The forecast was for rain all day today so it was a pleasant surprise to wake to sun.
Heather called this morning and we both had a long chat to her and she is very well and looking forward to her holiday.
I managed to get out into the garden and do some tidying and bag it up and 'squash' it into the bin for today's collection.
Jon and I then went to the garden centre for a coffee and had a look at the plants and bought a horseradish plant which I have never grown before.
We then went along to the tip to take the recycling.
We got back just as it was starting to rain but I managed to get Totty out for a little walk and it was 'very little'. Not sure why she is being like this again.
I got back and before the rain was too heavy I swept all of the front porch and garage as we get lots of leaves blowing down.
Once inside the rain came down really heavy and the sky was very black so I think I did pretty well for a wet day.
I baked a coffee cake before lunch and then made us some soup as it was a miserable day and soup was called for.
Jon went for a haircut late this afternoon and I managed to finish the photo book that I have been working on for the last week.
I was really cold when I got back downstairs - you really notice the cold on non sunny days.
I cooked dinner - pork tenderloin with an apricot glaze and it was yummy with stir fried Brussel sprouts with garlic.
We watched some TV and now I am just waiting for the bed to warm up and I am off for a sleep after a very busy day.
WEATHER
Sunny spells then cloudy and rain 16 degrees
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Wednesday
I had a nice lie in this morning. It is so nice that the neighbours van has given up completely so we are not woken every morning at 7.00 by him trying, unsuccessfully, to start it!!
After breakfast Jon went to get his glasses fixed as the screw was loose and then he went for a walk around the Mount.
I tried to take Totty out for a walk but she just would not walk. I always give her a chewy stick when we get back and she now expects it so I think I might try giving it to her before we go out and see if it makes any difference.
I stayed home and baked a cake to take to the book rooms this afternoon and then went to meet Jon for coffee.
We were able to sit outside and the sun was so warm I could have stayed there all day.
Jon left to go home and I went to see the embroidery/beading exhibition that my neighbour had invited me to. It was really lovely with some beautiful things on display. My neighbour had a couple of things on display one of which was a beautiful bracelet she had made with beads and was just amazing. There were also lots of the Christmas tree decorations that she makes.
I went to the post office on my way home and the supermarket.
We had lunch and then I went to the book rooms to sort more books and magazines. I would love to count the magazines and see how much it would all come to - or maybe not I might then think about how much I spend on them. I did pick up a nice Jamie Oliver magazine and brought it home to read!
I got home and we had a cup of tea and I had a read of my magazine.
I cooked a nice chicken and tomato curry tonight which had coconut milk in and it was very yummy and so far Bertie seems to have enjoyed it.
Well bedtime now and I have my blanket on low so it just takes the chill off!!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 17 degrees
After breakfast Jon went to get his glasses fixed as the screw was loose and then he went for a walk around the Mount.
I tried to take Totty out for a walk but she just would not walk. I always give her a chewy stick when we get back and she now expects it so I think I might try giving it to her before we go out and see if it makes any difference.
I stayed home and baked a cake to take to the book rooms this afternoon and then went to meet Jon for coffee.
We were able to sit outside and the sun was so warm I could have stayed there all day.
Jon left to go home and I went to see the embroidery/beading exhibition that my neighbour had invited me to. It was really lovely with some beautiful things on display. My neighbour had a couple of things on display one of which was a beautiful bracelet she had made with beads and was just amazing. There were also lots of the Christmas tree decorations that she makes.
I went to the post office on my way home and the supermarket.
We had lunch and then I went to the book rooms to sort more books and magazines. I would love to count the magazines and see how much it would all come to - or maybe not I might then think about how much I spend on them. I did pick up a nice Jamie Oliver magazine and brought it home to read!
I got home and we had a cup of tea and I had a read of my magazine.
I cooked a nice chicken and tomato curry tonight which had coconut milk in and it was very yummy and so far Bertie seems to have enjoyed it.
Well bedtime now and I have my blanket on low so it just takes the chill off!!
WEATHER
Sunny spells with some cloud 17 degrees
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Tuesday
I was lying awake till gone 2.00 last night, I could not get to sleep and my feet were so cold I had to put socks on. I think I will have the electric blanket on tonight!
I was up and ready for keep fit early and even managed to get my washing done and hung out!
Our keep fit class was really good and we all worked really hard as we were sweating although I think the very warm day might have had something to do with it!
I stayed for a coffee and showed the ladies the album that Jane had sent which they all thought was lovely.
I went straight home to do some housework and got stuck in as Jon was out and it is easier to do when he is not there.
Jon came home after his walk around the Mount and his coffee and then did his jigsaw and I did the ironing.
The new appointment came through for Jon to see the surgeon on Friday this week so not long to wait. Friday is also 'D' day as to making our decision about coming home! We have had enough messing about now!
I made lunch and then went up to the office to do some work on the photo book and got so wrapped up in it I lost track of the time and when I looked at the clock it was 3.38 and my aqua class is 4.00!!
I quickly got changed and rushed out to the class and arrived five minutes late. There were only five of us and they had had a problem with the heating and the water was not as warm as usual and with the cold wind it was definitely a 'keep your shoulders under the water' day!
The class was good and we don't escape with this teacher as she gets in the water with us!
After the class we went into the hotter pool to warm up and I then had a shower which was cold!!!
I gave the teacher a lift home again and then once home got organised cooking the dinner. I was so tired had I sat down I would have fallen asleep and not wanted to make dinner.
After dinner I started to watch TV but fell asleep - another half programme missed.
I finished off a bit of work on the photo book and now it is an early night for me. All this exercise on a Tuesday wears me out!
WEATHER
Mostly sunny but cold wind 17 degrees
I was up and ready for keep fit early and even managed to get my washing done and hung out!
Our keep fit class was really good and we all worked really hard as we were sweating although I think the very warm day might have had something to do with it!
I stayed for a coffee and showed the ladies the album that Jane had sent which they all thought was lovely.
I went straight home to do some housework and got stuck in as Jon was out and it is easier to do when he is not there.
Jon came home after his walk around the Mount and his coffee and then did his jigsaw and I did the ironing.
The new appointment came through for Jon to see the surgeon on Friday this week so not long to wait. Friday is also 'D' day as to making our decision about coming home! We have had enough messing about now!
I made lunch and then went up to the office to do some work on the photo book and got so wrapped up in it I lost track of the time and when I looked at the clock it was 3.38 and my aqua class is 4.00!!
I quickly got changed and rushed out to the class and arrived five minutes late. There were only five of us and they had had a problem with the heating and the water was not as warm as usual and with the cold wind it was definitely a 'keep your shoulders under the water' day!
The class was good and we don't escape with this teacher as she gets in the water with us!
After the class we went into the hotter pool to warm up and I then had a shower which was cold!!!
I gave the teacher a lift home again and then once home got organised cooking the dinner. I was so tired had I sat down I would have fallen asleep and not wanted to make dinner.
After dinner I started to watch TV but fell asleep - another half programme missed.
I finished off a bit of work on the photo book and now it is an early night for me. All this exercise on a Tuesday wears me out!
WEATHER
Mostly sunny but cold wind 17 degrees
Monday, 26 August 2013
Monday
Jon was up early this morning to watch the Grand Prix - seems like a long time since the last one.
We had decided to go to the cinema this morning - yeah I know, funny time to go to watch a film! I have to say 10.30 was not from choice but it was the last showing of The Audience, National Theatre Live film.
We arrived and bought our tickets - Jon nearly fell over as they were $25 each, usually it is only $10 (five pounds) but as the film was three hours it was good value.
We bought a coffee and went into the theatre and there was a total of 11 people in there! Well, it is Monday morning!!
We really enjoyed the film and if we are still here in October?????????? they are showing the stage play of War Horse the same way which we would like to see. The West End come to New Zealand!
We got home about 1.30 and had lunch and then I went out to help do the bunching of the daffodils for the Cancer Society with the Lions ladies. They put them in cellophane bags now which looks much nicer. It didn't take long before $45,000 worth of daffodils were bunched and in buckets waiting to be delivered tomorrow and the smell in the room was lovely.
I went home and stopped off at the post office to post a card on my way.
It had just started to rain as I got home and Jon had brought my washing in but it was still a bit wet.
I have a voucher for a photo book which I am trying to do as it will need time to be delivered and not sure how much time we have. I really hate all this waiting, why can't people make up their minds and do what they say they will Grrrrrrr!
I cooked dinner - leftover chicken from last night.
Nothing much else today so off to bed for an early night well sort of.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 18 degrees
We had decided to go to the cinema this morning - yeah I know, funny time to go to watch a film! I have to say 10.30 was not from choice but it was the last showing of The Audience, National Theatre Live film.
We arrived and bought our tickets - Jon nearly fell over as they were $25 each, usually it is only $10 (five pounds) but as the film was three hours it was good value.
We bought a coffee and went into the theatre and there was a total of 11 people in there! Well, it is Monday morning!!
We really enjoyed the film and if we are still here in October?????????? they are showing the stage play of War Horse the same way which we would like to see. The West End come to New Zealand!
We got home about 1.30 and had lunch and then I went out to help do the bunching of the daffodils for the Cancer Society with the Lions ladies. They put them in cellophane bags now which looks much nicer. It didn't take long before $45,000 worth of daffodils were bunched and in buckets waiting to be delivered tomorrow and the smell in the room was lovely.
I went home and stopped off at the post office to post a card on my way.
It had just started to rain as I got home and Jon had brought my washing in but it was still a bit wet.
I have a voucher for a photo book which I am trying to do as it will need time to be delivered and not sure how much time we have. I really hate all this waiting, why can't people make up their minds and do what they say they will Grrrrrrr!
I cooked dinner - leftover chicken from last night.
Nothing much else today so off to bed for an early night well sort of.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells 18 degrees
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Sunday
It was so nice being able to sleep and not get woken by Totty growling at me to go out!
Really comfy bed and the under floor heating is very nice, a perfect temperature with no heat pump blowing out at you.
Our breakfast arrived at 8.30 and looked good. Orange juice, very nice and cold. The breakfast itself I was not impressed with (this place had good reviews on Trip Advisor for the breakfast) the bacon had been cooked in the oven and the vegetable patties lacked salt (we didn't bring any with us) but the scrambled eggs with chives were OK. The toast was cold and hard and the tomatoes and chutney were missing so not the best start.
We packed up and went to check out and Jon, when asked, said that the breakfast was not the best so she did knock off $6. Breakfast apart I would recommend this place as it was very clean, good views and peaceful.
We decided to head out to the dam again and catch the 10.00 gate opening and view it from one of the look out points further down. We arrived with six minutes to spare and had to hot foot along the path to get to the lookout in time.
There were many more people around today and it was much cooler and we were glad we had picked up our coats from the car.
It was lovely to see the water coming down and filling up the gorge and to see where it all went to (it eventually joins the river again).
We then drove to the Prawn Park and had a coffee and watched the speed boat load up and head off to Huka Falls, this is not a ride I would go on!
We drove back into Taupo and went to White Water World. This is a simulator ride kayaking down a river.
There are only six seats at a time and you get given a poncho which was just as well as you do get sprayed a lot with water. As rides go it was fun but I think they could make it more exciting. I don't see 3D so didn't get the full experience.
We then decided we would head back to Tauranga and had a pretty good drive as far as Rotorua and then we ran into some serious rain. We chose the left had side of the lake to drive on which was a good move as the sky over on the right was black as coal so I think we just caught the edge of the bad weather.
We stopped at the new New World in Te Puke on our way back. Te Puke is the Kiwi capital of NZ and you get a lot of islanders living there and working in the industry and it is not one of my favourite places to visit and we only ever drive through.
They have two supermarkets there so it is convenient, when driving back from Rotorua, to stop and get supplies and saves having to go into Tauranga. Both supermarkets were very old and small. You get three islanders in an aisle discussing what to buy and it is completely blocked as they are usually very big and I have always hated going in these shops.
The new one opened about a month ago and it is really smart with lovely wide aisles. It would be interesting if the size of the people were taken into account when building this shop! So we did our shopping and then went home.
