look at them yet.

I went off to my aqua aerobics class this afternoon and it was lovely to, at last, have a class in warm sunshine. Carla worked us very hard, too. My poor body doesn't know what is going on with all this exercise.

I got back and Jon was home and I was starving so I made dinner and we ate early and then watched some TV. No nice sunset tonight.

Jon has to go for a blood test tomorrw but seems to be feeling better so it must be the medication and not the food I am giving him.

I sent an email to my friend and now it is bedtime again. How the days fly by!!


WEATHER
Sunny and officially 19 degrees but my red shoulders say warmer!!

Some warmer weather

I am feeling very sad at the moment. Over the last few days I have been keeping in touch with a friend from Lions, Margaret, she works for Jon and introduced me to Lions and she is a lovely lady. Her teenage grandson had an appendix operation on Friday down in Christchurch hospital. Sadly on Saturday morning he had a cardiac arrest and had stopped breathing, they don't know for how long. Things got really bad and has been on life support since. Sadly, I learned that this afternoon after a scan it was decided to turn off his life support. Margaret and her husband are now heading down to Christchurch to be with the family.

At the moment everyone who knows her is in shock as to how such a terrible thing can have happened for such a simple procedure. Amazingly, his older brother also had his appendix removed last week and was back at school in three days!! We will all just have to wait and see what happened and be there for her. It is so sad.

Makes you count your blessings, doesn't it?

Well the rest of my day was busy and I managed to get two loads of washing done this morning as it was a bright and sunny day. Unfortunately, due to where my washing line is, hanging sheets out is difficult so I gave in and used the dryer. I had done housework off and on over the weekend so I did ironing this morning to try and catch up.

I went out to my Pilates class and really enjoyed it again - two more to go and then I have to decide if I want to continue.

From my class I drove up to the book rooms and sorted books and puzzles. the sale is on Saturday and it is all looking very good.

I popped into a really nice shop up in Bethlehem and bought a couple of presents I needed for friends.

When I got back Jon was home. They have been telling him he is doing too much and so he decided to have an early day - finally he is listening to people.

We had a cup of tea and he watched the Grand Prix and I did more ironing.

We had an early dinner and then watched an episode of Frost. I took a photo of the sky at sunset through the window and it was really lovely tonight.

I ha been having a little snooze when I got the phone call about Margaret's grandson which really woke me up. I cannot begin to imagine how they must be feeling, in shock I should think at how fast it has all happened.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees

Another Christmas Party

Jon was up before me again this morning as he hadn't slept well. He seems to have one good night in about four.

It was really, really windy this morning and lots of heavy showers passing over quickly but very wet! There was no point hanging out the washing so I put it all on the clothes dryer in the garage. It will no doubt smell of wood stain as Jon is still staining the chairs in there.

We popped out for an early coffee as I was going out to lunch. At the garden centre we found a metal bee to go on the wall along with the butterfly Heather bought us last year. I also managed to find a couple of house plants. New Zealand is not big on house plants. I suppose as everything grows well in the garden there is not much call for them. I have three nice pots and I only had one plant - the other two died - so I needed to fill them. I decided on a cute little aloe vera and a lovely greed indoor grass!!

Once back at the house I got myself ready to go out to the Red Cross Christmas lunch.

It was a very windy drive across to the Mount, especially across the causeway and once there I was blown across the car park the wind was so strong. Les had saved me a seat with her and they had chosen to sit in the marquee part, it was not the best venue as half were indoors and half out in the marquee where it was very windy and at one stage we thought we might lose the roof. The food was lovely and we had a choice of salads and then roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or green Thai curry which was very good. We then had Christmas pudding and custard with ice cream. It was very nice and we had a lot of laughs which for one of these events is quite good.

I got home at 2.30 and got suck in to making my Christmas cake, I usually make it in September. I used a new recipe which is called spiced Christmas cake and has a bit of curry powder in it. It smelt delicious cooking. Once out of the oven it says to pour one cup of brandy over the cake and then an eighth of a cup every week till Christmas!!! That seems an awful lot to me so I just poured a half a cup and when it has cooled and I take it out of the tin in the morning I will see what it is like.

The sideboard we bought off trademe had a few marks on it so I put some stain on them this afternoon and it looks very good now and will do for the time we have left here. Jon got the two wine racks from trademe, too at a $1 each so he will go and collect them this week.

As I had a big lunch again I only had toast for dinner and I had bought Jon a homemade pie from the cafe this morning and he had that but he said it was a bit spicy so we will have to see what Bertie makes of that.

We watched some TV and it is still early so I am going to have an early night as I have another busy day tomorrow.

WEATHER
Windy with sunny spells 19 degrees.

A wet day.

We woke to a wet and cloudy morning and it didn't get better for the rest of the day. However, we did manage to get into Tauranga and have our coffee and get to the library without getting wet.

