Thursday

I love my robot cleaner, I set it to work this morning and it cleaned all of downstairs while I was getting ready to go to the hairdressers!

I had my eyebrows shaped and dyed first and then I had my hair done. I have been leaving it a bit longer and it is starting to look better and I am able to manage it better. Booked my next appointment which will be for Christmas!!

I had a nice pot of coffee at the hairdressers so didn't need to have one out today which was just as well as by the time I had bought a card and posted it I had to hurry to get home for the appliance repair man to sort out the dryer.

I have been on and off the computer all day looking at things to do in Japan and I think I know what I am doing now!!! Fingers crossed I am right!

I had some lunch and finished just as the repair man arrived. It didn't take him long to diagnose that the machine needs a new motor so glad I called them when I did. He will order it and call me when he has it but I think it will be after our trip to Japan.

Margaret walked over here for a cup of tea. In fact, she was blown most of the way!

We sat and chatted and the afternoon passed and she left to walk home. I did offer her a lift but she was happy to walk.

Back to the computer to print off some maps and things and the ink ran out. I called Jon to buy some on the way home and then we had a power cut so I gave up and will do it later or tomorrow.

I cooked dinner and the first group of Trick or Treat arrived while we were eating. Nice little boys who really liked what I had to offer, said thank you and called it the 'good stuff'!

We only got one other group of three little ones and their mum so now I have a lot of chocolate!! I might just go and visit the neighbour tomorrow, she seems to have lots of children but we have never met but I am sure the children won't refuse the chocolate.


WEATHER
Sunny but windy in the afternoon 21 degrees

Wednesday

I was up and baking biscuits at 8.00 this morning as my friend Bronwyn was coming over for coffee and I also wanted to get some baking done to take to the book room. I chose two easy recipes, peanut butter and chocolate chip and brownie biscuits which are lovely and gooey.

I was having a Facebook chat with Heather while I was baking. The parcel I sent still hasn't arrived and I rang the post office as they usually only take 4-5 days. They think it may be held up at customs so she will need to call the customs office to find out. Typical when she wants it before she leaves for Japan!

Bronwyn came just after ten and we sat and talked for two hours which was nice and she was very good and only had one biscuit - she started with just a half but couldn't resist!! No willpower, just like me!!

When she left I had a quick lunch and then went to the book rooms. All the magazines have been moved into the empty shop next-door to where we have the books as they were running out of space. It is a bit of a dusty room but at least there is more space to spread out and I can sort the magazines out properly.

The afternoon passed quickly and we stopped for a cuppa and a chat before getting back to it. I was working with one of our new Lions, Jane, and she is from London and we get along very well.

They all went home at 4.00 and I popped in to one of my favourite shops to see if they had any jeans and they did, two nice fitting pairs and both in the sale along with a lovely grey jacket!!!

I then went to buy some bread and some lollies for trick or treat tomorrow night before going home to feed Totty but my feet were too sore to take her for a walk. I think it must be the concrete floor in the book rooms that does it.

I put some Chinese spare ribs in the oven to bake for dinner and made some kumara chips.

Jon's Pilates teacher rang to say she can't do his class tomorrow so I made his sandwich ready to take in the morning. This also means he will need dinner so I will have a bit of juggling to do so that I only eat what I should!!

I had a message from Heather to say a card for the parcel had arrived and she has to pay more than nice pounds to collect it so I think I might have forgotten to tick the 'gift' box and they think it is new clothes bought online oops!! Hopefully, she can tell them and they will take the charge off - Is that a flying pig I see???

WEATHER
Sunny and a cool morning but warmer later 23 degrees

Tuesday

Off to a very warm keep fit class this morning and I then stayed for a coffee and a chat. Some of the ladies were talking about the terrible meal we had last week but the class teacher didn't think it was bad or if she did she didn't say!

I popped into the supermarket to get a few things and then went home and walked Totty who was very hot and very slow!!

I then got suck into the housework that I missed doing on Monday :-(

After lunch I carried on with the housework before getting ready to go to my aqua class which was just lovely now that the sun shines on the pool for all of the class.

I went straight home as I was very hungry due to trying the 5:2 diet which is two days eating only 600 calories and five days eating normal. I have chosen to do it Tuesday and Thursday as Jon has his class on those days so doesn't have dinner and I thought that would be easier. I think it might be a mistake as I have two classes on Tuesdays and I was so hungry.

I made a cup of tea when I got in and that helped until I made my dinner chicken and veg stir fry. At least it is only one day at a time so should be easy to keep to. I just cannot lose this last few pounds that I put on last Christmas and have not been able to get rid of!

I sat and read my new Annabel Langbein book which is a lovely recipe book and all summer meals with lovely pictures.

When Jon came home we were trying to plan our trip to Japan. The sirport is a long way out of the city and it appears very complicate trying to decide on one of the 'four' train journeys available!! The bus takes two hours and a private car just as long nearly and $200. For a modern country they are a little behind with the airport link I think.

WEATHER
Warm and sunny 22 degrees

Monday

We woke to lovely clear skies this morning, Jon was up early to watch the F1 but I couldn't hear it :-)

I had my shower and got dressed but once downstairs it felt cold and as we planned to walk around the Mount I decided to change into my jeans and long sleeved top.

I had breakfast and Heather called but as she was at Jane's for dinner she didn't speak long but we sorted a few things out about Japan.

We decided it was too windy to walk around the Mount so just went to one of our favourite cafes for a coffee. I bumped into one of my friends there and met her husband  and her sister and brother in law and they all said 'Oh, this is Norma from Facebook'! It is like we already knew each other and was so funny. I left them to have their brunch and Jon and I sat and had a lovely coffee and shared a date scone. It was so hot sitting in the little courtyard and I wished I hadn't changed into my jeans!! You can never tell with NZ weather.

We came home and took Tot out and I then did some washing as it was so windy and I would get it dry with no problem. Jon did a few bits around the garden.

I dyed my hair as I have an appointment at the hairdresser's this week and then we had lunch.

I bathed Totty after lunch and she is all ready to get smelly in kennels the week after next!

I spent the afternoon reading my book.

