Monday

Totty was up at 6.30 this morning but had done a wee at some point through the night. I think I am going to have to put a nappy on her. I spend all my time on hands and knees scrubbing carpets every morning.

She was not very well again when I finally got up at 7.30 so I rang the vet and they said to bring her in and they would do the blood tests. I knew it had to be early as the man from the lab collects them at 8.30.

So off for my morning visit to the vet again. They took the blood and she is so good she never moves or makes a sound. I am nervous as they take it from the jugular vein!!

Following that he examined her to see why she won't walk up and down stairs and seems to lose her balance when leaning forward to eat her food. I found myself running round the car park with her like I was in Cruft's show ring. He could find nothing wrong but wondered if she had just seized up a bit as she has not been very active since Wednesday. I also wonder if she is not used to having no claws on her back paws so she is just slipping on the floor?

I was there for ages again as he just takes such a long time to type it all into the computer - they really should not have had this changeover as he is not up on technology at all.

I finally came home with some tablets for pain in her joints and we will see how she goes.

When we got back she just got into her bed and then slept for most of the day. She did eat her dinner this evening so that is good and she is now looking much better again!

Suddenly hit us today that we only have three weeks so Jon thought he ought to get his car up for sale and I sent a text to the Indian couple to see if they want mine. They called later to say they are going to speak to the bank and will let me know.

Jon's car is a different matter and he was offered a low price as, even though it is not very old, it has no dealer warranty only the manufacturers and people are reluctant to pay a lot for a car with no warranty. She will put it on Trademe and see how it goes.

Jon need to go to a meeting in Christchurch next Monday but will fly there and back in a day. I think this is what you would call living on the edge!!

I spent the afternoon doing ironing and watching TV so I am catching up on things. The trouble is there is always ironing to do.

I rang the vet at 5.45 for totty's results and she told me they didn't have them as they had not filled in the form properly so the lab would not do them till they had faxed a new one over!!!! Grrrrrr. They might be through late tomorrow morning if not in the evening again. Not happy, another day lost!!

We had dinner and I watched Coronation Street and now off to bed and hopefully, I won't need to go to the vet tomorrow and Totty will continue to improve.

WEATHER
Sunny 26 degrees

Sunday

Totty didn't wake till 6.30 this morning, well I didn't hear her till then. she must have been up as she had done two wees on the floor. Just as well we planned to have the carpets cleaned before we leave!!

She seemed to be OK and after going out to the garden she came in and went back to bed for a sleep and so did I.

When we got up at 8.00 she was shaking again and not looking very well again but at least no poops!

She kept looking at her food bowl and growling so I gave her some food and she ate it all.

We had intended to go out for breakfast but I was not in the mood to eat and did not want to leave Totty.

I gave her her medication and she finally settled and looked better so we went out for a coffee and some pastries and I needed to buy some food as I have not had time to do a food shop/

When we got back she was still fast asleep where we left her so all good so far.

We had lunch and then Jon went up to the office to sort out our filing cabinet, so many receipts since we arrived and we have them all!!

The vet gave me a sachet of minerals to mix with water and give to Totty in her bowl and keep the rest in the fridge to top the bowl up. She had not been drinking much but I was thinking that when she needed water she would drink it. I always keep the watering can filled to top up any plants that look dry throughout the day. I was out watering and I noticed Totty drinking from the watering can. She obviously doesn't like the taste of the water in her bowl and has no intention of drinking it so I threw it away and hopefully she will now start to drink again.

I was going to make a cake but had no caster sugar so put that on hold.

I read, on the Internet, about Slippery Elm bark powder which is recommended for gastric problems in humans as well as dogs and I thought I would give it a try and rang the health shop to see if they had any and they did.

I went off to buy it and also stopped by the wool shop to get some wool to do some baby knitting before going to the supermarket to get some caster sugar and some Yakult to give to Totty. I will try anything to get her fit again.

I got back and made some burgers for dinner tonight and used the Jamie Oliver recipe which uses Jacob's cream crackers. I didn't have them so used some crispbread instead. Not sure how they are going to turn out but put them in the fridge to chill.

We had a cuppa and I fed Totty who was by now looking much better and had stopped shaking. Seems to be no loss of appetite with her it is just what happens in the middle and the other end that is the problem.

I was getting the salad ready and Jon had just put the chicken on and we had a phone call from Heather. she was having another panic attack and called me to calm her down. These attacks are really horrible and unless you have had one it is hard to understand the way they make you feel but I totally sympathise with her. She eventually felt better and hopefully went back to bed and we carried on with our bbq dinner which was very nice and such a lovely mild evening. The burgers were pretty good, too.