We stopped at the supermarket on the way back and I must remember not to do a big shop when Jon is with me!! He can't walk fast and so I lose him and it is so frustrating. Eventually I told him to walk across the centre aisle and I would get the things and bring them back to the trolley but he kept wandering off and I was left holding armfuls of groceries!!!

We got home and he had to have a lie down as he was worn out. Hopefully, he will feel better over the next few days as he is on a week's rest from chemo.

We had lunch and then I started baking and made a sticky date and pear cake with 'wicked toffee sauce' for pudding tonight and some little cherry buns for tea. Jon went into the garage and started to stain the patio furniture. We have only had it a year but it has lost all its colour.

Once my baking session was done we had a cup of tea and then Jon went back to painting and I finally started my ironing - so many shirts to do but at least I could watch TV for the first time as I am more than two weeks behind with Neighbours.

I made chicken parmigiana for dinner which was very nice. We had salad to go with it and I put strawberries in the salad as we had at lunch yesterday and they go so well.

A bit of TV and then up to the office to do my blog. I tried to call my friend, Mary but she was out so had a quick chat to my friend Roz.

Now it is very late and I need to go to bed.


WEATHER
Wet and cloudy 17 degrees.

What a day!

Jon was up very early as he had a bad night again. Hopefully, when he goes to see the consultant next week she will be able to regulate the dose and it will get better for him. I also think curtains in our room to make it darker would help. I did email the agent and ask if we were allowed to put some up and I had a reply today saying the owners have asked her to get prices and she will come next week to measure up. Wow, we didn't expect that, we intended to pay for them ourselves. I have now told her we will make a contribution so we will have to wait and see what comes back.

Jon decided to work from home today which helped me as I was going to be out all day and I don't like leaving the dog for so long.

I left for the Red Cross and arrived just on 9.00 phew!! Les was there but really didn't look well and both Sharon and I told her she should have stayed home. I told her I would be very upset with her if I caught her bug and then passed it to Jon - we don't need that right now.

We had a busy morning in the shop. Some 'kind soul' had left a filthy three piece suit and two mattresses at the side of the shop. There is no way we could have sold them and they must have know this but it was an easy way to dump them rather than have to pay the council to take them. The Red Cross has to pay for things that go to the dump and it was really mean of them to leave them on our doorstep. I suggested to Sharon that she call the council and ask them to remove them and amazingly they said they would come and get them.  You just don't believe some people.

I got myself ready to leave early to go to my keep fit lunch and I was suitably dressed in posh frock and sparkly earrings.

Ros had kindly saved Margaret and I a seat with her and Patricia from Lions was on our table, too and she gave me the cheque for $200 for the Cancer walk from Lions. We had a very jolly lunch with lots of laughs. We started with some entertainment from the Keynotes, a group of ladies singing songs and Christmas songs and they were very good.

Our lunch was really, really good with roast beef and fish with a lovely selection of vegetables and potatoes and a lovely salad that had strawberries in and was very nice. Pudding was Christmas pudding, custard, fruit salad and ice cream and all very nicely cooked.

We finally finished at 3.00 and I took Margaret home and then went round to see Bronwyn. She hardly has any voice and you can tell she is not well. She made a cup of tea and we sat outside and had a lovely chat and I was really glad I went as I think she really appreciated it. She cut me some lovely flowers from her garden but she doesn't know what they are called and after looking in my plant books neither do I.

I got home and Jon said he was feeling a little better and I made him a cup of tea and then he fell asleep and it was so lovely and sunny in our living room I had five minutes, too.

I cooked dinner for Jon and I just had some toast and Marmite as I was full from lunch.

We watched Coronation Street and that was it. I don't know where the days so!!

WEATHER
Cloudy start then sunny 21 degrees.

A talk for the WI

It felt really cold this morning as there was no sun.

When I took Totty out for her walk our neighbour was sweeping the drive outside his house and I really didn't have time to talk but, of course, he wanted to introduce me to his wife - today of all days when I really didn't have time!!

Edwina came out and we had a chat and I learned a lot about the neighbourhood, not all good so I will stat away from the top end of the street when walking Tot. I made my apologies and said I had to go as I had an appointment for a pedicure.

Totty didn't gt her walk as we had to go back indoors and then I had to leave and get to my appointment which I made with seconds to spare.

I really enjoyed my pedicure and foot/leg massage and had a nice chat to the girl.

I left there and went to post a card and then had a quick look in our one and only department store as they had a one day sale. I found a lovely pair of straight leg trousers by Jigsaw and a pair of cropped leggings and a nice tunic top, none of which I really need but they are all very nice!!

I then rushed home and had a quick sandwich before rushing off to give my talk about Spain to the WI. Now I have never had a lot to do with WI and only know a little about it from my sister in law in Cornwall but, one thing I will say, this WI group would not make for a good calendar!!! That said they were all very nice to me and I gave my talk and didn't need to use all the notes I had typed and just talked to them about my time in Spain and it went down very well and I didn't see any of the ladies having a snooze and I got a few laughs.

