Sunday Whangarei

We were able to have our breakfast on the little deck this morning which was nice.
Once packed up, again, we set off for a tour of Doubtless Bay and the beaches of Taipa, Cable Bay and Coopers Beach all lovely little spots

We then carried on and took the tourist loop road to Tauranga Bay which was really beautiful but not sure how these people manage to survive in these little towns with no shops at all and no places to eat so another late lunch.
Finally, back on the main road, we found a place for lunch but it was not so good.

We carried on and did another tourist loop and went out to Matapouri and the lovely town of Tutukaka which has a lovely marina and some beautiful boats worth a lot of money I should think. We took a walk around the marina and hoped to buy an ice cream but once again nothing at all, they really are missing a trick or two at these seaside places.

I was by now starting to get some low back pain and I think it was due to getting in and out of the car all the time taking photos.

We stopped at  a little place and found a shop open for an ice cream. The weather came over cloudy and we had a few showers.

By the time we arrived in Whangarei I could hardly walk my back was so painful.

We found the hotel and our room was very nice with a lounge as well as the bedroom. I tried to do some Pilates exercises to ease my back but it didn't help.

A colleague rang Jon to meet on Tuesday but not sure what he wants.

I had a shower and my back was really painful and I could really do without this, exercises didn't help.

I just about managed to walk down the stairs for dinner which was very nice but the pudding not so nice bu looked very pretty.

Back to room for coffee and bed and hopefully a better back tomorrow.


WEATHER
Overnight rain but still very warm some showers 23 degrees

Saturday

Another good sleep. Not working is doing Jon so much good I have never known him sleep so well for years.

We had our breakfast and packed up and left the motel.

We went shopping for lunch for our picnic as I know there is nothing up at the Cape. I had been told there was a post box at the Cape and if you posted a card there they put a special stamp on it so we went to buy postcards to send to the girls. After a stop at the bank and to buy petrol, I didn't want us to run out up there, we finally set off  at 9.30 in drizzle which I hoped would get better.

We stopped for coffee at Pukenui which is about half way as we think it is the only place and although it was nothing special it was a pretty good coffee.

It was a lovely drive to the top and as we arrived the sun came out and it was really warm.

It was very busy in the car park and Jon parked like a real Kiwi on painted white lines!! I looked for the postbox and couldn't find it so asked one of the coach drivers and he told me it had been taken away about six weeks ago but he told me where I could post the cards to get the special stamp.

It was a lovely walk to the lighthouse, beautiful views and beaches. I had been told you could actually see where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific meet as it was so rough. Today it was like a mill pond out there and really calm. We spent a long time taking photos by the lighthouse and also by the sign telling you how far it is to various countries before walking back to the car park which was much steeper going back!

I was glad we went early as by the time we were leaving there were lots of coaches and cars there and it was very busy.

We drove to Tapitatoa Cove which is just a few minutes away, for our picnic lunch. There were lots of coaches there as it is one of the easier coves and beaches to get to but it is a lovely spot. We were so glad we brought our picnic.

We then went on to Te Paki stream where the coaches go onto Ninety Mile beach and you can surf down the huge sand dunes. I wanted to do it then thought oh no I won't bother but then I decided I would not get the chance again so I went and hired a board!

I went up the 'Family Fun' dune first which didn't look that high until I turned round and looked down at Jon and he looked very small!! Not only that at the bottom is the stream so I worried that I would not stop!

I decided for my first attempt I would sit on it and go down as I had seen some men and it felt safer. Jon took a photo of me and my expression is one of panic!! However, once down I loved it and went up again and came down on my tummy and got sand everywhere but it was great fun. Unfortunately, a swarm of sand flies came over and everyone was swinging their arms in the air to get rid of them and it was very uncomfortable so we called it a day but I would have liked to have gone up higher and do more. even though it was hard work walking to the top.

We then turned off the main road to visit a place on the map I had seen but we must have gone wrong and ended up wasting 40 minutes driving down gravel road to a cove that was not very nice.

One of my friends visited the Cape a few weeks ago and told me of an ice cream store where you can buy the 'biggest ice cream in NZ' and I had asked the coach driver where it was and so we stopped at Te Kao to buy one. It was really busy but they serve you very fast. We only had singles and I couldn't finish it!

It was then on to a Gumdiggers site which was very interesting.I had never heard of Kauri Gum till we did this trip and I would love to buy a piece but it is very expensive. It is the fossilised sap from the trees and looks like, and is often called amber, but it isn't. The Gumdiggers used to dig down under the old kauri forests for the fossilised gum and wore very high, rubber boots which is where we get 'gum boots' from. The fresh gum which bled from the trees was shipped to UK and used to make very good quality varnish. We learnt so much on this trip.

Kauri Kingdom was last stop on our trip and is just a big souvenir shop where all the coaches stop to get washed down after the drive along the beach. There is a huge kauri tree log in there which has been made into a spiral staircase which joins the two floors. There are also lots of carvings from swamp kauri.

We were about to buy salad servers for the girls made from swamp kauri but then saw they were made in China! So they dig it up, send it to China, make it and then ship it back here! We didn't buy them. But we did post our cards so hopefully the girls will get them one day!!

We then drove to Doubtless Bay and our hotel which was a world away from the last two nights very plush and right opposite the bay, lovely room and owners. We had a cuppa on the verandah then a shower to get rid of all the sand I had picked up from the dunes.

We walked to world famous Mangonoui fish bar for our dinner. You order just like in a fish and chip shop and are given a number. You then order drinks and can sit at one of the big tables with about twenty people or around the windows on high stools like at a bar. We were number 100 and they were serving 85!
It was a lovely spot to sit at high bar, near window, overlooking the bay, 20 dollars for dinner and a million dollar view great night! The fish and chips from a shared paper, bluenose fish, salad and a glass of wine. Lovely Kiwi ice cream for pudding. You could not ask for better.

Walked back then coffee and bed perfect day!

 WEATHER
Rain to start then sunny 26 degrees.

Good Friday Dargaville - Kaitaia

After a very good night we woke early to a lot of loud music from a guy cleaning his car in the driveway of a house across the road. I am glad he is not my neighbour.

We had breakfast which we had brought with us in the chilly bin, cleared up and set off early.

We stopped for another bag of ice for the chilly bin and then went up to the Pioneer Museum in Dargaville.

I was not expecting much as the town is so grim but the museum is really good and we could have spent longer there.

We stopped at the tourist information office and got a map of where to stop and see all the really big kauri trees. The lady in the office tried to book us onto the coach trip for Saturday to go to the Cape but it was fully booked. It is not a big problem as we can drive up but the bus comes back along Ninety Mile Beach which is supposed to be a lot of fun.

We set off up what is called the Kauri Coast and and our first stop was to see the Kai iwi (food for the people) Lakes. There are three fresh water lakes which are very pretty with lots of water sports and is a typical Kiwi holiday resort if you like camping but no coffee shops!!

Back on the road we unfortunately got stuck behind three camper vans and on this road it is difficult enough to pass one let alone three who are travelling in convoy so it was pretty slow going. Eventually, the back one pulled over to let the stream of cars go and then the other two did the same.

By this time we were actually driving through the forest which is very thick and the roads wind around mile after mile.

We drove up to a lookout and you could see for miles and miles across the forests which are now mainly pine but there are lots of new Kauri trees being planted in this area. We met a couple of young girls in a mini camper van and we saw they over the next few days at a lot of the places we went to - tourist trail!! We drove into the Waipoua Forest information centre and had a coffee which was not very good AND the three camper vans were already there and must have passed us when we went to the lookout.

We could see they were getting ready to leave so we quickly drank our coffee and got back on the road!

Our next stop was for the kauri walks. We parked the car and it is one of the few car parks you have to pay for. Apparently they have had a lot of theft from cars so they now have a security man there and you pay $2 which is fine by us.

The walk was lovely and there were various paths to take to see the different trees. We saw the Four Sisters which is four trunks from one root and is very big. We then saw the second largest kauri tree in NZ with a girth of 16.7 mtrs. It was big but I was not as impressed as I was when I saw the kauri trees in the Coromandel as they looked bigger. However, you cannot get the feel with pictures and I am sure when I look at the photos they will not look so impressive.

We got back to the car and just as we were leaving the camper vans were just coming in, they had obviously stopped for lunch.

Our next stop was to see the tallest kauri tree (the other one was the fattest!). I sat chatting to a couple from the UK who had been travelling around for five weeks and she said she would be sorry to go home, a bit like us really. She said we were very lucky to live here and she is right.

