Too much to do!

I woke at 6.30 this morning and could not get back to sleep. I have a very busy brain at the moment.

Kirsty called later this morning just as I was getting ready to go to keep fit so I only had a few minutes to speak to her but she spoke to Jon long after I left.

Keep fit was a good class but it was really hot in the hall today, worse than summer! I didn't stay for coffee as we had a removal man coming to give us a quote and Jon had to leave to meet with the travel agent to pick up our tickets and travel things.

The man that quoted today was much nicer than yesterday's man and made us feel more comfortable. He even got his quote in by this afternoon which is less than we thought it would be.

Once he left I got on with all the many jobs I have to do my head is buzzing with it all.

Jon came home and made his lunch and I did yet more ironing but it is at last all up to date.

We ordered a new bed for the UK to be delivered on the Monday after we arrive. All our credit/debit cards have NZ as the billing address and the site would not accept them so we used an old UK one that we don't normally use and it went through. Kirsty phoned this evening to say she had had a call to ask if it was a genuine order or a credit card fraud - just as well she knew what we had done!! Very good they checked though.

I went out to my aqua aerobics class this afternoon which was, as always, really good. I stayed for a while in the hot pools after the class and then went home.

I made dinner and did some crochet, I find it very therapeutic and we watched TV.

Hopefully, my brain will let me sleep tonight as I am really tired. It is just like it was when we came down here.

WEATHER
23 degrees and sunny

Busy, Busy

I was up and ready and off out to my osteopath appointment by 8.45 this morning. I love my osteopath, she is so good and makes my back feel so much better, I will really miss her.

I am so busy at the moment and have so much to do that, thankfully, food is the last thing on my mind which is good.

I got back home and rushed around with the cleaner upstairs and downstairs, Totty didn't know where to hide and I still managed to get over to see Alison for a coffee by 10.30.

I haven't had a chat with her, lots of emails, for ages so it was nice to have a face to face considering she only lives five minutes away.

When I got home Jon was in and a man from a removal company was here talking about packing up all our things. He left a folder behind with all the information in and will get the quote to us by Wednesday. I have a feeling he might be expensive as the cost of the posh folder has got to come from somewhere. Watch this space.

We had lunch and then I went into Tauranga to buy a baby present and a few things to take back to UK. We have to be careful with our weight as we only have 30kgs each on Thai Airlines and that is Business class, a bit stingy if you ask me.

I have been trying to find out if we can get Jon's colostomy bags in UK and finally spoke to a nurse in Newmarket today and she told me they are £84 + 20% VAT a box and as he will need at least two boxes it would be nearly £200!! I think we could bring a whole case full and excess baggage would not be that much and we get them free here so not sure what to do about that - just one more thing to think about.

I went to the post office to post my parcel and a card and then went round to see Sharon with some things I had for her and her mum's birthday present and I stayed for a cup of tea - much needed.

Once home I needed to scan some papers into the computer to send to a friend in UK and that took ages and in between I cooked the dinner.

We watched a bit of TV and I then went up to the office to send some overdue emails. Bed now. I am looking forward to Saturday when I am all packed and have said goodbye to Totty and on our way to Auckland.

WEATHER
23 degrees sunny.

Sunday

I was too tired and had had far too much to drink last night so I will do two days together.

Yesterday morning we went into Tauranga for coffee and I needed to buy some cards and like the card shop in the mall. Jon enjoyed a coffee and a date scone but I am being good.

I have had a pair of really comfortable Hush Puppies since we went to China but they are in need of replacing so we went shoe shopping but found nothing in Tauranga so crossed the bridge and went down to The Mount.

There is a very nice shop down there that sells lots of European shoes and so we went there. Jon immediately found a pair of Hush Puppies, tried them on and said yes after only five minutes in the shop - it is so easy for men!!

I, on the other hand, picked out three pairs and tried them on and then tried them on again and again. The shop was busy so the salesman went to help another lady while I pondered. I need them to be comfortable NOW as I don't have time to break them in or have blisters. The pair of Hush Puppies I liked were a bit tight and as the salesman was still busy, Jon went off to find the next size for me and brought them back. He then went into salesman mode and has decided he might get a job in a shoe shop once we are back home!!

I finally decided and took them to the counter where Jon asked me 'have you any shoe polish for these'. The salesman had by now realised what was going on and did see the funny side of it.

We paid for the shoes and left and popped in to the supermarket to buy a plant to take with us for Sharon.

I made Jon lunch but I just had a small bowl of soup - think wedding outfit!!!

We took Totty out to Te Puna Quarry Park and walked all the way to the top and my new shoes were fine. Totty was shattered.

I did some ironing in the afternoon and it was soon time to go to Sharon and ~Des'.

We had a really good evening with them as we always do in their company. Sharon tried on her beanie and really liked it but wants one more flower on it.

Sharon and Des are now into making their own liqueurs and once dinner was finished she made me a pina colada with their white rum and it was very nice. She then gave me some cherry brandy followed by a Tia Maria type. They were only small glasses but the mix for me was lethal and I was very tipsy.

We decided we were going to walk home and I had put my new, flat shoes in the car and a jacket so off we went. However, it wasn't long before one of the shoes began to rub and we still had a long way to go. I tried walking in bare feet like a Kiwi but it hurt even more. By the time we got home I had a very big open blister on my heel. So much for comfy shoes.

When I got in I was in no fit state to type my blog so went to bed.

SUNDAY
Oh dear! Why did I do it. I woke at 6.30 and felt horrible and forced myself to go back to sleep. The next time I woke it was 8.00 and I felt better but not right.

I got up and showered and to be honest I felt better than I deserved to feel after the mix I had last night. I think today will be a long day.

We went to Sharon's to pick up my car but didn't see them as they were all out as it was Margaret's birthday (Sharon's mum).

We then went for coffee to our local garden centre and I ordered a peppermint tea. We waited nearly 40 minutes for it. Jon went in to ask where it was and she said they had a bit of a backlog but she was just doing it.

A few minutes later the manager came out and gave us a coffee card for a free coffee next time which was fine but we still waited. Eventually she brought it out and asked exactly how long we had waited and I told her as I saw the time on the docket when I ordered and she once again apologised.

I went to pour my tea and all it was only hot water in the pot and no teabag!! I went inside and said I only have a pot of hot water. She said sorry and said she would bring it out. When she did come out she gave me the money back for out drinks and said she knows we are regulars and doesn't want to lose customers but they were training a new barista and she was a bit slow. She said if she had had to wait that long she would not have been smiling like we were. So all in all a good result and the manager did the best she could.

We then went home and I sat for the rest of the afternoon sorting out photos and putting them on Facebook. I still had some from Easter to put on and now I need to start on the South Island trip!

We just had steak and salad for dinner and then watched some TV.

I called Kirsty to wish her a belated happy birthday and finally got to speak to her this time but not for long as she was just going out. We then had a chat to Heather for a long time and caught up with her news. I needed to ask if any of them could collect us from Heathrow. It is an awkward time, 7.00pm and I thought it would be difficult for them as it is a Friday and they all have time booked off for the wedding and Jane is in a new job so can't get more time off and getting down to Heathrow on a Friday at that time will not be fun so I think we will book a taxi and they can have some dinner ready for us though I don't think we will really want any but we will be tired as it is a day flight.