I was given a lovely bunch of roses from one of the ladies gardens and a gift voucher which was very kind of them. I stayed for afternoon tea and I had a chat to them all and they told me how nice it was to hear all about Spain from someone who has lived there so, job done and no stress - I must be getting old!!

I stopped off at the Red Cross on my way home to see Sharon. She had an epidural on her back this week to do a nerve block, similar to what I had done many years ago. She said it was sore but hopefully it will do the trick and she will be pain free.

She told me she had sent Les home as she had D&V probably caught from her little granddaughter so the best place for her would be home. she has appealed against her visa refusal and is still waiting to hear.

I did my shopping on the way home and when I got back by the time I had unloaded the shopping and brought the bin in - rubbish collection today - Jon was just coming home. He decided to have an early day as he was tired.

I made a cup of tea and had five minutes before I rushed off to sort out my clothes for the keep fit Christmas lunch tomorrow as I will need to take them with me to the Red Cross and get changed there as it starts at 12.30. I also had to wrap my secret Santa present. Fortunately, my flashing earrings and broach still work from last year!!

I made dinner and cooked a Thai fish recipe with chilli and garlic. It was cooked in paper packets and was really tasty. The Genera Christmas party is being held at a Thai restaurant this year and Jon is worried that he won't be able to eat anything so I am trying to break him into Thai food so that Bertie does not get upset.

After dinner I watched Coronation Street and then came up to do my blog. I got a little sidetracked as I had been reading about a new book out 'Thursdays in the Park'. The newspaper says it is a 'steamy 50 Shades of Grey style novel for the over 60s'. I read a preview on the Kobo website and decided to buy it. Buying eBooks is too easy. I will let you all know what I think of it but I must finish the one I am reading before I start it.

Time for bed now and hopefully next week will not be so busy. I need to get some ironing done or Jon will run out of shirts. Hopefully I will have some time over the weekend as I am sure the Red Cross party won't go on for very long on Sunday.

WEATHER
Cloudy with showers 18 degrees

A solar eclipse

We were both up very early today but noise doesn't carry in this house and so Jon was downstairs waiting for me to get up and I came down showered and dressed and ready for the day and it was only just after 7.00!!

I made some lemon muffins first thing and just as they were in the oven I had a phone call from Peter, Bronwyn's husband, to say he had had to take her to hospital last night and she is now on steroids for a chest infection. I knew she had a bad chest when I spoke to her to arrange coffee and she is prone to chest infections but I was surprised it had got so bad so quickly.

So, I had all these nice fresh muffins and a clean house and nobody to eat them or see it!! Never mind I walked the dog instead and did the washing.

A man turned up and said he wanted to cut the grass. I thought the lady did it but apparently she only does the flower beds and plants and he comes every two weeks to do the grass - fine by me!

Jon had got two of the men from Genera to collect the sideboard and it was delivered. It has got some marks on it but I don't think it is too bad and we need the cupboard and drawer space.

I had an early lunch and then left for my Pilate's class which I really enjoyed.

I went straight up to the book rooms after the class and spent the afternoon sorting out children's books and found some nice ones for some of my friends that have grandchildren over here. We stopped for afternoon tea and it is always very nice with some lovely baking done by the ladies.

The secretary told me that Lions had approved a donation to the walk we did an they have a cheque for me. That is very kind of them and I was very touched.

I got back and thought I had better set to and sort out my talk for tomorrow so spent the rest of the afternoon, in between making spaghetti sauce, doing that.

Our neighbour was cutting the hedge and asked if he could come over to do this side and I said that was fine. He said he would invite us round to meet his wife one evening.

Jon came home and watched the news while I carried on with my talk.

I went down and did the dinner and then came back upstairs to finish my talk off and print off the photos. all done now so I can go to bed.

I have a pedicure booked for tomorrow morning and I am really looking forward to that.

WEATHER
Sunny, cold wind, 19 degrees

Back to the exercise classes

Still no sunshine for me to sit outside so I had to go to my exercise class instead. It was a really good class and I stayed for a coffee and a chat.

After class i went to deposit our cheque for our profit sharing for the electricity. It is the first we have ever had and didn't know anything about it so it seems our previous landlady in Maungatapu, who kept all the bills in her name and just sent us a copy of them and we payed her, must have kept all the profits for the three years!! You live and learn and some of our bills were pretty hefty in that house, especially when Heather was with us and had a heater on in her room. Apparently, the more you use the more you get back!!

I came home and took Totty out for a  walk but she still won't go far.

I did more sorting and phoning to change our address at the various places, bank, doctor etc. We got two new home cards from my sister and Jon's sister which are very nice. I sorted a lot of things out in the garage and I suppose it is starting to look better.

I had lunch and watched an episode of Neighbours - I am really far behind again as I am with everything, I just don't seem to have any time.

I had bought a voucher for some pilates classes which was a special starter  thing and I booked them and start tomorrow. I really enjoyed pilates when I did classes in England and wish I had kept them up. Hopefully, I can get into it again.