We continued up the coast to a beautiful harbour which |I had see from the plane when we flew to Norfolk Island. It was really lovely with huge sand dunes across the other side. We had a walk to the end to look out across the huge harbour and the water is so blue.

We continued on down to Rawene where you catch the car ferry. We were by this time very hungry as it was 3.00 and we had not seen one place to stop. The lady at the tourist information office back in Dargaville had told me about the Boat Shed and said it was very good so we made for there and had a lovely lunch and a glass of wine sitting out on the deck over the water. We could see the ferry coming across so made a move to get in the queue only to find the camper vans had got there before us along with another few cars and we were not sure we would get on!!!

Fortunately, the ferry is bigger than it looks and we all got on although we were at the back which was fine as I could get out and have a walk around.

We then had a longish drive with nothing to stop at until we reached Ahipara which is the start of Ninety Mile Beach. There were lots of cars on the beach some with trailers for boats that were obviously out fishing but lots of people like to drive along the beach although you do have to be careful of the tides which had had more than a few cars so we were told.

We did spend a few minutes watching a people carrier trying to get off the beach. He kept driving back to the hard stuff and then driving really fast to try and get over the soft sand but he just kept getting stuck so people would come and push him out ready for another go. We gave up after three attempts so not sure how long it took him to get off.

We drove into Kaitai and found our motel with a very friendly owner and a nice room. I had brought a lasagne with us which was frozen and with the ice in the chilly bin it was fine so no problems with dinner tonight and we had a big TV!!

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Thursday Tauranga - Dargaville

Our early start ended up not so early but we did get away by 9.00 and left Totty at the kennels at 9.30 and were off.

The dive to Auckland, having done it so many times now, is pretty boring and the only highlight is where we stop for a coffee. We stopped at the Native Tree and enjoyed our coffee and the delicious smell of the homemade pies they cook there and would later regret not buying one!

We made good time and didn't get held up in Auckland and got as far as Warkworth for lunch. We found a pretty cafe by the river and had a sandwich sitting outside. My friend Viv lived in Warkworth and she said she didn't like it but it certainly looks very quaint.

We drove on and stopped at Matakohe and the very famous Kauri Museum which lived up to everything we had been told about it. New Zealand forests must have been amazing with all those huge trees and how hard the men worked cutting them and moving them to the ports with very little machinery.

We drove on to our first stop and I was not expecting much as Sharon had told me Dargaville was grim and she was not wrong!! Our motel was OK, clean and spacious but the owner not your usual friendly Kiwi.

We drove into the town to check out the places for dinner and walked by the river which is very wide and very brown and muddy and apparently it always is. We noticed a lot of cars were very dirty and I mean can't see through the windows muddy and dirty.

We went into the supermarket to look for something for dinner but didn't find anything. I had to buy some new sunnies as the screw had come out of mine and I need them all the time so we went into the Warehouse but nobody knew where they were and sent us from one end of the shop to the other - twice!! Finally Jon found them and I bought a pair and we left.

We eventually decided on fish and chips as they are usually dependable. Not in Dargaville!! The were awful but then if the fish comes from the muddy river it is no surprise. So not much dinner and a very small TV made for an early night!!

WEATHER
Sunny and warm 23 degrees

A great day out.

Up bright and early to get myself ready for our day trip to Matakana Island.

I left to collect Janice and Margaret and left Jon with instructions for his lunch and afternoon tea.

Matakana Island is a huge island in the Tauranga harbour with a population of 210 mostly Maori living on it. Best part of it is covered with pine trees for timber but there is a flat area for farming and fruit growing and it has one of the biggest Kiwi fruit orchards in the region. You have to go over on an organised trip or request permission to go there and it is a place Jon and I have wanted to visit since we arrived here.

We all got down to the marina and boarded out little harbour cruise boat to cross the harbour to the island. The captain talked us through some of the harbour and we went down past the new wharf. The trip only took about 25 minutes and a bus was waiting for us on the island's jetty.

Our first stop was across the island and onto the ocean view beach which runs the 27km length of the island. The sand is lovely and the beach quiet and you get a completely different view of Mount Maunganui. If they ever choose to open it for full blown tourism it would make a fortune as it is really lovely.

We then drove around the island and our guide chatted to us all the way and pointed out various places to us.

We went to the home of one of the two white families living on the island - Roger and Mary!! They farm the Kiwi fruit and usually spend the winter off the island and I had a lovely long chat with her. They have the most beautiful views from their property and she told me she gets across to the mainland often and leaves her car across there and uses one of the trucks on the island. They also have a boat and she said they go out to dinner in the boat down to Tauranga which I thought was pretty cool.

Mary prepared lunch for us which we ate under the huge walnut trees and it was very good. All too soon it was time to get back on the bus but not before I bought some of the lovely flax flowers made by the young Maori wives on the island which I will bring back to England with me.

Our trip to the jetty didn't take as long as we all would have liked and we were soon back on the boat and heading back to Tauranga. We passed by the cruise ship that was in and saw the container ships being loaded and the log ships, all very interesting.

Once off the boat a few of us went for a coffee as we just didn't want the day to end we had all had such a lovely time.

On my way back I stopped at the Red Cross to pick up the balls and bricks for Helen and we will drop them off to her next week in Auckland.

I got back and made Jon a cuppa and told him all about the island. He had not done much through the day but did have all his clothes out and ready to be packed.

I sorted my things out and the case was soon ready - I am getting so fast at this now.

We had dinner and watched some TV and I made another beanie. MY friend Margaret knitted three for me to give to the orphanage which was very kind of her.

We are leaving in the morning as early as we can to make a good start as it is a long trip.

Not sure if I will get my blog written while we are away as I might not have Internet.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

Tuesday

I was wide awake at 7.00 and about to get up and suddenly it is 8.00!!!I really will have to get back into routine, I don't like all this lying in, such a waste of time!!

I left for my keep fit class and we had a really good class this morning. Even though it was 26 degrees today the weather is not so humid so exercise is easier. I stayed for a coffee and then went home.

Jon was out when I got back and I decided to wash my car as it was so dirty. Not having any rain makes for a dirty car.

Jon came back he had been for a walk around the Mount and then a coffee. It is really good he is able to do that now as it is a fair way and a few months ago he would not have been able to do it.

I am just about finished the third book of Fifty Shades of Gray and I can't put it down so that is all I did apart from make the lunch and watch the cricket.

Jon left to take his acceptance form signed into the office so now we just wait and hopefully it will soon be over and we can get on with our plans.

I have had another email from the pet agency in Auckland and they tell me the crate Totty came in can not be used due to new regulation so we have to buy another one. The quote has also gone up $400 from two days ago so not sure why that is. But we have no dates yet so I still have time to shop around.

I left to go to my aqua aerobics class which was much quieter this week there being no school groups in the pool and we had a good class. The ladies are very sorry to hear I will be leaving but you never know some of them might get up to UK.

I came straight home and was in time to see the exciting finish of the cricket. I really did think England would lose and they did so well to draw - very exciting!

I made dinner and then we watched some TV and I made yet another beanie that is 12 now!!

WEATHER
Sunny 26 degrees

Monday

I was up first this morning as I wanted to go to the gym early and do my programme. I am really not a gym person and don't know how some people become so addicted to it. I do my programme and go.

Once home I hung out my washing and then Jon and I went down to Tay Street Beach for a walk with Totty. It is the first time she has been to the beach for more than a year I think. As she wouldn't walk I had given up taking her. Today she loved it and played her usual trick with shells and digging them up.

It was a lovely day down there and very few people about. We walked along till Jon was tired and then we turned back. Poor Totty really felt it coming back and I am sure she was glad when we got to the beach bar and sat down to have our coffee. Totty was so well behaved - it has only taken us 12 years to get her like this.

We went home as I was due at a Pilate's class at 12.30. Just as I got in the door the phone was ringing and the answer machine clicked in with a message to say my class was cancelled. A bit of a pain as this was to be my last one so not sure when I will have it now  as it is Easter next week.

Thanks to Jon doing my housework on Saturday I didn't have any to do so stood and did my ironing instead. Jon went to the driving range and so I was able to catch up with Neighbours. We still have so much on the Sky box and we probably won't get to watch it all by the time we come home.

I had to take photos of the crate Totty came out to NZ in and send them and her measurements to a pet exporter for a quote. Ideally it would be good to get her back to the UK before we go on our travels after the wedding so that she is not in kennels so long. It all depends on Kirsty and James finding a house.

I am feeling very up and down at the moment as there is so much to do and sort out and things are still not settled at the office with emails coming backwards and forwards and I will be very relieved when it is all over as it is very stressful for us both.