The package from Jane and Jason had arrived and it is a lovely album of their wedding and a DVD which I look forward to watching.
We had some lunch and then went to pick up Totty after 4.00 and she was fine but very tired.
We had dinner and watched some TV and then went to bed very tired after a nice weekend.
WEATHER
Overcast and drizzle 13 degrees.
Really comfy bed and the under floor heating is very nice, a perfect temperature with no heat pump blowing out at you.
Our breakfast arrived at 8.30 and looked good. Orange juice, very nice and cold. The breakfast itself I was not impressed with (this place had good reviews on Trip Advisor for the breakfast) the bacon had been cooked in the oven and the vegetable patties lacked salt (we didn't bring any with us) but the scrambled eggs with chives were OK. The toast was cold and hard and the tomatoes and chutney were missing so not the best start.
We packed up and went to check out and Jon, when asked, said that the breakfast was not the best so she did knock off $6. Breakfast apart I would recommend this place as it was very clean, good views and peaceful.
We decided to head out to the dam again and catch the 10.00 gate opening and view it from one of the look out points further down. We arrived with six minutes to spare and had to hot foot along the path to get to the lookout in time.
There were many more people around today and it was much cooler and we were glad we had picked up our coats from the car.
It was lovely to see the water coming down and filling up the gorge and to see where it all went to (it eventually joins the river again).
We then drove to the Prawn Park and had a coffee and watched the speed boat load up and head off to Huka Falls, this is not a ride I would go on!
We drove back into Taupo and went to White Water World. This is a simulator ride kayaking down a river.
There are only six seats at a time and you get given a poncho which was just as well as you do get sprayed a lot with water. As rides go it was fun but I think they could make it more exciting. I don't see 3D so didn't get the full experience.
We then decided we would head back to Tauranga and had a pretty good drive as far as Rotorua and then we ran into some serious rain. We chose the left had side of the lake to drive on which was a good move as the sky over on the right was black as coal so I think we just caught the edge of the bad weather.
We stopped at the new New World in Te Puke on our way back. Te Puke is the Kiwi capital of NZ and you get a lot of islanders living there and working in the industry and it is not one of my favourite places to visit and we only ever drive through.
They have two supermarkets there so it is convenient, when driving back from Rotorua, to stop and get supplies and saves having to go into Tauranga. Both supermarkets were very old and small. You get three islanders in an aisle discussing what to buy and it is completely blocked as they are usually very big and I have always hated going in these shops.
The new one opened about a month ago and it is really smart with lovely wide aisles. It would be interesting if the size of the people were taken into account when building this shop! So we did our shopping and then went home.
The package from Jane and Jason had arrived and it is a lovely album of their wedding and a DVD which I look forward to watching.
We had some lunch and then went to pick up Totty after 4.00 and she was fine but very tired.
We had dinner and watched some TV and then went to bed very tired after a nice weekend.
WEATHER
Overcast and drizzle 13 degrees.
Taupo
We woke up ready to set off on what 'could' be our last road trip in NZ
We dropped Totty off to the kennels and then had a smooth drive through to Taupo.
We arrived at the turn for the rapids and drove down which took five minutes and we were far too so decided to go back to the main road and go to the glass blowing cafe and work shop for a coffee.
After a very nice coffee, date scone and some unexpected but beautiful purchases we left to go back to the rapids.
I really can't believe we have missed this spectacular. Basically it is the diverted Waikato River into a lake which opens the dam gates three times a day in winter and four in summer and allows the water to flow though a gorge with the most spectacular results and all for free. We saw it from the dam road today but hopefully we will watch again tomorrow from the lookout looking back to the dam.
Before we left the dam we enquirer about the boat trip from there to the Huka Falls which we have seen many times but never from the boat. If the weather is good tomorrow we will do this.
We then drove into Taupo and went to the harbour to book our bot trip on the lake - I was classed as a senior with my toy boy!
We had bout half an our o thought we would check in o our hotel! We knew the street but no number and no phone connection so we drove along the lake front looking and oukd not find it so went back to get on our boat tip which turned out to be really good, calm water, tea and coffee and hot baked muffins onboard.
The lake, which is the size of Quatar, where the next World Cup football championships will be held, looks so much bigger when you are on it. Unfortunately, and not unexpected for s with our track record for seeing mountains, the clouds were covering the ski area and the three mountains which are at the south end of the lake but it was still very beautiful and the Maori cliff carvings are vey good.
The lake is the same circumference as the M25 - 185miles. From one bay we were in, to the south is the same distance as Dover to Cailais. And the wAter is so clear and blue.
After our lovely trip and picnic lunch we arrived back in Taupo and set off to find our motel which turned out to be a lovely spot overlooking the lake with a small but hot, 35 degrees pool, AND an honesty bar! Help yourself, write on a pad and they charge your room - impressive!
We went into Taupo and had a walk and picked up a pizza menu for our dinner.
Back to our room I had a nap! It is hard work enjoying yourself!
We ordered our dinner which was very good and the bottle of wine I brought went down well, too.
So tired now I need to sleep ready for lots more fun tomorrow.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 15-9 degrees
We dropped Totty off to the kennels and then had a smooth drive through to Taupo.
We arrived at the turn for the rapids and drove down which took five minutes and we were far too so decided to go back to the main road and go to the glass blowing cafe and work shop for a coffee.
After a very nice coffee, date scone and some unexpected but beautiful purchases we left to go back to the rapids.
I really can't believe we have missed this spectacular. Basically it is the diverted Waikato River into a lake which opens the dam gates three times a day in winter and four in summer and allows the water to flow though a gorge with the most spectacular results and all for free. We saw it from the dam road today but hopefully we will watch again tomorrow from the lookout looking back to the dam.
Before we left the dam we enquirer about the boat trip from there to the Huka Falls which we have seen many times but never from the boat. If the weather is good tomorrow we will do this.
We then drove into Taupo and went to the harbour to book our bot trip on the lake - I was classed as a senior with my toy boy!
We had bout half an our o thought we would check in o our hotel! We knew the street but no number and no phone connection so we drove along the lake front looking and oukd not find it so went back to get on our boat tip which turned out to be really good, calm water, tea and coffee and hot baked muffins onboard.
The lake, which is the size of Quatar, where the next World Cup football championships will be held, looks so much bigger when you are on it. Unfortunately, and not unexpected for s with our track record for seeing mountains, the clouds were covering the ski area and the three mountains which are at the south end of the lake but it was still very beautiful and the Maori cliff carvings are vey good.
The lake is the same circumference as the M25 - 185miles. From one bay we were in, to the south is the same distance as Dover to Cailais. And the wAter is so clear and blue.
After our lovely trip and picnic lunch we arrived back in Taupo and set off to find our motel which turned out to be a lovely spot overlooking the lake with a small but hot, 35 degrees pool, AND an honesty bar! Help yourself, write on a pad and they charge your room - impressive!
We went into Taupo and had a walk and picked up a pizza menu for our dinner.
Back to our room I had a nap! It is hard work enjoying yourself!
We ordered our dinner which was very good and the bottle of wine I brought went down well, too.
So tired now I need to sleep ready for lots more fun tomorrow.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 15-9 degrees
Friday, 23 August 2013
Friday
Nice to wake to warmer and lighter mornings and sleep through the night without having to wake for the dog now her bottom has stopped itching!!
I got up and ready for the shop and left the house while Jon was in the shower.
Les didn't come into the shop today as she was asked to work an extra shift at the care home so it was just Sharon and I and Noleen was around sorting things ready for the builders to come in over the weekend to put the partitions up.
The shop wasn't very busy and we had a few boxes to put out so we managed to keep busy and not get bored.
I found a lovely brown merino jacket made here in NZ not sure why it has come in as it is new and I can't find a fault with it and can only think it must have been a sample but it is very nice.
I left the shop and went into Tauranga to pick up my watch that I caught on the door and pulled the winder out. It is old but he managed to find the part for it.
I got home and thought I would have time for lunch and then we would need to go to the hospital but Jon had just had a call to say the surgeon had to do an emergency operation so out appointment had been cancelled and we will get another in the post.
Jon did have his hearing test and he is very deaf but the quote for hearing aids was for just over $8,000 - more than four thousand pounds!!!! He is going to do some research and see what he can find but that is silly money. I will just have to keep shouting and repeating myself for a little longer!!
We had lunch and then took Totty out for a walk before I went up to the supermarket which I had planned to do once we came out of the hospital.
We had fish and chips for dinner and I had mine with a salad for a change.
We watched a bit of TV and then I sorted out our things for tomorrow as we would like to get away early in the morning as the forecast is for rain in the afternoon. Fingers crossed it will be late afternoon.
WEATHER
Sunny with a few light showers 17 degrees
I got up and ready for the shop and left the house while Jon was in the shower.
Les didn't come into the shop today as she was asked to work an extra shift at the care home so it was just Sharon and I and Noleen was around sorting things ready for the builders to come in over the weekend to put the partitions up.
The shop wasn't very busy and we had a few boxes to put out so we managed to keep busy and not get bored.
I found a lovely brown merino jacket made here in NZ not sure why it has come in as it is new and I can't find a fault with it and can only think it must have been a sample but it is very nice.
I left the shop and went into Tauranga to pick up my watch that I caught on the door and pulled the winder out. It is old but he managed to find the part for it.
I got home and thought I would have time for lunch and then we would need to go to the hospital but Jon had just had a call to say the surgeon had to do an emergency operation so out appointment had been cancelled and we will get another in the post.
Jon did have his hearing test and he is very deaf but the quote for hearing aids was for just over $8,000 - more than four thousand pounds!!!! He is going to do some research and see what he can find but that is silly money. I will just have to keep shouting and repeating myself for a little longer!!
We had lunch and then took Totty out for a walk before I went up to the supermarket which I had planned to do once we came out of the hospital.
We had fish and chips for dinner and I had mine with a salad for a change.
We watched a bit of TV and then I sorted out our things for tomorrow as we would like to get away early in the morning as the forecast is for rain in the afternoon. Fingers crossed it will be late afternoon.
WEATHER
Sunny with a few light showers 17 degrees
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Thursday
I was awake and cleaning up a dog mess at 3.00 this morning and now Totty is really in the dog house. I know she hasn't been well since Monday but to have to clean the carpet at that time of the day is a bit much and then I couldn't get back to sleep!!
I spent the morning doing the housework that should and usually is done on a Monday but I was busy doing other things.
The canvas of Jane and Jason's wedding arrived and it is very nice but not sure if or where we should hang it as not sure what we are doing.
Jon got back about 12.30 and had had a late breakfast so didn't want lunch so I made my own.
I spent the afternoon doing the ironing and Jon started yet another puzzle.
I got ready to go to my Lions meeting and left a casserole out for Jon.
The meeting was good and we had roast lamb with another lovely selection of vegetables. Pudding was not so good individual apple pies with very synthetic apple in them.
Our speaker was a lady from Homes of Hope and they do a lot of work with abused and neglected children and the abuse is very terrible to listen to so sad.
The meeting ended late and of course the same few stayed to do the clear up as the new rota is not in place yet.
I got home and went onto the net to try and sort out the present I am buying for Kirsty and James but it took forever so sort what should have been simple but it is ordered and they should have it soon.
Time for bed now as we have a busy day tomorrow.
WEATHER
Showers and some sun 17 degrees
I spent the morning doing the housework that should and usually is done on a Monday but I was busy doing other things.
The canvas of Jane and Jason's wedding arrived and it is very nice but not sure if or where we should hang it as not sure what we are doing.
Jon got back about 12.30 and had had a late breakfast so didn't want lunch so I made my own.
I spent the afternoon doing the ironing and Jon started yet another puzzle.
I got ready to go to my Lions meeting and left a casserole out for Jon.
The meeting was good and we had roast lamb with another lovely selection of vegetables. Pudding was not so good individual apple pies with very synthetic apple in them.
Our speaker was a lady from Homes of Hope and they do a lot of work with abused and neglected children and the abuse is very terrible to listen to so sad.