Heather told me that Jane and her had both ordered a card at the same time as Kirsty and she was upset that theirs hadn't arrived. I told her not to worry. I know they all love me and don't need a card or present to prove it but will enjoy them when they arrive.

We should have arrived home today had everything gone to plan. Jon thinks we have payback with all that is happening now for the charmed life we have had over the past five years!!! Well, that is enough now I want some of the charmed life back please!!

Jon is now watching the Grand Prix and I am off to bed and hope for a better day tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny 26 degrees

Saturday

Well I was only up once last night with Totty and she looked pretty good when I woke this morning. She wasn't her usual running round the bedroom, wagging her tail and rolling around on her back happy but much better than the last two days.

I went downstairs and let her out for her toilet and when she came back she was a different dog, shaking and whimpering, tail down and pacing round the room!

I rang the vet and they told me to bring her in at 9.30. I had a shower and when I came down Totty was not well at all and suddenly got up and had terrible diarrhoea with blood coming from her bottom.

I decided to take her to the vet and gathered her up and left the house.

When I arrived John was in consultation and so we waited. The nurse, Amy, came out to see Totty and brought me a blanket as she was shaking so much - she made a big mess on it but at least the vet could see what was happening.

The howling from the consultation room were amazing and I asked the nurse was it a cat or dog and she told me it was a staffi dog and what whimps they were! I heard the vet giving it an injection and the howls that followed and the vet saying what a sensitive guy he was!

We finally went in but not until I saw this really tough looking dog come out, pulling on his thick chain!!

We went in and another check and temperature followed and eventually Totty was given another long term antibiotic, more Buscopan, and we tried to get some other medication down her throat but she was having none of it and in fact, I got more of it over me plus a big scratch on my arm and lots of other mess!

As the liquid did not go down John decided on a course of tablets and another tin of the special diet food for her. All of this took 40 minutes and a lot of it was because they have changed to a computer system and it takes John a long time to type it all in!

If all of this does not work I have to take her back on Monday for blood tests. I am not sure why this has happened they say she may have been brewing something before she went in but she was and has always been a very fit dog, old but fit. So it is either a reaction to the anaesthetic or something they did when cleaning her anal glands?

I took her home an we got indoors and she was suddenly a different dog, wagging her tail and looking at her food bowl. She has no idea how much this is ageing  me! I fed her and she ate it and then drank some of her special water and she looked fine!!

Having had no breakfast or even a cup of tea Jon said we should now go for a coffee at least so we did and we got back and she was fine and sleeping!

We had booked to go and see War Horse and were due to pick up my friend Margaret at 12.15 and go for lunch. I would have preferred to stay home but  could not let Margaret down so off we went.

We had a lovely lunch sitting looking over the harbour and such a beautiful day - one of those days that we will miss here in NZ.

We went to the cinema for the National Theatre Live performance of War Horse and it was really good and I did enjoy it but it would have been so much better had I not been so worried about Totty.

We came home and much to my relief she was fine and looking so much better. I just hope she continues to improve and stay well till we get her home.

I know she is a good age and if she dies from something  natural then I will accept that but be sad. What I was feeling is that I had put her through all this pain and suffering just so we could get her back to the UK. I know it is crazy but I would have hated to lose her like that. Fingers crossed.

As we had a good lunch we only had an omelette for dinner tonight and we sat and watched some recorded stuff to get the Sky box down!

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day with no visit to the vet!!

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees.

Friday

What a horrible, worrying night I had last night. I think the longest spell of sleep I had was two and a half hours. It was like having a baby again!

Poor Totty was very unwell whimpering, panting and wanting to go out to the loo all the time. I felt so sad for her and really wanted the morning to come quickly.

I rang the vet as soon as they opened at 7.30 and they told me to take her down. After examination they gave her a long term antibiotic and another anti-inflammatory injection and a Buscopan injection to stop the tummy spasms as her tummy was very bloated and tight. He gave me a tin of special food and a sachet of salts and minerals to give her instead of plain water. They wanted to keep her in but as she frets so much when there they thought it would make her more stressed so he said to call him at 1.00 and let him know how she was going.

I thought Jon was home all morning but he had a meeting so I had to call the Red Cross and tell them I couldn't go in. I felt very bad as Sharon is off to a wedding today and Les had not turned in either. The lady covering for Sharon said she would have to shut the shop if nobody else could come in. Not a lot I could do and I certainly didn't want to come home to a messy house if Totty had wanted to get out.

I was so tired I just sat in the doorway of the dinning area where the sun comes in at this time of year and read a magazine. Totty finally calmed down with her breathing and fell asleep which is the first time she has settled since Wednesday - so relieved.

I did some washing and a few jobs around the house like scrubbing the bedroom carpet from where she didn't quite make it last night!