At least we have our trip to Thailand sorted now and what we are going to do. Hopefully we can get down to the South Island in April because if we leave it any later the weather will be bad down there once the snow starts falling.

We watched some TV after dinner and I made another beanie. I am not sure how many that is now.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

Sunday

After our late night we had a bit of a lie in this morning but Jon was up earlier than me to watch the Grand Prix.

I was reading my emails in bed (something that my ipad has allowed me to do which is rather nice) and had one from Heather asking if she could call so a quick reply to her and then the phone rang. Jon chatted to her first and I had a shower and then chatted to her. She said it was cold and miserable in UK and everyone is fed up with the bad weather - Oh! joy this is what we have to look forward to!!!

We then went out for coffee into Tauranga and then went down onto the Strand to watch the closing ceremony of the Relay for Life for the Cancer Society. A lot of brave people in some very hot conditions but it all looked good fun and ended with some 'pink' gorillas riding in on motor bikes!!!

When we got back we took Totty out for a walk and she walked all the way again. She had to be 'pulled' a few times but much better than she has been.

We spent the rest of the day at home and enjoyed the cricket.

I spent a long time in the afternoon on the Internet researching Chang Mai and things to do there. We are undecided as to whether we should just have two days there and the rest in Bangkok or all five days in Chang Mai. I found lots of things to do there that the travel agent had not suggested and so I think rather than have too many hotel changes we will stay the five days in Chang Mai. There is one elephant park which sounds particularly interesting not to mention temples, the zoo and flower gardens. We can travel to Bangkok again but I don't think we will have the chance to visit Chang Mai so i suppose we ought to make the most of it.

I had an easy dinner tonight as we had leftover roast lamb from last night so no cooking.

Jon watched the Grand Prix and I went up to the office to send some emails.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

A lovely Saturday

I went to a stretch class yesterday afternoon at the gym and they told me it was a good class to end the week as it was very relaxing and it was true. However, this morning I feel like I have run up and down the Mount as my legs ache so much but I am sure it is good for me.

After breakfast we took Totty for her walk and she walked all the way to the bottom and back with just some gentle pulling!!

We went down to Bayfair for coffee and sat outside Zone in the lovely sunshine. I love this temperature as it is just right and not too hot.

When Jon bought his new phone last week we bought a Norton security system as the man in the shop said we should have security on our phones. Jon had not been able to install it so we went back to Harvey Norman to the technical department to ask them how to do it. We dealt with a very nice English guy and he also got very frustrated at how to do it but he eventually managed to get it on for Jon but not mine. As we were leaving he said not to worry as there should be no problem with mine which led us to believe the other chap had sold us the product and we didn't really need it!!

We should have taken part in the Relay for Life lap of honour for cancer survivors and their care givers but due to the length of time we spent sorting the phone out it was too late and I felt really bad about it as we were due to have afternoon tea after the lap. Never mind it couldn't be helped.

We got back home and had lunch and then Jon enjoyed some cricket which is not going well!!

I spent the afternoon cooking and preparing the dinner for tonight with Des and 'Shaz' (Sharon).

Jon was really good and did all the cleaning for me and probably does a better job than I do!!

We had a lovely evening and they arrived at 6.30 and as it was so nice we sat out on the deck for drinks and our starter and came in for our roast. One leg of lamb down still two in the freezer to go!!

They left about 11.00 as they are going to Whangamata to the beach hop tomorrow and need to be up early. I hadn't done any washing up between courses so there was so so much to do and we didn't finish till gone midnight!!

Far too late to do my blog.

WEATHER
Sunny and warm 24 degrees

A pretty good day

A bit of a nip in the air this morning but that was only on one side of the house but the front of the house was sunny and warm.

I was up first today as I had to go to work and Jon had a lie in. He is sleeping so much better since he finished work as he has no worries or pressure about it all.

I left for work and Jon said he was going to sort out the hotels and change some of the dates for our Easter trip.

The Red Cross was quiet, everyone is waiting for the sale next week and then the winter stock to come in. We put out what we had but the rails are looking empty. The second part of the morning went over slowly as we didn't have much to do.

I left just after 1.00 and went to do my supermarket shop and I got home about 2.30 and had my lunch.

I had sent a sympathy card to my friend's sister in UK, who lost her husband, and it was returned today as it had no stamp on it. I am so annoyed as I bought the stamps with the cards and the girl in the shop stuck them on for me but it must have come unstuck. I am really annoyed as the funeral was yesterday and now she won't get it for another week!!

Jon had had a good morning and walked up to the garden centre for a coffee and then went to the driving range to hit some golf balls and he said he did very well and no discomfort from his surgery. He then went for lunch to his usual Friday place. He had also hung out the washing and vacuumed the carpet!!

We spent some time looking at the map and planning our trip for next week and I did some Google checking for distances. I think we are just about there now. We will have to start thinking about our trip to the south island but want to get things sorted at work before we do that.

Jon went out for the fish and chips and I opened a bottle of fizzy and waited for him to come back.

After dinner we watched TV and I did my crochet and finished my ninth beanie - no stopping me now!!

WEATHER
Cool start then sunny 23 degrees

Still summer here!

We had a cold start to the day and had some condensation on the bedroom windows but outside it was clear skies and sun again.

I went off to the gym and did my programme and then came home and Jon and I walked Totty and she walked all the way to the bottom of the road and back!

Jon spent the morning phoning people and answering email and taking legal advice but it is better not to write any of that on my blog I think.

I had my shower and got ready and went to meet my friend Diane for lunch. She had given me the choice of two cafes and we decided which one to meet at but she was not there. After 15 minutes I called her home and husband said she was out at lunch and I told him where I was and that she hadn't turned up so he said he would text her. I soon got a call from her and she was at the other cafe and I thought I must be losing the plot but after the week we have had it is no surprise. Fortunately, it was not too far away and I walked down to meet her.

We had a nice lunch and talked till our jaws ached as we haven't seen each other for ages. Eventually, it was time to leave and she went off looking for a handbag and I went round to see my friend Janice.

I needed to see her about Lions and also to let her know what has happened as she was very good to me when I first arrived and picked me up and took me to all the Lions meetings. Her house has a lovely view looking across the bay to the town centre and we sat out and enjoyed the sunshine while we chatted.

I got home about 5.00 and Jon had done some gardening, more phone calls and had been out for a walk. He managed to change our hotel bookings for next week so we will go up north a day earlier and come back a day later and this way we will have time to go right up to the cape. I just hope the kennels can have Totty the two extra days - I am waiting for them to call me back to confirm it.

We had kebabs cooked on the bbq for dinner and some salad. I suggested Jon take up golf again as he has so much time now. He was really pleased I had suggested it as it had never crossed his mind to do it. I am not sure how he will get on but I am sure with some support around his middle and he takes it easy he will be fine. He is going to the driving range tomorrow to see how it feels.

I did some ironing after dinner and we watched some TV and I did some crocheting, I am now on blue hats.

WEATHER
Sunny 25 degrees

Wednesday

I think Totty is living on borrowed time and if she has another night like last night she will be out of the door. I woke up about 2.00 to a terrible smell and thought the dog had done a poo or worse Bertie was playing up not that he had ever done that.

I didn't want to put the light on so used the light from my iPad to check on the floor but there was nothing so it must be wind. I lost count of the time I was woken by the dog to put her cover back on and the smell from her was awful. With everything that is going on at the moment it is then hard to get back to sleep. I got up to let Totty out once and she was out for a long time but even after that the smell continued. I have no idea why as I never change her diet as she does tend to get an upset stomach if I do Grrrr.

I was glad when it was finally time to get up and have my shower. It is difficult having Jon around as he has nothing to do and I have lots to do but I am sure I will get used to it.

He has had lots of messages and calls from people in and out of the company telling him they are shocked and can't believe what Mark is doing and how much he has changed the company since he has been there. None of it will help though as we can't go back now.

We went out to buy a new phone for him as they will no doubt ask for his back at some stage. We had a coffee and sat in the sun and then went for the phone before going back home where there were more calls and messages.

As far as he is aware no memo has gone out to inform the staff about the 're structure' so they company are not following correct procedures and the atmosphere in the office is not good.

My friend, Margaret, who works for Genera part time and who introduced me to Lions, called and told me she was so upset to hear about Jon leaving and thinks Mark has made a big mistake. She thinks we should seek legal advice as she says Mark gets away with things like this time and time again.

We had lunch and then I baked a cake. I have a lot of ingredients in my larder that need to be used.