The meeting ended late and of course the same few stayed to do the clear up as the new rota is not in place yet.
I got home and went onto the net to try and sort out the present I am buying for Kirsty and James but it took forever so sort what should have been simple but it is ordered and they should have it soon.
Time for bed now as we have a busy day tomorrow.
WEATHER
Showers and some sun 17 degrees
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Wednesday
I go from one extreme to the other, really late tonight. Jon is away and I have been catching up on my programmes. Now that he is home I don't get the chance!!
Totty was still up a couple of times last night twirling around on her bottom so I really hope it settles down. She does look much better today though.
We were both up early this morning as Jon wanted to leave by 8.00 (Bertie permitting) and he just about managed to. He was in for a wet drive up to Auckland though.
I spent the morning doing my Monday housework. I baked a cake and was just about to have lunch when the gardener arrived. She told me what she intended to do and I left her to it and had lunch.
I left to go and sort books at the book rooms and was there till about 4.00. I left in very heavy rain and had to come home and bring some very wet washing in!!!
Jon called to tell me he had a very wet drive to Auckland which I knew as the weather was on the news.
I made my dinner and then watched TV.
We have some very heavy rain tonight and it is really windy. I hope Totty doesn't need to get up and go out through the night.
WEATHER
Cloudy with some heavy rain 17 degrees
Totty was still up a couple of times last night twirling around on her bottom so I really hope it settles down. She does look much better today though.
We were both up early this morning as Jon wanted to leave by 8.00 (Bertie permitting) and he just about managed to. He was in for a wet drive up to Auckland though.
I spent the morning doing my Monday housework. I baked a cake and was just about to have lunch when the gardener arrived. She told me what she intended to do and I left her to it and had lunch.
I left to go and sort books at the book rooms and was there till about 4.00. I left in very heavy rain and had to come home and bring some very wet washing in!!!
Jon called to tell me he had a very wet drive to Auckland which I knew as the weather was on the news.
I made my dinner and then watched TV.
We have some very heavy rain tonight and it is really windy. I hope Totty doesn't need to get up and go out through the night.
WEATHER
Cloudy with some heavy rain 17 degrees
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Tuesday
Very early blog tonight as I am soooo tired.
I was up early this morning as I needed to take Totty to the vet for her minor procedure for her anal glands.
She goes into the vet's surgery easier than she does the kennels!
I got back home and put some washing on before going out to my keep fit class. Dianne, our teacher, had already had some photos developed for us and gave us a group one and one of our team. She will get some copies of the other ones and they are all very good.
Our class was fast this morning and all of us that had been at the games yesterday were stiff!!
I stayed for a coffee and a chat and then washed up the coffee cups as I haven't done it for a while.
I left the class and went over to see the lady who has the orphanages in China to help out at her working bee. I was the only one there and after helping her sort out clothes and pack them for an hour she said that was all there was to do until more stuff comes in so in a way it was just as well I was the only one there.
A lady had stitched some cases to make wheat bags from and they all need turning the right way after stitching so I brought them home to do here and I will get them back to her.
I was home again by 12.30 and Jon was back from his walk and coffee. The delivery of bags that he ordered two weeks ago finally arrived today but they are not the right bags!! There is a new woman in the office and she really has no idea what she is doing. The orders used to take four days but if it carries on like this he is going to have to put orders in two weeks in advance, just as well he had a supply.
Jon is going to Auckland tomorrow till Thursday and so needed some to take with him and we are away at the weekend, too.
We had lunch and then I did a bit more on the photos for a photo book I am making.
The nurse called to say we could get Totty as she was getting upset and anxious and the nurse had been carrying her around with her!!
When I got there Totty was in the office and went mad when she saw me. I paid the bill!!!!!
When I got her home she was very wobbly but wouldn't settle in her bed.
I left to go to my aqua aerobics class and it was lovely and warm although the water was not as hot as usual.
The class was very good and the new teacher certainly works us very hard. My poor body will take some time to recover from all the activity over the last two days.
I gave the teacher a lift home as she has no car. She is a Kiwi and married to a Fijian and he has just got a work visa here for a year but she wants to go back to Fiji and hasn't brought her car back here as she wants to go back and I can't say I blame her. Why would you want to leave paradise?
I got home and Jon said Totty still wouldn't settle so not sure if she is just sore. I am sure she will be OK tomorrow.
I cooked dinner and after washing up we watched some TV but I am now so tired I need to go to bed.
Hopefully, once I am in bed Totty will settle down and sleep and will be fine in the morning.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 16 degrees
I was up early this morning as I needed to take Totty to the vet for her minor procedure for her anal glands.
She goes into the vet's surgery easier than she does the kennels!
I got back home and put some washing on before going out to my keep fit class. Dianne, our teacher, had already had some photos developed for us and gave us a group one and one of our team. She will get some copies of the other ones and they are all very good.
Our class was fast this morning and all of us that had been at the games yesterday were stiff!!
I stayed for a coffee and a chat and then washed up the coffee cups as I haven't done it for a while.
I left the class and went over to see the lady who has the orphanages in China to help out at her working bee. I was the only one there and after helping her sort out clothes and pack them for an hour she said that was all there was to do until more stuff comes in so in a way it was just as well I was the only one there.
A lady had stitched some cases to make wheat bags from and they all need turning the right way after stitching so I brought them home to do here and I will get them back to her.
I was home again by 12.30 and Jon was back from his walk and coffee. The delivery of bags that he ordered two weeks ago finally arrived today but they are not the right bags!! There is a new woman in the office and she really has no idea what she is doing. The orders used to take four days but if it carries on like this he is going to have to put orders in two weeks in advance, just as well he had a supply.
Jon is going to Auckland tomorrow till Thursday and so needed some to take with him and we are away at the weekend, too.
We had lunch and then I did a bit more on the photos for a photo book I am making.
The nurse called to say we could get Totty as she was getting upset and anxious and the nurse had been carrying her around with her!!
When I got there Totty was in the office and went mad when she saw me. I paid the bill!!!!!
When I got her home she was very wobbly but wouldn't settle in her bed.
I left to go to my aqua aerobics class and it was lovely and warm although the water was not as hot as usual.
The class was very good and the new teacher certainly works us very hard. My poor body will take some time to recover from all the activity over the last two days.
I gave the teacher a lift home as she has no car. She is a Kiwi and married to a Fijian and he has just got a work visa here for a year but she wants to go back to Fiji and hasn't brought her car back here as she wants to go back and I can't say I blame her. Why would you want to leave paradise?
I got home and Jon said Totty still wouldn't settle so not sure if she is just sore. I am sure she will be OK tomorrow.
I cooked dinner and after washing up we watched some TV but I am now so tired I need to go to bed.
Hopefully, once I am in bed Totty will settle down and sleep and will be fine in the morning.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 16 degrees
Monday, 19 August 2013
Golden Olympics Day
I was awake so many times with Totty last night scratching her bottom and I had to be up early to get ready for our keep fit group's day at the Golden Olympics. (Golden as you get your 'Gold Card' when you retire, I haven't got one yet as retirement is 65 here).
I met Agnes at the top of our road to give her a lift across to the ASB Arena and we had been told to get there by 8.45. Once there we put on our fancy dress bits - blue ribbon on our hair and a label on our backs with our name Diannamics after Diane our teacher!!
We waited for one group to turn up and they were really late and so we didn't get going till 10.00. We had a warm up dance and then we went around in our teams doing the various sports, table tennis, carpet bowls, badminton, ten pin bowling, hockey, relay, puzzles, quiz, hops and noodle hockey which is really good fun. The same could not be said for the traditional hockey. The team we played against had a man in and he was really vicious and should have been stopped, I am just glad I managed to stay away from him as he could have done a lot of damage the way he was bashing his stick around - it's only a game!!!
We didn't win but we probably came fifth or sixth out of about twenty teams so not bad and it was good fun though some of the ladies did take it very seriously!!!
I got home just after one o'clock and had a quick lunch before taking my car to the garage to have the seal put on the axle that they needed to get the part for. I took a quick walk into town while they were doing it and bought Heather the jandals she wanted and went to the PO to post them so she should have them in time for her holiday.
When I was sitting waiting for them to finish my car I could quite easily have fallen asleep I felt so tired.
I got back home and Jon made me a cup of tea which was really good. Isn't it strange that sometimes a cup of tea tastes really good and other times it is 'just a cup of tea'?
I had a little sit down and then had to dry the sheets that I had taken off the bed this morning and then iron them to make the bed again. I also rang the vet to book Totty in and they can fit her in tomorrow so only one more night of waking up with her. I also booked her in to the kennel for Saturday night as we are going to Taupo for the weekend as it will be our last one with the car.
I had taken some spaghetti sauce out of the freezer so didn't have much to do for dinner.
We watched some TV and it feels a bit cooler tonight so I will need my electric blanket on and I am looking forward to getting into bed tonight but I think I might have a few extra aches and pains tomorrow!
WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunny spells 16 degrees
I met Agnes at the top of our road to give her a lift across to the ASB Arena and we had been told to get there by 8.45. Once there we put on our fancy dress bits - blue ribbon on our hair and a label on our backs with our name Diannamics after Diane our teacher!!
We waited for one group to turn up and they were really late and so we didn't get going till 10.00. We had a warm up dance and then we went around in our teams doing the various sports, table tennis, carpet bowls, badminton, ten pin bowling, hockey, relay, puzzles, quiz, hops and noodle hockey which is really good fun. The same could not be said for the traditional hockey. The team we played against had a man in and he was really vicious and should have been stopped, I am just glad I managed to stay away from him as he could have done a lot of damage the way he was bashing his stick around - it's only a game!!!
We didn't win but we probably came fifth or sixth out of about twenty teams so not bad and it was good fun though some of the ladies did take it very seriously!!!
I got home just after one o'clock and had a quick lunch before taking my car to the garage to have the seal put on the axle that they needed to get the part for. I took a quick walk into town while they were doing it and bought Heather the jandals she wanted and went to the PO to post them so she should have them in time for her holiday.
When I was sitting waiting for them to finish my car I could quite easily have fallen asleep I felt so tired.
I got back home and Jon made me a cup of tea which was really good. Isn't it strange that sometimes a cup of tea tastes really good and other times it is 'just a cup of tea'?
I had a little sit down and then had to dry the sheets that I had taken off the bed this morning and then iron them to make the bed again. I also rang the vet to book Totty in and they can fit her in tomorrow so only one more night of waking up with her. I also booked her in to the kennel for Saturday night as we are going to Taupo for the weekend as it will be our last one with the car.
I had taken some spaghetti sauce out of the freezer so didn't have much to do for dinner.
We watched some TV and it feels a bit cooler tonight so I will need my electric blanket on and I am looking forward to getting into bed tonight but I think I might have a few extra aches and pains tomorrow!
WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunny spells 16 degrees
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Saturday & Sunday - A lovely weekend.
SUNDAY
We slept late this morning and I was up first to let Totty out and not long after Jane phoned and we had a very long chat and catch up. Jon got up and Jane spoke to him and then she called back and spoke to me again. Jason and James were both on a night out in Cambridge and she was going to pick them up so she had to stay awake so was glad to be able to chat to us.
Mike and Bob had invited us over to see their new house. It is not so new now as they moved in last October but we haven't manage to get over. We called to say we could come over and to ask what sort of coffee they would like. but Mike said he was going to take his mum out for lunch and could we make it at 3.00 instead which was fine by us.
Just as we were leaving he called back and invited us over for lunch and said they would buy some bread rolls and something and his mum would be happy to eat at their place. His mum is four months younger than me but sadly has dementia and is in a care home but he goes to see her and take her out and so today he was bringing her to his house and we arranged to be there at 1.00.
We went our for a coffee and I drove as I needed fuel and a few things from the supermarket.
We went to our local shopping area and sat outside for our coffee and it was so warm, fortunately, I had changed into a short sleeved top before we left.
We then went to buy our things from the supermarket and a bottle of wine and then I drove over to Mike's.
There house is really nice and looks like it should be in Mexico as it is bright orange colour and has huge cacti growing around the side and looks like a 'hacienda' and not at all Kiwi.