I decided to go over to the hot pools for the aqua aerobics class. It had been threatening rain all day but was still dry and it is about time I got back into it. The class was really good and the rain kept off till after the class when we were sitting chatting in the hot pools but it didn't last long.

I got home and Jon was back and I got on with dinner and then we watched some TV.

I am now off for an early night as I have a busy day tomorrow. Bronwyn is coming for coffee, then pilates followed by helping at the book rooms. I still haven't sorted out my talk for Thursday yet!!!!

WEATHER
Overcast but no rain or thunder 18 degrees

A quiet day

We both got up early this morning as my clock said 7.55 and Jon's said 6.55. Fortunately Jon's was right and I am not sure what has happened to mine but the alarm has been going off at odd hours during the night but by the time morning comes I have forgotten about it.

Jon left for work and I wondered where to start and just ended up doing bits and bobs and didn't really achieve much. I was due to go and meet the landlord at the old house for an inspection and he needed to sign the paper for us to get our bond back.

I took Tot out down the road and she appeared to be in some discomfort on the way back up the hill. I am not sure if her foot is sore where I trod on her yesterday when she got under my feet - for the umpteenth time. Once indoors she just went to her bed but I could not see anything on her foot.

The landlord's flight was due in at 12.30 but it was delayed and didn't land till 1.10. I was on the hone to my friend Joan when he finally called at 2.15 and told me he had to go to Rotorua and would be back at 6.00 and could I meet him then. I was really annoyed as I had changed my plans to meet him at lunchtime but not much I could do. I asked him to make it 5.30 and he said he would text me.

I spent the afternoon doing odd jobs and at 4.00 I went out to the post office to send a parcel to our niece. I then went on to Payes Pa to collect a card table I had bought on trademe (Kiwi eBay). The lady knew I was coming and I texted her again but when I got there she was out. I rang her and she said she would not be back till 5.00 Gerry so I went home and had a cup of fruit tea to calm me down.

While I was home a man called to pick up the lawn mower we had sold on trademe. Jon had accepted the offer but the man had not said when he would call so it was a bit of luck he caught me in. Never mind it is a bit more room in the garage. I think Jon let it go too cheaply as it is not yet a year old but too late now.

I then went back across to Payes Pa to get the table and I am pleased with it and it will be ideal for Jon's jigsaws.

Jon was home when I got back and looked very tired. I started to prepare dinner and at 6.10 the landlord called to say he was at the house and where was I - a slight misunderstanding!!!! So, off I went to the house.

H was already inside so must have had a key. He said thank you for leaving it so clean and tidy and we chatted about the property and he took on board my advice about having a window in the east side so that it gets morning sun. He said he hates the cold and intends to spend Kiwi winters in Europe. All in all it ended well as I can see no point in having a confrontation with him and it was just as well I went on my own as I am sure the way Jon is feeling these days he would have said something and it is just not worth it. He didn't mislead us it was the agent and he did apologise for it and the building work.

I came home and fortunately I had a stir fry planned so it was quick and very yummy. It was a recipe by Brett McGregor who won the first NZ Masterchef, broccoli with beef.

After dinner I was so tired I fell asleep watching TV.

Jon and Bertie seem to be at odds tonight but I think it is due to the chemo tablets. I just hope he doesn't need to get up in the night as it makes him more tired the next day.


WEATHER
Cloudy 17 degrees

More unpacking.

I think we are going to have to ask if we can put curtains up in our bedroom as it is so light in the mornings, I hope they will allow us to do so.

I cooked bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast and we ate outside thought it was a bit chilly and we didn't longer.

I hung some washing out and I do have to be careful I don't fall off the step when hanging it out.

Heather called and it was really nice to speak to her and find out all about her shopping trip to Lakeside.

I took Tot out for a walk. I went down the street and away from the Maori end as I am not sure what the dogs, and I am sure there are some around, are like. Going down and back was more than enough for Totty anyway.

We went out for coffee and then went to buy some cushion pads for the outside furniture and the carpet for the lounge. It all seemed to take so long and Jon is not good shopping these days as he cannot stand for long.

We got back home and I made lunch and then Jon had a sleep. I did more unpacking and sorting - one day we will be straight. I can't believe we now have so much stuff considering we came over with only eight boxes from the UK.

I read an email from my sister in law telling me about the terrible time Jon's niece has had having her baby, really scary and I am glad she is on the road to recovery, pre eclampsia is a terrible thing and it must have ben so awful for them all but I am glad Lou an baby Isla are now both safe and well.

I cooked steak and salad for dinner tonight and it was really good.

We had an email from the owner asking us to take a key over to the old house and leave it under a stone for the builder tomorrow. That was 7.30 tonight just as I was cooking dinner!! I am afraid the answer was no. We said the builder can come and collect one in the morning. So silly as we were at the house today to read the meter and could have left one then. Does he think we have no life??