I had my lunch and then watched some Neighbours but fell asleep on the settee with Totty.

We were due to go out for dinner tonight but decided to stay home and had fish and chips instead.

Off to bed now and hopefully Totty will be much better tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny 26 degrees

Thursday

I was only up once in the night with Totty but she was so long out in the garden I was about to get my dressing gown on and get the torch to go and look for her when she came back. She then slept for the rest of the night.

She was still not right this morning and so I called the vet and they told me to come in at 8.45. The vet, John, examined her and took her temperature but found nothing. He gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and an antibiotic injection and some medication for me to give her tonight and we came home.

She just does not want to lie down and just wanders around and appears to have lost her bark as no barking at the binmen this morning just a whimper.

We left to go to the hospital for Jon and arrived early and waited. We eventually went in and waited a bit more, 45 minutes, and then Mark came in and said we had misunderstood and unless there was a problem we didn't need to come every week!!! That was never told to us and the last thing the registrar said to us last week was 'see you next week'. I am getting so fed up with the confusion now as nice as they all are I have had enough.

We came home and Totty was still no better. I did  a few things around the house and Jon worked in the office.

Totty did eat her dinner and seemed to be a little brighter and I got ready to go to my Lions meeting which is my last one - again! Nice evening and good dinner and I won a lovely basket of Easter eggs and biscuits and chutney and a fluffy rabbit.

I came home and Totty was not very well still unsettled and whimpering and walking round like she is in pain. I am really worried about her now as she has blood coming from her bottom so we will need to see the vet again.

I am really not happy with all of this. I have no idea what he has done to her. One of my friends said she finds him very heavy handed and I have to say I usually go to the other vet, Grant,  but it was the luck of the draw that it was John on yesterday.

I think it is going to be a very long night.

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Wednesday

I was up early this morning and off to the vet by 7.30. I got Totty settled in a cage and as she started to bark I left and they closed the door and turned the light out on her and about four other cats and dogs. They said she would be done first - I think they remember how much she barks!!

I came home and started to sort out the garage and clean it up - soooo many spiders but only one cockroach which I managed to catch and throw outside - too big to stand on!! I have to clean all the mud and soil off our boots and garden shoes, too.

We took all the recycling to the tip and then went for a coffee. Jon is worse than me for his coffee breaks!

Back home and more sorting of my cookery magazines and photos and getting them all packed into boxes probably never to be seen again!

The vet rang at 12.00 to say I could go and collect Totty. When I arrived she was sitting in the front office on a little rug and looking very sorry for herself. Gemma, vet nurse, said she thought she would be better with me at home as being in the surgery stresses her out. Personally, I think they can't stand her barking! Lol.

We got back and she was very sleepy and could hardly stand but she would not give in and go to sleep. She kept getting up and walking around and we had a few smelly accidents during the afternoon.

By 4.30 I was getting very worried about her as it was taking her so long to come round properly and she was whimpering all the time. I rang the vet and they said it was probably just the anaesthetic. They had not packed her anal glands so no reason for her to have diarrhoea but something was not right. They told me to bring her in at 5.30.

She seemed to perk up and so I thought I would leave it and rang them to say I would not be in. They asked me to call in the morning to let them know how she was.

I cooked our dinner and we watched some TV but mostly I worried about the dog as she is not right.

I think her back is hurting and she cannot bend down to drink her water but if I put the bowl on a step she drinks it. She still hasn't slept since she came back and just wants to be by my side or on my lap.

I guess I will be having another early start in the morning and be off to the vet first thing. I just hope she manages to sleep tonight and we don't have any accidents.

Her claws do look so much better, shorter than they have been for years, and so quiet on the wooden floors she can creep up on me without me hearing her but, had I know it was going to cause her so much trouble I would have left them as they were poor little dog.

The house up the road across the other side of the street is having a party again and it always ends in tears! Hopefully, once I am in bed I won't hear them!

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees.

Tuesday

I can't believe it is only Tuesday if feels like a long week so far.

I went to my keep fit class this morning which was good but due to the humidity very hard work. I didn't stay for coffee as I had told Jon not to back the car out of the drive more than he needs to as I don't think it helps the drain and the stiches. I said I would come home and we could go for coffee.

When I got in he was on the phone talking to Jason about a car he wants to buy for when we get home and Jason has sorted it all for him. We have two very good son in laws.

I got changed and we went up to Gate Pa to a new café that Jon has not been to. The coffee is really good there and they have lovely pastries. We bumped into Gill, district nurse, again. We said we would try and stop stalking her!

We then went to buy some fish for dinner before going home. Jon went back to the office and I did a few things around the house.