Last week the tumble dryer broke and I was talking to Sharon about it on Friday and mentioned it was just coming up to two years old and so she said it should still be under guarantee. I found the receipt and it runs out on 3 November - phew! I phoned them on Saturday and the lady arranged for someone to come out next Thursday. While on the phone she asked me had I checked the plug and was the power on and I told her I had - that was a little white lie.

When I got off the phone I did go and check the plug and as it is in an extension lead I plugged it into the socket and it worked!!!! Oooops! Anyway, I will still get them to come and have a look at it as it has been making a terrible clanking sound for ages now so there is something wrong and as it is still in guarantee it needs to be right when I want to sell it.

We had some lovely fishcakes f0r dinner tonight, I bought them at the deli on Saturday and I fried some asparagus, courgettes and cherry tomatoes to go with them - yummy! I love the asparagus season!

We watched some TV and I had an email from Heather telling me she was at work safe and sound but she said she thought the worst had not passed yet.

WEATHER
Sunny and warm but windy 23 degrees

Sunday

I forgot to take the bacon out of the freezer last night so we just had poached eggs on toast this morning for breakfast.

We thought we would go and have a walk around the Mount to see the new penguin sculpture but when we got down there is was so busy and we couldn't park so we went into the town instead and will see the penguins another day.

After our disastrous coffee yesterday we decided to play safe and go to Café 88, they have good coffee and cakes and muffins to die for. Unfortunately, holiday weekend, everyone else thought he same and we could hardly get in the door and no tables to be found.

We then went to try out a new café which was never very good but is now called Molly's Tea Rooms and has had a makeover. I had a cup of tea there the other day with Margaret but coffee is a different matter!! It is next-door to Chalet Suisse where we were yesterday and they share the same seating area on the cruise deck.

The cabinet food did not look particularly good and the muffins not really appealing but we thought we would give it a try - big mistake! The lemon muffin came first and was awful and had obviously past its best by date so we left that and after about 20 minutes the coffee came. We told the waitress that the muffin was not good and she took it away and brought us a little dish of marshmallows. The coffee was not bad but only lukewarm so we drank it and left and didn't bother with the marshmallows.

We wished we had gone back to the Chalet Suisse as they didn't seem in such a panic today. Molly is going to have to up her game if she wants to make a success of this café there are too many options around. They say they serve high tea but I didn't see anything in the cabinet that appealed to me for high tea so not sure what they serve.

We had a walk around the farmers market and bought some very nice 'new potatoes' you don't see them often here in NZ. Jon also bought a pasty for his lunch.

I found a nice bag I liked for summer which is blue and white with pink stripy lining so Jon told me to buy it - I don't need telling twice!!

We passed by one of the cafes that had been very busy earlier so we stopped for a proper coffee.

On our way home we went to one of the DIY superstores to have a look at a bbq. Jon wants us to change ours to have a good one to take home with us to UK as there is far more choice here in gas bbqs and they are cheaper. We also looked at some new deck furniture that would also come back with us.

We finally went home and had lunch.

I spent the afternoon trying to sort out the memory card from my phone and upload some photos. When I got my new camera I put a memory card in and deleted all the photos from it as they were on the computer and it said it was clear. However, when I put it in the computer to upload the new photos I took all the old ones are still on the card but when it is in the camera it says it is empty!! If anyone knows why this should be or how I sort it I would appreciate the help!

I cooked a chicken with a whole head of garlic and white wine for dinner and we had some of the new potatoes yum!

We watched some TV which is now enjoyable since Jon got his headphones working I am not blasted out of the room.

Looking at the news and reading about the storm coming into UK is a bit of a worry and I hope everyone will be OK.


WEATHER
Sunny with cloudy spells and a few showers 22 degrees

Saturday

It was lovely this morning not to have to get up and have a little lie in not that it went much past 7.30 but the lack of pressure made it special.

I decided to give my sister a quick call while my egg was boiling for breakfast! I had a very hard boiled egg this morning but the chat was nice!

After breakfast I hung out the washing and did a few jobs around the house.

We drove down to the Mount where they had the second classic car show. The main street was full of cars on display as was the field. Lovely cars and so well kept. We went for a coffee to one of our usual places but we were very disappointed as the coffee came first and was only luke warm and eventually the Danish pastry which was so hot the jam burnt my arm when Jon dropped some.

We went to our favourite deli on the way home and had some lovely samples and bought some clotted cream and fresh ali aoli.

Back home we ha lunch.

I went to upload some photos and email them to the Lions lady who puts them on FB. It all took much longer as some did not upload and when I put the memory card in the computer again it only showed photos that I had deleted from the card and not the new ones! All very mysterious!

As this all took so long by the time I got out to sit in the sun it was cloudy and a bit windy!

We had a bbq for dinner and ate outside but had to come indoors for cheese and pudding.

Jon and I were talking about coming home to UK and he totally blew me away by telling me he would stay here forever!!!! I thought we were on the same page but obviously not. He says he will go along with what I want and we will return to UK but I am not really sure that is the right attitude. I think we need to talk some more!


WEATHER
Warm and sunny 23 degrees

Friday

Another nice morning and I felt wide awake this morning so was up and ready with plenty of time to spare before going to the shop.

Les wasn't in this morning but the dreaded Jessica was. I really ought to try harder with that girl but she doesn't make it easy!

Sharon and I kept ourselves busy for the morning but it was very quiet till about 11.30 and then it went mad - I think everyone must have had a lie in as it is the start of a long weekend!

Les came in at about 11.30, she had been in to her other job for a few hours.

I left just after one and went to the supermarket to do some shopping and got home about 2.30 very hungry so had my lunch.

My feet were killing me and my bunion so sore. This is due to wearing shoes now instead of my lovely comfy boots!

I managed to hang out my washing and it was pretty much dry before the first shower and I caught up with Neighbours - I still don't like the new girl, she is very odd and pulls some strange faces.

Jon came home and we watched the news before he went out for our fish and chips which once again, were not very good as the fish was overcooked.

We watched some TV and now it is bed time and I hope my feet feel better tomorrow!


WEATHER
Cloudy with some sunshine 23 degrees, evening showers

Thursday

I was up early this morning as I needed to be at the doctor's surgery for 8.00 to have my cholesterol blood test and no breakfast!

I had to wait over half an hour as there were lots of people having their blood tests done.