I have finally managed to sort all my clothes out. I really need to throw some out and stop buying so much at the Red Cross.

Off to bed now for a bit of a read and then sleep.


WEATHER
Cloudy but warm and the rain never came 19 degrees.

Our daughter Heather!

I really never meant to take our lovely daughter, Heather for granted. She is a lovely daughter, very caring and rings us all the time and fills us in on what is happening over in the UK. she is always bright and cheery and we love ALL her phone call and really appreciate them so much.

Love you Heather xx

Is this OK??

Is there no end to boxes!!

Well, not a bad night for the first night in a new house. Not sure how long it will take me to get used to the 'no door' on the en suite - Jon was up twice last night so I got woken by the light shinning in my face!! The blinds don't keep much of the light out either so I was awake at 6.00 but I am sure we will get used to it. Totty sleep all night though!!

It was lovely to wake to a bright and sunny house. The sun shines in the little courtyard outside the kitchen and we have now put our little table and chairs out there for breakfast as it is so nice.

I finally managed to find all the things I need for a shower but I still haven't found my hair dryer or GHDs and I really will need to wash my hair tomorrow.

We had a lovely surprise this morning as Kirsty rang and we were not expecting a call from her so it was really nice and we both had a chat to her for a long time and it was well past coffee time when we had finished.

We left the house and I worried about Tot and how she would be on her own. I am not sure about taking her out for a walk here yet as there are lots of Maori families at the top end of the road and I am not sure about the dogs I have seen around. I think I am going to have to take her in the car over to the park where we lived before Welcome Bay. Fortunately, she is following me all around the house at the moment so I don't think she is lacking in exercise and I think if we put a pedometer on her she would be walking more than she has for a long time.

We went for a coffee and then to the library before going on to the DIY store and we bought a sunshade and base, a steam floor cleaner, some stain for the furniture and some cable ties. We then went to the furniture shop and bought some cushions for the dinning room chairs. By this time Jon had had enough and we went to Nosh for some groceries and then home for lunch.

In the afternoon I went to the supermarket and Jon did some bits around the house.

It was really late by the time I got back and my legs were aching so I sat and had a cup of tea.

We then did a bit more sorting in the garage and I did some washing and hung it out on my very high line.

We had a nice dinner and Jon tried a beer, his first since the 9 September!!! Did he like it? I am not sure.

Hopefully, we will sleep a little better tonight.

WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees.

What a day!

We were both us bright and early this morning and ready to go, well sort of!!!

You think you have everything under control and then the day arrives and there is still so much to do and pack.

The removal men arrived at 8.30 as agreed and they worked so hard loading everything with great care. When they arrived they brought in a big box of homemade Afghan biscuits and gave them to Jon and said they were to have with afternoon tea once we got to the new house. How nice is that?

The worked through the morning and got the van loaded and said they would need to do two trips. Jon went with them to unload and I stayed at the house with my friend Carol who had kindly agreed to come and help - she spent the whole morning pushing the vacuum cleaner around and cleaned from top to bottom and I will be forever grateful to her.

Once the men had gone I went down to the garage and brought everything up to the front of the house so it would be easier to load but it was very hard work.

Totty was so good bless her. She was very anxious with all the coming and going and really didn't know what was going on and hardly left my side all morning.

Finally the men came back and were very impressed with all my hard work. I think if I need a job they might consider me!!!!

Once everything was loaded Carol and I locked up. I had put Totty in the front of the car and normally she jumps about everywhere but she just sat there and looked at me as if to say 'you are not going without me, I am staying here in this car'.

We got to the house and I let her in and she was running around and sniffing everywhere. I was back and forth unloading the car and once she managed to get and and follow me - Jon was supposed to be watching her but he was making sandwiches for us and men can't multitask!! Fortunately, she only came down the street to me and we saw a lady walking her two dogs and so she had a sniff.

Carol and I sat with our sandwiches and a drink and it was very hard to start again. I showed Carol around the house and garden and she loved it just as much as we do.

Carol left as there was not much she could do without having to ask where things go etc but she had done more than enough.

I then started putting things away and Jon did bits in small bursts with a rest in between. I managed to get the kitchen more or less sorted but it is going to take time to get things in the right place and we don't have as much cupboard space as we did so maybe we should have a clear out. Considering we came down here with very little we now an an awful lot.

Jon went out for fish and chips and I think it was the best I have had since we came here. Either that or I was very hungry.

We watched some TV and saw a lovely sunset through the window of the dinning room.

Hopefully, we will have  a good sleep tonight ready to unpack more boxes tomorrow! AND I hope Totty sleeps tonight.

WEATHER
Sunny 20 degrees

So many boxes and bags!!

I slept so well last night and didn't hear Jon up at 3.00 as Bertie needed attention!

We started moving boxes and cases and clothes and goodness knows what else this morning and we didn't stop much for the whole day, well I didn't Jon had to as he was feeling very tired. I am going to have muscles that will be the envy of Miss Universe!!!