We had lunch and then Jon went out to see the people who are shipping our goods to get all the paperwork in order. I have some bottles of perfume that don't have a lot in but too much and too expensive to throw away and they all have to be listed and a price put on them for customs!!! How can you put a price on 20mls of a four year old perfume and remember where you bought it!!

I left to go to my aqua class which was very good and no schoolchildren there this week. The ladies are organising a lunch for me on the Wednesday before Easter and I have another one on 7 April. I had better go on a diet now!!

I came home and cooked some monkfish for dinner and it was OK for me Jon said he really liked it.

We watched some TV and I caught up with a few episodes of Neighbours. We have a lot to watch on the box still.

I need to be up early to take Totty to the vet in the morning to have her claws clipped. She was not allowed anything to eat after 9.00 tonight so missed her bedtime biscuit!!

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 22 degrees, humid.

Monday

Back into routine this morning and we were both up early and Jon was in the office working before 9.00 and I got stuck into my usual Monday washing and housework.

Jon thought a coffee was in order around 10.30 so we went to the local garden centre. A group of district nurses were there having coffee and Gill, the nurse who comes to see Jon after his ops, came over for a chat. She said she had heard things had been bad and hoped things would go well from now on. Kiss of death!!! She also said she had some small drain bags which she would pop in to the house. The bags he has for the drain are used for babies with stomas so not ideal.

We got back home and carried on with our jobs. Jon came down from the office just before lunch and asked me to  look at his drain as he said the stiches were out and it was coming out. Here we go again! Yes, it was a long way out again. I tried to call the consultant's secretary but her answerphone was on. Jon decided to have a sandwich as he thought we might be in for a long wait. I wasn't hungry so just had an apple which I later regretted!!

We arrived at the hospital at 1.40 and went through the story and filled in yet another form with all the same information - maybe we should photocopy it to save us time! They asked if he was in pain and he said no so we were told to wait in the waiting room which had about five other people in there.

We waited and waited and after an hour and a half the triage nurse came and said she was sorry we were having to wait so long but we were number six in the queue. Not sure how they work it out. I understand that if it is an emergency they have to go in first but I question a lady with backache is an emergency! Jon could feel the drain coming out more and I told the nurse that we would be taken in and be seen by a nurse who would then say we had to wait for the surgical registrar to come and do the stiches and then have to wait again so why could they not take us in and get the registrar called. She said she knew that would happen but that she could not get us in sooner as that is the way things were so we waited again.

A young mum came in with a lovely baby boy of about three months old. I heard her say he had a temp of 38 degrees but he looked fine and was happy and smiling in fact, I have rarely seen such a placid baby, he was beautiful and just sat on her lap and smiled at everyone and then slept for a while. She must have been there over two hours and I could not understand why she just didn't give him some baby paracetamol or whatever they give them here. Why would you put yourself through that?

After two and three quarters of an hour a doctor called us in. He said we were still fourth in the queue - not sure how we had been dropped down the list like that - but he had noticed on Jon's notes that we had been in before and he thought he would need to get the surgical registrar down so thought he would get us in. Why could they not have done that earlier?

He examined Jon and said he would need to go and call Mark to find out what he wanted him to do. He eventually came back and said Mark had said to push it back in as much as he could and stich it up again!!

He got a trolley with all the bits on but said he had to wait for a bag and I said I had one in my little kit I carry around with Jon things! He then looked around the room and said he needed a cloth to put under Jon in case he made a mess with the iodine and stuff. I noticed a few on a trolley and said is this what you need? I know this procedure so well.

He started to remove the bag but the drain, which was by now about three inches out of the hole, started to come out even more. He asked me to put on some rubber gloves and pull the bag off while he held onto the drain. Florence to the rescue!!

He started to push the drain back in and it was very painful for Jon. He did get some back in but he said he didn't want to push any further so got on with the stitching. A couple of local anaesthetic injections and he got stuck in. I had to unwrap another packet of suture for him just as well I know now how to do all these things. Eventually it was all done. Hopefully, it will last till we see Mark again on Thursday and we go through it all again. Poor Jon is so fed up with all these injections and stiches and I don't blame him. Ideally, we would like it out in about three weeks which will give him time to heal before we fly home. But then I think maybe it would be better staying in till we get home and the UK doctors can sort it out. Who knows.

We finally left the hospital at 5.15. As we got nearer to the house I could see it had been raining, the hospital is only about 3km away but by the time I got in and checked my washing it was soaked. All my sheets and duvet covers so I had to get them in and dry them in the dryer.

Just as well we were having an easy freezer dinner tonight. I was very hungry by this time and more than ready for my dinner.

After dinner I did some ironing and got the bed made and now I am ready to fall into my nice clean sheets. Not sure Jon will sleep so well as he had a big bit of drain hanging out and finds it hard to sleep on his side but snores when on his back!! One day!!!!