I didn't have time to go home again and have some breakfast before I went to the Red Cross so I went to a café and had scrambled eggs and toast. There was far too much for me to eat though.

I got to the Red Cross offices and there were lots of ladies already there and bagging roses into cellophane sleeves. I went to a table where Patsy, one of the Lions ladies was already working and we passed a very nice morning with four other ladies. It never ceases to amaze me how easily women can all get together, never having met before, and chat like old friends.

The Red Cross served a lovely morning tea with mini savoury pies, lovely mini sandwiches, chocolate cake, lemon cake and walnut cake and tea, coffee or juice. I only had a small piece of cake and a cup of tea. We were also given an invitation to a Christmas even with morning tea and lunch in November.

One of my neighbours was there from Maungatapu so we had a little catch up and it was lovely to see her.

We had finished by 11.30 so I drove home to let the dog out before going out again to pick Margaret up to go to the cinema. We went to see About Time and it was a really good film with lots of English humour and had Margaret and I in fits of giggles but it was also sad so I had a cry - a perfect film.

We went straight home and I had a cup of tea and some fruit as I missed lunch!!! I am glad I don't have many weeks like this with so much food!!

I took Totty out for her walk and managed to get her all the way again!!

Jon came home just after six as he had been for a haircut so all he had time to do was change and then go out to his class.

I had dinner while he was out and I made him a sandwich when he came back. He is really enjoying the classes but just when he thinks he is going well she ups the weights and he realises he is not so fit still.

We watched some TV and then I went upstairs to the office to phone Rene who is 90 today. She loved the present I sent her, a newspaper of her birthdate, and said it was very interesting and would give her lots to read through the winter. She had some neighbours in and told me they were all impressed with her present. Of course, she had to have a little cry so I didn't keep talking as I didn't ant her crying on her birthday. She is upset that I am not home to go to her birthday lunch on Saturday.

Off to bed now and look forward to work at the shop tomorrow and then we have a long weekend but we have nothing planned.


WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Wednesday

I was so cold this morning and it was raining and miserable. I had put my washing on but I couldn't hang it out so put it on the maiden and the towels in the dryer. When I went into the garage a little later the dryer had stopped and I tried to turn on the clock again but it wouldn't work. I think the horrible noise it has been making for months has decided it will do more than make the noise so I will have to get someone in. Just as well we are coming into summer and most days I can get the washing outside.

Jon went for his hearing test on Monday and to have a chat with the people we met at the home show about hearing aids. They tried them on him but he didn't like the feel of something in his ear but nor does he like the ones that go behind your ears!!! We had seen some headphones at the show that he can wear to watch TV and he can turn them up or down and it does not affect the sound for me. He wanted to buy some but they were out of stock. The lady had called and left a message to say they now had them so I went up to buy them for him. It will be so nice not to have the TV up really loud. They have to charge for 16 hours so that luxury will have to wait till tomorrow night!

Our local post office has closed down so I had to go up to Greerton to post some cards and so I just popped in for a small coffee while I was there!!

I had lunch when I got back and the weather had cleared up and was looking sunny so I hung out my washing.

I had lunch, not much as I was going out for afternoon tea - the one we went to last week by mistake!!

I arrived at the Lyceum Club rooms and waited for the two Patsy's to arrive and we went in together. The room was very full of members as it was their 50 anniversary which was why they had the tea. Our Lions group was invited as we gave them a donation to have a new damp course put under the floor and they were grateful to us. We did it for partly selfish reasons really, every time we have a meeting there the smell is very musty and damp! It is so much better now.

They started with a 15 minute spot of a mad, who makes violins, playing one of his fiddles and he was very good and played lots of ballads and some well know music. We then stopped for a really lovely tea, with sandwiches, savoury pastries, and a beautiful collection of cakes all made by members and a really lovely fruit cake for the birthday cake. I must say I have had a lot of food this week!!

The man on the fiddle played again and then they had a raffle and a few thank yous and that was it, a really pleasant afternoon.

I got the card for the man on the fiddle as I think he might be an interesting speaker for one of our meetings. He talks about making the violins and includes a bit of music, too and I think the ladies would enjoy it.

I came home and took Totty out for her walk and as it was later than I usually go I met a lot of people and had a long chat with a lady in a house down at the bottom of the street. She told me she did not like the new house as it was far too modern and all she can see is the side wall and their drain pipes!! Jon and I think it is a lovely house and would love to live in a house like that!! Totty enjoyed being out for so long which makes a change.

I got back and Jon came home and we watched the news and then had dinner which was another of the freezer meals I have been storing up for my trip to UK which never happened!!

We watched some TV and Totty was lying in her bed and must have been dreaming about her long walk and all the new dogs she met as she was jumping and twitching in her sleep!!

WEATHER
Cold start then sunny and 24 degrees

Tuesday

I could have happily stayed in bed this morning as I was lovely and cosy and needed more sleep.

I didn't shower as I had to go to keep fit and then come back and get ready for the lunch so I just had breakfast.

I left for my class a little late as I had a call from one of the Lions ladies about books - what else!!

The class was good and it was really warm. Diane told us we needed to be careful about what we wear on our feet as a lady fell yesterday, she is 84, and they had to call an ambulance and she has a small fracture in her pelvic area which with the bang she took, so I am told, and at her age is not bad!

We all left after the class to go and get ready for the 10th Anniversary of our group.

I got ready in super quick time and went to pick Margaret up and we went down to Pilot Bay where the restaurant is.

There were 115 people there and I sat on a table with some of the people I was in the Golden Olympics with and we had a really good time. Unfortunately, the food, which is usually very good there, was not very good at all but I think I was one of only a few who thought so, so I kept my mouth shut and didn't say anything.

I got back home about 3.30 and felt really tired so had a cup of tea and a sit down in preparation for the Lions dinner meeting tonight!

I left to go and meet the other ladies and we drove over to Te Puke in Patricia's car. We all had to wear a hat and when we got there it was explained why. It was a race day and it was the Melbourne Cup. All the tables had floral decoration on them with a horse figure in the middle and it looked very nice.

All in all we were 47 ladies all with hats and it was a great night. They had set the tables so that we were all spaced out and as I was on the end of the table I had the company of two very nice ladies.