I really don't know how we have accumulated so much in only a year. Jon thinks I have far too many clothes and he is probably right but I have to cater for various sizes!!

It is all looking on target and now we only have the big furniture to go over and a few bits and bobs.

My friend, Carol, has kindly said she can help me tomorrow and we are very grateful. Hopefully, once the furniture is out we will just need to vacuum and that will be it and then I won't need to come back here.

The gardener came today and cut the grass so it is all better outside now than it was when we moved in.

Fortunately, the builder did not come to work here again today so I think he must be waiting till we have gone and then he can knock through to our bedroom and the one downstairs and he won't be upsetting anyone.

I had been bidding for a sideboard on Trademe (Kiwi eBay) and the bidding closed at 7.00 this evening. It was very exciting as I was competing against another lady but I did finally get it and hopefully it will look good in the house. Now we just have to find someone to collect it for us. It is new but I think it is from a water damage insurance claim but we will only need it for two years or so and I am sure it will be fine for that. I could get hooked on this auction business!!

Poor old Totty doesn't know if she is coming or going. She has seen the suitcases out and packed but then we come home so she is a little anxious.

I am off to bed now before I fall off my chair!


WEATHER
I think it was sunny for most of the day!

Busy, busy.

I woke up once through the night to take tot out, not sure what she had eaten but it didn't agree with her. I then woke at 5.30 and couldn't get back to sleep so got up just before six and caught up with some emails.

Jon had a bad night so was not up early but he was up in time for a chat when Heather phoned. I had a chat to her and Jon went of to work.

The builder didn't come today but the frame is not finished and he was due to be here so maybe he will be here tomorrow or maybe he is giving us a break to get our move done??

I took Tot out and it was lovely and warm and it would have been so nice to go back and sit in the garden and finish my very good book I am reading - next week.

I set off to go to the new house and picked a coffee up on the way. I used the remote to get into the garage as it is easier to unload the car and take it straight into the house.

I decided to start at the top and work my way down and it took me about two hours, cleaning the bathrooms and hoovering and cleaning all the skirting boards which were dusty but on the whole it wasn't too bad. I then washed all the floors but I think I am going to invest in one of those steam mops as most of the floors are wood and so I think it will be good. I can't believe how many spiders there are. I hope no light bulbs go in the lounge as there is no way we can reach the ceiling in there to change them!

I had brought my sandwich with me for lunch and a chair and I sat on the deck in the sun and it was lovely, really hot. I think we are going to need a sunshade ASAP. I had to force myself to get up and get on.

I unpacked all the boxes I brought over and put the linen away in the airing cupboard and put all the glasses in the cabinet and it was by now 2.30 so I decided to go home.

The builder was still not there so he must be working elsewhere. Jon came home shortly after and didn't look very well so he had a sleep and felt better when he woke up. We had a letter from the electricity company with a cheque for $430 which is part of a share out not sure why but it is very nice of them.

I packed more boxes and cases and went into the garden to sort out some pots and the garden furniture all ready to go now. Jon emptied one of our herb planters on Sunday and was really done in afterwards so I thought I had better do the other one this afternoon. All the compost, five bins of it, had to be taken down to the compost heap but it is ready now and will just need to be carried to the front.

I was by this time tired and as I had to get ready to go out I thought I had better stop. I made my dinner and left Jon's ready for him to heat up and then I got ready and left to go and met Fiona.

We arrived nice and early as we wanted to get a good seat to see the cookery demonstration by Annabel Langbein. We got a nice glass of fizzy wine as we went in and a little chicken sandwich. On the TV shows she comes over as shy and it is all a bit stilted but she is one very nice lady and very, very funny and she told some amazing stores while she cooked. She made a really easy mayonnaise and then made chicken sandwiches with it. She did sesame prawns on toast which were lovely and she did lamb meatballs with feta in a tomato sauce. And to finish we had a lovely tray bake which must have been a million calories with crushed biscuits, cranberries, coconut, chopped almonds and she cut up dark chocolate and put that on and then poured a whole tin of condensed milk over and then baked it mmmmmmmm!!

I would have liked to buy her new book but I am told Father Christmas might bring it for me.

I got home and Jon said he was still not feeling good and Bertie is very active so we think that must be due to the chemo. I just need him to keep well for the next two days over the move and then he can rest once we are in the new house


WEATHER
Sunny and clear skies 19 degrees.

Is it only Tuesday???

I can't believe it is only Tuesday! This week seems to be dragging so much but I have so much to do before Friday!

The builders continued on the garage frame this morning and by this afternoon had the roof timbers up. I am not sure when they want to take out our bedroom window. I hope they are going to leave it until we leave - fingers crossed.

Jon went off to work and was still feeling OK. I went off to my keep fit class and stayed for a coffee.

I then went to get some keys cut and I also bought some shelves for the bathrooms. We have so much shelf space in both bathrooms here and in the new house there is not much.