They told us last night that they had some guinea fowl, ten to be exact, as he had always wanted some but they are so noisy and never shut up. They are also like guard dogs and come running down the drive to the car and could be quite intimidating but they are cute.
Well the bread rolls turned into the most amazing spread of food and as it was so warm we sat outside and I caught the sun. A really lovely spot high on a hillside and overlooking the bay. They have three acres and 19 huge avocado trees and apart from the guinea fowl they have chickens and three cats.
We spent a really lovely time with them and Mike's mum was fine and can hold a conversation but forgets it as soon as it is finished and then asks again the same questions, very sad and made me count my blessings. Two people I know now that are my age and have the same!
We came home about 4.30 and had a cup of tea and fed Totty.
I cooked rack of lamb or 'lack of ram' as I called it - twice!!!! Scary!!! It was really good and we had merengue and kiwi fruit for dessert.
The south are still being shaken by more aftershocks after the big one on Friday must be very frightening for the people down there.
Next weekend is our last weekend with the car so we are going to go away down to Taupo and go on the boat trip on the lake to see the Maori wall carvings which we have been saying we would do for years and now is possibly our last chance.
I need to be up and out in the morning as I am in the Golden Olympics again with a group from my keep fit class so I am off to bed now.
WEATHER
Sunny and very warm 18 but felt much hotter.
SATURDAY
I decided to give Jon a treat again this morning and cooked a full English for us. I didn't make so much this week though as we both felt really full after last week's breakfast.
Mike, a colleague Jon worked with at Genera, rang and asked if we would like to go out for dinner tonight and it was decided to go to the new Spanish tapas place and Mike said he would pick us up on the way.
We went out for coffee and then to Briscoe's, a shop that sells everything and always reduced, as we needed a new sheet for our bed as after 4.5 years it is wearing thin and the bottom is torn and a disgrace. We also found a box which, hopefully, when we put it by the sofa, Totty will use to get up instead of growling for ages until we pick her up and as Jon is not allowed to pick up more than a 'glass of beer' it is left to me which is really annoying especially if I am cooking. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks - watch this space!!
When we got back I took Totty out for a walk and it looked like rain but we managed to get round our route and no rain.
I spent the rest of the afternoon editing photos from our trip to UK as I have a voucher to make a photo book and really need to get it done as I am not sure how long it will take to get here and we could be on our final countdown!! Unfortunately, I noticed that a lot of the photos are copied five times and I am not sure how this has happened so I have to go through and delete them all and my head was spinning.
I gave up with the photos and had a cup of tea and noticed that the sky was very black and ran to bring in the washing and just in time before a very heavy downpour. The rain didn't last long but my washing would have got very wet.
We got ready to go out and Mike picked us up and we drove into Tauranga. We had a really lovely evening with Mike and Bob (Roberta) and it was really good to catch up. Unfortunately, the tapas was not so good. We had a meat plate to share and a fish plate to share, both for 2/3 people. Unfortunately, everything was crammed onto the plate and there were not enough of everything for 2/3 people and it certainly wasn't Spanish. However, we enjoyed the evening and had a good time.
As it was very noisy in the bar Mike suggested going back to our place for a drink much to Jon's relief as his hearing is not good. (I am glad to say he has finally booked a hearing test for next Friday).
Back home we opened a bottle or two of wine and were able to hold a conversation and once they left I remembered what nice people they are. (Mike is responsible for Jon getting the job down here but we don't hold it against him!)
So, what was, for us, a very late night, I was not in the mood to type my blog.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 17 degrees
We slept late this morning and I was up first to let Totty out and not long after Jane phoned and we had a very long chat and catch up. Jon got up and Jane spoke to him and then she called back and spoke to me again. Jason and James were both on a night out in Cambridge and she was going to pick them up so she had to stay awake so was glad to be able to chat to us.
Mike and Bob had invited us over to see their new house. It is not so new now as they moved in last October but we haven't manage to get over. We called to say we could come over and to ask what sort of coffee they would like. but Mike said he was going to take his mum out for lunch and could we make it at 3.00 instead which was fine by us.
Just as we were leaving he called back and invited us over for lunch and said they would buy some bread rolls and something and his mum would be happy to eat at their place. His mum is four months younger than me but sadly has dementia and is in a care home but he goes to see her and take her out and so today he was bringing her to his house and we arranged to be there at 1.00.
We went our for a coffee and I drove as I needed fuel and a few things from the supermarket.
We went to our local shopping area and sat outside for our coffee and it was so warm, fortunately, I had changed into a short sleeved top before we left.
We then went to buy our things from the supermarket and a bottle of wine and then I drove over to Mike's.
There house is really nice and looks like it should be in Mexico as it is bright orange colour and has huge cacti growing around the side and looks like a 'hacienda' and not at all Kiwi.
They told us last night that they had some guinea fowl, ten to be exact, as he had always wanted some but they are so noisy and never shut up. They are also like guard dogs and come running down the drive to the car and could be quite intimidating but they are cute.
Well the bread rolls turned into the most amazing spread of food and as it was so warm we sat outside and I caught the sun. A really lovely spot high on a hillside and overlooking the bay. They have three acres and 19 huge avocado trees and apart from the guinea fowl they have chickens and three cats.
We spent a really lovely time with them and Mike's mum was fine and can hold a conversation but forgets it as soon as it is finished and then asks again the same questions, very sad and made me count my blessings. Two people I know now that are my age and have the same!
We came home about 4.30 and had a cup of tea and fed Totty.
I cooked rack of lamb or 'lack of ram' as I called it - twice!!!! Scary!!! It was really good and we had merengue and kiwi fruit for dessert.
The south are still being shaken by more aftershocks after the big one on Friday must be very frightening for the people down there.
Next weekend is our last weekend with the car so we are going to go away down to Taupo and go on the boat trip on the lake to see the Maori wall carvings which we have been saying we would do for years and now is possibly our last chance.
I need to be up and out in the morning as I am in the Golden Olympics again with a group from my keep fit class so I am off to bed now.
WEATHER
Sunny and very warm 18 but felt much hotter.
SATURDAY
I decided to give Jon a treat again this morning and cooked a full English for us. I didn't make so much this week though as we both felt really full after last week's breakfast.
Mike, a colleague Jon worked with at Genera, rang and asked if we would like to go out for dinner tonight and it was decided to go to the new Spanish tapas place and Mike said he would pick us up on the way.
We went out for coffee and then to Briscoe's, a shop that sells everything and always reduced, as we needed a new sheet for our bed as after 4.5 years it is wearing thin and the bottom is torn and a disgrace. We also found a box which, hopefully, when we put it by the sofa, Totty will use to get up instead of growling for ages until we pick her up and as Jon is not allowed to pick up more than a 'glass of beer' it is left to me which is really annoying especially if I am cooking. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks - watch this space!!
When we got back I took Totty out for a walk and it looked like rain but we managed to get round our route and no rain.
I spent the rest of the afternoon editing photos from our trip to UK as I have a voucher to make a photo book and really need to get it done as I am not sure how long it will take to get here and we could be on our final countdown!! Unfortunately, I noticed that a lot of the photos are copied five times and I am not sure how this has happened so I have to go through and delete them all and my head was spinning.
I gave up with the photos and had a cup of tea and noticed that the sky was very black and ran to bring in the washing and just in time before a very heavy downpour. The rain didn't last long but my washing would have got very wet.
We got ready to go out and Mike picked us up and we drove into Tauranga. We had a really lovely evening with Mike and Bob (Roberta) and it was really good to catch up. Unfortunately, the tapas was not so good. We had a meat plate to share and a fish plate to share, both for 2/3 people. Unfortunately, everything was crammed onto the plate and there were not enough of everything for 2/3 people and it certainly wasn't Spanish. However, we enjoyed the evening and had a good time.
As it was very noisy in the bar Mike suggested going back to our place for a drink much to Jon's relief as his hearing is not good. (I am glad to say he has finally booked a hearing test for next Friday).
Back home we opened a bottle or two of wine and were able to hold a conversation and once they left I remembered what nice people they are. (Mike is responsible for Jon getting the job down here but we don't hold it against him!)
So, what was, for us, a very late night, I was not in the mood to type my blog.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 17 degrees
Friday, 16 August 2013
Friday
We woke to a lovely sunny morning but by the time I had dropped off the car and was walking to work it was cloudy and getting much cooler.
It was just Les and I in the shop today as Sharon had to go to a meeting in Hamilton but it was fine as it was so quiet and we didn't sell much. In fact, probably what Les and I bought would have accounted for half of the days sales!!
After looking all winter for skirts I found three really lovely ones today and three tops so I was very pleased.
Jon picked me up from the shop and we went down to Bobby's which is a fish and chip shop and also a fresh fish shop near the port where the fishing boats come in. It is recommended in the Lonely Planet but every time we have been there the queues were too long but as our time might be coming to an end here in Tauranga we thought we ought to go and try. We were not disappointed, they were very good. The weather could have been better but we did manage to sit outside to eat them. Probably not as good as Manganoui up in Northland but still good.
Jon dropped me off to collect my car which had a service but needs to go back on Monday as they need to fit a seal on something and the part won't be there until Monday. The replaced my brake light and sorted out the bit of trim on the door which was lifting up a little so all good now.
I went home and Jon arrived just after me. We decided to take Totty out as we knew heavy rain was forecast for later. We managed to get round our route before the rain started.
I spent the afternoon doing my ironing and Jon did his jig saw.
Easy dinner tonight as we had a big lunch so just a sandwich and caught up with Corrie. Very sad, it was the episode where John Stape dies and Fizz plays the part really well and I was crying!!!
I then caught up with Neighbours. I really missed having the log fire tonight as the wind was howling and the rain was beating on the roof and the fire would have been so nice! Hopefully it will all have passed by tomorrow.
WEATHER
Sunny start turning colder and heavy rain at night 15 degrees.
It was just Les and I in the shop today as Sharon had to go to a meeting in Hamilton but it was fine as it was so quiet and we didn't sell much. In fact, probably what Les and I bought would have accounted for half of the days sales!!
After looking all winter for skirts I found three really lovely ones today and three tops so I was very pleased.
Jon picked me up from the shop and we went down to Bobby's which is a fish and chip shop and also a fresh fish shop near the port where the fishing boats come in. It is recommended in the Lonely Planet but every time we have been there the queues were too long but as our time might be coming to an end here in Tauranga we thought we ought to go and try. We were not disappointed, they were very good. The weather could have been better but we did manage to sit outside to eat them. Probably not as good as Manganoui up in Northland but still good.
Jon dropped me off to collect my car which had a service but needs to go back on Monday as they need to fit a seal on something and the part won't be there until Monday. The replaced my brake light and sorted out the bit of trim on the door which was lifting up a little so all good now.
I went home and Jon arrived just after me. We decided to take Totty out as we knew heavy rain was forecast for later. We managed to get round our route before the rain started.
I spent the afternoon doing my ironing and Jon did his jig saw.
Easy dinner tonight as we had a big lunch so just a sandwich and caught up with Corrie. Very sad, it was the episode where John Stape dies and Fizz plays the part really well and I was crying!!!
I then caught up with Neighbours. I really missed having the log fire tonight as the wind was howling and the rain was beating on the roof and the fire would have been so nice! Hopefully it will all have passed by tomorrow.
WEATHER
Sunny start turning colder and heavy rain at night 15 degrees.
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Thursday and a beautiful day.
I was up early this morning partly because I could see it was a lovely sunny day but I also had a hair appointment and I had to get all the rubbish sorted for bin day and as Jon can't lift anything now it is all down to me.
All sorted and I even managed to hang out the washing before I left.
I had a new lady to do my hair today and she was very nice and chatty and did a really good job. Well, it looks very nice the test is when I have to dry it myself.
I then had half an hour to wait before I had my eyebrows tinted so I went for a coffee and it was lovely sitting out in the sun.
I love having my eyebrows shaped and tinted, I always feel like I have had a mini facelift as my eyes look lifted. It doesn't last more than a few days before I get used to it but it is nice while it lasts.