The dinner was lovely, a beautiful baked ham with lovely salads to go with it. They had passed spring rolls and samosas round while we were all chatting and they had put mini chocolate bars on the tables to have with out tea/coffee along with some lovely little tarts. AND they had fruit and herb tea which is nice as I can't do anything with caffeine in at night. It was $7.50 less than we paid for lunch but worth twice the price.

I got home about 9.30 and feel ready to drop and I am looking forward to my bed tonight.

WEATHER
Sunny spells and windy 19 degrees

Monday

I spent the whole day doing my housework today and sending some emails - how boring is that?

I had a phone call from Jane to tell me that a friend had died, very sad as she was the same age as me and her daughter was Heather's best friend.

The booking for Totty is confirmed for when we go to Japan so everything is booked now. I booked Totty in for her kennel cough vaccination. She is not due till December but there is an outbreak of kennel cough so she is as well to have it early.

I don't know where the time went really. I finished wrapping all the stocking fillers ready to take to Japan so I am going to be organised very early for Christmas this year.

I had lunch and carried on with the housework and once finished I painted my nails ready for our lunch tomorrow. I had to do it early so that the smell would be gone when Jon got home.

We just had the leftover lamb with a salad and garlic pita bread for dinner so all very easy.

We caught up with two episodes of Coronation Street and then it was bedtime.


WEATHER
Sunny 21 degrees

Sunday

Lovely sunny day today and a cooked breakfast!

We took Totty out for her walk and she managed to get all the way around.

We went out to the local garden centre for coffee. The café part has new management so hopefully the muffins will be better in future but if this mornings is anything to go by I don't think so!!! However, the coffee was very good.

After coffee we bought some tomato and courgette plants and a couple of plants to go into the pots that we have.

Jon got stuck in and planted all the plants. Not sure what the gardener will think of the courgette plants in the borders!!

We had lunch and then I went out and had a sunbathe on the deck and listed to an audiobook and it was very hot so I had to come into the shade.

We had a nice bbq for dinner but the temperature dropped quite dramatically and so we came indoors for pudding.

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Saturday

I woke this morning at 8.00 to what sounded like an alarm going off on my iPad and when I checked it was Facetime but I didn't recognise the number and it had stopped ringing by the time I realised what it was.

I went downstairs and was just drinking my lemon and hot water and it rang again and it was Jane calling to show me the fountain display in Salou! We had a bit of a chat and it was nice to see her looking very happy and having a good time and sun tanned! The connection was not that good but it is amazing what you can do with phones these days.

We had breakfast and showered and then Kirsty called and we had a long chat to her and she told us they are going to Egypt for a week in November and Heather going to Japan what a lot of globetrotters we are!!

I had a reply from the gardener to my email telling him he was asking far too much for the work I asked him to do and so he has come back with another price which is nearly half!! He said he quoted for six foot panels and the new quote is for lower ones. I know he is Irish but why would anyone want a six foot high panel fence in the front garden?? We only want it three foot and he has now quoted for four so I need to ask him to put smaller ones in. Silly me I thought he would know what size!!

We went out to the Home Show and had a coffee when we got there. It was much better set out than the food show we went to and there were not so many people. We had a chat to some people who provide hearing aids and Jon has made an appointment to see them on Monday. They showed us some really good headphones that he could use to watch TV and he can put the sound up or down as he pleases and it will not change the sound for me which would be really good as I hate having the TV on so loud. We need to check if they will work on our TV.

We didn't buy anything at the show and once we had looked around we left and went to an electrical shop to buy a new camera for me as mine is not doing very well at the moment and not sure if it is me or the camera.  We bought a very nice one and I will now have to sit and read the instructions.

We then went to Nosh food deli to buy some ham for lunch and some clotted cream. We got the ham and some chorizo but they had no clotted cream!!! Spoilt my weekend they have. They will get it in again so the manager told me.

We came home and had a nice lunch a 'platter' as Heather calls it. Lots of different things and some bread, a bit like mini tapas.

I had not done my supermarket shop this week so I went off to do that and emptied Agnes' mail box and left her key in it as she is back today. I bought a nice piece of butterfly lamb to cook on the BBQ tomorrow - our first of the summer!

I got back and then went and sat on the deck and read my book in the sun and had a cup of tea.

Jon booked the hotel for Japan and so we are all sorted now. Just need to keep an eye on the weather there so that I know what to take clothes wise.

I cooked dinner later and at 7.00 it was still 20 degrees according to the TV weather but much warmer on the deck.

Had some nice lemon and garlic chicken for dinner followed by a lovely ripe Camembert and then some yummy NZ strawberries. I was not up to a glass of wine tonight as I had too much Baileys last night and have not felt the best today - that will teach me.

Off to bed for an early night and hopefully I will feel better tomorrow!!


WEATHER
Sunny and warm 22 degrees

Friday

We woke to a clear and sunny morning  and NO wind yeah!!!

Heather called and chatted to Jon while I was having a shower, all about Japan, we are all so excited! Once I came downstairs I chatted to Heather and Jon went to the shower, there is so much to talk about but I am sure we will be all sorted by the time we arrive in Japan on 6 November!

Jon left for work and I went to the Red Cross. We had a quiet morning  with not much happening. Les called in to say she had to go in to the care home she is working at so it was just Sharon and I and the dreaded Jessica!!! I cannot even begin to explain about Jessica and it gets me so mad as he is just off this planet so best I say nothing more!!

For the first time in months I left the shop with no purchase!!

I went straight home and had lunch and then did my ironing till Jon cam home.

He went up to the office and booked our tickets for Japan, I am so excited now. I, and so did Heather, knew that Jon would not want to fly economy as he likes to have access to a loo for Berite, so was not surprised that when he came down from the office and told me he had booked Premium Economy. Fortunately, Qantas share with Emirates who don't have Premium Economy so we will fly the NZ - Oz bit Busines and I am not complaining!!! So, we just need to sort out the hotel now and we need to be careful as the rooms are very small in Japanese hotels.

We had good fish and chips tonight and much better than last week.

I am really enjoying the X Factor USA at the moment it is very entertaining.

Home show this weekend so a few things to do.