Well it is bedtime now and I have managed to get through the day and I am feeling fine again.


Weather for Saturday and Sunday
Sunny 21 and 23 degrees

Saturday

I am really too tired to be typing this right now but I should get it done.

Sorry, I was just too tired and I will do it in the morning!!

WEATHER
Sunny spells with cloud 21 degrees.

Back to normal

I was up bright and early to get ready for Red Cross and was really looking forward to seeing Les and Sharon again.

I left Jon having breakfast and I went to the shop.

We had a quick catch up chat and then got stuck in and we were really busy for the rest of the morning. Now that we have the winter stock in and it is school holidays made all the difference.

We stopped for a coffee at 11.00 and they enjoyed the Anzac biscuits I took in.

The morning went over very fast and before I knew it the afternoon girls were in and it was time to go.

I left the shop and went down to the port to buy some fish for dinner tonight. There is a very nice fish and chip shop there and the shop also sells fresh fish which comes in direct from the ships so is very good.

I then went to the supermarket and did my shopping, bulk buying dog food for Totty when she goes to kennels again.

I got home and had my lunch. Jon was out having his hair cut and he also went for lunch.

I watched a couple of episodes of Neighbours while my feet recovered and then got stuck in to my ironing for the rest of the afternoon while I watched more Neighbours which is quite sad at the moment.

Sharon called to invite Jon and I over for dinner tomorrow. She said she always does a roast and has her mum up, too (she lives in the flat under the house). So I said we would love to come but I can't eat too much as I put some weight on while we were away and need to get rid of it by next Saturday before we leave!! She told us to get there for 5.30 and Jon said that is more like tea time!!

Sharon and Des are into making wine and she told me they have now started to make liqueurs so I am not sure what to expect but it will be fun as it always is with them. There were going to make vodka, too but not sure if they have done that yet - it isn't illegal here!!

Jon took Totty for a walk in the evening and then I made dinner, the fish was very nice.

It would have been my mum and dad's wedding anniversary today about 65 years I think.

We then watched some TV and I made a beanie for Sharon. She is very blonde and said she wanted a neutral colour but I think this might be too light. Well, she can try it and see what she thinks. It is quite nice and I put some little flowers on it for her as she asked!! Lol

Just about got my blog done before midnight!

WEATHER
Sunny and and warm 21 degrees

Thursday

I can't believe I slept right through till nearly 8.00 this morning - boy was I tired!!

We had breakfast and didn't hang about and were off on the road by 9.00.

It is ANZAC day today which is like Remembrance Day in UK and is a national holiday here so we were surprised to see so many cafes open along the road. There were also a lot of policemen out in cars on traffic duty. I think we saw more this morning on our drive home than we saw in the whole of the south island.

We stopped for a coffee and then go on and hit the dessert road but no nice views today of Mt Ruapehu, too much low cloud.

We got stuck behind a truck for miles and miles and as there are no passing lanes all we could do was sit behind him along with about twenty other cars. It might have been nice had he pulled over.

We stopped in Rotorua for a quick lunch and then got on again.

We stopped at the supermarket just before home to get some dinner and we finally arrived home just before 3.00. Oh it is nice to be back.

We unpacked and I put the first load of washing on and sorted things out.

We went to the kennels to get Totty and she seems fine but very happy to be home.

I made a batch of Anzac biscuits to take into the shop tomorrow as I have no cake left in the freezer.

I popped in to see out neighbour and to get the post. They told me they had noticed part of our gutter was down and so David fixed it back up. Luckily for us it was the night before the big storm here. Not sure where all the water would have gone had he not fixed it. We are lucky to have nice neighbours.

I brought our post back along with a box with our jackets in from the hotel. I called the hotel to ask them how much and they said they had use my credit card details and the slip was in the box. So all sorted and very efficient of them.

I cooked dinner and did more and more washing and got most of it dried so now I just have to do the ironing tomorrow!!!

Started to upload the photos. I am not sure I will get them all sorted before we go to UK.

WEATHER
Sunny spells with a few showers.

Wednesday

It was good to wake up and the sun was still shinning!

We were quickly packed up, lunch made and on our way.

Oops! Jon paid the bill and I thought I had unlimited wi-fi!! Wrong! Fortunately, I hadn't done too much damage and over the three days it was $22.

The journey to Picton ferry terminal is only an hour and a half but over some high mountains with winding roads but very pretty.

We stopped in Havelock, the 'green lipped mussel castle of the world'. Too early to try but I am not keen on them anyway as they are too big. So we had a delicious coffee and muffin in a Swiss cafe.

We continued along the road to Blenheim where we had spent our first night but forgot to buy a magnet. Sadly they are out of stock till 1 May.

We got to the ferry and checked in and then just waited in line to board. The lorries take the longest and the cars are all on in a matter of minutes and before you get up to the deck you are on your way.

We were very lucky on our fourth crossing as we had sun and cloud and the Queen Charlotte Sound looked magnificent.

It was very calm and we sailed past the mussel beds and salmon farms and little housed dotted up in the mountains,I have no idea how they get to them! Tiny secluded beaches with golden sand and lovely blue water. I took lots of photos.

It was pretty calm all the way out of the sound and for most of the way across the Cook Strait. Jon went down to one of the lounges to have a read and a40 winks and I stayed on deck until it became quite windy and bumpy.

I found Jon and we decided to go and have a cup of tea and a scone and by now it was rolling around quite a lot but the scone was very good.

Jon went back to the lounge and I went back out on deck, I prefer to be outside. It as by now very close to Wellington harbour and Wellington is not called Windy Wellington for nothing. I could hardly stand up and was pretty much on my own tucked away in a corner of the deck.

Once the ship turned into the harbour proper the wind died down a little and soon we were docking and were told to go to our vehicles.

We drove off the ferry and had decided to drive to Levin which is about a two hour drive and this would leave us five hours left of the journey.

Unfortunately, the traffic was really bad and it seemed to take forever to get to Levin and by the time we did it was dark. We stopped at the first motel we came to and got a room which although not up to the standard of some of the others we have stayed in was fine, clean and on the ground floor so no need to lug cases upstairs.

Jon went out to find some dinner and came back with fish and chips which was OK. I felt so tired I could not keep my eyes open and fell asleep at about 8.00. I woke just before 9.00 and went to bed and slept right through.

Sunny Tuesday

Jon slept Better last night but I woke and couldn't get back to sleep for ages and had to get up to open the door to the balcony as the room was so hot. This has to be the warmest romm/house we have ever stayed in, it must be lovely in real winter.

We woke to sunshine this morning which was nice.

After breakfast I packed up our picnic and off we set to the most northerly place on the South Island, Farewell Cape and Spit.

We drove through the area that was flooded on Sunday and it is all getting back to normal. The road we had to go on goes over a mountain range, Takaka Hill, and is the only road to that part of the country, Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park. Last year, due to a major slip they were cut off for quite some time and on Sunday there had been many slips so a lot of work was being carried out on the road today.