WEATHER
Hot and sunny apart from one heavy shower over our house! 23 degrees.

Sunday

A bit of a Sunday lie in today not to mention the bad head. We are both out of practice as far as wine is concerned. Two glasses is about as much as I can have or I really pay for it.

We went out for coffee to one of the garden centres this morning and it was very busy and no parking spaces! So many people enjoy breakfast out here and I must admit all the food we saw looked very good. We finally got a space to park and went in and shared a date scone and a coffee sitting in the sun.

I had a small piece of pork loin in the freezer and took it out for dinner so we had to go and buy some vegetables to go with it. I always pick hot days to do a roast!!

Back home we really did get stuck in to sorting clothes out. It took a long time but I think we are there. We had to put a price on them all for insurance but I really do hope the container doesn't fall off the ship. I wonder if I can book an interior space for ours!!

It is very hard without physically doing it to work out how much we can fit in a suitcase and I was not about to start packing four cases just for the sake of it. Hopefully, we are more or less OK. Not the end of the world if not as we will have to be packed when they come to take everything so if we have too much I am sure we can fit it in somewhere.

The roast pork was very good but I now have a very messy oven. I will get it cleaned and then no more roasts till we are back in the UK.

We have had Ripper Street recorded on the Sky box and started to watch it a couple of weeks ago and found it very difficult. We watched the second one tonight and it was no easier. I find it very hard to understand what they are saying. We will try one more episode and if we still feel the same we will get rid of it. We have so much to watch anyway.

I was reading the newspaper on my iPad and heard it start to rain and it became very heavy and hammered down on the roof. I suddenly realised all the upstairs windows were open and had to run up to close them. It was very wet in our bedroom so I had to get a towel and dry everything. By the time I had finished the rain had stopped and we have had no more!!

WEATHER
Hot and sunny again 25 degrees.

Saturday

It was supposed to rain today but from the start it looked like a lovely day and the rain never came!

We went into Tauranga in the morning and sat in Red Square for our coffee and a very chocolaty apricot muffin. A cruise ship was in today and it never ceases to amaze me how all the passengers head to the cafes for food as soon as they get off the bus in the centre. It is like they don't get fed on board! We sat and watched them all coming into the café we were in and nearly all of them are overweight!

We then went into the souvenir shop and we bought some All Black baby clothes for Baby Meddows, very cute! I also found a lovely set of place mats with paintings by a local artist. They are the same pictures that are in the book given to me by some Lions ladies.

We went to the library for Jon to get some books and I read a magazine while I waited.

It was then off to the supermarket before going home in time for lunch.

We spent the afternoon sorting out clothes and trying to decided which to pack and bring with us to UK and which to send in the container. We didn't get very far.

I made a lemon syrup, yogurt cake for tea.

It was such a lovely evening that we decided to have dinner on the deck now that Jon has oiled the table and chairs and put them all back together again we had somewhere to sit.

I made Moroccan chicken kebabs and cooked them on then bbq, yummy.

We tried some red wine as we have not had any as Bertie does not like it. We didn't even drink the whole bottle but it upset Bertie so looks like one glass is more than enough of red.

Jon went to bed early and I stayed up to try and catch up with some Neighbours.

WEATHER
Hot and sunny 25 degrees

Friday

Up and ready and off to work this morning minus my wedding ring. I appear to have some sort of irritation under my ring. I though it was a mozzie bite to begin with and it still might be but not sure, I now have one very swollen and red finger - watch this space!

The shop was pretty quiet this morning but we had busy periods and we managed to keep busy all morning.

I left at 1.00 and came home and I was soooo hungry. Jon was out and so I had to get myself some lunch pretty quick, I don't usually get so hungry. I didn't have much baking left in the freezer to take to work this morning and what I had I left for Les and Sharon so no morning coffee break and I really missed it. I really enjoyed my pork roll for lunch.

Jon came back from his lunch and had bought another suitcase (we left one in the UK last May as we didn't think we would need it). We now need to pack as much as we can into four cases and then calculate what is left to go in the container for insurance!!! This packing is not so easy as you think!

Jon was looking very pale when he came home and I asked him if he was OK and he said the stiches were really hurting him again. The trouble is they start to feel better just as he is about to have them out and then put in again. I really hope, for his sake, that it is not another six weeks before the drain come out. He really will be like a pin cushion!

I went back to Red Cross to take Sharon a jacket which I thought would go with a dress she has for a wedding next week. As I thought, it matched perfectly so she is all ready for the wedding.