On the way home I stopped at the new house to drop off the shelve and just to have another look at it!!

On my way out I saw the neighbour cutting one of the shrubs that is on the boundary so I went to introduce myself. He is David and his wife is Edwina and English. He is retired and looks about 70ish but he told me they have a daughter, 29 and a son, 22 so I think his wife must be younger than him. The son has just finished uni and is still at home but the daughter lives in Auckland I think he said. He told me about the house and said it won an award for design when it was built but I am not surprised as it has been very cleverly designed and fits in a small space on a hillside. Hopefully, we will all get on.

I got back and took Tot out for a walk and then came back for lunch and started cleaning the oven, fridge and freezer. It took me ages to take all the magnets off the fridge door.

Jon came home from work and said he felt really tired so I told him just to rest while I carried on and before I knew it he was asleep so I should think the tablets are starting to work and he will need to slow down and not work such long days.

I loaded my car with boxes and things to go over to the house and the vacuum cleaner and mop and bucket. It is surprising how much you can get into a Fiesta. I wanted to do it this evening when the builders are not around and then I can just head off in the morning after breakfast.

We had dinner and then I cleared up and did some more packing and really don't know where the evening has gone.

I had a nice call to my friend in Spain and hopefully once all this house is sorted I can email and phone whenever I like. I also plan to sit in the sun and finish my book which I am really enjoying but only get to read a couple of pages a day. I am also going to catch up on TV programmes we have so many recorded on the Sky box. Lots of them are 'me' programmes and as Jon has been at home I have not had a chance to watch them but one day soon!!!!

And still no baby Malloy!!!

Now I am off to bed.


WEATHER
Mostly sunny but some cloud 20 degrees

I love our new house

I had a horrible dream last night - the house lease had fallen through and we lost the house!! I woke in a cold sweat.

We had breakfast and Jon left for work and I put on two loads of washing and walked the dog and then went down to collect the keys from the agent. I have to say I was very relieved once I had them in my hand as I really thought something would happen and we would lose it. Glad to say it didn't happen.

I popped in to Paper Plus Newsagents to ask if the two tickets to see Annabel Langbein (a NZ TV cook) had been collected. They were reserved but no contact number was left and as they had not been picked up I was first name on the list to have them. They told me they would give the lady till the end of today and if she did not come in for them I could have them. The demonstration is on Wednesday and I hope to go with Fiona who works at the Red Cross.

On my way home I went to the new house and the gardener was there, Trina. She said she will come every two weeks and she seemed to be working very hard. I told her next time she comes I will be able to offer her a drink.

I spent a couple of hours cleaning the kitchen cupboards. They weren't bad but I just like to do my own cleaning. The kitchen is lovely and has lots of cupboard space. However, the one and only think I will miss from this house is the pantry as it is so big and has sockets for my mixer and blender and sandwich press. Never mind I have lots and lots of sunlight in this new kitchen and a lovely view without having to stand on my tip toes. We can see all across to the Kaimia Hills and across to the Mount and hopefully we should get some lovely sunsets, too.

I got back to the house and the builder is putting up the garage frame and it seems to look bigger than ever still not our worry now.

I got in and had a quick sandwich and then did some ironing and packed all the linen and towels into suitcases which we will take over and put them in the many cupboards. I took most of the food from the pantry - 12 bags of tins and bottles and jars. We will take them over this evening.

I seem to have got a lot done today so hopefully we will mange to get things done without too much stress. It is very difficult as I have to do it all as Jon can't lift anything.

I had a phone call to say I could have the tickets so I rushed over to pay for them and called Fiona to arrange a time to meet. I am really looking forward to it. This lady is on TV and is really good. I have one of her books and there is another out now. She is doing a book signing and I would have liked to buy a book and get it signed but I think Father Christmas might be thinking about the book so I will have to pass on the signature. She has an idyllic cottage on lake Wanaka on the South Island and always invites her 'friends' for meals and cooks yummy food so I look forward to her demonstration.

Jon came home and we loaded my car with the contents of the pantry and went over to the house. It is so lovely and warm and sunny inside and we are really looking forward to living there.

Jon is still feeling OK and I just keep looking at him as I know he is going to feel rough soon but not sure when.

We got home and I cooked fishcakes which I had bought yesterday from the new food shop - Nosh - and they were really good.

We watched some TV and then the fireworks started. We had lots of people in the park next to the house letting fireworks off for over an hour. Totty has been really good up to now but I think with them being so close she could hear something and so was very distressed.

It has all calmed down now so I think it is time for bed as I have another busy day tomorrow.


WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 20 degrees

Another busy day.

I could hardly believe the clock this morning when I woke, it was 9.00 that was a lot of sleep and I felt much better for it.

After the late start and Bertie was even later than us we finally managed to get out at 11.00 for a coffee.

We went down to Classic Flyers, near the airport, for a coffee and sat out in the sun and it was lovely after being in our cold sunless house this morning.