The road goes up very, very high and is narrow with some sheer drops to the side - my side! I was gripping my seat and my hands were very sweaty.

We stopped at two lookouts and the views were lovely. Back to the car and we had to go down the other side which was just as scary. I was very relieved when we got down, I have never seen so many hairpin bends and never seen a sign telling you to go down to just 15km to get round!

We stopped in the town of Takaka for a much needed loo break and a strong coffee and I think a brandy might have been nice.

We continued on and finally reached Farewell Cape about lunchtime. We walked up to the lookout through fields of sheep and the view was beautiful, very high cliffs green field with lovely rock arches in the cliffs down below but no way of getting down there as it was so dangerous.

We had lunch back at the car and then went to see where the spit was. I thought it was only a spit and expected it to be quite flat and was pleasantly surprised to see the cape, too.

We found the road to the spit and drove to the information centre. You are only allowed to go onto the first 4 km of it or go on the Eco tour which is six and a half hours and we just didn't have the time for that. I was happy just to see it without going the full distanc to the end which must be about 30km

Back in the car we had a bit of a shower but not much. We stopped in to Collingwood, a small seaside town, and bought an ice cream.

The pictures I have seen of beaches here in Golden Bay are really lovely but there are no roads to them and you can only get to them by boat or water taxi and we didn't have the time - again!

I can see why it is such a popular holiday destination for Kiwis as it is lovely and especially when the sun s shinning.

We stopped in at a couple of beaches to take photos on our way back.

The road over the hill was just as scary on the way back!

We got back and had a cup of tea and watched the news.

I cooked dinner again tonight, pork chops with apples. I found some lovely Cox Pippin yesterday. This is the second largest apple growing area after Hawkes Bay and the shops sell lots of varieties that we don't get up north.

We watched TV after dinner, we will be more than ready to get the ferry tomorrow and really look forward to getting back.

The forecast is good for tomorrow so hopefully a calm, sunny crossing.

WEATHER
Sunny with a few showered 20 degrees

Monday - Nelson

We had a difficult night as Jon woke about 2.30 as Bertie had performed. Normally this would not be a problem but as Jon now has this hernia Bertie is not sitting well on his tummy and he does not always get a good seal. We have only had problems a couple of times but of course when in a motel it is more difficult and embarrassing. Fortunately, the damage was not too bad and we were finally able to get back to sleep.

When we woke this morning and watched the news we knew how lucky we had been with our arrival time yesterday. The road we drove through, just a few kilometres up the road, had been completely flooded and something like 220mm of rain had fallen in just over an hour - wow! We had driven through the start but had managed to get into our room before it all came down. There were also some heavy downpours through the night which caused some major slips on the roads so we decided to stay put in Nelson for the day and not venture too far.

We had breakfast and cleared away. I tried to put the dishwasher on but it would not start. I went out to speak to the cleaner and she said it was always happening and they would get it sorted. I also told her about the soiled sheet which I had washed and she was very kind and said not to worry and she would put a clean sheet on. A young girl but very kind and it makes a big difference. I suppose it is another thing we have to accept though hopefully after the surgery it will be sorted.

We walked into the centre, about five minutes, and looked around the shops. It was really warm but we had a few downpours. We had coffee in a nice cafe and went to see what was on the cinema - school holidays - nothing for us!

We walked back to the motel, my route! It took much longer than it should have. I think our travels ar now catching up with us and we feel very tired and five days in Thailand is looking very inviting!

Finally, we got back just as it was starting to rain. Our room had been made up and all was well again. And the dishwasher was fixed.

We had lunch in the room. I decided that I had been eating too much so just had some ham, a carrot and a few tomatoes - still thinking of the wedding outfit - panic!!

The weather was by now looking better and the thunder, forecast for the afternoon did not happen, so we wen out to Cable Bay to check out the Flying Fox which is something I have wanted to do sine we saw it four year ago when we were down here.

We arrived at the place, a farmhouse, and the lady came out and looked up to the mountains and said "mmmm I think we might be able to fit you in before it rains". I asked her how far it was to walk and she pointed to a pine tree on the top of the mountain and said "we take you up there by car". It was a very long way and as the clouds were coming over we decided to leave it till tomorrow when the forecast is supposed to be better.

She gave us a leaflet withe the phone number on and told us to call as the wether can be very different to the centre. We left to carry on down to Cable Bay.

On the way I read the leaflet. I thought it was just a long zip wire that you sat in chairs to go the 3.2 km length. Wrong! It starts with a 800mtr drop and then carries on along the 3.2 wire over the forest. All fine except for the 800mtr drop which can reach up to 100km!! THEN you do the whole thing again BACKWARDS. I will have a think about it and decide tomorrow. The 800mtr drop is the only thing that concerns me and 3.2 km is a long way on a wire!

We carried on to Cable Bay digesting all this info. The road was not good as there had been lots of slips and the road, by the looks of things, was not the best anyway and much of it has slipped and was full of conned off areas, never seen so many cones in NZ!

Cable Bay, when we got there, was lovely and to see such clear skies after such awful weather was lovely.

We drove back and stopped off to buy provisions for our picnic tomorrow out to Golden Bay as the weather should be good - fingers crossed.

Back to the motel and we had a cup of tea and watched the news and seeing the pictures of the floods both here and in Tauranga was terrible and I thank our lucky stars I got out of the hot pools when I did yesterday as another half hour and we could have been in it all!

We went out to have a pizza to a place recommended in the Lonely Planet and it was really good and you could see the young chef twirling the dough around, very clever. We both tried some of the local beer but it was terrible. Not often Jon can't drink the beer but we had to leave it.

The restaurant is attached to the cinema and so when we had finished we walked out through the foyer and bought an ice cream which we ate on the way back. I believe it has less calories that way?

It was still very early but it was nice just to relax after  all the travelling we have done and we are really looking forward to being home and back with Totty who has probably had a terrible time with all the floods and the thunder.

Sorry if there are lots of mistakes in this blog. I am getting very frustrated trying to get to the bottom of the page as it won't just slide and there is an icon 'send feedback' which is at the bottom righthand corner and if I accidentally touch it I lose my page! So, mistakes and all here is my blog for today!


WEATHER
Overcast but some sunny spells 20 degrees

Sunday Hanmer Springs - Nelson

I didn't sleep so well last night. I woke at 2.30 and could not get back to sleep for ages, too much going on in my head!

The weather was not too bad this morning and was dry and we could see the mountains, scoff!

After breakfast we packed up and went down to the Hot Pools. Unfortunately, they don't open till 10.00 so we had a spare 20 minutes to wait.

Once in I got changed and Jon had bought a paper so sat in the cafe after taking some photos of me in the pool. There are lots of pools at different temperatures and a few sulphur pools, really hot 40 degrees! There are hydrotherapy pools and just some nice sitting in pools. I went to the family area and had fun being pushed around lying on a float in a whirlpool.

I thought I had better get out after an hour as we had a long journey ahead but I could have stayed all day.

Once showered and dressed I bought a coffe to take away and we set off.

We stopped to take a photo of the gorge where they do the Bungy jump and then carried on.