I left the salon and went to take two of my watches in for batteries and one to have a new winder put on hopefully they will find the part as they said it was old!! Not as old as the wind up one I am wearing at the moment - 42 years old and still working, they don't make them like that anymore!
I went to drop off two boxes of cassette tapes at the Red cross that I had been given from Lions. I had a quick chat with Sharon before leaving to go to the supermarket.
I got home just before Jon and I put all the shopping away. We had taken Heather's graduation photos to be framed as we could not buy and 'off the shelf' frame. Jon went to collect them today and they are really nice. He wouldn't tell me how much they cost so I won't ask again!
Jon ordered his supplies nearly two weeks ago and they are still not here they said they would be here today but not arrived so he will need to call and leave another message tomorrow, that will make three now!! They are usually very good so not sure what is going on at the moment.
We had lunch and then took Totty for her walk and Jon went out in short sleeves!!! It is warm but not that warm for me!
I made brownies this afternoon from a healthy food magazine recipe - no eggs or butter! You use apple sauce and they are really good and you feel like you have had a treat as they are so rich.
I have a voucher for a photo book which I need to get sorted as I don't know how long the delivery is but to sort it out I need to edit all the photos from Thailand and the UK so I spent some time doing that today.
I cooked lemon chicken for dinner and we had my gooey meringues for pudding with kiwi fruit.
I went straight back to the computer after dinner to do more photos and I am getting there.
My car is in for a service tomorrow so I will need to leave early to get it into the garage before I have to get to the Red Cross so early night for me.
WEATHER
Sunny with some wind 17 degrees but felt much warmer.
All sorted and I even managed to hang out the washing before I left.
I had a new lady to do my hair today and she was very nice and chatty and did a really good job. Well, it looks very nice the test is when I have to dry it myself.
I then had half an hour to wait before I had my eyebrows tinted so I went for a coffee and it was lovely sitting out in the sun.
I love having my eyebrows shaped and tinted, I always feel like I have had a mini facelift as my eyes look lifted. It doesn't last more than a few days before I get used to it but it is nice while it lasts.
I left the salon and went to take two of my watches in for batteries and one to have a new winder put on hopefully they will find the part as they said it was old!! Not as old as the wind up one I am wearing at the moment - 42 years old and still working, they don't make them like that anymore!
I went to drop off two boxes of cassette tapes at the Red cross that I had been given from Lions. I had a quick chat with Sharon before leaving to go to the supermarket.
I got home just before Jon and I put all the shopping away. We had taken Heather's graduation photos to be framed as we could not buy and 'off the shelf' frame. Jon went to collect them today and they are really nice. He wouldn't tell me how much they cost so I won't ask again!
Jon ordered his supplies nearly two weeks ago and they are still not here they said they would be here today but not arrived so he will need to call and leave another message tomorrow, that will make three now!! They are usually very good so not sure what is going on at the moment.
We had lunch and then took Totty for her walk and Jon went out in short sleeves!!! It is warm but not that warm for me!
I made brownies this afternoon from a healthy food magazine recipe - no eggs or butter! You use apple sauce and they are really good and you feel like you have had a treat as they are so rich.
I have a voucher for a photo book which I need to get sorted as I don't know how long the delivery is but to sort it out I need to edit all the photos from Thailand and the UK so I spent some time doing that today.
I cooked lemon chicken for dinner and we had my gooey meringues for pudding with kiwi fruit.
I went straight back to the computer after dinner to do more photos and I am getting there.
My car is in for a service tomorrow so I will need to leave early to get it into the garage before I have to get to the Red Cross so early night for me.
WEATHER
Sunny with some wind 17 degrees but felt much warmer.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Wednesday
Why is it when you can have a lie in you always wake early?
Jon left to go to the office for the last time for the time being and now we just have to wait!
I spent the morning doing some housework and washing. My Avon lady called round to drop off my things and I put the pork in to marinade for dinner. Apart from that nothing else - not sure where the morning went to.
Jon arrived home and we took Totty out for a walk and then we had lunch.
I went over to Bethlehem to help with sorting books. The room is now looking much better and more organised and we are not having to climb over boxes all the time. I helped sort out all the magazines. It is amazing the amount we get in and to see just how much money is spent on them.
I came home and we had a cup of tea and then watched the news before I made the dinner.
Not much happening these days. Jon is still not up to doing his long walks so walking the dog is enough for now.
We watched TV and then it was bedtime again.
WEATHER
Sunny spells, windy but warm 17 degrees
Jon left to go to the office for the last time for the time being and now we just have to wait!
I spent the morning doing some housework and washing. My Avon lady called round to drop off my things and I put the pork in to marinade for dinner. Apart from that nothing else - not sure where the morning went to.
Jon arrived home and we took Totty out for a walk and then we had lunch.
I went over to Bethlehem to help with sorting books. The room is now looking much better and more organised and we are not having to climb over boxes all the time. I helped sort out all the magazines. It is amazing the amount we get in and to see just how much money is spent on them.
I came home and we had a cup of tea and then watched the news before I made the dinner.
Not much happening these days. Jon is still not up to doing his long walks so walking the dog is enough for now.
We watched TV and then it was bedtime again.
WEATHER
Sunny spells, windy but warm 17 degrees
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Tuesday
There was a lot of strong winds last night and the way this house is built makes the wind blow through the metal and it is very noisy.
We didn't need to rush this morning as Jon was in no hurry to get to work as he didn't have much to do.
I left to go to the hospital at 9.30 as I thought the traffic might be bad due to the diversion from the accident last night. However, it was not too bad and I arrived at the hospital and managed to sneak into a little car park spot as soon as I arrived.
I went to the clinic and was taken in straight away. I was seen, examined, all good and out again before my 10.10 appointment time!!
I was going to call Jon to see where he was but my phone was dead again!! Not sure why I have one really. I went to a café near the hospital and had a coffee and a scone as I had had no breakfast. I sat and read a magazine and as I was leaving I saw some of the keep fit ladies having a coffee and so I stopped for a chat.
I got home and got changed and was just about to go and see what I could do to help the lady for the orphanages and Jon rang and said would I like to go out for lunch? Is the Pope catholic?
I took Totty out for a quick walk and then left to meet Jon. He told me that the road was open when he left this morning but when I got to it they had closed it for the recovery of the van which still had the man inside - very sad. It meant that I had to turn around and go all the way thorough Tauranga and over the harbour bridge so was a little late arriving at Tay Street Café down by the beach.
We ordered our lunch and the weather looked lovely but they say we have thunderstorms on the way. We enjoyed our lunch and then Jon left to go and buy an ink cartridge and I sent a text to my friend Carol to see if she was in so I could go and see her. I didn't feel it was worth going home and then coming all the way back for my aqua class.
Fortunately, Carol was in and I went round and we had a cuppa and a catch up which was very nice.
I left to go to my aqua class and once there the sun went in and there was a very cold wind blowing so I quickly got into the pool.
As Carla is away we had a new teacher and as there where only about 10 of us she got in the pool with us. She did a very different class to Carla and we all had to work very hard and I think I will know all about it tomorrow but it was good and the time flew by.
I showered and changed and then came straight home.
We decided as we had been out to lunch that we didn't need another meal so I just cooked a pizza. I haven't really found a pizza here that I like but McCain have a new one out which is nice. You get a good one if you go out but not from the supermarket.
We watched some TV and saw the van, which is a local electrical company, being lifted out of the harbour and apparently the man was still inside. I have heard that the van was not even the cause of the accident and he took evasive action to miss one of the other cars but we won't know till the enquiry is complete. They have said he was in his twenties and with a young family and a baby on the way. I still say they need to reduce the speed limit on that bridge, had he not been going so fast he would not have gone through the rails.
No thunder so far but we did have a heavy downpour.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 17 degrees
We didn't need to rush this morning as Jon was in no hurry to get to work as he didn't have much to do.
I left to go to the hospital at 9.30 as I thought the traffic might be bad due to the diversion from the accident last night. However, it was not too bad and I arrived at the hospital and managed to sneak into a little car park spot as soon as I arrived.
I went to the clinic and was taken in straight away. I was seen, examined, all good and out again before my 10.10 appointment time!!
I was going to call Jon to see where he was but my phone was dead again!! Not sure why I have one really. I went to a café near the hospital and had a coffee and a scone as I had had no breakfast. I sat and read a magazine and as I was leaving I saw some of the keep fit ladies having a coffee and so I stopped for a chat.
I got home and got changed and was just about to go and see what I could do to help the lady for the orphanages and Jon rang and said would I like to go out for lunch? Is the Pope catholic?
I took Totty out for a quick walk and then left to meet Jon. He told me that the road was open when he left this morning but when I got to it they had closed it for the recovery of the van which still had the man inside - very sad. It meant that I had to turn around and go all the way thorough Tauranga and over the harbour bridge so was a little late arriving at Tay Street Café down by the beach.
We ordered our lunch and the weather looked lovely but they say we have thunderstorms on the way. We enjoyed our lunch and then Jon left to go and buy an ink cartridge and I sent a text to my friend Carol to see if she was in so I could go and see her. I didn't feel it was worth going home and then coming all the way back for my aqua class.
Fortunately, Carol was in and I went round and we had a cuppa and a catch up which was very nice.
I left to go to my aqua class and once there the sun went in and there was a very cold wind blowing so I quickly got into the pool.
As Carla is away we had a new teacher and as there where only about 10 of us she got in the pool with us. She did a very different class to Carla and we all had to work very hard and I think I will know all about it tomorrow but it was good and the time flew by.
I showered and changed and then came straight home.
We decided as we had been out to lunch that we didn't need another meal so I just cooked a pizza. I haven't really found a pizza here that I like but McCain have a new one out which is nice. You get a good one if you go out but not from the supermarket.
We watched some TV and saw the van, which is a local electrical company, being lifted out of the harbour and apparently the man was still inside. I have heard that the van was not even the cause of the accident and he took evasive action to miss one of the other cars but we won't know till the enquiry is complete. They have said he was in his twenties and with a young family and a baby on the way. I still say they need to reduce the speed limit on that bridge, had he not been going so fast he would not have gone through the rails.
No thunder so far but we did have a heavy downpour.
WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 17 degrees
Monday, 12 August 2013
Monday
The usual housework today once Jon had left for work. I couldn't make up my mind about doing the washing as the sky looked very black at times but I took the chance and got it nearly dry before I had to bring it in this evening.
I had been asked, by Lions, to contact the lady who we did the knitting and crocheting for, the one that runs the orphanages in China as we heard she needed some help with sorting out clothes ready to go to China. I contacted her this morning and she said she has a working group at her house every Tuesday and there will be lots for us to do.
I sent out a group email to all our Lions members and it is up to them if they want to go along but I will probably go tomorrow although Tuesdays are really not good days for me.
I had some egg whites to use up so made some meringues today, I used an Australian recipe and wish I had just made the one I always make. They have turned out very chewy and more like marshmallow but with some berries and cream they will be fine I am sure.
I had lunch and decided to watch last night's episode of Call the Midwife which I really enjoy. Jon came home just as I was at the end of it. He gave me quite a surprise as it was only 3.00! He has finished the work he was doing and now just needs to present it to the board. Watch this space!!
I was very economical with dinner tonight and used up the leftover roast chicken and made a frittata with the leftover vegetables and it was surprisingly good for leftovers!
I had heard an awful lot of police and emergency services sirens earlier and just as the news was ending we heard there had been an accident on the Maungatapu (near where we used to live and the route Jon goes to work) bridge with one car going through the railings into the harbour. Fortunately, the tide was out but the water is still quite deep under the bridge.
I read later online that one man is missing and one managed to get out of the car and was rescued by a police man but both had floated a long way and had hypothermia. The people in the other two cars were taken to hospital, too. The bridge is now closed and will be for part of tomorrow morning which will create chaos for people going to The Mount tomorrow for work as they will all have to go through the town. Very sad and it will be interesting to find out what happened. I think the speed is too fast over the bridge anyway as it is only two narrow lanes and was never built to take the traffic it now has to.