Jon had been asked to go out for drinks with some of the people he used to work with so I took him over to the pub at 5.30 and then carried on to the beach with Totty for a walk. She did pretty well until we had to turn round to go back to the car and she decided she didn't want to walk! I finally convinced her to walk and we eventually made it back to the car. Just as well it was a nice evening for a walk!

I got home and waited for Jon to call to be picked up and then on the way home we went in to order our fish and chips and had a glass of wine while we waited.

Not such good fish and chips this week - I don't think it was snapper as it tasted more like terakihi.

We watched some TV for the rest of the evening.

The National Theatre production of War Horse is coming to Tauranga as a film. We saw The Audience like this and it was excellent. I was trying to book tickets online this evening and every time I get to the pay bit the website crashes!! I will be very cross if, when we get to the cinema tomorrow, the seats we want are gone!! I should have booked as soon as I knew we were going to still be here but I thought we would be gone - fingers crossed. The cinema is very small with only four or five rows so you really don't want to be at the front.


WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees

Thursday

Another beautiful morning today.

While I was reading my book in bed last night the power went out. Jon was already asleep and I continued to read, thank goodness it was on my iPad! I read in the paper this morning it was due to a car crashing into a pole in Welcome Bay - too fast and drunk driver but they all ran off! Happens so often here.

We got ready and left for an early coffee followed by our 11.00 hospital appointment.

We went in and were seen by the registrar who had put the stiches in last week. He told us Mark had lost his confidence in stitching Jon up again! Lol!

It was quite painful for Jon to begin with but once the anaesthetic worked it was OK and he cut the drain and re stitched it. Not sure how much is left in there but I can't see that it is another six weeks worth - time will tell. Once the anaesthetic wore off it was quite painful for Jon but not as bad as it was.

We then went to the supermarket and then home. Jon had a meeting so I made him an early lunch and then I did a bit of housework.

My friend Bronwyn came over this afternoon and we had a cuppa and a chat.

Jon came home and Bronwyn left shortly afterwards.

I cooked some nice pork fillet for dinner tonight and made some crispy, curly kale. I have never done it before and it was a little like Chinese seaweed but very nice.

We watched some TV and now off to bed to have a read and an early night I think.

WEATHER
Hot and sunny 25 degrees

Wednesday

What a beautiful morning today, sunny, no wind and hot!! I love it.

Jon had to go in to the office today as they were testing the new monitor and he had things to do.

I rang Margaret and decided to go for a walk with her round the Mount. The walk was lovely as it always is such a lovely place to walk. We got back and went to one of the cafes for coffee. I saw some of the ladies from the aqua class just finishing coffee and had a chat to them.

Coffee, yes, I had a coffee and the blueberry and chocolate muffin we shard was super scrummy with lots of lumps of dark chocolate!!

We sat and had a chat and then went into the shops to find a new hairbrush for me. Now that my hair is a bit longer my old brush is not so good when I blow dry it. so I needed to find a thicker one which I did and not too expensive.

We came home and I dropped Margaret home and came home myself. Jon came in not long after me and had been at the office all morning and even missed out on his coffee!!

I made his lunch and we watched a TV programme and then he had to do some work in the office (upstairs office) so I did a few bits around the house.

Jon had a meeting at 4.00 so left to go to that and I did some ironing. Not sure why I chose a really hot day to do it but I needed to get it out of the way as it has been annoying me.

I took meatballs out of the freezer for dinner and made a tomato sauce to go with them and pasta.

After dinner we watched TV and just as I was coming up to do my blog I remembered I hadn't watered the plants so had to do it before they all start to droop as it was so hot.

WEATHER
Hot and sunny 28 degrees.

Tuesday

Really dull this morning and I thought the weathermen had got it wrong again but by the time I left for my class at 9.00 it was very warm.

Good class again but we did the mat bit in the middle of the class and we all really missed the end relaxation bit!

My instructor said she wants to buy the tumble dryer so we are getting there not much more to go now!

My instructor asked me to give her some dates when I am free to go out for a lunch with some of the ladies. I am going to get very fat by the time I board the plane!

I went to the supermarket on the way home for a few things and when I got back Jon was still out on his walk and for a coffee.

I did a few chores around the house and hung out some washing and then not sure where the rest of the day went. I took some fish out of the freezer for Jon and a lamb steak for me for dinner.

I sat and unpicked the end of the pom pom blanket as I was not happy with it. I managed to pick up all the stiches after pulling out two rows which gave me enough to cast off the way I should have done in the first place. It is now finished nicely and not all pulled in at the edge. If a job is worth doing it is worth doing properly.

By the time I had finished that it was time to change to go out to my aqua class and I was looking forward to getting in the water.

Not many people in the class today but it was more than made up for by the group of school children that joined in with us. We had one group in the pool beside us and another group doing the class at the side of the pool. All the teachers thought it was very funny and all had cameras out. We should be getting used to this as it happens most weeks now.