It was a lovely drive through Lewis Pass but I could not enjoy it as we were very low on fuel and Jon had thought there would be fuel stations - wrong. We made a gas station with 56km to go on the clock but the next one was much further so not sure what we would have done.

We arrived in Murchison just as it started to rin. We had our lunch in the car and then went to walk over the longest swing bridge in NZ 110mtrs. I did try to walk across but once over the river in the gorge I had to stop as it was bouncing so much. Jon went cross and we did get some photos. Too wet to enjoy really.

Back in the car and on we went. The rain got much worse and by the time we got to the outskirts of Nelson we had thunder and lightening and you could hardly see the road. I was so glad by the time we reached the centre.

We bought some provisions at the supermarket and then went to our motl which is very nice.

After unpacking and a cup of tea I took some washing to the laundry room. I am looking forward to clean jeans. It all took ages to dry and I had many trips across the car park in the rain and thunder to see to it in between cooking the dinner. I ended up putting some on the heated towel rail and I hope it will dry by morning.

We have Internet but not much and Jon has read all of his books. I asked at reception if they had any he could borrow and she said yes but would want them back when we left and I was not sure he would get through one in three days. I explained that he could download one but we did not have enough Internet so she kindly said just go for it and no charge, very friendly lady.

Our dinner was good, simple potatoes and veg and lamb steaks cooked in an electric frying pan. I have never used one and it was very good.

We watched the London Marathon and then went to bed. I saw on the news that they have had more floods in Tauranga and the surrounding area.

No dishes to do tonight as we have a dishwasher.

I have to read this over and over when typing on my iPad as I make so many  mistakes not to mention the suggested words it puts in automatically  but it is better than having to catch up once we are back in Tauranga.

WEATHER
After a dry start we had lots of rain.

Saturday and no mountain!

After a bad night, due to problems with Bertie and the fact that I put my warmer nightie on and so was too hot, neither of us slept that well. Too much food might have played a part, too.

I woke at 6.30 and looked out of the widow and all I could see was cloud and knew we were not going to get to see Mt Cook from here (we did see it briefly when we visited the West Coast with Heather) but it would have been so nice to see it from the National Park but it was not to be.

I was not hungry this morning, surprise, surprise. I told Jon to go and have breakfast but he said we could get going and stop on the way. So, after some photos outside in the rain! we set off to Hanmer Springs.

The drive was not really pleasant as it was misty and raining and I really wished I had asked Jon to stop by lake Pukaki yesterday to take a photo as you could not see the beautiful blue colour today.

We stopped at Lake Tekapo, another usually beautiful lake and had some breakfast and then went down to see the little church by the lake. Unfortunately, a coach of Chinese arrived at the same time and it was Bedlam. Not sure why they think they own the rights on attractions and they all need to pose in that silly way making 'v' signs and the photographer has to get it just right regardless of how many others are waiting to do the same!

We did meet a nice young Chinese guy travelling on his own and he asked if we could take his photo. He is studying in Auckland and was a bit upset when I showed him our photos of Mt Cook as he really wanted to see it. I hope he gets a clear spell and can do so but I fear he will be disappointed like we were.

We got back in the car and just drove through the rain along the Scenic Highway which apart from the fields either side was not very scenic.

We stopped in Geraldine to sample some of the delicacies they produce there and bought some marmalade and honey.

Back in the car to Hanmer Springs and after about seven hours we arrived and it was still raining!

We found a nice motel, less than half the price of last night's hotel and free wi-fi and very nice.

We decided on a night in with Ant and Dec, some fish and chips and a glass of wine.

We watched the news and it said Tauranga had had flash floods today and lots of thunder and lightning. Poor Totty, I hope she will be OK. I also hope our house is OK and the flood water passed by without entering the garage!

They have some famous open air hot spa pools here and that is where I am off  to in the morning. I noticed today, when we were checking it out, that I can get in as a pensioner! Usually it is over 65. Jon will sit in the cafe while I am in the pools and unless the weathermen are wrong I will get wet from above as well.

We will then head up to Nelson and if the forecast is correct the rain should stop and turn to occasional showers - fingers crossed they are right.

WEATHER
Rain all day.

Friday

Really good nigh last night in a really comfy bed and I could have stayed there much longer but things to see and places to go.

After breakfast I made the sandwiches for lunch, leftover chicken today! And packed the car and down into the town to post Kirsty's birthday card, I hope I haven't left it too late.

We then went to the tourist office for yet another magnet, I have lost count of how many we have bought this trip. The lady told us the best spot to get a photo of the clock on the mountain which is a little like the Hollywood sign but a clock - no idea why but it looks good.

We then set off and stopped quite soon at a little place called Clyde to see the dam and the historic town which looks like a scene from a Wild West movie but very cute.

Another 30km or so and we arrived at Cromwell after a lovely drive beside a river with the mountains coming down to the edge.

Cromwell is picture perfect and has a lovely historic centre with beautifully restored houses which have been recently relocated higher up as they were flooded. One is a cafe and it is a stone building inside with a lovely wood burning stove to keep you warm, yes it is much colder here. We had a lovely coffee and muffin and watched the pies and cakes being baked in a small domestic oven and the smell was delicious.

After coffee we walked around the town and took some photos near the river, well two rivers as they join at Cromwell. I am not sure if I have mentioned the trees? They are fabulous! The autumn colours are beautiful, we don't get this in the north.

The old town was easier to find than the new town and just as we had given up and were about to leave we came across it and the huge display of plastic fruit. A bit like the big trout yesterday - did I mention that in my blog ? Can't check now as we have no Internet tonight. (How come tiny motels can give you free wi-fi but these big places charge an arm and a leg?) And the big carrot in Okahune. Here they have big fruit as they grow so much of it in this area.

We found the tourist office and bought a magnet and picked up some leaflets, I think I now have a small tree's worth in the car. The centre was very pretty, modern and very clean.

This area, Central Otago, is famous for Pinot Noir and the vines are all heavy with fruit and just about ready to be picked. We stopped at a winery and bought some, well you just have to! I also bought some blackberries they were selling in jars with a wine syrup. The lady said they are good on ice cream. She gave us a taste and they are delicious.

The owner was telling us about a 'randy ram' they have who wasn't 'done' properly and is now causing trouble. They have some 'girl sheep' who are pets and all have names given by her young son. Her husband and another guy were out in he field trying to catch the ram who was called Earth! Apparently, he has taken to butting people and sent her husband into the air the other day so it has been decided to send Earth off to the Lamb Chop Heaven and we were there to see him go - awwww! It was all very entertaining. They now need to get another ram and 'have him done properly' to keep her son and the 'girl sheep' happy. They say travel broadens the  mind!

It was then on to Wanaka and the lake. I was a little disappointed here as it is very commercialised and very busy compared to other places but still very pretty but no snow yet.

We ate lunch sitting in the sun by the lake and it was lovely.

Back on the road we headed to Mt Cook and a lot of the drive was boring but going through Lindis Pass was lovely.

There weren't any other stopping places before Mt Cook but we did drive alongside Lake Pukaki which is the most amazing shade of blue.

As we got closer to the mountain it was obvious we were not going to see it today due to low cloud.