WEATHER
Sunny and warm 21 degrees

Thursday

I had to wait in this morning for the lady to come and do the house inspection so I took the opportunity of answering some overdue email and ordering some things online for birthday people in the UK. I did some washing and got it out on the line and generally did a bit of tidying to make sure all was well for the inspection. My Avon lady called round with my order and all of this before 11.00!!

The gardener came and I went out to have a chat to her and she told me her husband will come in when he is back from Melbourne to prune the olive tree and cut down one of the cabbage trees that is starting to block our view from the deck. I think the olive tree is going to look pretty bad as it is out of hand but it has to be done.

The agent came to inspect the house and was a lot more through than the previous one although it could be she just wanted to see the house as she is new. She was very happy with it and said she will send a good report to the owner but then I would not have expected less as we look after the house as if it was our own.

I rang Margaret and we went out for a cup of tea down to the Mount as it was too late to go to the cinema. Margaret has made me a bottle of Baileys Irish cream and it is really very good. Unfortunately, it does not last for more than two weeks so I will 'need' to drink it!!!

Jon came home and got ready to go out to his class and we had a chat about booking a hotel in Japan. You need to be very careful what you book as a lot of the hotels have VERY small rooms or they have sleep capsules and I could not sleep in one of those! I think we are going to have to pay more than we wanted to get a decent place.

I had my dinner while Jon was at his class and then I made him a wrap when he got back.

We watched a bit of TV and then I read my book.

WEATHER
Sunny and warm but still a little windy 20 degrees

Wednesday

I have had a very busy day today. It started with a phone call from Heather and then I had to rush off to meet Jon at the hospital for his pre op assessment.

The assessment went well but the nurse did comment that his blood pressure was really high which is very unusual for him as he tends to be on the low side. We put it down to a stressful morning that he had had at the office.

We discussed the date of the surgery with the nurse and it was decided to go ahead and book our trip to Japan to meet up with Heather and the surgery will be mid November so hopefully he will be well for out trip at Christmas!!

We then had to wait for the doctor to check him over and that took a long time. While we were waiting Wendy, who worked with him at Genera, came in and said hello as she walked past but we ignored her. A very two faced woman who was all over me and crying when Jon was diagnosed but was one of the first to stick the knife in. I have no time for people like her and they are best ignored.

Once seen by the doctor who looked like a schoolgirl and was a size 6!!!! we were free to go so we went and had a coffee. We met another Genera worker in reception but this time a nice guy and we had a chat to him before eventually going in for our coffee.

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

I left to meet up with some of the Lions ladies for afternoon tea at the place we hold our meetings as it was their tenth anniversary. However, once inside there was only a group of women playing cards and no afternoon tea. Patsy had got the date wrong!! The three of us who did make it went to have tea in a local café. I can feel a fine coming on for Patsy. We did have a nice afternoon and it was good for one of the ladies who is recovering from surgery and this was her first time out and she felt much better after it.

I then went to see if I could find the jeans that Heather had asked me to buy and fortunately I managed to find one pair. I parcelled them up with the other tops I have bought and went and paid a fortune to post them!!

I got home and fed Totty and then got ready for the HOT (House of Travel) Pink walk. The forecast was for fine weather but it was looking very grey and it was very windy.

I met up with the other ladies - only two turned up, most put off by the weather I think - and we went down to the start. I felt it lacked in atmosphere this year and it didn't look nearly so busy. The route was different to try and keep us away from the main road I think. We managed to finish in half an hour which was pretty good but there was no glass of wine half way this year and no gift at the end - we have had a chocolate bar and a candle in the past - times must be hard. It all fell a bit flat really and we all just went home. Jon was surprised I was back so early and he was just about to eat his dinner. It started to pour with rain about five minutes after I got back so we were very lucky to only have a light shower on the walk.

I had some toast and we watched some TV and I read my book.

I feel really tired now so off to bed to read. House inspection tomorrow so need to be ready for her.

WEATHER
Sunny spells with showers and wind 19 degrees

Tuesday

Such a horrible morning today, grey, windy and wet. Makes me realise how few days we get like this here in NZ.

I went out to my keep fit class which was good. One of the ladies walks to class and leaves her two little dogs tied in the garden outside. They are so sweet and as long as they can see her they sit quietly. Unfortunately, it started to rain towards the end of the class and they both looked like drowned rats even though they could have sheltered under the table or benches. She said they are used to being outside so it was not a problem but they did look sorry for themselves and were so happy when she went out to them.

I stayed for a coffee and then drove into town to register for the Breast Cancer Walk. I then went and bought a lot of 'pink' stuff to wear including a hat, feather boa, pink fluffy bag, bracelet, earrings and bright pink nail polish. Watch this space for a photo!!

I drove to Bayfair to buy a jacket for Heather and to find a 90th birthday card for Rene, it has been really hard finding one I liked. Finally I was finished and got back at nearly 1.00 in time for lunch.

I watched some Neighbours and decided not to go to my aqua class as it was blowing a gale and I just didn't fancy it.

Jon came home early and we had a cup of tea before he went out to his class.

We had a late dinner when he got back aand then watched some TV.


WEATHER
Wild, wet and windy 18 degrees

Monday

I left to go for my optician's appointment just before 9.00. I dropped my car off at the dry car wash in the car park. After it was valeted a few weeks ago it got dirty when I drove past some road works and it has something like cement on it.

I went in for my appointment and the optician seems to think I have some blocked glands on my eyelids which are now not producing enough liquid to keep my eyes moist which is why my left eye feels like it has something in it.

He has told me to treat it with heat and some massage and some eye drops.

I went to the supermarket for a few things and went in to the health shop and bought a wheat bag to use to heat my eye.

I then had a coffee and while sitting down I spotted a top which I thought Heather would like so I bought it for her for her trip to Japan.

I then went to collect my car which they had cleaned very well and done the inside and the windows inside as 'they were quiet'. I will have to be more careful where I drive now.

On my way home I passed by to collect the junk mail from Agnes' house.

Back home I got stuck into the housework as we have an inspection on Thursday. I couldn't hang the washing out as we had a few showers so had to hang it all on the maiden and opened the window.

I managed to clean the house from top to bottom by 2.00 when I stopped for lunch. I even cleaned the walk in wardrobe and sorted out some clothes for the Red Cross.