I think Jon should take legal advice and so he has contacted a lawyer to see where he stands.

I went over to see Bronwyn for a cuppa and we had a chat and her new teeth are very nice and she seems to be coping well with them.

I popped in to see Alison after I left Bronwyn to tell her what was going on and she was shocked, too. They have been to Melbourne to see the Grand Prix and had a few days in Adelaide with Doug's brother and she brought me some Merlot infused chocolate from the Barrosa Valley wine region.

When I got home Jon was back from having his hair cut and I made the dinner. I have a lot in the freezer to use up and so I told Jon we will be having some unusual concoctions over the next few weeks. Tonight we had sausages in a carbonara sauce with pasta and broccoli and it was surprisingly good.

I did a bit more crochet this evening nearly finished another beanie.

Off to bed now and already Totty has started with the smelly wind so looks like I am in for a bad night again. I think I had better take a fresh air spray to bed with me!

WEATHER
Overnight rain then sunny with some cloud 24 degrees

Well that is it, life in NZ will soon be over.

We had some very heavy overnight rain last night and I thought we might have had some damage to trees this morning as it was so bad. I had to quickly get up and close the window and got soaked doing so.

We have had a pretty rubbish week but I have not been able to say anything until today. Due to a 're structure' in the company Jon no longer has a job. He went in to the office this morning for the last time and cleared his desk. He had to wait to see what the offer was and then brought the document home to read through. It is a very long and complicated story and not one I will explain in my blog but the bottom line is the owner of the company does not want Jon anymore and so he said he is doing a re structure and there will be no general manager position.

He came home and is obviously very upset about the whole thing he is very frustrated that he has not been given a reason. The company is doing well profit wise, they have a lot more respect now than four years ago things were moving forward with the new pest management business so he has not done anything wrong. Word has got out and people are shocked that this has happened. Obviously, there are a couple of people in the company that knew what was going on and they have been too cowardly to show their faces to him. One of them, he told me last year, was out to get his job and looks like she has managed to do it.

We spent most of the day going over and over things and at 2.00 my mobile rang and it was my friend Les asking me why I was not at Fiona's house for afternoon tea as arranged. I felt terrible and it had completely gone from my head. I quickly rushed to get ready and went over and we had a nice cup of tea and some cake in real china cups.

From there I went to my aqua aerobics class and then home.

I cooked dinner and then we rang the girls and caught them before they went to work to let them know we would be home probably late summer. Obviously they are happy we are coming home but upset they will not get out for another visit to NZ. Kirsty and James will be affected the most as they will need to find a place to live as I can't see James wanting to live with the in laws and it just would not work as we have Totty and they have two cats and two rabbits.

There is no way we can pack up and leave before the wedding so we will leave that trip as it is. Our Easter break we can now prolong and go right to the top to Cape Reinga. In April we plan to do our road trip around the South Island for two weeks and then go to UK for Jane and Jason's wedding.

When we return we are going to Australia and hopefully see the Vivid Light Festival in Sydney then on to Adelaide, Ayres Rock, Darwin, Cairns and back to Auckland. We will then sort out packing everything up to send back and hopefully get the dog sorted to travel (I think she might gas the plane out in her present state and should be classed as 'flamable'). We then hope to have a week up in one of the islands Samoa or Tonga or Cook Islands.

If we manage to do all of this I will be happy to come home. If we had left before we saw these places I would have felt cheated and I hate leaving things unfinished.

I am happy about coming home and glad the decision has been made for us or we might have dithered for a long time!!

Then we have to decide which way we will fly home Singapore or Dubai or Hawaii and San Francisco! How lucky are we to have such a choice

I have no regrets about the last four years we have had the most amazing time but now it is time for a new adventure so will need to buy the Lonely Planet for Great Britain and Europe as I just can't go out without one!!

I hope something can be done about the weather in UK though!! Lol

WEATHER
Sunny 26 degrees

Keep fit day

It was a little overcast first thing this morning and some drizzle as I was going to the gym but very humid.

I completed my programme and felt fine after doing it. There was a box fit class on while I was there and it sounded very fast so I think I will give that one a miss.

After my class I went to buy another ball of wall as I had run out on the blanket I am making by about ten stitches, how annoying.

I got home and did my housework but it was difficult due to the humidity but I stuck at it.

I went out to my Pilate's class at 12.30 and I am glad to say my teacher was not 'off' with me over the fiasco of the networking issue - phew. The class was really good today it is amazing how a little ball can give you such a workout on your back and it feels so good afterwards.

I got home and had lunch and then got stuck in to the rest of my housework and soon had it finished.

It was too hot to do the ironing so I sat and put the photos on Facebook from the weekend.

Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and watched the news and then I made dinner.

I cooked some chicken breasts with a mustard and cayenne pepper marinade. I thought it was really good but Jon said it was a bit hot but it could just be that he is not used to spicy food. I will have to work on that so we are ready for Thailand.

We watched some TV and I made another beanie hat!!

WEATHER
Some drizzle followed by humid sunshine 27 degrees

Saturday and Sunday

We woke to heavy cloud and rain this morning and you couldn't see the mountain and the chairlifts were closed so we were very lucky yesterday.

We went down for breakfast which was pretty good for mass produced but the granola and fruit were very nice so I was happy.

We checked out and set off home. We chose a different route and went round the other side of the lake and you can see it all the way and it is huge as big as Qatar they say where the World Cup will be played next.

We got to Taupo and had a coffee and then a walk around the harbour but it was getting windy and stating to rain so we set off home and got back by lunch time.

We went to the supermarket to get something for dinner and I needed a ball of white wool for the blanket I am crocheting.

We had lunch when we got back and Jon watched the Grand Prix qualifying rounds as it had been postponed from Saturday due to rain.

We went to get Totty and by this time it was pouring with rain and when we picked her up she was very wet poor little thing not sure how long she had been out in it.

I cooked a roast lamb dinner and we watched TV till bedtime and I was too tired to do my blog.

WEATHER - Sunday
Overcast followed by rain 20 degrees

We were up early and ready to leave by 9.00 and took Totty to the kennels on our way. She does seem to settle better in this kennel and goes off quite happily with the girl.

We set off and on the journey it was amazing to see how brown everywhere is, I have never seen NZ so brown it is completely dried up.

We stopped for a coffee in a small village and sat in the sun. The people in the cafe were not very friendly. We had a scone and I asked for two butters and was told it would be an extra 20 cents for the second one and it was like I was asking for the moon.

We carried on down towards Tongariro National Park along the road which goes along Lake Taupo but you can't see much of the lake. Last time we visited we went the same way and I remembered how boring the road was then and it is no better now. There is nothing along the road at all of any interest.

We arrived at Mt Ruapehu about lunch time and rather than check in to our hotel we went straight up to the ski area to go on the chair lift to the top cafe for Lunch. It is Knoll Ridge and the highest cafe in NZ.

I must say I was surprised at how little vegetation there is, it is all rocks and what I imagine the moon to be like. It is dark brown and very ugly and not at all like the French and Spanish ski resorts in the summer but then it is a volcano and still active when it wants to be.

We were so lucky with the weather as it had been a little overcast when we were approaching the mountain and the top was covered in cloud but it all cleared and we had good but misty views.

The two chairlift rides were good and I didn't give myself time to be nervous and there were very few people so no waiting to get on and up we went and it was great fun.

At the top we went into the cafe. It is a lovely new building as the old cafe was burnt down in 2009. There was limited choice for lunch and I chose a vegetarian quiche but Jon said he didn't fancy any of it and would wait till we got back down to the base.

We sat outside and had a lovely coffee and my lunch. I went in to the loo and saw they had put more food out (after telling us there was nothing else) and so Jon went in and ordered a panini which was good and he enjoyed it.

We had a walk around at the top and looked at the tracks that go to the top but they can take three hours just to get up to the crater lake and Jon is not fit enough to do that now and especially over the very rough ground. In the winter there is another chairlift to take the skiers up to the slopes.

We got on the chairlift to go down and it seemed much steeper on the way back but lovely views.

At the bottom we went to look at one of the sights that was used to film part of Lord of the Rings. It was very steep and slippery and I was glad to get back onto firm ground.

We left the ski field and drove round the other side of Mt Ruapehu to Ohakune which is the carrot capitol of NZ and a pretty little town.

We got back to the hotel and checked in and we had a much nicer view from our room this time.

We went down for drinks at 6.30 and dinner was booked for 7.00. We went into the dining room which was very busy and ordered our dinner. Our starters came very quickly but we then waited about 50 minutes for our main and so did everyone else in the restaurant but nobody said anything. I asked the waiter how long it would be and he said he was sorry they had a big function downstairs and were busy in the kitchen - wrong answer.