We booked into the hotel at the National Park and in the hope that it will be clearer tomorrow we paid the extra for a mountain view! It is a lovely hotel and very plush with lots of central heating and log fires.

After a cup of tea we went down o the Sir Edmund Hilary Museum to see a film on Mt Cook in 3D but it was not very good.

We watched another film in the museum about the first person who climbed the mountain and that was free and much more interesting.

We got ready for inner and decided to go for the buffet and. It was really good with lots of choice and all well cooked, the roast beef and venison pie was delicious. The desserts were amazing and I ate far too many. I think I will need to go onto bread and water when we get back or I might have to buy another wedding outfit!

Fingers crossed that when we wake up in the morning we can see the mountain!!!

I thought it was time for my long sleeved nightie tonight so I am feeling very cosy. Jon pointed out that after tomorrow as we are heading north it should get warmer but looking at the forecast it looks like it is going to get wetter.

WEATHER

Cold  in Alexandra but sunny 17 degrees cloudy later with a few spots of rain.

Owaka - Alexandra - Thursday

I stayed up late last night and watched Margaret Thatcher's funeral which I was glad to see went off without any major incidents.

Jon on the other hand was up sorting Bertie out three times and ended up taking some tablets. Not sure what is upsetting him.

I slept we'll once I warmed up but it was a bit chilly last night.

Of all the places we have stayed so far last night's was the worst. Not that it was bad but it could do with some modernisation. The thing is there is not that much choice around there so they are assured of customers whatever the standard. Our place was all pine walls and polystyrene ceiling and pine furniture. It wouldn't have taken much to 'update' and with the lovely friendly owner, Gaynor it is a winner.

After breakfast we went across to the supermarket to but a few provisions then came back and packed up and I made sandwiches for our lunch. After checking the room we were off again.

Our first stop was to Jack's Bay and the blowhole. The drive, ten minutes or so was fine and very pretty. The beaches down here are spectacular with beautiful sand. The DOC sign said a 20 minute walk so we set off!! It was a really hard walk up and down hills and over styles after 20 we got to the top of yet another hill and could see we still had a long way to go so, in view of the fact we didn't have much time, we turned back. Shame really but we could have gone on and then not seen anything anyway. We have to realise we can't do/see everything.

Worn out back at the car and I read one of the local leaflets I had picked up and it said an hour's walk to the blowhole! Never mind we wouldn't have started had we known.

Our next stop was to be some waterfalls and we ended up going on unsealed roads for ages. The falls info says they are the most photographed in NZ! Such a disappointment. I know we are in a drought but really? Watch out for photos on FB.

We then had a long drive to get to Slope Point which is the most southern tip of the South Island. Once again it was mostly gravel roads which are pretty slow going.

We stopped off at a holiday park and had a coffee. It was in the middle of nowhere and a very Kiwi sort of place although the coffee was not the best.

This was worth the trip as it was lovely. You have to walk across fields where sheep graze and yes, I did slip and nearly ended up on my behind! From the fields you can see across to Stewart Island and it was such a lovely, clear, calm day.

At the point there is a sign saying Equator one way and South Pole the other, pretty cool. There were not many people around and we had to wait for a couple to come down and ask them if they would take a photo of us both. I think we only saw about six people there.

Back to the car and we sat and had our picnic. There are far more birds down her in the SI and you hear them all the time which is lovely.

There is a sheep farm near the point but it is so isolated, I would hate to live there. The wind must be very strong, too as all the trees are leaning over.

We continued along the coast and I really wished we had more time as it is very beautiful on the
Catlins as the beaches are the best I have seen in NZ.

We arrived in Invercagill and I was told there was nothing much to see there. We had intended to go to Bluff and then across to Stewart Island tomorrow but the forecast is not good so we sadly decided to give it a miss and press on up to Alexandra. We did stop at the Tourist Information and buy a magnet and take a photo.

The drive to Alexandra was lovely. Back up in the mountains, the trees are all a lovely golden colour and there is so much fruit grown here. Lots and lots of sheep in fields with beautiful rock formations. It must look magical when there is snow on the mountains.

We arrived in Alexandra. A pretty place which gets some of the hottest temperatures in the summer but some of the coldest nights.

We found a motel which is very nice and just been refurbished with views to the hills though that is probably quite easy here as we are surrounded. A bonus is the free wi-fi again.

We decided to have dinner in and went to the supermarket. I was just about to settle on salad, jacket potatoes and pork steaks when I saw they had a meal deal on of half a chicken, pot of coleslaw and garlic bread so we went for that with the salad and potatoes.

I set to in my little kitchen but as I had no oven I improvised and cooked the garlic bread, in the foil in a frying pan (my girl guide skills I think).

We both really enjoyed a home cooked dinner and, fingers crossed, so has Bertie!

We watched some TV and then I started my blog which has taken forever as the iPad was being silly and would not let me type! Probably me pressing something without realising if the truth be told.. Still it is done now so I can go to bed knowing all my blogging fans are happy!

Night, night all.

WEATHER 
Lovely day, mostly sunny with light cloud 18 degrees

Wednesday Dunedin - Owaka, Catlins

We both had a really good night last night as did Bertie! Going to bed before 10.00 is very healthy but we are both so tired being on the go all day.

The weather was not looking too good today with some light rain.

After breakfast we packed up, loaded the car and then went to tour the city.

We started with The Octagon and viewed the town hall and the cathedral but didn't go inside.

We walked down to "the most photographed building in NZ" the railway station! Which, although it is a lovely building,  I am not sure they get as many tourists here as Auckland and who take photos of the Sky Tower. I feel a Wikapaedia moment coming on! It is very beautiful inside and out.

We saw the train for the Terali Gorge and thought we would do the trip but it had just left and the next one would be too late. So much to see and we can only fit in what we can unfortunately .

We then went to the new museum only opened in December last year. It is the Pioneer Museum and really very good so we spent a long time there.

We then went for a coffee to the place that makes "the best date scones in the world". The coffee was good but we both agreed we know two places in Tauranga/mount that do better.

Cadbury have a factory here and do a tour but as we have done the one in UK and I don't like the NZ Cadbury chocolate anyway, we gave it a miss.

We went to St Paul's Cathedral which was lovely and pretty much like an English cathedral.

You could be forgiven if you thought you were in Scotland or England here in Dunedin as there are so many typical buildings here.

We then went back and got into the car and drove to Baldwin Street, "the steepest residential street in the world". They seem to have a lot of the "best in the world" down here in the south!

It was very steep and we only went to look but ended up walking to the top and it is STEEP! We have a certificate to say we did it.

We then went to see the new all weather rugby stadium - the ice stadium - looks like a big greenhouse and is where the Highlanders play.

It was then off to the Otago Peninsula and Larnach Castle. We had a lovely drive out there along the lovely coast road around the harbour which then climbs up into the hills. Unfortunately, the weather was just like a misty day in the UK and we could easily have been in Scotland.

The castle was built by a wealthy, Scottish banker for his wife who had French noble ancestors. It is in a lovely spot and the gardens are the best I have seen in NZ even in the mist with limited views of the peninsula.

We then set off down to The Catlins which is part of the south coast that is famous for its natural beauty and many fossils and also the wildlife.