I will have to make sure I leave in plenty of time in the morning for my hospital appointment as I will get caught up in the diverted traffic.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with some showers and windy 17 degrees.
I had been asked, by Lions, to contact the lady who we did the knitting and crocheting for, the one that runs the orphanages in China as we heard she needed some help with sorting out clothes ready to go to China. I contacted her this morning and she said she has a working group at her house every Tuesday and there will be lots for us to do.
I sent out a group email to all our Lions members and it is up to them if they want to go along but I will probably go tomorrow although Tuesdays are really not good days for me.
I had some egg whites to use up so made some meringues today, I used an Australian recipe and wish I had just made the one I always make. They have turned out very chewy and more like marshmallow but with some berries and cream they will be fine I am sure.
I had lunch and decided to watch last night's episode of Call the Midwife which I really enjoy. Jon came home just as I was at the end of it. He gave me quite a surprise as it was only 3.00! He has finished the work he was doing and now just needs to present it to the board. Watch this space!!
I was very economical with dinner tonight and used up the leftover roast chicken and made a frittata with the leftover vegetables and it was surprisingly good for leftovers!
I had heard an awful lot of police and emergency services sirens earlier and just as the news was ending we heard there had been an accident on the Maungatapu (near where we used to live and the route Jon goes to work) bridge with one car going through the railings into the harbour. Fortunately, the tide was out but the water is still quite deep under the bridge.
I read later online that one man is missing and one managed to get out of the car and was rescued by a police man but both had floated a long way and had hypothermia. The people in the other two cars were taken to hospital, too. The bridge is now closed and will be for part of tomorrow morning which will create chaos for people going to The Mount tomorrow for work as they will all have to go through the town. Very sad and it will be interesting to find out what happened. I think the speed is too fast over the bridge anyway as it is only two narrow lanes and was never built to take the traffic it now has to.
I will have to make sure I leave in plenty of time in the morning for my hospital appointment as I will get caught up in the diverted traffic.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with some showers and windy 17 degrees.
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Saturday and Sunday
Blame my friend Mary for no blog last night - we talked too long!!
Saturday
I decided to give Jon a treat this morning and we had a cooked breakfast for the first time in ages but I felt so full afterwards.
We went into Tauranga later and had a coffee well I had a cup of lemon tea as I was still full of breakfast and no muffin!
We didn't have much else to do so after a quick look around we went and booked our tickets for the cinema for the afternoon to see Private Peaceful.
We got home and it was too wet to take Totty out so we didn't do much else apart from have lunch - I only had fruit as still full of breakfast!! That will teach me!.
We went to the cinema and the film was very good - the same author as War Horse I think. Not as sad as I was led to believe but I would now like to read the book to fill in the blanks.
We got home and took Totty out as it was now fine.
Dinner tonight was lamb chops with salad and pasta with pesto.
We watched some TV and then I rang my friend Mary and we talked for a long time and I was too tired to do my blog when we had finished.
WEATHER
Some sunny but also some showers 17 degrees
Sunday
Not such a nice morning today and I had a lie in.
Heather called and was chatting to Jon when I came down from the shower. She is very excited about her holiday in Malta which was a surprise to us as she said she was going to Greece. Malta was decided on as the flight times were better and she hasn't been there so they thought they would give it a go.
No cooked breakfast today just fruit!
We went to the local garden centre for a coffee but we weren't out long and when we got back we took Totty out for a walk as it was dry but looked like we could be in for some rain.
The new house which is being built below us is coming along very nicely and once finished I am sure it will be lovely. They are just putting the deck onto the front and they will have lovely views.
After lunch I went to the shops as I wanted to make crem brulee and decided after all these years that I would invest in a cooks blow torch. I went up to the gadget shop and found one and am quite excited about it.
When I got home I made the crem brulee and put it in the fridge to chill for later.
I cooked a roast chicken for dinner stuffed with onion and mandarin peel and sage! It was very nice and as it was cooked in a bag with wine the gravy was very yummy.
The new torch did the job very well and the crem brulee was very good.
We watched some TV and I was just about to come and do my blog when I noticed that Totty had done a wee on the carpet and hadn't even barked to go out! I was really cross with her and had to clean it up which takes forever!
I then prepared some grapefruit for breakfast and hey presto it is now 11.30 and so I am late doing my blog again and no phone calls to make excuse!
Not sure when Jon will get to sleep and Bertie is playing up tonight and not sure why as roast chicken is usually a safe bet?
WEATHER
Overcast with some showers 16 degrees
Saturday
I decided to give Jon a treat this morning and we had a cooked breakfast for the first time in ages but I felt so full afterwards.
We went into Tauranga later and had a coffee well I had a cup of lemon tea as I was still full of breakfast and no muffin!
We didn't have much else to do so after a quick look around we went and booked our tickets for the cinema for the afternoon to see Private Peaceful.
We got home and it was too wet to take Totty out so we didn't do much else apart from have lunch - I only had fruit as still full of breakfast!! That will teach me!.
We went to the cinema and the film was very good - the same author as War Horse I think. Not as sad as I was led to believe but I would now like to read the book to fill in the blanks.
We got home and took Totty out as it was now fine.
Dinner tonight was lamb chops with salad and pasta with pesto.
We watched some TV and then I rang my friend Mary and we talked for a long time and I was too tired to do my blog when we had finished.
WEATHER
Some sunny but also some showers 17 degrees
Sunday
Not such a nice morning today and I had a lie in.
Heather called and was chatting to Jon when I came down from the shower. She is very excited about her holiday in Malta which was a surprise to us as she said she was going to Greece. Malta was decided on as the flight times were better and she hasn't been there so they thought they would give it a go.
No cooked breakfast today just fruit!
We went to the local garden centre for a coffee but we weren't out long and when we got back we took Totty out for a walk as it was dry but looked like we could be in for some rain.
The new house which is being built below us is coming along very nicely and once finished I am sure it will be lovely. They are just putting the deck onto the front and they will have lovely views.
After lunch I went to the shops as I wanted to make crem brulee and decided after all these years that I would invest in a cooks blow torch. I went up to the gadget shop and found one and am quite excited about it.
When I got home I made the crem brulee and put it in the fridge to chill for later.
I cooked a roast chicken for dinner stuffed with onion and mandarin peel and sage! It was very nice and as it was cooked in a bag with wine the gravy was very yummy.
The new torch did the job very well and the crem brulee was very good.
We watched some TV and I was just about to come and do my blog when I noticed that Totty had done a wee on the carpet and hadn't even barked to go out! I was really cross with her and had to clean it up which takes forever!
I then prepared some grapefruit for breakfast and hey presto it is now 11.30 and so I am late doing my blog again and no phone calls to make excuse!
Not sure when Jon will get to sleep and Bertie is playing up tonight and not sure why as roast chicken is usually a safe bet?
WEATHER
Overcast with some showers 16 degrees
Friday, 9 August 2013
And now Friday!
Where do the weeks go!
I love Fridays and I think it is because I have something to do that is a permanent thing - maybe I should get a job!!
I took a pile of Jon's clothes to the shop today, mostly trousers that he is not going to fit in again due to Bertie.
It was really quiet in the shop as we have no new stock and so people don't bother to come in and look around, even the bric-a-brac is all old, tatty stuff. We can't put any new stock out as they are trying to assess how much local donations we get so it all has to go down to the, soon to be defunct, processing centre. There are only so many times you can tidy rails of clothes!
I finished on time and left as it was so quiet.
My plan for going to the supermarket last night on my way home didn't work as we needed bread and orange juice so I had to stop by the supermarket on my way home.
I went to Bronwyn's on the way back to get some grapefruit from her tree. She had told me just to pick them from the front of the tree if she was not home. Fortunately, she was home as she forgets how tall she is and how short I am! We filled a bag very quickly with me ducking and diving to miss the ones that fell as she was picking them. I think I need a hard hat next time I go! You could not see where we had taken them from as the tree is so full.
I got home and had lunch as I was very hungry. After lunch I took Totty out for her walk and, once again, didn't need a coat. So many lovely trees and flowers coming into bloom at the moment.
I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a few jobs around the house.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and some cake. Not sure but it maybe the fruit cake I am making that upsets Bertie. I think we might just try Victoria sponge from now on and see how we go.
We had our fish and chips tonight and they gave us three pieces of fish much to Totty's delight!!
After watching some TV it is now bedtime.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny but cooler 17 degrees
I love Fridays and I think it is because I have something to do that is a permanent thing - maybe I should get a job!!
I took a pile of Jon's clothes to the shop today, mostly trousers that he is not going to fit in again due to Bertie.
It was really quiet in the shop as we have no new stock and so people don't bother to come in and look around, even the bric-a-brac is all old, tatty stuff. We can't put any new stock out as they are trying to assess how much local donations we get so it all has to go down to the, soon to be defunct, processing centre. There are only so many times you can tidy rails of clothes!
I finished on time and left as it was so quiet.
My plan for going to the supermarket last night on my way home didn't work as we needed bread and orange juice so I had to stop by the supermarket on my way home.
I went to Bronwyn's on the way back to get some grapefruit from her tree. She had told me just to pick them from the front of the tree if she was not home. Fortunately, she was home as she forgets how tall she is and how short I am! We filled a bag very quickly with me ducking and diving to miss the ones that fell as she was picking them. I think I need a hard hat next time I go! You could not see where we had taken them from as the tree is so full.
I got home and had lunch as I was very hungry. After lunch I took Totty out for her walk and, once again, didn't need a coat. So many lovely trees and flowers coming into bloom at the moment.
I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a few jobs around the house.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and some cake. Not sure but it maybe the fruit cake I am making that upsets Bertie. I think we might just try Victoria sponge from now on and see how we go.
We had our fish and chips tonight and they gave us three pieces of fish much to Totty's delight!!
After watching some TV it is now bedtime.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny but cooler 17 degrees
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Thursday already!
I had trouble getting motivated this morning and really didn't feel like doing anything and I had nothing planned. I eventually got going and had a very productive day.
I did my washing and whilst hanging it out to dry noticed a few weeds near the back steps so I set to and cleared a big area and cut back some dead stuff from some of the many succulents in this garden. I also cut back a lot of stuff from the back yard area and before I knew it was 12.00!!
I had been given a bag of oranges and some of them were going bad so I peeled and segmented them all so they are ready for breakfast along with all the grapefruit and the pineapple. I have enough fruit to keep me going for a week!
I made lunch and watched some Neighbours and then baked a cake - date and pineapple loaf. Jon can eat pineapple in cakes just not the fresh fruit.
I made a chicken casserole for dinner as I have Lions and need to be out early.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and then pretty soon after it was time for dinner. It was all done and washed up and I left the house at 6.45 to get to my meeting.
We had a good business meeting and it didn't drag on too much. I have been given a few jobs to do one of which is contacting the lady who runs the orphanages in China. She is going out there again in December and has a garage full of things that need sorting so a group of us will go along and give her a hand. I also need to find out about Calendar Girls which some of the ladies would like to go and see.
On my way home I went to the supermarket to save me having to go tomorrow and it was very quiet so bought my few things very quickly and went home.
WEATHER
Sunny and official 17 on our deck in the shade 20!
I did my washing and whilst hanging it out to dry noticed a few weeds near the back steps so I set to and cleared a big area and cut back some dead stuff from some of the many succulents in this garden. I also cut back a lot of stuff from the back yard area and before I knew it was 12.00!!
I had been given a bag of oranges and some of them were going bad so I peeled and segmented them all so they are ready for breakfast along with all the grapefruit and the pineapple. I have enough fruit to keep me going for a week!
I made lunch and watched some Neighbours and then baked a cake - date and pineapple loaf. Jon can eat pineapple in cakes just not the fresh fruit.
I made a chicken casserole for dinner as I have Lions and need to be out early.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and then pretty soon after it was time for dinner. It was all done and washed up and I left the house at 6.45 to get to my meeting.