Eventually our steaks came out and were cold and the vegetables came out and they, too were cold. It was such a shame. The waiter offered me a cup of coffee for compensation - I think he was having a laugh and I said no. Eventually he said we could have the wine but it didn't make up for the spoilt dinner.

WEATHER - Saturday
Lovely warm sunny day 24 degrees

Friday already!

I was wide awake at 6.30 and thought I would get up and suddenly it was 7.25!! How did that happen? I shot out of bed and into the shower before Jon came up for his shower.

I didn't have time to take Totty out this morning but she got her 'after walk treat' and was happy.

I arrived at work early for a change and we got stuck in to putting out new stock although it is mostly local donations and some of it is not very nice. We have a sale in a couple of weeks and then the winter changeover at the beginning of April.

I went across to the bar for our coffee and the people who own it are from Thailand and very nice people. It struck me as strange today though as they are selling 'original recipe hot X buns'. Since when did hot X buns come from Thailand!! I asked them if he really did make them himself and he said yes and they did look very good and were much cheaper than the other bakers around.

We had a new lady training in the shop this morning and I know her from one of the other Lions groups and have done the daffodil phoning with her and she is extremely loud but she was on her best behaviour this morning. She only has one arm and the other arm has been amputated or maybe not grown just below her elbow. However, it doesn't stop her from doing anything and she says she is a farmer and even drives a tractor. She did well hanging the stock out but when it came to using the pricing gun which has a sharp needle on the end it was difficult for her and I didn't want her to stab herself with the needle (we have to change the needle if we stab ourselves in case we infect anyone) and she was trying to use her stub to hold it and it was not working but she was determined to do it. Between us we managed and didn't draw blood but I decided to take the gun away from her as I couldn't bear to watch her do it again. I do take my hat off to her though.

Les was going to Auckland to see her son and grandson and needed to get the bus at 12.30 and had asked me to take her to the bus stop. Midori was not in today and I was worried about leaving Sharon alone but fortunately Carol popped in and said she would stay while I was out. I was back in ten minutes so not too long. As I had to park on the other side of the road I went into the cafe and bought some hot x buns to take home.

Fiona came in at 1.00 and invited Sharon and I to her house on Tuesday for afternoon tea so I will go there before my aqua aerobics class.

I left the shop and went to the hairdresser and had my eyebrows done first and then my hair.

I bought some cards on the way back to the car and then some beer from the supermarket on the way home.

I was a bit hungry when I got back as I had had no lunch and it was nearly 4.00 and Jon was home so we had a cup of tea and a hot x bun.

Janice, one of my Lion friends, gave me some knitted squares last night and asked me if I could crochet them together to make a blanket and I said I would so I started that tonight. More difficult than it should have been as the pieces are not the same size so I have had to add bits of crochet on but I am sure the children in China will be happy with a cosy blanket and won't mind the mix of knit and crochet or the random colours!!

I got my things ready for tomorrow as we need to leave early to get down to Mt Ruapehu. The forecast now says showers in the afternoon. Sods law really as we didn't see anything last time we went due to snow so fingers crossed the rain won't spoil it tomorrow.

WEATHER
Cloudy start followed by sunny 24 degrees

A busy day

It rained overnight, not a lot but enough to wet the washing I forgot to bring in!!

It was still overcast when I was leaving to pick Margaret up to walk around the Mount with our keep fit class so thought I had better take my rain jacket.

Margaret and I went for a coffee first and then met up at 11.30 with the other ladies. It was a bit chilly and I was glad of my jacket as we started walking. It wasn't long before the sun came out and I had to take my jacket off and by the time I got round to the other side I was very hot!!

We went along to The Pier for lunch which is a club just near the berth where the cruise ships come in. It is a nice place with lovely views across the harbour. There were about 25 of us and we had a great lunch with lots of laughter. I had fishcakes for lunch which were very good.

We left about 2.30 and I took Margaret and another old lady, Agnes who lives near me, home.

I wasn't in long before I had to go off to the gym for my 'bounce' class at 4.30. I had hoped to stay at the back of the class but the teacher said it would be better if I was at the front so I walked in and said hello to everyone, told them I had never done this before and they all said I would be fine.

I had to get some weights from the rack and picked up two one kilogramme weights and the girls laughed at me and said I would need a 2kilo and a 3 kilo. The lighter one for the above the head exercises and the heavier one for the below the head. Oh dear this is going to be hard I thought as I dragged myself and the weights back to my mini trampoline!!

Sharon, teacher, came in and we got stuck in and we bounced and bounced with hardly a break for breath. On the slow bits she did say you can get off for a drink if you need to which I did and then we were off again. When I got off again the lady on the trampoline next to me said when I get off I had to stand with my feet together and go up onto my toes a couple of times to get used to being on the floor or I might fall down!!!

Back up we were still bouncing in every way possible but you have to keep you feet flat on the surface and not go up onto your toes unless she says so for some of the moves. I really thought I was going to die, it was so hard and after half an hour she could see I was struggling and told me just to jog for a while which I did and then I had to sit down as I did feel pretty awful. It was like a major attack of sea sickness. I sat for a while and then I told her I was leaving and she said I had done very well for my first time - phew.

I got back to the locker room and could hardly get the key in the lock. I think my eyes must have looked like a cartoon character after they have had a particularly hard knock on the head! When I could stand again I went out to reception and chatted to the girls on the desk. I asked them how long it would take for my head to feel normal again - well as normal as I ever am!! They, too, said it was like sea sickness and once you get used to the moves you don't need to keep looking at your feet or the teacher and so don't have the same problem. Meanwhile, I think I need to take Sealegs for my next class!!

I had to go into the supermarket which is just next door. I only needed three things but got a trolley as I needed the support. Maybe I should have got fitter first before trying anything so energetic.

I got back and Jon was home and he thought it was very funny as I walked in on my wobbly legs.

I had a shower and then left Jon to cook his lamb chops on the BBQ as I had a Lions business meeting and didn't feel hungry just very thirsty I have never drunk so much water in my life.

Lions was a good meeting and we discussed what we would do with all our money we have raised over the last year. They are also asking for new committee members and asked me to be secretary but I said no.

I got back and was hungry so had a sandwich and watched some TV.

Red Cross and haircut tomorrow and I should go to the gym and do my programme as we are away at the weekend and will probably eat more than usual!! Jane has no idea what I am going through to make sure my wedding outfit still fits!!

WEATHER
Cloudy start and then sunny 24 degrees

Wednesday

Nothing much on this morning so I took Totty out for her walk and then did a few chores around the house.

I went to the gym at 12.00 for my induction which I really enjoyed but had very wobbly legs after the class.

I came home and had some lunch then got stuck into my ironing and am just about finished.

I rang Margaret to arrange to pick her up tomorrow and she told me her daughter in law had fallen off her horse on Saturday and has a compound fracture of her leg. She is allergic to anaesthetic and thought it was noted in her notes as she has had surgery at the hospital once before. It wasn't noted and the gave her anaesthetic to set it and she went into anaphylactic shock, had a blood clot and nearly died. They had to get the crash team to her and they brought her round and she is now doing OK. She is coming home tomorrow but will be on crutches for weeks.

Jon came home and watered the plants and then we had dinner and watched some TV.

My blog is getting a little boring now.

WEATHER
Cloudy start then sunny 24 degrees

Tuesday

Jon went off to work and I went off to my keep fit class in which I got very hot and sweaty.

I had a quick change of clothes and then rushed off to meet Jon at the cancer clinic. We didn't wait long and Michelle, Oncologist, said all was good and that Jon should consider himself cured and it had been a pleasure meeting us. Result!!

Jon went back to work and I went home and did a few bits around the house.

I left to meet Carol and Monica for a cup of tea before our class. We had a nice chat and then went over to the pools for our class.

We had a really good class and worked hard.

I went home and Jon was already home and we had a drink and then dinner. A nice normal day.

WEATHER
Sunny 25 degrees

A lovely surprise!

What a rough night we had last night thanks to Totty.

Jon and I woke at more or less the same time at about 1.30 to a horrible smell in the bedroom. Jon, bless him, immediately thought it was Bertie. I said no it was Totty who had just farted but the smell was strong so I put the light on and sure enough she had left a package by the door!! I am not sure if she had tried to wake me and I was in a deep sleep or not but anyway I had to get up and clean up the mess and then go and get a bucket of water and cloth etc to clean it up - don't you just love pets???