The ladies say they want to organise a leaving do for me so that will be a coffee/lunch event one day before Easter.

I came home after class and unusually a very hot shower there! We have to make do with cold even in the winter.

The fish I had taken out for Jon smelt very strongly and although it should have been OK I won't give him anything that is suspect in case it upsets Bertie so it went in the bin. Just as well I had some frozen fish strips to cook for him. I had bought some mushrooms the other day as I was really fancying them but Jon is not allowed them. I cooked them tonight with my lamb and they were very yummy.

We watched some TV and even though it is only 10.30 I am off to bed.

WEATHER
Dull start then very hot and sunny 25 degrees

Monday

I really should not have had wine last night as it didn't agree with me so from now on I will do as I am told and keep on with the medication!

It was so hot last night but as it was windy we couldn't have the windows open - uncomfortable!

I got up this morning and after my shower put the washing on and changed the bed. Heather rang and we both had a chat to her and then we went out for a coffee I had a mocha which was very nice.

We then drove to Jon's old office as he had the new monitor to give them and explain how it works so I sat in the car and played Pet Rescue on my phone.

We got home and I spent some time outside sweeping up rubbish from the storm which gathers in the car port.

Jon took our deck furniture apart to put the oil on it as it has dried out a lot and we want it to stay red and not go grey so we have to oil it.

I rang the agent who is arranging Totty's flight and spoke to her. I decided to send Totty on the Air NZ flight as it is six hours shorter. It is a bit more expensive but I think it is the right thing to do. I was worried about her going through Bangkok as it is so hot, she will now go via LA. She leaves here on 23 April and flies to LA on 24 and arrives in UK on 25 and will stay in kennels till probably 1 May, poor little dog. I do hope she will be OK.

I decided to make pasties today and made the pastry from a traditional recipe I found. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find lard so had to use butter only.

I left the pastry in the fridge and chopped up the meat and veg, it does take a long time to make pasties!

I did a bit of ironing and watched the news while waiting for the pasties to cook. My crimping on the edge is not the best but not bad and it is on the side as it is meant to be and not the top!

I made a salad to go with them and Jon ate a whole one and the pastry was dinner plate size! I could only manage half of mine so will have the rest for lunch tomorrow and make Jon jealous!

We watched some TV and now I am off for another early night and to read my book.


WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Sunday

We had a lot of bad weather overnight and I was awake for a long time, Totty kept waking me up and Jon did not sleep well so it was no surprise that I went into a deep sleep and when I did wake it was 9.25!!!!

I had a shower and went downstairs and Jon was just eating his scrambled eggs for breakfast! I made a cup of tea and got stuck in to cleaning the freezer drawers which I should have done on Friday! Jane, who has bought the freezer was coming to collect it later this morning so I had to get it done.

We went out for coffee - me a hot chocolate - and a muffin. We then went to buy our cinema tickets for the afternoon performance of 12 Years a Slave. Just as well we did as they were issuing seat numbers.

A quick stop at the supermarket and then home. Margaret and Viv called round and brought me a leaving present. They would have waited to give it to me when we leave but as Viv has to go to UK to see her sister they wanted to give it to me together. It is a lovely set of three block photos which make up one view of Mount Maunganui.  Jon and I had been thinking of buying a set and now we don't need to. I am very lucky to have met so many lovely people here.

I made lunch and then  Jane and her husband, Phil, arrived to collect the freezer. They came in with their little girl Grace who is four and we had a chat. Jane had a look around the garden and really loved it as most people do till they have to keep it tidy!

We managed to get the freezer into the back of their car and off they went. I hope it travels well.

We left to go to the cinema and I really enjoyed the film despite the terrible smell of garlic from the woman next to me who must have eaten a shed load of it. It was not as good as the book and I am glad I read the book first.

We came home and I cooked a pizza for dinner and we watched the first Grand Prix.

My tummy is feeling much better and so I tried a glass of wine with my dinner - so far so good. I feel better than I have for weeks.


WEATHER
Rain, cloud, sun 22 degrees

Saturday

Well we didn't have too much rain or wind overnight but it did start to get windy and heavy rain about 9.00 but not much worse than a bad day.

We had long phone calls from both Heather and Jane this morning which was lovely so by the time we got out for coffee it was long past 11.00.

We went into Tauranga for coffee - I had hot chocolate!

We drove home and popped into the supermarket for a few things. Fortunately, the supermarket has an underground car park so we didn't get wet.

We got back and I did some housework, finally, as Jon had to go and meet someone who was down from Auckland and have a chat about a work issue so I had the house to myself which makes doing housework easier. Amazing how much you can get done in an hour when that is all the time you have.