Our first place to visit was Nugget Head and after driving along some very narrow, gravel, scary roads we arrived in rain and mist and you cold not see very much at all so definitely no sea lions or penguins here. However, the beaches were beautiful and once again I wished we had more time.

We got back to the main road and as it was now late afternoon I decided the next town was where we had to stop as I had no idea where we would next find a motel.

Fortunately, in such a small town we did have a choice and opted for the Owaka Motel just across from the museum.

The owner is a very nice friendly lady and although she looks nothing like Jon's sister, Christine, we both said she reminded us of her even though she is blonde! She showed us to our unit which has seen better days but is very clean and we have free wi-fi hence the updated blogs!

She brought our milk round and some rhubarb muffins to have with our cup of tea. She gave us lots of information on where to go for dinner (a choice of three places!) and told me where we can visit tomorrow to see sea lions, blow holes and the waterfalls.

We sat for a while and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Holidays like this are nice as you don't need to dress for dinner so after a quick freshen up we were ready to go out.

We chose the bistro on the main road as the first choice was closed tonight and the other place looked like it was full of local noons making a lot of noise with their cars.

We had a good dinner, nothing fancy, but well cooked with lots of nice fresh vegetables and really well cooked. We finished with a shared Pavlova.

Back to our room, time to relax and then a coffee and bed.

So far Bertie is behaving again!

Not sure when I will get time to do more blogging but I have learnt a lot today as to how to transfer my notes to an email and then copy and paste them into my blog - impressed? Yes!!

Tuesday Akaroa - Dunedin

Jon had a bad night with Bertie last night and was up twice.

I told him this morning that we would not have a drink with dinner as I think it might be the beer he has been drinking. They do lots of different beers down here and although he has only had a couple they are not what he has been used to so alcohol is off tonight and then we will see how Bertie behaves.

It was another lovely morning in Akaroa and it was a shame to leave as we had enjoyed the two nights so much.

We paid our bill and set off about 9.30. The sat nav took us back into Christchurch and then out again. Jon had put Timaru into it as our destination but there was a shorter route across country had I realised I would have said something but I was too busy reading about where we were going!

The road were surprisingly straight and the land as far as Oamaru all very flat a little like the Fens but on a bigger scale. They are not called the Canterbury Plains for nothing but it was very boring. However, straight roads mean you can do 100 KM's so at least you feel you are going somewhere.

We stopped just outside Ashburton for coffee and as we got out of the car Jon looked in the back and said "where are the coats"? I had checked the room while he was loading the car and didn't check the cupboard as I didn't think we had used it - Jon had hung the coats up when we came in last night! Oops.

We were two and a half hours down the road so could not go back. I rang the hotel and they had found them so I asked him to post them to our house in Tauranga and we will send him the postage. He wasn't too happy about it as he said it will be a bulky parcel. I told him to buy one of the postage boxes and we will pay for it so he was OK in the end.

So now I have no warm jacket and Jon has no rain jacket or his light jacket he wears at night however he does have his warm jacket as that was still in the car along with my fleece. I have lots of cardigans but I think Mt Cook might need more than that. I need a Red Cross shop!

Never mind these things happen. Jon left his rucksack in one of the bathrooms and that had all his kit in. Fortunately, I spotted that or we really would have been in trouble.

We carried on down as we wanted to make Dunedin. We stopped in a lay by and had the sandwiches I had made and then carried on.

We stopped in Timaru and I was very disappointed as it was not a very nice spot and I always thought it was as it has such a nice name 

It was then on to Oamaru and this is a very pretty town with lots of lovely old limestone building. The country gets more and more like UK the further south we go 

We rang a motel in Dunedin and booked a room so we don't have to drive around when we get there.

I looked for a charity shop but couldn't find one so went into a shop called Postie and thy had a sale on of what I imagine are last year's stock. I found a jacket for $20 (£10) and it will be nice and warm - panic over.

We carried on and the roads were now very windy with lots of hills and we reached Dunedin about 5.30 and went to our motel which is right in the centre.

We got to our suite which is another really good value one with kitchen area, lounge, bedroom and bathroom and only $130.

After a nice cup of tea and a rest to watch the news we sorted out our cases. I am so glad we have one each but keeping it tidy is difficult. This really is living out of a suitcase!

We saw the terrible pictures on TV from Boston. I don't understand how people can do this sort of thing.

We got ready and went out for dinner and it was by now raining a little. We walked around looking for a place and ended up back at the first place we had seen!

It was an Italian restaurant in a building called The Savoy so we can now say we have had dinner at the Savoy albeit the one in Dunedin! 

 We both went for simple tonight, spaghetti bolognaise with salad and garlic bread and it was really good. We drank water and shared a pudding, they must have thought we were real cheap skates! We ordered the small portion and so glad we did as it was very big and I could not finish it all.

We got back to the motel by 8.30 so looks like an early night though Jon wants to watch a programme that is on a bit later about Margaret Thatcher. I do hope her funeral goes well tomorrow and there are no disrespectful demonstrations.

So far Bertie is behaving tonight so fingers crossed and if that is the case it means no beer.

WEATHER Dry start then cloudy driving down to Ashburton followers by light cloud till Dunedin and then light rain 20 - 16 - 18 degrees.

Monday - I think! Akaroa

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Not a bad night and up and having breakfast just after 8.00 

We left to walk to the information office to book the Black Cat nature trip, the weather is so calm I can't believe we are so lucky with the weather. 

Booked our tickets for 11.00 so had time to walk around the lovely shops and all NZ made gifts. 

We stopped at a little bar on the front and had a coffee and the most delicious three chocolate muffin.Our trip departed from the main wharf and we had time to check out the blue pearl shop which shows how they get pearls from abalone (pau) and really lovely though very expensive.

They get cruise ships in here as we do in Tauranga but the passengers come in on tenders and the lady in the tourist office told us they once had four ships in which meant 6000 passengers! Wow! I cannot begin to understand what that was like in such a small place. 

She also told us that once, when the weather turned bad. the passengers could not get back on the tenders so the whole town rallied and they managed to accommodate them all in hotels, motels and private houses. The biggest problem being medication - just goes to show the sort of passengers you get on cruises! 

Our harbour tour was magic. The water was so calm it was like a lake rather than the Pacific Ocean. We saw little blue penguins, fur seals and their pups, soooo many Hector's dolphins and their babies and an albatross. We were able to go into the caves on the boat as it was so calm everything was just beautiful . We stopped by a colony of terns and the captain told us to have our cameras ready and as we passed they all took off and flew around as if it was arranged. I have never been on such a relaxing cruise and most of it was spent standing on the bow spotting the wildlife with the sun shinning on us. 

When we got back we stayed on the wharf and ordered a gurnard bbq'd fish sandwich . They took a long time to make but were really worth the wait. It was cooked by an elderly lady outside her tiny fresh fish shop.We went and sat at the end of the wharf to enjoy them. 

We bought an ice cream and ate it on the walk back to the motel along the harbour wall. 

We took our jackets back to the motel and then set off to The Giant's House to see the beautiful gardens. Wow, amazing what this artist has created with bits of pottery and mosaic. It was a long walk up the hill but well worth it. Check out the Giants House Akaroa on the website to see photos. 