We had a good business meeting and it didn't drag on too much. I have been given a few jobs to do one of which is contacting the lady who runs the orphanages in China. She is going out there again in December and has a garage full of things that need sorting so a group of us will go along and give her a hand. I also need to find out about Calendar Girls which some of the ladies would like to go and see.
On my way home I went to the supermarket to save me having to go tomorrow and it was very quiet so bought my few things very quickly and went home.
WEATHER
Sunny and official 17 on our deck in the shade 20!
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Wednsday
We had a phone call from Heather this morning and she had a long chat with Jon as I was in the shower. She is a very happy girl as she has had a very good pay increase.
I had a text from Bronwyn to see if I was free for a coffee and we arranged to meet in Tauranga. Bronwyn is the stage manager for a bi annual show, Tarnished Frocks and Divas, that is produced in aid of breast cancer and she is very busy at the moment so it was good to catch up with her.
TFD, as it is known, is on at the end of this month and this year is bigger than ever and being held in the new arena in Tauranga over five nights. It costs a lot to produce and is always well attended and tickets sell out. She was interviewed on TV on Monday morning live and so had rushed up to Auckland for that.
We enjoyed our coffee and catch up before she had to rush off to sort out more props for the show.
I had a walk around the shops and just happened to find two very nice tops in the sales in one of the shops!!
I then went to the shop where I bought the bulbs for my break light. Jon had tried to fit it over the weekend but needed a special screwdriver which we do not have. I asked them in the shop if they could do it for me and one of the guys came out to have a look. As it is a European car it has a different bulb to the one they had sold me. He suggested, as it is a fiddly job, that I go to a garage along from the shopping centre and get them to do it for me. I didn't have the receipt for the bulb but he said as it was their fault for selling me the wrong one he would give me my money back. All very good but my brake light still needs to be repaired. I will do it tomorrow when I have more time.
I went to the supermarket for a few things and bought a huge pineapple for $3 - I love fresh pineapple and as Jon is not allowed to eat it I can have it all!!
I got home and made some lunch and then went over to Bethlehem to the book rooms. Everything was good today and no niggles between the ladies. We had a good afternoon's work and got a lot done.
I got home just before 4.00 and took Totty out for her walk and it was lovely out walking in the sun.
Jon didn't get home till 5.30 today and as it was getting so late I had just made a cup of tea when he arrived - typical!
We had fish for dinner tonight cooked in lime and ginger and soy sauce and it was very good. I found a new vegetable in the supermarket today - sprouting sprouts! I have never seen them before and they look like sprouts with a purple edge to the leaves but they are not so tightly closed. I stir fried them with ginger, garlic and red pepper and they went very well with the fish. Only problem with the pepper it has given me terrible indigestion.
We watched the end of the Martin Clunes drama, The Town - very confusing programme and still not sure who did it!!
A peppermint tea seems to have sorted the indigestion out thank goodness.
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
I had a text from Bronwyn to see if I was free for a coffee and we arranged to meet in Tauranga. Bronwyn is the stage manager for a bi annual show, Tarnished Frocks and Divas, that is produced in aid of breast cancer and she is very busy at the moment so it was good to catch up with her.
TFD, as it is known, is on at the end of this month and this year is bigger than ever and being held in the new arena in Tauranga over five nights. It costs a lot to produce and is always well attended and tickets sell out. She was interviewed on TV on Monday morning live and so had rushed up to Auckland for that.
We enjoyed our coffee and catch up before she had to rush off to sort out more props for the show.
I had a walk around the shops and just happened to find two very nice tops in the sales in one of the shops!!
I then went to the shop where I bought the bulbs for my break light. Jon had tried to fit it over the weekend but needed a special screwdriver which we do not have. I asked them in the shop if they could do it for me and one of the guys came out to have a look. As it is a European car it has a different bulb to the one they had sold me. He suggested, as it is a fiddly job, that I go to a garage along from the shopping centre and get them to do it for me. I didn't have the receipt for the bulb but he said as it was their fault for selling me the wrong one he would give me my money back. All very good but my brake light still needs to be repaired. I will do it tomorrow when I have more time.
I went to the supermarket for a few things and bought a huge pineapple for $3 - I love fresh pineapple and as Jon is not allowed to eat it I can have it all!!
I got home and made some lunch and then went over to Bethlehem to the book rooms. Everything was good today and no niggles between the ladies. We had a good afternoon's work and got a lot done.
I got home just before 4.00 and took Totty out for her walk and it was lovely out walking in the sun.
Jon didn't get home till 5.30 today and as it was getting so late I had just made a cup of tea when he arrived - typical!
We had fish for dinner tonight cooked in lime and ginger and soy sauce and it was very good. I found a new vegetable in the supermarket today - sprouting sprouts! I have never seen them before and they look like sprouts with a purple edge to the leaves but they are not so tightly closed. I stir fried them with ginger, garlic and red pepper and they went very well with the fish. Only problem with the pepper it has given me terrible indigestion.
We watched the end of the Martin Clunes drama, The Town - very confusing programme and still not sure who did it!!
A peppermint tea seems to have sorted the indigestion out thank goodness.
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Monday and Tuesday
Tuesday
Another beautiful morning today.
We had a call from the stoma nurse, Helen, telling us that an appointment has been made for 23 August for Jon to see Mark again.
Jon left for work and I left for keep fit.
After the class we had a coffee and a chat and then I gave Agnes, she is 85 and still comes to class and keeps up with us, a lift home as she lives near me but usually gets the bus. She is a lovely lady and I would love to be as fit as her now let alone when I am 85. She used to run marathons and has many medals and recently spent six weeks in Oz with family!
I haven't rally done much else today. Aqua was cancelled as the pool is closed for maintenance. I texted Les to see if she wanted to go and walk round the Mount and she said yes but then didn't reply to my next text about the time so I left it
Nice easy dinner again tonight from the freezer.
Jon came home and had had a good day and things seem to be coming on with the plan and he is meeting lots of people for discussions.
We watched some TV and that was it, bedtime.
It has gone quite cold tonight but it could just be due to the big drop from the lovely sunny day we have had.
WEATHER
Sunny 19 degrees
Monday
I hate not typing my blog as I can never remember what I did. I should have done it on my iPad but too late thinking of that now!!
Jon left for the office and I did some housework and hung out the washing.
Jon rang me to say he had a call from Mark saying how sorry he was about the hernia and he feels he has let him down and offered us a different surgeon if we wanted but we don't and are happy to stay with him. We will see him later this month and he said he will operate again on Jon in a couple of months if we are still here and he will do keyhole. He said he would also get another surgeon in with him at the time of the operation. If we are not here they will get the notes ready for us to take to the UK. Jon seems to be more philosophical about it now.
I got ready for the keep fit class lunch and went to collect Margaret and Sharon and we drove into Tauranga. It was so was warm and sunny.
We went to a new café that opened a few months ago and there was a big group of us but very spread out so we could only talk to the people on our own table. The food was very good I had a calamari salad which was lovely. The service was good and generally everyone had a good time. As usual our group was last to leave and probably the noisiest table - again!!
On our way back to the car I popped into the jewellery shop and had my chain repaired.
I took Sharon and her mum home and then I went to the post office to collect Jon's Christmas present that I have bought him!! I know it is early but I won't get it later.
I went into the little shop next door to the post office for a loaf of bread and some bananas (3) and it cost me $7.90!! I should have gone to the supermarket!!
I got home and took Totty to the vets for her appointment. He cleaned her glands again and gave her an anti-inflammatory injection so hopefully that will stop the itching and twirling around on her bottom and waking me up three times a night!!
I got back and brought in my washing and made the bed up with the clean sheets.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and watched the news.
We had dinner later and watched the TV.
When I tried to type my blog the keyboard wasn't working and we thought it might be the batteries in it. We have a touch screen but it is very hard and slow to type using the screen which is why I left it.
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
Another beautiful morning today.
We had a call from the stoma nurse, Helen, telling us that an appointment has been made for 23 August for Jon to see Mark again.
Jon left for work and I left for keep fit.
After the class we had a coffee and a chat and then I gave Agnes, she is 85 and still comes to class and keeps up with us, a lift home as she lives near me but usually gets the bus. She is a lovely lady and I would love to be as fit as her now let alone when I am 85. She used to run marathons and has many medals and recently spent six weeks in Oz with family!
I haven't rally done much else today. Aqua was cancelled as the pool is closed for maintenance. I texted Les to see if she wanted to go and walk round the Mount and she said yes but then didn't reply to my next text about the time so I left it
Nice easy dinner again tonight from the freezer.
Jon came home and had had a good day and things seem to be coming on with the plan and he is meeting lots of people for discussions.
We watched some TV and that was it, bedtime.
It has gone quite cold tonight but it could just be due to the big drop from the lovely sunny day we have had.
WEATHER
Sunny 19 degrees
Monday
I hate not typing my blog as I can never remember what I did. I should have done it on my iPad but too late thinking of that now!!
Jon left for the office and I did some housework and hung out the washing.
Jon rang me to say he had a call from Mark saying how sorry he was about the hernia and he feels he has let him down and offered us a different surgeon if we wanted but we don't and are happy to stay with him. We will see him later this month and he said he will operate again on Jon in a couple of months if we are still here and he will do keyhole. He said he would also get another surgeon in with him at the time of the operation. If we are not here they will get the notes ready for us to take to the UK. Jon seems to be more philosophical about it now.
I got ready for the keep fit class lunch and went to collect Margaret and Sharon and we drove into Tauranga. It was so was warm and sunny.
We went to a new café that opened a few months ago and there was a big group of us but very spread out so we could only talk to the people on our own table. The food was very good I had a calamari salad which was lovely. The service was good and generally everyone had a good time. As usual our group was last to leave and probably the noisiest table - again!!
On our way back to the car I popped into the jewellery shop and had my chain repaired.
I took Sharon and her mum home and then I went to the post office to collect Jon's Christmas present that I have bought him!! I know it is early but I won't get it later.
I went into the little shop next door to the post office for a loaf of bread and some bananas (3) and it cost me $7.90!! I should have gone to the supermarket!!
I got home and took Totty to the vets for her appointment. He cleaned her glands again and gave her an anti-inflammatory injection so hopefully that will stop the itching and twirling around on her bottom and waking me up three times a night!!
I got back and brought in my washing and made the bed up with the clean sheets.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and watched the news.
We had dinner later and watched the TV.
When I tried to type my blog the keyboard wasn't working and we thought it might be the batteries in it. We have a touch screen but it is very hard and slow to type using the screen which is why I left it.
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
Monday, 5 August 2013
Monday
THE KEYBOARD BATTERY IS FLAT SO HAVIING TO TYPE USING MY FINGER ON THE SCREEN, TOO SLOW AND PAINFULL SO WIILL BLOG TOMORROW.
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
WEATHER
Sunny 18 degrees
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Saturday and Sunday
Sunday
Another lovely day today. I was so tired last night I didn't get to write my blog.
I had some stale bread to get rid of so we decided to go up to McLaren Falls Café and then feed the ducks. As we arrived at the entrance to the park it said café closed - again! No wonder they are not doing well this is the second time we have been up on a Sunday and it has been closed.
We turned round and went to out usual place in Bethlehem and sat in a very warm courtyard.
WE got back home and then took Totty out and it was really warm and we didn't need coats.
I then did some gardening as one of the plants on the fence is growing through to next door and causing a problem so I cut it all down and did some other bits around the garden. I won't let Jon do anything which is frustrating for him.
I made lunch and then as it was spotting with rain went out to tidy all the trimmings away. I have put them at the bottom of the garden under the trees and hopefully they will break down.
Jon went out to buy some new trousers as all of his don't fit around the waste due to the padding he needs to wear now and so he has no good trousers for work.
I spent the afternoon dying my hair, catching up with Neighbours and reading my book - a nice Sunday.
I cooked roast lamb for dinner tonight which was very yummy.
WEATHER
Very warm and sunny 20 degrees!!!
Saturday
The forecast was for a wet weekend but we woke to a lovely morning.
I did some housework and got some washing hung out and then we went into Tauranga and had a coffee before going to the library to return some of Jon's books.