After lunch I cleaned the bathrooms and that was me finished.

I spent a long time trying to down/upload books from my iPad to the computer to put on my iPod as the plugin for the headphones is not working on my iPad so I need to get it fixed before the guarantee runs out so I will be able to use my iPod while it is being repaired. Not so easy I spent ages but can't sort it.

Jon came home and we had dinner. I cooked spaghetti with chilli, broccoli and cheese but Jon said it was too hot for him. I don't know what has happened to him he used to like hot food! I think it is more he is nervous as to what Bertie will make of it.

We watched some TV and then Jon tried to sort out my iPad but he couldn't either. I think I will have to get Heather onto it when she has time and meanwhile I will have to make do with my iPod.

My eye doesn't feel any better after two sessions with the wheat bag.

WEATHER
Windy with sunny spells 19 degrees

Sunday

I am getting really fed up with this wind now. The direction it is blowing from and the fact that we are on top of a hill, means it hits our bedroom walls and as we are dual aspect and it also hits the bathroom wall it all makes for very noisy nights at the moment. I am also worried after the tornado so it keeps waking me up through the night.

I cooked breakfast this morning which was our weekly treat.

We went down to the Mount later for a coffee and a walk around. The first cruise ship was in today but on the schedule it was supposed to have been yesterday so not sure what happened. We got stopped in the street by two Australians asking where the liquor store was!! I told him where it was and he asked if it was a good store for prices. Unfortunately, as we only drink wine or beer, we didn't know. The only hard liquor we have is gin or rum and we are still drinking duty free stuff. Makes me smile that they pay for a cruise and then stock up on drinks in the ports!!!

We popped into a second-hand book shop which also sells lots of photo prints and on the wall was a notice advertising photo courses. Jon bought a new camera some months back with a view to learning about taking photos but has never done anything about it so I told him to enquire.

We had a chat with the man in the shop and he is going to email Jon with details. I might even do it myself. The go around taking photos at various places around and about and is all light hearted and friendly.

We then went to the cinema to watch Gravity which I had read was very good!!! Hmmmm!!! It was entertaining but I don't think it will win an Oscar and George Cluny was not in it enough for my liking and when he did appear he looked like Buzz Lightyear and I thought he was going to say 'to infinity and beyond'. It passed a couple of hours on a windy day.

We got back and had a late lunch and then I did my ironing and Jon did a bit in the garden but it was not pleasant to be outside.

There was a message from the kennels saying they were full but would put me on the waiting list!!! I rang the kennels we took her to last Christmas and booked her in there and fortunately they have space. There is nothing wrong with the kennels it is just a long way to get her there as it is on the way to Rotorua and takes about half an hour and half an hour with Totty in the car on my own is not a lot of fun!!! Never mind she is booked now.

We used up the last of the clotted cream on a scone for tea.

I cooked pork fillet for dinner but I was so full I couldn't eat much and didn't have any wine or pudding!!!! I think I must be sickening!!

Jon is watching the Grand Prix so I thought I would get my blog done now in case I am too tired later on.

WEATHER
Windy with showers 19 degrees.

Saturday

We had a nice chat with Jane this morning before she goes off on holiday to Spain for her 30th birthday!

I have not been able to wear my left contact lens since last Wednesday due to irritation in my eye and as it is not getting any better I thought I ought to do something about it so we went over to Bayfair for coffee this morning and I went into Specsavers to see if they could have a look. Unfortunately, they are fully booked till Monday so I will have to wait.

We had a coffee and then we drove to the library for Jon to change his books and then we went home.

We took Totty out for her walk and it was very windy but we did manage to get her all the way round without too much trouble.

I rang another kennels to see if they can take Totty for Christmas but I had to leave a message and hopefully they will get back to me soon.

We had lunch and then went out to the cinema. We went to see Mr Pip and although I had seen it with Margaret I was happy to go again and I cried just as much as I did last week!! Jon really enjoyed the film and neither of us can understand why it is not going to be released in UK only Canada and USA. Hugh Laurie plays a really good part in it.

We came home and it was too late for a cuppa so I got on with cooking the dinner.

I made a butter chicken recipe which is a mild curry. I made it all from scratch in the hope that it won't have too much effect on Bertie. It was very good and we both enjoyed it and Bertie was not too offended!

I was really tired and intended to do my blog but got upstairs and just went to bed instead of to the office!!

WEATHER
Showers with sunny spells and windy 19 degrees.

Friday

I always check my emails on my iPod before I get up in the morning and this morning I had a nice surprise. There was an email from Heather telling us she was going on a trip to Japan for a week with her work!

I had my shower and went down for breakfast. Heather emailed to see if I had time for a chat and then she phoned to tell us all about it. She is so excited and we are very happy for her that all her hard work and effort have been recognised. She will go on 6 November.

I just had enough time to get ready and leave for work once I had finished chatting to her.

I arrived at the shop and Les rang to say she was not coming in and Sharon had a meeting upstairs so it was just me and the very odd young girl, Jessica, who is not the brightest button in the box and seems happy to go through the rails 'looking' at the tickets! She also just disappears upstairs for a break and doesn't say a word leaving me in the shop on my own. She had two 15 - 20 minute breaks in two hours and not much I could do as I could not leave the shop! She makes me so angry!! I wonder why she bothers to come in?

Apart from Jessica once Sharon had finished in the meeting and came back downstairs the morning went over well.

I left to come home and did my supermarket shopping on the way.

By the time I got home it was gone three o'clock and I was very hungry so had my lunch before I did anything else.

I did a few jobs around the house and soon Jon was home. I don't know where the days go sometimes.

We had our fish and chips which was not that good tonight so I left a lot of it which is probably very good for the diet!

We watched some TV and that was another day over!


WEATHER
Rain and wind with some sun 19 degrees

Thursday

It was really quite cold in the house this morning but looked very nice outside so I had to put the heating on for a little while.

I managed to get one load of washing out and another load into the machine before I had to go out and collect Margaret stopping off to drop Jon's jacket into the dry cleaners on the way.