She woke me again at 3.00ish and I got up to let her out. Not sure why she is upset as she has had nothing different and we are careful what we give her now since the last bad episode we had. Strange, as I was only thinking yesterday that we have not had any 'accidents' in this house - that will teach me!!

So, this morning when it was time to get up I was tired and could have happily stayed in bed but I didn't!!

After my shower I went down to make Jon's lunch and have breakfast and then Jon left for work.

I started the usual Monday chores and hung out the washing before taking Totty out for her walk but it was very hot again so she didn't walk far.

Housework done I left for my Pilate's class which was extremely good today. After the class, Sheryl, the teacher and I had a little meeting about some products that she sells which are all natural and T Tree based and made in Melbourne. It is a bit of an odd deal as you have to sign up and pay $1 and then you get a pack with a catalogue and you order online. Not sure how it is going to pan out but I will give it a go as I think there are far too many chemicals in things these days so we will see.

I then went to Fraser Cove to the supermarket and decided to go into the gym there. it is an all ladies gym and run by a very nice English lady and I decided to sign up for three months as I need to lose my Christmas pounds and I am having trouble trying to get rid of them. I start on Wednesday with an induction and then I will need to go three times a week and hopefully that will tone me up and help me lose the few pounds I need to.

Back home I had a very late lunch and then did some ironing and re made the bed. It is far too hot to do ironing so I think I might have to get up early in the morning and do it.

Jon came home and decided he was going to go out for a walk and try and get his fitness back. He was only out ten minutes and came back hot and bothered and worn out. He told me he had walked all the way down the hill and back which as far as I could see was too much too soon. Not sure why he thinks he is in training for a race. I told him he needs to take things slowly and especially so as it was still 24 degrees!! Men, what would you do with them? No common sense!!

I commented to Jon that it must be nice up at Mt Ruapehu now as the weather is so clear and before I knew it he had Googled the Chateau Hotel and said we could go this weekend. I am really looking forward to it as you can go on two chair lifts which take you right to the top where there is a cafe for lunch and amazing views. In the winter it is used for skiing but in the summer lots of people go walking up there. I am not sure if there is still snow up at the top. Last time we went was winter and the weather was so bad we couldn't get to the top and didn't see a thing but had a lot of fun in the snow and I said I would like to go back in the summer but didn't think we would fit it in and now we will - really excited.

We had a nice dinner of pork kebabs cooked on the bbq and then I poached some pears like I did for Les last week and it was all very nice.

We watched some TV and then read our books. I do enjoy these warm evenings with all the doors open and listening to the crickets.

Bedtime now and hopefully Totty will sleep through the night!!

WEATHER
Sunny 27 degrees

Sunday

We were very lazy this morning and we didn't wake till 9.00!!!! I can't remember the last time we both slept so late so our trip to Taupo was put off till next week as it was too late.

I was able to open my present from Jane and Heather this morning and it is very nice. Some lovely eco friendly smellies with no nasties in them. Kirsty's present is on the way she told me yesterday when I spoke to her.

After breakfast we took Totty out for her walk and she walked all the way down to the bottom and back. She was very hot and bothered by the time we got back as it was really too late to take her out as it was so hot.

I checked the mail box and the mail must have arrived late yesterday as there was a lovely card from Heather.

We went over to the Mount and on the way stopped by the office to take the two bags of garden rubbish to put in the skip they have in the yard. I need to order our own recycle bin.

We then went to the Mount and had a coffee and a Danish sitting in the sun. We then had a walk round the farmers' market and I bought a basket of micro green which I am told are very good for you. The man said they should continue to grow for about a month so hopefully we will get a lot off them.

On the way home we popped in to Nosh to buy some sausages and as always we end up buying more than we went in for.

When we got home I decided I needed to get some ironing done and ironed 12 shirts. I don't know when he wears all these shirts as I am sure it is not 12 days since I ironed a pile of shirts. I am doing my ironing in short blasts at the moment so it is 'little and often' and then my legs don't ache.

I made some lunch for Jon but I just had an apple and a banana as I was not really hungry.

I did think I would go and sit in the sun but it was just too hot out there so I stayed indoors and watched the cricket and did my crochet. I now have five hats made but all different sizes. I just can't find the perfect size.

We had a BBQ for dinner this evening and then watched the TV it is still really warm and it is nearly 10.30. The longer this lovely weather goes on the less I am looking forward to the end of it and it will be a shock when the rain finally starts. Practically the whole of the North Island is officially in a drought and the fields are so brown.

WEATHER
Sunny 27 degrees

Saturday

I didn't get my blog done for Saturday as I was talking on the phone to Jane till nearly midnight and I was then too tired.

We did intend to go to Taupo today but as I was not feeling the best yesterday we decided to go instead to Whakatane which is only an hour away.

We had breakfast and were about to walk Totty when the phone rang and I was expecting it to be Jane as she said she would call and it was only after the initial hello that I realised it was Kirsty!!! We had a long chat and she told me she was sorry but my Mother's Day present would be late as she always forgets to allow for the postage time!! We had a long chat and she was excited that James would be home on Sunday morning as he has been away for 12 days.

We took Totty for her walk and due to a delay because of Bertie we finally got off about 11.30.

We stopped in Papamoa for a coffee at a garden centre and they have a live group playing on Saturdays which was nice. There is also a pet shop area and they had the most adorable puppies. They were chiwaaua, Maltese cross and so cute.

We carried on down to Whakatane (Facatarne) and some of the road is right on the coast and the sea looked lovely, really blue and not a cloud in the sky.

We arrived about 1.00 and went to the Tourist Office to ask where the Mataatua Marae was. A 'marae' is a Maori meeting house. She gave us directions and told us the Lights Show was at 2.00 which just gave us enough time to have a bit of lunch.

When we arrived at the marae it was very quiet and nobody else waiting to go in. We got our tickets and yes we were the only ones. www.mataatua.com

We first watched a ten minute film in a room near the ticket area about the marea called The House That Came Home. The marae was built in Whakatane in 1875 but due to the politics of the time the government dismantled it and sent it across to Sydney where it was erected inside out - all the carvings were exposed to the sun and weather. It was then sent down to Melbourne for a year before being shipped to England in 1881 where it was erected once again in the grounds of the South Kensington Museum. In 1883 it was dismantled and stored in the basement of the V&A Museum where it stayed till 1924 when it was once again put on display at Wembley.

Finally after a lot of negotiating it was shipped back to NZ in 1925 but went to Dunedin in the South Island and it stayed there as a permanent exhibition till 1996 when  a tribunal finally got the go ahead to bring it back to Whakatane and be restored and it took till 2011 to complete it 130 years it spent away from where it was built.

It is now a truly beautiful building and I found the whole visit very emotional, probably as it was all done just for Jon and I.

We were taken out to the street entrance and I was told I had to walk up the path first as women mean peace and men mean war and it was to show we came in peace. A Maori girl came out and sang a lovely song with all the hand actions and then a warrior came out and he did the Haka. We were then invited inside the marae but then Jon had to go in ahead of me. The warrior then talked in Maori followed by translations in English about the house and what it all meant and the gods. The girl sang a song and then Jon was invited to respond which he did very well.

We then went for a 'hangi' which is the rubbing of noses and this is the first time we have done this and I was really pleased about it. We then went and watched the lights show which was really amazing. It told about the people and how they came to NZ in canoes and the myths and legends but it was all done with lights shinning on the back wall which is covered in carvings and they all lit up as the paint is reflective and the pau shell reflected the light, too, it was amazing but so hard to explain.

At the end of the show we were able to look around and take pictures. I asked our guide who did the lights and he told me they were designed by a man from the Weta Workshop in Wellington, these are the people who do all the special effects for Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films.

Our guide then invited us to take some refreshments with him in a room next to the marae. We had a cup of herbal tea which was made from plants growing in the garden there. It was very nice and a bit minty. I told him I thought it was a shame that they didn't have many people and that they should try and get an entry into the Lonely Planet. He asked us to complete a survey and to write that in the survey so that 'the management' knew about it. He said they need someone to market it and I agree as it is lovely and such a shame not more people know about it. Nobody I have spoken to knows it so maybe I will pass the word around. I think though that most Kiwis would not be that interested as they have grown up with the politics of the country and all the issues the white and Maori have whereas I am a visitor and look at things differently. Whatever it was really lovely and we both enjoyed it.

We walked into the town and bought an ice cream and then sat by the river and it was so peaceful.

We got back and the house was like an oven, poor Totty.

We had a cup of tea and I put some chicken Kiev in the oven for our dinner.