After coffee we went along to the Good Food Trading shop, which has been re branded 'Nosh', and I bought some pork for dinner and then we went home.

We spent the rest of the day doing odd jobs around the house and packing up things. I took tot out for a walk and the day just passed by.

So far, Jon has had no reaction to the chemo tablets. I am not sure how long it will be before he gets any symptoms.

I cooked the pork and it was very nice. I had bought some tiny new potatoes on Friday which we had and they were really good. We don't often find 'new potatoes' here in NZ like we do in the spring/early summer in UK so they were a special treat.

We watched some TV and then it was bedtime.

I am so excited to be collecting the keys for the new house tomorrow. I keep thinking something will go wrong and we won't be able to move in. Paranoid!!!!


WEATHER
Clear and sunny 20 degrees

Saturday

I feel so tired today so I am not going to write much.

We have been sorting and I have been packing and cooking and washing, ironing, baking and generally being busy.

We did get out for a coffee this morning.

Jon started his chemo tablets today.

Cooked a nice Nigella recipe with duck for dinner.

I think I might just go to bed and read my book now.

The only good thing about Totty being deaf is she is not running around barking and getting upset by all the fireworks this year.

WEATHER
Cloudy, sunny, rain, sunny 20 degrees.

A very rude awakening!

We were woken up at 6.45 this morning by loud voices chatting in the drive and then we heard a lorry - it was the cement arriving!! Jon was so mad and got up and said 'the builder is going to know about this'. The next thing I heard him downstairs shouting at the men that it was far too early for this and we had agreed on an 8.00 start - Oh dear not a good way to start the day. I have never in our nearly 33 years heard him so angry. The men carried on pouring the cement.

I got up and showered and when I went downstairs Jon told me the builder said I knew he was coming today. Yes, he did tell me but he didn't tell me the time! Had he done so I would have smoothed things over and we would have been prepared even the neighbours said it was too early.

Jon was ready for work by 8.00 and the builder had gone leaving the men to finish the base and by the time I left at 8.45 it was as if nothing had happened. I can understand Jon being angry but I would have just left it as I hate confrontations now Jon says he is going to have it out with the builder that he didn't tell me the time so I now have Monday to look forward to! I will be glad when we have left here as every day there is something that happens to annoy and I can see no point in getting angry about it as it just makes us look unreasonable. However, I also understand Jon is on a short fuse and could really do without this.

I got to work and we had a really busy morning as somebody had donated a box of jewellery with some nice things in it and we had to price it all and it took us a long time to sort it and 'guess' how much it was worth. There was nothing of great value but some nice little silver bracelets and necklaces. Before we knew it was coffee time.

I left work and went to meet Carol and Diane for lunch. We managed to get a table outside and we sat and had a lovely lunch and a catch up. Carol has kindly said she will help with packing on Friday and Diane will come over if she can make it but she has a business thing to do for her husband.

I got home and it was gone 4.00 and I fed Totty. I did a few things around the house and then Jon came home early and we had a cuppa.

We had dinner and watched some TV.

WEATHER
A cloudy start and then sunny 20 degrees

No building today

Another lovely clear blue sky this morning and no builders today but an inspector is due to come and check at some stage.

Jon is doing really well now and is ready to leave for work by 8.30 which is later than he used to go in but pretty good considering what he has to do in the mornings to get ready.

I took Totty out for her walk very early today and when I got back Heather called to have a chat. I really should have been getting on with some packing but by the time I had finished it was time to leave for my doctor's appointment.

I went along with my book to read and prepared to wait half an hour like I did last week. I was called in after five minutes and felt cheated I had not been able to read.

Basically, the doctor was upset he got it wrong as he was convinced it was my gallbladder but the ultrasound is clear and the blood tests are fine. I told him again about the tests I had ten years ago for a slack oesophagus and he decided to refer me to a gastroenterologist but in the meantime has given me some pills to take before meals. The pills help to move the food faster through the stomach and so stop any acid or reflux which he thinks might be the problem. So I will give them a try as it would be nice to be pain free again.

I collected my prescription and Jon's at the same time and then popped into Tauranga and had a quick coffee before going home.

I got stuck into some packing and sorting. Hopefully, I can get most of it packed and the lighter things we can take over to the house as from Monday when we get the keys.

I had my lunch sitting on the floor near the window as that is the only place the sun shines in during the day. Even Totty follows the little bits of sunshine around the house all day and knows where she should be at certain times of the day.

We had an email from the owner telling us he might come up that weekend failing that he will send an agent to do a final check and collect the keys - all very civilised.

Alison had invited me over for a cuppa and I went and sat in her lovely warm and sunny conservatory and we had a catch up and I saw some photos of her new granddaughter.

I got home and made our dinner but Jon didn't get home till gone six tonight as he got caught up in a meeting.

After dinner we watched some TV and I might just get another early night tonight.

WEATHER
Sunny 21 degrees