We drove into Tauranga and had a coffee in the arcade near the cinema before going up to buy our tickets. When I ordered my coffee the lady said I didn't look old enough to have a Gold Card and I told her that was because I wasn't and didn't have one!! She thought as I was with Margaret who did have her card ready for her discount that I wanted a discount, too!!

We saw the film Blu Jasmine which we both really enjoyed. I don't usually like Woody Allen films but this one was very good.

We drove home and I dropped Margaret off before going round to Bronwyn who had a box of books for the book sale. I had a chat and then went home as the wind was too cold and I needed my lunch!

I thought I had better hang out the washing before I ate so that it would get time to dry so I did that first and brought the first lot in.

I had lunch and watched an episode of Neighbours which is a bit boring at the moment.

I then baked a banana cake and did a few bits of sewing that I had to do.

Jon came home and I got my dinner ready as I had to go to a Lions meeting.

Jon went to his Pilate's class and I ate my dinner and went out to Lions. We had a man from another club talking to us about getting new members and, for a change, he was very interesting. Our business part was cut short as he took most of the time but I still got home by 9.00.

I had a coffee and watched some TV and played on this silly Pet Rescue game that I am hooked on and wish I had never started it!!

WEATHER
Sunny but cold wind 19 degrees

Wednesday

I wished I had done my washing yesterday as it was not nice enough to hang any out this morning. We had gale force wind and heavy showers till about 2.00. the waves in the estuary were very big and I could see them splashing into the gardens down below and onto the causeway so I was glad I didn't have to go out this morning.

Kirsty called and we had a long chat about her house and they are not much further on. Seems the problem is with the insurance company. The solicitor is off on sick leave and she is having better luck with the lady locum who she says is much more pleasant to deal with. She said she is so stressed with it all now and is fed up talking about it. Such a shame. One day it will be sorted!!!

I went out to the book rooms this afternoon and sorted more books and magazines. I think we are five weeks away from the sale and it is all going well.

I went in to the supermarket to buy some fruit before going home.

I rang Margaret to arrange to pick her up for the cinema tomorrow.

I had an email from the travel agent to say he had confirmed out holiday for Christmas to the Cook Islands!! I then rang the kennel to book Totty in and they are already full for Christmas!!! Now I have a problem!!

I fed Totty and had a cup of tea and then did some ironing until Jon came home.

We had a very nice asparagus and bacon risotto for dinner followed by fresh fruit and merengue with clotted cream.

WEATHER
Very windy morning with showers followed by sunny afternoon 19 degrees

Tuesday

Much better sleep last night with the summer duvet on the bed now.

We both had breakfast and got ready for work/class. Jon is going out for lunch today as he has a Pilates class at seven so he will have something light when he gets home tonight.

I went out to my class and collected the junk mail from Agnes' box on the way - she gets so much junk! I would have to have a sign on the box to stop it.

Class was very good and we worked hard and it was very warm. I stayed for a coffee. One of the ladies, who I had given a lot of parsley to last summer, brought two plants in for me and some of her parsley which was very kind of her. We have got so much parsley now.

After class I went to buy a bulb for the oven and also bought some wool to make some hats.

I then went to buy a pot and plant for Les' birthday. I found a very nice pot for us with a kiwi on it - something else to take home!!

I got back and it was nearly lunch time and I was very hungry so had lunch and then did a bit of crochet.

The forecast was for rain and thunder this afternoon but it still looked fine at 3.30 so I left to go to my class. It was much cooler than last week as it was so cloudy but the class was good. I will be glad when the children are back at school next week and we can do our class in peace and not feel like we are doing a show with lots of people watching!

After class I drove to see Les and gave her the plant and pot.

I got home and Jon was just about to go off to his class.

I saw on the news that Auckland had a tornado with quite a lot of damage. It is where Helen Cox lives so I hope they were OK.

I made my dinner and watched some TV till Jon came back then made his dinner.

A bit of TV and then bed.


WEATHER
Mixed, cloud, sun, late rain 19 degrees

Monday

So hot again last night, I will change the duvet to the summer one today when I change the sheets.

Heather called and we had a long chat about her moving house but it is all so complicated, one day it will be sorted.

Jon left for work and I spent the whole day doing housework and washing and ironing but now it is all done for the week.

I had thrown out a lot of old bread that had been in the freezer and I put it on the grass for the birds but I eventually had to block the stairs off to stop Totty going down to eat it all!! You would think she never got fed!!

I also cleaned my oven today, I thought it was about time as we have been here nearly a year and I haven't done it but surprisingly it wasn't that bad. The light in the oven broke a few weeks ago and it is very annoying not being able to see how things are cooking. I managed to unscrew the cover this morning so will now be able to get a bulb. It is a Smeg oven so will probably cost a fortune.

Jon came home about 6.00 and I made dinner, some lovely fresh asparagus with smoked salmon and a poached egg. I really enjoy the asparagus season here and it is much longer than in UK and they are not too expensive so we make the most of them. Asparagus risotto later in the week.

We watched some TV and that is my day. Very tired now so off to bed.


WEATHER
Cool start then sunny and warm 20 degrees

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Friday
Off to the Red Cross as usual and not really busy - again!!

Les left early as she was going up to stay with family in Auckland.

Lots of new rules and regulations - can't leave our bags in the cupboard under the counter, can't have our coffee while on the floor, can't buy biscuits so many silly regulations that have not been necessary in the nearly four years I have been there. Give some people a bit of power and it goes to their heads!!! Just as well I enjoy the company!!

Went home and had lunch and saw that Jon was on his way.

I later saw his flight from Auckland was delayed. Amazing how many flights he has had delayed on this trip!

Finally saw his flight coming in so got the peas on and the table set ready for the fish and chips.

Lovely to see him again but he was very tired.

Saturday

Had a bit of a lie in this morning and then had breakfast.

We went over to the Mount for coffee and we then had a walk along the new boardwalk in Pilot Bay which, although not quite finished, is very nice and I am sure the people coming in on the cruise ships will enjoy the walk.

Back home we had lunch and then I sat out on the deck in the sun which was lovely. I really don't think it was this warm at this time last year. I need to check on the blog!!

I cooked some nice pork fillet for dinner and we had found a lovely sparkling Pinot Noir which I enjoyed before dinner.

Sunday

So hot last night I really need to change our duvet to the summer one!