Jon tried a G&T tonight, his first since August and he enjoyed it. We watched some TV and then Jane emailed to say she could not get through to us on the phone for her chat as promised so I called her. She chatted to us both and then said I will call you back in a minute so I hung up and waited and nothing. Then she emailed to say she couldn't get through so I called her again and it seems she is putting one 0 too many when she dials. She also laughed as she thought she had made the original call and after 59 minutes on Sky calls she has to call back or they get charged a high rate. She had looked at the clock and said she would call back and once she hung up realised I had called her - bless!! We talked till nearly midnight which is why I didn't do my blog last night!!

I got to bed and Totty had me up three times in the night to go out. Not sure what was wrong with her as she had nothing different to eat. I hope she sleeps tonight as I can't have another lie in tomorrow!!

WEATHER
Sunny 27 degrees

Friday

Another lovely morning and my sun burn is feeling a bit better today.

We both had breakfast and then off to work.

I arrived a bit late at the shop as I remembered I had put a load of washing on last night and if I don't hang it out and leave it in the machine it gets smelly in this weather.

We had a quiet morning in the shop and thankfully the new manager was not in today so it was much more relaxed. I was glad to see the sofa has been moved and now there is a little more space. I am not sure if my comments, that I wrote in the book last week, had anything to do with it or not.

Sharon is doing a retail course and one of her assignments is to dress a window with two displays so she did that this morning and we helped her sort out clothes and things. She asked me to take the photos on my phone and email them to her which I was happy to do.

The morning flew by and it was soon 1.00 and time to go home. It had been really hot in the shop and I was not feeling the best so was glad to leave.

I stopped into the post office in Maungatapu on my way home to collect a parcel that had been left there for me - my Mother's Day present from the girls. I have to just look at it till Sunday!!

I got in and had a bit of lunch and it was so hot I didn't do anything much but bring one load of washing in and put another out.

I noticed the gardener didn't come again. I am not sure when she last came. I might have to speak to the agent as things are getting very big.

Not sure why I am not feeling well and nothing I can put my finger on, I just don't feel right. I suppose it could be from too much sun yesterday.

I have spent ages trying to email the photos to Sharon but the email just won't go. I have been onto Google and from what I read sending photos from a Samsung is difficult and it often doesn't work. I think I will have to go into Vodaphone tomorrow and see if they can help. It is very frustrating.

Jon came home from work late as he had been speaking to his colleague in Oz and they are behind us. I thought he would be very tired as he had a bad night last night but he was OK.

Jon went out for fish and chips and I had told him I didn't want much and just to get half a scoop of chips but he forgot and this week the portion of chips was huge and we had two big pieces of fish. I just ate the fish and left the batter and Totty got more than she normally does!!

We watched some TV and it was still very warm this evening we had all the doors open till bedtime.

We thought we might go to Taupo tomorrow but I will see how I feel.

WEATHER
Sunny 28 degrees

A solo trip to the beach

A lovely morning again today with sunny skies.

I managed to get the bin out to the kerb this morning and didn't injure myself. I must remind Jon not to go away on Wednesday nights so that I don't have to do that too often.

I took my morning cuppa (hot water and lemon) down the garden this morning and saw the horrible plant, that we had chopped back a few weeks ago, growing again and it was 'big' so I decided to get the choppers and cut it down. An hour or so later I had a huge bag of garden waste but you could hardly see where it had come from. I think we are going to have to pay for a recycle bin as I can see there is lots of stuff that needs to be cut back and the gardener is not going to get it all done in her two hours. It is just as well we are in a drought or the plants in this garden would be bigger than ever. I think the owner under estimated how much everything was going to grow.

I got back upstairs and the phone rang and it was Heather and we had a little chat. I had forgotten it was Mother's Day on Sunday but the girls hadn't and a parcel is on the way that I must not open till Sunday.

Carol called me to say none of the ladies were going walking today which was kind of her and saved me a trip.

I took Totty out for her walk and despite the various bin waggons we managed to get down the street and back again.

As it was so warm I decided to go to the beach for an hour. It is the fist time I have gone to the beach to sunbathe on my own. I have taken Totty for a walk but never to just sunbathe. I went down to Tay Street and bought a coffee and then went onto the beach. It was quite windy down there and with some light cloud to begin with it was rather cold.

I used a spray sun cream that Jon likes but I was not impressed with it. However, listening to my iPod I really enjoyed my time and was there for just over an hour. As it was a school day there were no children and so lots of kite surfers around.

I left to come home at 1.00 and had a shower and then lunch when I got back. I could feel my skin tingling and I look quite red which is the first time I have been sun burnt for ages. I will be going back to my regular suncream that you rub in and know where it goes, I feel very uncomfortable now.

I watched an episode of Upstairs Downstairs that we have recorded, it is not like the original programme.

I made a cake in the afternoon and put some chicken in a satay sauce for kebabs for dinner.

Jon came home about 6.00 and was tired so I watered the plants and I cooked my first BBQ, only kebabs but still.

I sent Jon down to have a look at my handiwork from this morning and he liked it so much he sat down there and had a beer!!!

We had dinner and watched Coronation Street and now it is time for bed.

WEATHER
Hot and sunny 26 degrees

Official Drought Area

Even though I had an early night I had to force myself to get up this morning and could have happily stayed in bed. I think the cooler mornings are making it nicer to sleep. I must have worked hard at keep fit yesterday as I have lots of aches and pains.

After my shower and hair wash I had my breakfast and then took Totty for her walk!!!! She has gone back to her old ways. After the few good days we had she is now not walking far again. Maybe I am too soft with her and should just pull her harder!!

I went to Fraser Cove shopping centre to have a photo taken for my visa. The lady took three and I chose 'the best' of the three!! I look so grumpy in it, I am glad it is not a passport photo and only immigration will see it.

I got back home and started to prepare lunch for Les who was due at 12.00. I made a salad with a piece of wood smoked salmon, green beans, new potatoes and all the normal salad things. For pudding I baked pears in maple syrup and white wine and served them with mascarpone cheese mixed with some of the cooking juice.

When Les arrived I showed her round the house as this is the first time she has been here and she really liked it as everyone does, we are very lucky.

We had lunch which we both enjoyed and the pears, which were really easy to do, were lovely and I will do them again for Jon.

It was a bit windy so we sat indoors but with the blinds open we still have a lovely view so it is still nice. We chatted all afternoon which was nice as usually in the shop we can't have a proper conversation. She was telling me all about life in S Africa and some scary tales they were, too. All in all a very nice afternoon.

When she left at 5.00 I tidied the kitchen and had a cup of tea and then did some crochet and I have nearly finished another hat - no stopping me now. I watched some Doc Martin episodes and some Annabel Langbein, I love her cookery programmes she is so good.

It was announced today that Bay of Plenty region has been officially declared a drought area which means the farmers will get help from the government. We haven't had much rain at all since the end of last year when we had such bad weather down in New Plymouth. I am sure there are some good views of Mt Taranaki now with all these clear skies.

I had a call from one of the ladies from Lions to say our club can join with another club to go on the trip to Matakana Island (this island makes up part of the Tauranga harbour and only Maori live there but it is very interesting and I really want to see it) which we had had to postpone. It will now be on 27 March. Les was here and said she will go so I quickly ha to call Ros and Margaret to see if they want to go that day, too. There were only 18 places so we had to be quick. I called back to book the four of us on and we are OK. I am sure it will be much nicer to go now than in August which is what they were planning. I just hope we don't get a wet day when we go.

I had a sandwich for my dinner and Jon rang to say he was fine but very tired so I imagine he has been doing too much up in Auckland. He should be home late tomorrow afternoon.



WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 25 degrees

Tuesday - Census Day.

We woke to an overcast morning but still warm.

Jon left to go to Auckland and I took Totty for a walk. We did get to the bottom of the hill and round the corner but that was it.

I left for my keep fit class and although it was cloudy it was very warm and I found myself with sweat dripping down into my eyes!! All good though as that means I am working hard.

I stayed for a coffee and then went to buy a smaller crochet hook and a darning needle to sew the flowers onto my hats - well only one and a half so far but getting better.

I got back and did some housework and then a bit of crochet after lunch.

I had heard Julie ~Andrews is coming to Auckland in June and I would love to see her but the tickets are a very silly amount - £80 each for right at the back of the theatre!!!

I left to go to my aqua class and when I got there he told me it was cancelled but my name was not on the list to contact people. He said I could go in for a swim which was good as Les was in the pool already but she did not know it was cancelled but had her suspicions as there were lots of school children coming in. We had a swim and a dip in the hot pools and then we left.