I wanted to take my gold chain in for repair but the shop was closed. We walked back to the car along the Strand and it was a really lovely day and all the better for not being forecast.
We stopped by at the supermarket on the way back and after finishing the shopping we joined a checkout. I didn't take much notice of the woman in front but Jon did and kept thinking it looked like the woman who stabbed him in the back from the office. Due to no make up though he didn't recognise her. I am sure she knew who we were and she got out of the shop pretty fast!
We got home and had some lunch and then took Totty out for a walk and apart from that we didn't do much else.
I cooked a vegetable curry and a chicken korma for dinner which was very good but once again Bertie didn't think much of it!!
We heard a police car outside and I looked out of the window and it was chasing the man, who rides up and down the street without a helmet and makes skid marks on the road, down the road. The man on the bike did a quick turn and came back up and must have shot into his house which is about ten houses away from us (the top end of the street which is not particularly nice). The Police car had more trouble turning and eventually followed him up but couldn't find him and came back down and stopped outside our house before reversing back up the street. Not sure what happened after that but I am sure they know where he lives anyway as I assume someone must have finally reported him. All went quiet after that.
So much warmer in the house tonight thanks to the all-day sunshine.
WEATHER
Sunny 17 degrees
Friday, 2 August 2013
Friday
Another grey morning which means the house will be cold again today just as well I am going to the Red Cross.
The neighbour with the noisy van must have slept in this morning as we were up before he was!! I wish I had a noisy van! Lol
Jon left for work and I got ready and left for the shop. The children back at school makes such a difference with the amount of traffic on the road.
It was just Les and I again this morning and we put out a lot of bric-a-brac and some local stock but we three a lot of it away as it was only fit for dusters!!
I knew Jon's scan was 11.45 and so had my phone with me from then until I got a text which came through at 12.30 and it was not good news. He has another hernia! Just what we didn't want and he is totally fed up.
I rang him but he didn't say much and was going off to get some lunch. I feel so bad for him and I know it is easy for me to say it will be fine but it is not my body going through it.
I finished work and went home. There was a message on the answerphone from Gill, district nurse and she said she would call later to see how his appointment went yesterday.
I got an appointment through for my next gynae check for 13 August. We are certainly getting our monies worth from the health system here!
I had a quick bite to eat and took Totty out as it looked like it was going to rain.
Jon came home at 4.00 and is very fed up. Not much I, or anyone else, can do really. He can't have more surgery yet so he is going to have to come to terms and learn to cope with it until they can operate again. Unfortunately, it will mean re siting the stoma which is going to be major and I know he is not up to major surgery again just now. We could do with the sun shinning today as it always seems better when the sun is shinning.
I have read a lot about parastomal hernias on the internet and they are common and do have a high rate of recurrence but less than 10 days after surgery is not so common. I wonder if the repair put pressure on an already weak area which has caused it to pop out? We will find out when we see Mark again.
Maybe we should just pack up now and come home - who knows!
We had our fish and chips and then watched some TV.
As we have had no sun today the house feels very cold even though it was still 15 degrees outside. I have had four layers on and my fingerless gloves while I was watching TV - I miss central heating so much!
WEATHER
Grey and overcast with some rain 15 degrees
The neighbour with the noisy van must have slept in this morning as we were up before he was!! I wish I had a noisy van! Lol
Jon left for work and I got ready and left for the shop. The children back at school makes such a difference with the amount of traffic on the road.
It was just Les and I again this morning and we put out a lot of bric-a-brac and some local stock but we three a lot of it away as it was only fit for dusters!!
I knew Jon's scan was 11.45 and so had my phone with me from then until I got a text which came through at 12.30 and it was not good news. He has another hernia! Just what we didn't want and he is totally fed up.
I rang him but he didn't say much and was going off to get some lunch. I feel so bad for him and I know it is easy for me to say it will be fine but it is not my body going through it.
I finished work and went home. There was a message on the answerphone from Gill, district nurse and she said she would call later to see how his appointment went yesterday.
I got an appointment through for my next gynae check for 13 August. We are certainly getting our monies worth from the health system here!
I had a quick bite to eat and took Totty out as it looked like it was going to rain.
Jon came home at 4.00 and is very fed up. Not much I, or anyone else, can do really. He can't have more surgery yet so he is going to have to come to terms and learn to cope with it until they can operate again. Unfortunately, it will mean re siting the stoma which is going to be major and I know he is not up to major surgery again just now. We could do with the sun shinning today as it always seems better when the sun is shinning.
I have read a lot about parastomal hernias on the internet and they are common and do have a high rate of recurrence but less than 10 days after surgery is not so common. I wonder if the repair put pressure on an already weak area which has caused it to pop out? We will find out when we see Mark again.
Maybe we should just pack up now and come home - who knows!
We had our fish and chips and then watched some TV.
As we have had no sun today the house feels very cold even though it was still 15 degrees outside. I have had four layers on and my fingerless gloves while I was watching TV - I miss central heating so much!
WEATHER
Grey and overcast with some rain 15 degrees
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Thursday
After a lot of overnight rain we woke to a very grey day this morning with more rain forecast.
We had a call from Jane which was nice to catch up. I can guarantee that if I don't dry my hair as soon as I get out of the shower one of the girls will ring and it dries on its own and I have to wet it again! But it was nice to speak to Jane.
I then had to quickly get ready to get to the hospital to meet Jon for 10.20 and you can never find a parking space at that time but I was lucky and found one.
We were taken in pretty much straight away and the nurse said that Helen, stoma nurse, wanted to see us so she would call her down.
Mark examined Jon and agreed that he has a swelling which should not be there. The trouble is he is not sure if it is another hernia or a collection of fluid as the district nurse thought. He didn't want to put a needle in to drain it as it is too near the stoma and could leak and cause an infection.
He decided to send Jon for an ultrasound and it if is a collection they will put a drain in. If it is another hernia it creates more problems as another operation could not be performed until he has recovered from this one and it would probably mean moving the stoma to the other side which is major surgery again. So all in all not a good meeting.
An ultrasound could take a few weeks to come through so we decided to try for a private appointment and we said we would let Mark know how we got on so fingers crossed it is a collection. We will see Mark again in two weeks.
We saw Helen and she gave us some information on irrigation. I have watched a video on this and I really don't think Jon is ready for that yet.
We left the clinic and went for a coffee and Jon was really down at the thought of having another drain put in. He also is worried about this work he is doing as he needs to get out and visit some people which he won't be able to do with a bottle dragging behind him but if that is what he needs we will just have to overcome it one way or another.
I told him to follow me and we would go to the private radiology place as I knew where it was.
We asked if they could do the scan and when and after a chat with the manager she said yes and they just happened to have a cancellation for tomorrow. They say they won't put a drain in but they will aspirate it which will be better. At least this way we will know one way or the other if it is a hernia or not.
So a very eventful morning. If it is not one thing it is another!!
Jon went back to the office and I went into Tauranga as I needed to get some birthday cards and a few bits.
I got back home and had a quick lunch before going out for my doctor's appointment.
I saw a doctor who specialises in removing moles and things. He agreed with my doctor that it was not sinister and said they best thing would be to scrape it off and then cauterise it and I agreed. He said he had time to do it then if I wanted or I would have to come back and pay for another visit which would be silly so I said OK and at least I didn't have time to think about it.
He called in a nurse and they set everything up which took longer than the procedure! He froze the area first but I have to say the sound of scrapping skin is not nice and then when he cauterised it, it smelt like burnt hair but it didn't hurt. They put a dressing on which I can take off tomorrow and it feels fine and no pain at all. The 'scrapings' have been sent away for testing so hopefully all finished.
I left the surgery and went to buy a bulb for my brake light which Jon noticed this morning, while driving behind me, was not working.
I then bought a few things in the supermarket before going home.
I took Totty out as it looked like rain and we managed to do out walk and got back just as it started to pour.
I rang Helen to tell her we had an appointment and she will tell Mark. She told me if they put a drain in it will only be a small one and not the big long tube and bottle he had. Fingers crossed they can aspirate it all out without the need for a drain.
I found a recipe on the Waitrose site for pork hock cooked with soy sauce, ginger and star anise which takes three hours so I had to quickly get that in the oven.
I then did some housework and put some washing on which I will have to hang in the garage as the forecast is for a wet Friday.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and he didn't seem as down as he was when we left the hospital. I have everything crossed that it isn't a hernia when he has his scan tomorrow.
Dinner was good, well, Jon enjoyed it more than I did and I probably would make it again.
We watched some TV and that is another day over.
WEATHER
Overcast, some rain and wind 15 degrees
We had a call from Jane which was nice to catch up. I can guarantee that if I don't dry my hair as soon as I get out of the shower one of the girls will ring and it dries on its own and I have to wet it again! But it was nice to speak to Jane.
I then had to quickly get ready to get to the hospital to meet Jon for 10.20 and you can never find a parking space at that time but I was lucky and found one.
We were taken in pretty much straight away and the nurse said that Helen, stoma nurse, wanted to see us so she would call her down.
Mark examined Jon and agreed that he has a swelling which should not be there. The trouble is he is not sure if it is another hernia or a collection of fluid as the district nurse thought. He didn't want to put a needle in to drain it as it is too near the stoma and could leak and cause an infection.
He decided to send Jon for an ultrasound and it if is a collection they will put a drain in. If it is another hernia it creates more problems as another operation could not be performed until he has recovered from this one and it would probably mean moving the stoma to the other side which is major surgery again. So all in all not a good meeting.
An ultrasound could take a few weeks to come through so we decided to try for a private appointment and we said we would let Mark know how we got on so fingers crossed it is a collection. We will see Mark again in two weeks.
We saw Helen and she gave us some information on irrigation. I have watched a video on this and I really don't think Jon is ready for that yet.
We left the clinic and went for a coffee and Jon was really down at the thought of having another drain put in. He also is worried about this work he is doing as he needs to get out and visit some people which he won't be able to do with a bottle dragging behind him but if that is what he needs we will just have to overcome it one way or another.
I told him to follow me and we would go to the private radiology place as I knew where it was.
We asked if they could do the scan and when and after a chat with the manager she said yes and they just happened to have a cancellation for tomorrow. They say they won't put a drain in but they will aspirate it which will be better. At least this way we will know one way or the other if it is a hernia or not.
So a very eventful morning. If it is not one thing it is another!!
Jon went back to the office and I went into Tauranga as I needed to get some birthday cards and a few bits.
I got back home and had a quick lunch before going out for my doctor's appointment.
I saw a doctor who specialises in removing moles and things. He agreed with my doctor that it was not sinister and said they best thing would be to scrape it off and then cauterise it and I agreed. He said he had time to do it then if I wanted or I would have to come back and pay for another visit which would be silly so I said OK and at least I didn't have time to think about it.
He called in a nurse and they set everything up which took longer than the procedure! He froze the area first but I have to say the sound of scrapping skin is not nice and then when he cauterised it, it smelt like burnt hair but it didn't hurt. They put a dressing on which I can take off tomorrow and it feels fine and no pain at all. The 'scrapings' have been sent away for testing so hopefully all finished.
I left the surgery and went to buy a bulb for my brake light which Jon noticed this morning, while driving behind me, was not working.
I then bought a few things in the supermarket before going home.
I took Totty out as it looked like rain and we managed to do out walk and got back just as it started to pour.
I rang Helen to tell her we had an appointment and she will tell Mark. She told me if they put a drain in it will only be a small one and not the big long tube and bottle he had. Fingers crossed they can aspirate it all out without the need for a drain.
I found a recipe on the Waitrose site for pork hock cooked with soy sauce, ginger and star anise which takes three hours so I had to quickly get that in the oven.
I then did some housework and put some washing on which I will have to hang in the garage as the forecast is for a wet Friday.
Jon came home and we had a cup of tea and he didn't seem as down as he was when we left the hospital. I have everything crossed that it isn't a hernia when he has his scan tomorrow.
Dinner was good, well, Jon enjoyed it more than I did and I probably would make it again.
We watched some TV and that is another day over.
WEATHER
Overcast, some rain and wind 15 degrees
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