We walked back to pick up the car from the motel and drove out to the lighthouse which is now just for display but was the lighthouse on the headland for many years but has been set up on the coast as a monument. 

Back to the motel for a cuppa on the balcony in the sun and a rest. 

We went out to The Little Bistro for dinner and it is recommended to book as they only seat about 26 but we were very lucky and got a table. The food was delicious. We chatted to a couple from Oz who were on their last night after three weeks here and they had loved it. They had come up from Dunedin and told us where they had seen some sea lions right on the beach. The directions were a bit fuzzy but we will try and find them. This is what happens on a trip like this and is why I take photos of all our food and hotels otherwise we would forget. Unfortunately, this lady had the same accent as Julia Gillard, the  Ozzie PM, and it is very harsh on the ears, I feel sorry for her poor husband! 

Back to the motel, coffee a quick read and my blog and off to sleep ready for the next leg. 

We have been so lucky with the weather and have been sandwiched between two wet fronts one brought heavy rain to the north and one to the south. Hopefully we can keep ahead of the one moving down the country until it peters out.

Sunday Christchurch - Akaroa

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees 

After a reasonable night, a bit hot as I had left the heater on, we woke and had breakfast in the room from our supplies. 

We left the hotel to do a tour of the city all in walking distance. It was very emotional to see the devastation left after seconds of an earthquake spread over a much larger area than I had anticipated.  

We saw the Cathedral Square, very sad. Shops and offices that have been left and nobody has been able to enter so everything left inside.

On the plus side a new shopping mall has sprung up in the centre and all made from containers and very well done, lovely boutiques and coffee shops. We enjoyed a coffee sitting on the top of a container. Hopefully, it will be kept as like the bar last night, they are unique and tell a story. 

We then walked to find the punts and arrived just in time to grab the front seats of a punt that was just leaving. They don't have anywhere near the number in Cambridge and the seats are  much plusher! 

The trip down the river was lovely and we went through the Botanical Gardens and saw lots of ducks. They took photos of us which were good so we bought the pack. 

We then walked back to the hotel to pick up the car, we must have walked a few miles today! 

We wanted to see the new Cardboard Cathedral on our way out and so we set off. Getting round CChurch is difficult due to road closures and lack of street names. I was leading and we went the wrong way and Jon got really angry as he didn't know which way to go and impatient because I could not sort it ASAP. I did manage to get us on the right road and without too much bother, he is so impatient when driving and I am sure he cold not do any better! Grr! 

The Cardboard Cathedral is made of more than cardboard and is quite a substantial building which will seat 700 when completed. Very glad we saw it.
Just across the road is an area with 185 white seats for the 185 people who died, it really makes you think. 

I did think it was a bit morbid going round and looking at all these sights and it is a bit of a tourist attraction but that is the way it is.

We then drove out to Lytelton which is the main port and was badly hit in the quakes. We had lunch in another container bar and saw photos of how it used to be. Whether it will remain as a container or be rebuilt remains to be seen. The girl who runs it wants it to stay as it is.

We then took the very scenic route to Akaroa and it was really beautiful. We had the most amazing views down to the harbour and some very windy roads. 

Akaroa is where the French settled in NZ so has a very French feel to it and the streets are all 'rue'.  

I had found the motel on Tripadvisor and booked it from Christchurch and we were not disappointed even though we were on the third floor and no lift.

We have amazing views across the harbour which looks ,ore like a lake it is so calm.

Went supermarket shopping then came back and sat on the balcony with a cuppa admiring the beautiful view.

We went for dinner to the Har Bar and had delicious fish and chips overlooking the bay and I wrapped myself in one of the lovely rugs provided.

Back for a coffee and Jon was able to watch the end of the Grand Prix.

Not sure if we at going to fit in all the places we wanted but we will try and two days here is a must.

Saturday Blenheim - Christchurch

I am trying to load my blog from notes made but it is not easy on an iPad mini

WEATHER
Overcast , sunny, drizzle, sunny.

Had the bet sleep ever! I was in bed and turned out the light at 9.40 and I went out like the proverbial light. 

Woke at 6.30 as Jon went to the loo, dozed till 8.00 then got up. Shower and then down to breakfast really good, poached eggs on sourdough.  

Packed up and off we go. 

Drive through to Kaikoura was good, vineyards , very dry and brown but lovely.
Arrived at my friend's sisters place, a new build lodge with four en suite rooms really lovely. Their house is next door, big and really nice. Eileen had to go to work but we stayed and had coffee and chatted to Neil. They are having trouble with immigration just like my friend did, very silly as it is stressful setting up a business at the best of times and having immigration giving you a hard time for no good reason you can do without it. Seems like the best way into this country is if you are Asian, have no money, lots of dependants, don't speak the language and so on! 

We went into Kaikura town from there but it had now clouded over and was starting to rain. We went to see the seals along the coast, lots of them, really close to us on the path. 

We then went for lunch I had some soup, Jon a really big bagel! 

Back on the road and a really boring and long trip to Christchurch saw a Wicked van overturned but people OK. Such a long way out though and it took ages for the emergency services to pass us. 

Arrived in CChurch very hard to find centre and where to stay due to road closures. Finally found a place, really nice and pretty much in the centre, what is left of it. Five years old and in the middle of rubble but obviously well built so feel safe. Lovely owner, really nice suite and very good price. Heating on, cosy and a cup of tea! Just what we needed. 

Out for dinner and found a bar Crash Palace which is an old bus set on a site with scaffold and tarpaulins, amazing what these people have done to get back in business. Another bar is two containers strapped together. 

We found a pizzeria and had a roast lamb and veg pizza and a roast pork with apple sauce pizza both really good. Lots of young people there and a big group of about 20 with a tiny baby who was passed around the table throughout the meal like a parcel but was happy. 

Walked back to our motel and was in bed again by 10.00 all this travelling is tiring!


 

Wellington to Blenheim

After a terrible night I was glad when it was time to get up.

I couldn't sleep due to :-
The smell if the wipes Jon needs to stick and unstick his bag. I hate the smell of them but feel really bad for feeling like that as he can't do any.thing about. Them. Usually he uses the bathroom downstairs and I don't notice but last night the smell came into the bedroom. On top of that and the guilt because of it I couldn't sleep also, it was cold, I had the electric blanket plug sticking into my back and I couldn't move it. The last time I looked at the clock, which was Jon's iPad and really bright, was 1.30. I must have fallen asleep bu woke again at 6.30 so not much sleep.

This morning we went down for breakfast which was freshly cooked and quit good.

We then went out for a walk to find a Lonely  planet which we did so I feel whole again now!

We found a sandwich shop and bought some lunch to take on the ferry before going back to our hotel to check out.

We drove to the ferry and left the car then wen for a coffee.

A quick walk to the Beehive (Parliament ) and then back to wait to board.

Boarded 15 minutes late by a tuck load of sheep but left on time.

Very smooth crossing apart from me walking into he loo with a lady already sat on it! No idea why she hadn't locked the door she will in future!

Arrived in Picton at 5.00 and in our hotel by 5.40.

Lovely hotel.