We went out for our 'first of the month' breakfast treat this morning down to the Mount. There was the annual 'Busking' competition going on in the main street.

Fortunately, we had an early breakfast and so the 'buskers' wer only just starting as we finished breakfast. I was not impressed with mine as it came with white bread! I am not a fan of white bread so only ate the eggs and bacon which was OK. Jon had eggs Benedict which he enjoyed..

We walked along the main street listening to all the buskers before heading off to the supermarket to buy some duck for dinner.

Unfortunately, while we were in the supermarket and just after Jon had found clotted cream! Bertie decided he had not enjoyed the eggs Benedict and Jon had to shoot out to the car while I payed.

We headed home and Jon sorted himself out. All a big shock as that has never happened before.

We had bought some clotted cream for Margaret and I called her to say we would bring it over.

On our way Bertie, once again, decided to make his presence felt and so I had to rush in and give Margaret the cream and we headed home.

Jon had to have a shower and sort himself out much to his distress. I don't think we will go back to that place again for breakfast!

I tried to take Totty out but when she knows one of us is still in the house there is no way she will walk so I gave up.

We stayed home for the rest of the day. Jon said he felt like he had an upset tummy but he is so good at 'getting  over it' and never really makes a fuss.

Makes me realise what we are up against and how we take things for granted and this just brings you up sharp.

Jon was fine after this with no more problems but he was obviously upset by the whole situation. I was just glad we were not too far from home.

I spent a couple of hours wrapping stocking filler for Heather which I will need to pack into a box and post, still more to do but I think I have plenty of time!!

As we had found the clotted cream I just had to make some scones for tea. I used a Mary Berry recipe and the came out so well - I will never use another recipe from now on!!

Jon had a potter in the garden and planted the herb boxes for me and then sprayed the deck area for the moss.

I cooked some duck breasts for dinner and they were very yummy and so far Bertie agrees!

Jon enjoyed a Grand Prix live, one of the few he can watch live.

Time for bed now.

So glad Jon was able to sort the computer out. I hate typing long emails on my iPad!






WEATHER
All three days have been warm and sunny 21/22 degrees

Wednesday and Thursday

I have a problem with the computer and can't log on, typing on my iPad takes forever so short and sweet for the next few days.

A painter and decorator turned up yesterday and said the owners had asked him to paint the side wall which, until the side neighbours cleared the path and took the fence down, you could not see. Now that you can and it is just breeze blocks they want it to look nice so he just got on with it.

I went to the book rooms after lunch and sorted more magazines.

I came home and took Totty out and then had an early dinner before going out to a Lions meeting as I am on the Summer Fair committee. I got home after ten and Jon had left a message to say he was on his way to Sydney but the flight was delayed.

I had an early night to bed.

I was checking my FB page and had a message from one of the ladies I had just been with but the 'talk' didn't sound like her. I checked and I had her as two contacts so I guess someone must be using her profile. They were talking about a lottery ticket so I told them where to put it and deleted both her contacts then emailed her. Amazing what some people will do!

THURSDAY     

The big problem typing on my iPad mini is I can't work out how to scroll up and down the page to read the blog once I finish which is why I am typing this in what is the middle of my screen. I can't see what is higher or lower so will just have to publish and hope there are not too many mistakes!

Another lovely day today with the clouds on the distant hills looking like snow, very pretty.

I went into Tauranga to the bank and had a coffee then bought cinema tickets for Margaret and I for the afternoon showing of Mr Pip.

I got home and had lunch before going to collect Margaret.

The film was really, really good and I cried a lot!

Back home I sat on the deck and had a cuppa in the sun and did a bit of gardening, so much to do in this garden. I planted my herbs but as we had no water I had to wait to water them in and we got it back about seven.

I had dinner and watched some TV.


Weather
Sunny and 21/22 degrees both days

Tuesday

We woke to a lovely sunny day, after all the rain yesterday.

Making tuna sandwiches in bulk at 7.30 in the morning is not something I would recommend however I got them done and onto a plate and into a cool bag with ice blocks ready to deliver after my class.

Jon left for a morning in the office and then to get his flight just after one to Auckland, Melbourne and Mildura. I watched his flight take off from our window.

I left for my keep fit class which was very good but due to the warm day we were all very hot and ready for our coffee.

After class I stopped by at the supermarket to buy a plant for one of the ladies, Patsy, from Lions who has had a big operation and is now at home recovering. As she lives on the way to where I had to deliver the sandwiches I thought I would pop in and see her.

Patsy was well and happy to see me but does look very washed out for her but it was nice to sit and chat with her. She was born in UK but came to NZ when she was very young. She has had a very interesting life and is still fit and doing lots of things and is such a lovely, generous person.

I left to take the sandwiches and nobody was there at the house so I left them on the doorstep - I was so glad I had put them in a cool bag as I really didn't want to wait till they all came back from the funeral and me in my gym stuff!! I sent a text to Patricia to say what I had done but I haven't heard back so not sure if they got them!!!

I came home and took Totty out for her walk and then hung out my washing before having lunch.

I went over to the Mount for my aqua class and what a difference the hour has made! We had the whole class in sunshine which always helps especially when it is time to get out. The pool was very busy as it is school holidays but they do rope off an area of the pool for us and you then get all the kids standing behind the rope doing the class but they never last the full hour!!

I had ten minutes in the hotter pools before my 'cold' shower and heading home.

I had an early dinner as I was so hungry and then watched TV.

Jon rang at 9.45 and was waiting for his next flight. He had had a one hour delay from Auckland and this second flight was also delayed. Melbourne is three hours behind us so I expect he is going to be very hungry and tired by the time he gets to Mildura.

The travel agent is sorting out our trip to The Cook Islands for Christmas and it is al looking very good with three nights in Aitutaki and six nights in Rarotonga. Longer than we wanted but it is because of flights and it is also over the International Date Line which complicates things and has us arriving before we have left!!! Not quite sure about Christmas Day. I suppose we will be the last to celebrate it??

I watched Embarrassing Bodies tonight Ugh!! Jon won't watch it so I have never seen it before. How can people let themselves get like that??

Off to bed now first night without Jon is always a struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep till morning!!

WEATHER
Sunny 21 degrees