I stopped at the supermarket to buy some pears and then came home.

Jon had left a message to say he had arrived OK and will call again tomorrow.

I had dinner which I didn't enjoy but then I never enjoy eating on my own.

I watched some TV and did some crochet. Tonight is the first night I have needed a cardigan since January!!

Really tired tonight so I think I will have an early night.

WEATHER
Cloudy morning with some light rain and sunny afternoon 24 degrees.

A cooler start to the day.

We had a few overnight showers which was good for the gardens and this morning it was cloudy for a time with a westerly wind which is a pain as it blows right into our house from that direction and I have doors banging and blinds blowing and crashing around so end up having to close windows/

Still it was nice to have the cooler start and I got stuck into my housework as soon as Jon left for work and I was more or less finished by 11.30 washing and everything even the floors all washed.

I took, well I tried to take Totty for a walk but we didn't get far - definitely an off day for her today.

I went out to my Pilate's class at 12.30 and really enjoyed it and I am getting to know the other ladies which helps.

I then went to buy some paper for the printer and to get a few bits from the supermarket.

I got back and had lunch and then went onto the Internet and finally found a pattern which I can follow for the crochet beanie hat so I got stuck in and by the time Jon came home from work I had the hat well on the way AND it looked like a hat!!

It was really hot sitting in the house this afternoon but I do love this house. Compared to the last house which was very dark inside this house is so light and airy and very quiet I could be in the middle of a field for all I hear.

Jon brought our forms home for out residency and he had been to have some photos taken so I will have to go and get some. I have no idea why we have to do this. We were given permanent residency two years ago but now we have to apply for 'permanent' permanent residency. I think it is just a way of making money!!

Jon is off to Auckland tomorrow till Thursday so he got his case ready and I folded some shirts. I have got out of the habit of him going away and now it is two weeks in a row.

I made the dinner and once we had eaten and cleared away we watched some TV. We have recorded Joanna Lumley in Greece and it is a lovely programme and really makes you want to visit Greece which hopefully we will do when we come back to live in UK.

Jon took his last chemo tablets tonight so that is it now. We go back to see the oncologist next week for hopefully, the last time.

I finally finished the beanie hat and although it is a bit big, more for a one year old, it is not too bad at all. I think I will have to use a smaller hook for the next ones as the lady had asked for six month old size but I am sure they have bigger orphans, too.

I was getting so frustrated and lost count of the times I pulled it all out so I hope it will be easier for the next one(s)!!


WEATHER
Cloudy then sunny 28 degrees.

How hard can it be to crochet a baby beanie hat???

We had a nice cool start to the day this morning but the sun soon came out and we had another scorcher. I must admit it was nice to have a cooler morning!!

We took Totty out but she wouldn't walk far today and so we had to come back.

We went over to Bayfair area for a coffee and sat outside. I then went to buy a lettuce and see if I could buy some horseradish sauce without having to go across to Bayfair Mall to the supermarket so we went down to Nosh which is a posh food shop and sells Waitrose things, not a lot of them though. I found some horseradish but it was nearly $15 and the girl said it was very good but I told her it can't be that good so we will go without till I get to the supermarket.

On the way home we took the recycling and then went to Sharon's to collect my car and the plates from yesterday. Des was not feeling well and had gone to bed. Sharon said that Les and Keith had not left till midnight so they were all very tired. I am glad we left when we did. Des said he thought he had flu!! LOL Big wuss. I told Sharon to tell him to drink water!!

We got home and I started to do my crochet again. I can't believe how much trouble I am having with a little beanie. I must have taken it out and started over at least ten times. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought of those little orphans in China so I am determined to do it.

We had lunch and then I got back to my crochet and spent the whole afternoon trying and failing to get it right. I have Googled so may patterns and tutorials I was dreaming crochet stitches in my sleep last night.

We had some nice lamb done on the bbq for dinner and some Baileys cheesecake which I took out of the freezer and then it was back to the beanie. I wish my sister was here and she would soon sort me out!!

Jon watched TV and I struggled on. I might be getting there now, fingers crossed. These hats are only supposed to take an hour. I should have stuck to knitting as I would have had at least two done by now!! Hopefully, I will see some improvement tomorrow if not I will get out the knitting needles!!

Just heard Jon up again so sounds like Betie is playing him up again - roll on Wednesday and he will be finished.

WEATHER
Cloudy start then sunny 28 degrees

Another beautiful day

Another lovely morning and all the better for being Saturday and a lie in.

We had breakfast and then took Totty out for a walk and managed to get her down to the bottom before she decided she had had enough and we came back.

We drove over to Bethlehem as Jon wanted to have his car washed and I wanted to go and find a house warming present for Sharon and Des so we went over to the garden centre while the car was being cleaned.

We had a nice coffee and a piece of carrot cake but couldn't find anything we liked for Sharon and Des.

When we got back the car was not finished so we had a look around the shops and into one of our favourite shops where Jon found some lovely shirts in the sale - I don't think he will ever have to buy another shirt in his life as he has so many now. although, when we come back to the UK he will have to wear a T shirt with them as they are all short sleeves!! I found a nice top and a lovely woollen suit, skirt and jacket. I have to say trying on a woollen suit in these temperatures is crazy even with AC, it is very nice though.

We then drove to a shop to buy some wool and crochet hooks so I can get started on the beanie hats for the babies in China.

On the way home we popped into our local garden centre and found a present for Sharon and Des and then went home.

We had lunch and a sit down before I made the salad to take with us to the bbq.

Getting ready I was really hot and decided against cropped trousers in favour of a dress. By the time we were ready we were both so hot - I love the summer!!

I drove as we intended to leave the car and collect it tomorrow. Not that Jon can drink much but a few beers and he might be over the limit so it is not worth the risk.

The others were already there and we soon got stuck in to the wine and dips and generally had a good time. Simone, Les' granddaughter, 18monts old was there and she is so sweet and very friendly to everyone.

Des has NEVER cooked a bbq so was very nervous. We had bought him an apron to wear but Les ended up cooking the food which was enough to feed an army but Des took the credit!!

We had a lovely time and it was very relaxing, Jon gets on so well with Des which is really nice for him.

We finally left at 7.30 and it took us just half an hour to walk home and it was such a lovely evening.

We got in and watched Coronation Street and then I started to crochet my first beanie hat which did not go that well but I will stick with it and hopefully be turning them out daily in time for the lady to take them to China in April.


WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 28 degrees

The hottest day of the summer

Wow what a day we had today and even now at 11.00 it is still very warm. On the news this evening it said that Tauranga has had its second sunniest February ever.

We both got up and ready and set off to work this morning and it was hot. I stopped by the house agent to pay our water bill and then went to the Red Cross.

We didn't really have such a good morning as Noleen, new temporary manager, was there and she seems to bring a bad atmosphere with her. Les and I spent two and a half hours at the back of the shop on the new desk putting stock out. I noticed that the way it has now been arranged with a sofa for people to sit on outside the changing rooms makes it all very cramped and the mums can't get in between the racks with the pushchairs. The silly thing is I have never seen anyone sit on the sofa.

As we are not allowed our coffee near the checkout now Les and I went across the road to have our break and it was nice to get out into the fresh air for ten minutes. It is such a shame as we were a happy team on a Friday and we did a lot of work, the till was never down and now it is not the same. Watch this space.

I was glad when it was time to leave and off I went to the supermarket. I couldn't get a few of the things I needed so had to go to another supermarket, too.

I then went to post some parcels at the Maungatapu post office and they cost a lot of money but still cheaper than excess baggage.

I then popped round to see Bronwyn and take her duty free and we had a chat. I then popped into take a book back to Alison and lend her Jon's radio headphones that he bought for the Grand Prix in Melbourne as Alison and Doug are going later this month.

It was then off to Welcome Bay to take a present to one of the ladies from Lions who is 80 today and I have known her from the start and like her very much and you would never believe she was 80.

Finally at nearly 4.00 I got home to have my lunch!!

It was far too hot to do anything so I just sat down with a big glass of water and watched TV.

Jon came home and we watched the news and then he went out for our fish and chips which was very good.

We watched some TV and then I made a Tabbouleh dish for the bbq we are going to tomorrow.

I was reading before going to bed and heard Totty barking at a hedgehog again so had to go and bring her in. I wish the hedgehog was more sensible and would stay away from our garden.

Off to bed now to try and sleep. Jon is having trouble with Bertie again tonight. Roll on Tuesday when he will be finished!!

WEATHER
Sunny 30 degrees