Stayed in for dinner and so glad we did as it was the best ever.

Really, really tired now and not 10.00 yet but can't stay awake ant ore.

WEATHER 
Sunny in Wellington, cloudy in Picton.

Tauranga -Wellington

Busy morning, visit to surgeon for Jon's check up took longer than we thought. He has a hernia around his stoma so will need more surgery probably in June.

Back home rushing around to get to kennels before 10.30 left Totty and she had to be carried away as she would not walk.

Set off and half way to Rotorua I realised I had forgotten the Lonely Planet and all my info. I was so mad with myself.

Stopped for a coffee but it was awful so we left it.

Drove on down thought the desert road and stopped for drinks then found a spot to have our picnic. Much colder down here.

After a very long drive we arrived in Wellington about 5.00 and found the hotel easily.

Bertie seems to have been upset by the examination and is not behaving!

Went out to the Crazy Horse for dinner with two Genera men and wives and had a really good night and lovely meal.

Left quickly as Bertie was being a pain again. I hope he settles down again tomorrow.

Weather
Sunny for most of the trip 22 down to 16 back to 22

Such a lot going on.

We were both awake early again this morning and the phone rang and it was Kirsty. I quickly showered and washed my hair while she spoke to Jon. I had an appointment with the osteopath and I thought if I start speaking to Kirsty before I am ready I would have been very late!! As it was i rushed out of the house with just enough time to make it.

Another lovely massage on my back which is feeling much better. I have an appointment for when I get back.

When I got back Jon was out walking up the Mount again and having coffee. He is getting very bored and really needs a job, he is too young to retire. Not sure how he is going to cope once back in UK we can't be going on holidays forever!!

I did some things around the house, washing and getting my clothes out for going away. It is hard to decide what to take as the days are hot but the mornings and evenings are cold but of course, it could all be different down there.

I went off to have my 'non surgical face lift' which was a voucher I had bought some months ago. The salon was over in Bethlehem around the back of the most beautiful house.

I had to fill in a form and the beautician explained the procedure to me and it all sounded quite technical and a bit scary.

I got myself comfy on a very nice heated bed and she set to on my 'lovely English complexion' - her words not mine!!! It was an odd sensation but very relaxing and ended with a very thick face mask which peels off like something out of Phantom of the Opera!! All in all it was a very nice experience and three treatments are recommended but not sure I can stretch to three!!

I got home and Jon was just having lunch and I had mine. His 'knock' for the day was that Mark had been down to the port to have a talk with the operators and amongst other things he said 'we don't need an English man telling us what to do'. Strange how he wanted the English man to tell them what to do for over four years. I wonder if he is aware that he now has an 'English woman' telling him what to do and boy is he being taken for a ride and I hope in a few years to come he does the same to her as he has done to Jon. Bitter? - yes!!

We spent the afternoon sorting our cases out and we had a cup of tea.

I went in to speak to Edwina and David and to ask them to take the post out of our box and hold on to it for us. I stayed and had a chat with them. David told me the same thing had happened to him after working for a company for 30 years he was out overnight!!

We are expecting our passports to be returned with our new visas and so I had to phone the post office in Maungatapu to ask Glen, the postmaster, to hold on to them till we get back as they are usually returned to sender after five days and we don't want or have the time for that to happen.

I brought our post in and we have a letter from the agent saying we have an inspection on 18 of this month. I checked and our last one was on 28 February but on reading the letter it says a 'maintenance inspection'. Not sure why this can't be done at the same time as the 'house inspection' no wonder the agent has no time. I am not very happy about it as we will be away and they let themselves in and I really don't like that but that is the way it is.

I finished the packing and cleared the fridge and got out food stuff ready to take with us. We will do the same as we did at Easter and take breakfast things with us as we don't want to have to go out for breakfast everyday or I will be the size of a house when I get back!!

We had dinner and watched a bit of TV and now I am going to have an early night as we have a long day tomorrow starting with Jon's appointment with the surgeon at 8.50 and ending with dinner at the Crazy Horse in Wellington!! Oh and an eight hour drive in between not to mention leaving Totty at the kennels :-(

Not sure how much blog I will get done over the next few weeks. It might just be a line or two if I can log in.

WEATHER
Cold start again but then sunny and warm 21 degrees.

Tuesday

So nice and cosy in bed this morning with the winter duvet on still trying to adjust to the light mornings though.

Sad to see on the news that Margaret Thatcher died, what a wonderful politician and so sad and disgusting to see what people are behaving like on the streets, what is the world coming to??

Heather called this morning and thought I was joking when I told her we were looking into coming home on a container ship!! We think it will be quite an adventure if we can get it sorted. She had a long chat with Jon and a shorter one with me as I was going to my class.

I went to my keep fit class and we worked very hard. Diane, teacher, announced to the class that I would be leaving and it was suggested we have a morning tea or a lunch. I haven't really been very emotional about leaving until this moment and I got quite a shock at how upset I felt which does not bode well for when I actually go.

After the class we sat having coffee and they said if we leave by ship they will all come down to the port to wave us off!!

I did a quick trip to the supermarket to buy some ham and bread for lunch and then got home as quick as I could as I only had an hour to change and prepare lunch. It is surprising how much you can get done when you don't have much time.

Jon had gone out for a walk and a coffee followed by lunch with the man from the port. He left me a note to say be careful when I let Totty out as the men renovating the house next door had knocked a piece of fence down and they have a dog with them and it had been into our garden so I blocked off the stairs so she could not get down.

Janice and Helen arrive at 12.00 and after showing them round the house we had a glass of wine and stood looking at the view in the sunshine and they, like us, love the house and views.

I had cooked some plums with a coconut and cream topping for pudding and they were very yummy but probably a million calories!!

We had a really nice afternoon and a chat. Jon came home with some wire fencing and went out to repair the gap.

When Janice and Helen left I got ready for my aqua class and went out to find Jon to tell him. I was all over the house and garden but couldn't find him and was getting cross as I was going to be late. He really needs to think about a hearing aid!!! I finally found him at the bottom of the garden behind a bush repairing a hole in the fence!!!

I went to my aqua class and we chatted at the start to Carla, teacher, as she is getting married in ten days time and she was telling us all about it. Her parents are over here from Brazil for the wedding.

We had a really good class and towards the end we had five aeroplanes flying over the Mount and beach and they put on a big display but not sure what they are training for. Even once I was showered and changed and on my way home it was still going on and I parked the car at the beach to watch. it was quite spectacular as there was a storm just off the coast and the lightening was flashing in the background and they were flying around and doing all their tricks.

It was later than usual when I got back and there had been a heavy shower here but nothing at the Mount. Jon had cleaned up the mess in the kitchen, fixed the soap dish in the bathroom that has never been right and tonight when I came up to bed I noticed that he had moved the curtains from the lounge to the bedroom window that has none and they look really good. What a busy boy but he is getting very bored. We had discussed it last night and thought they curtains would be more use in the bedroom than downstairs where they are never used. Had we been staying we would have bought some but these do the job very well for now.

We had dinner and watched TV and now I am very tired so off to bed.

WEATHER
Cold start but clear sunny day 21 degrees.