I made lunch for Jon and then the young couple came to collect the things I had for them. She brought me some lovely potato bread and homemade yoghurt. We had a little chat and they left and agreed to come to collect the TV when we pack up.

We were going out for dinner with Sharon and Des so I made a cake to take with me and even managed to paint my nails before it was time to leave.

We had a lovely evening with them and Margaret they are always such good fun. Sharon had made a fresh supply of liqueurs so it was a shame I was not drinking!

It was pretty windy out and still heavy rain when we came home but not as bad as they forecast it would be unless the worst is still to come?

WEATHER
Wet and very windy all day 22 degrees

Friday

Jon had a bad night last night due to the pain from the stiches he could not get comfortable and I knew he was awake a lot. I had told him to take paracetamol before bed but........

I was up early this morning thanks to my alarm so no rushing around today.

I left for the shop and we spent a quiet morning there as it was not at all busy. Sharon had a meeting with an HR person so Les and I had our coffee break early, well hot chocolate break for me as I am off coffee.

Nothing much in the shop at the moment as we will change over soon to winter stock. I did find a very nice top though!!

I left the shop at 1.00 to go and take my car to be washed inside and out and to meet Carol for lunch at Bayfair.

We went to Muffin Break and I had a nice chicken sandwich and a cup of lemon and ginger tea which was all very nice. We sat chatting till nearly 4.00 where does the time go but it was very nice.

I went to collect my car which is now very shiny looking and went home.

Jon was in and he had only been out for a coffee and decided he could not be bothered to go out for lunch as he had planned.

He is still in a lot of pain but is now taking paracetamol every four hours which is helping - roll on Thursday when they will release them.

We had a cuppa and I sat reading about the missing plane which is just terrible for the families. It would be good if it had been highjacked at least the people would be alive. Amazing how such a big plane can go missing like this!

We watched the news and the weather report as we are due to have Tropical Cyclone Lusi come down across the country and we have been told to prepare for lots of rain and very strong wind. It is due to hit Northland tonight and work its way down the country reaching us overnight and they say it will pass by Sunday afternoon. Hopefully it won't be as bad as predicted. Glad I am not on a cruise ship tonight and tomorrow.

Jon went for our fish and chips which was very good tonight.

We then watched some TV and now I am off to bed. There is a HUGE cockroach on the ceiling above my desk and I keep checking to make sure it does not make a move towards me. I think he mush have heard about the storm on the way and come in to keep dry as we don't get many in this house usually.

I might just give my elderly neighbour a call in the UK as she is expecting us home at the end of the month so I need to let her know our change of plan.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 23 degrees

Thursday

After I finished my blog last night I was reading the news online and I heard someone come down the drive and ring the bell - it was 11.20! Jon was in bed so I ignored it. Whoever it was hung around outside and I didn't hear them leave so I was a little spooked. Just after that the phone rang and this Asian sounding person who said he was called Ben told me he was from Microsoft and that I had a problem with my computer. Well, he really got it from me! Still a little spooked from the doorbell incident I yelled at him that he was a stupid man and to "Go away". He asked me what I had said so I shouted it at him again and put the phone down. Whoever was outside must have heard too as I heard nothing more! I can't believe these people who make these calls the least they could do is check the time of day at the places they are calling!! It took ages for me to fall asleep!

So after my late night I woke late and just the day we needed to leave the house earlyish to get to the hospital for Jon's appointment and I had to wash my hair, get some washing on and put the rubbish out which always takes ages so all a bit of a rush and I am out of the habit of rushing now!

We made it to the hospital and were very lucky and got a parking spot as soon as we went into the car park.

The nurse called us in and said 'Hello again, you two are always smiling'. I think we have to or we would cry!

We saw Mark and he said he panicked when the nurse told him we were there, he didn't know we had been in on Tuesday. Seems to be a lack of communication between registrar and consultant! He had a look at Jon's wound through the drain bag but said he would leave it and shorten it next week but would get the registrar to do the stiches!! Jon is finding them quite painful as they are tight but better that than the drain falling out again.

We left the hospital, we always go in my car now, just in case! and we then went for a coffee before going home.

I wanted to get my washing out and another load done as we have had a weather warning for Cyclone Lusi coming down from the tropics and we are forecast to have lots of rain and gales and sea swells starting from tomorrow and I don't like to use the dryer and hate washing hanging around the house.

I thought some of the plants near my washing line needed some drastic chopping back so Jon got the saw for me and I managed to cut a lot back and get it all into a bin bag before the collection arrived. My horseradish and Bizzie Lizzie is now in daylight.

I had a text from the people who do my WOF (MOT) to say it was due on 5 March and they had sent a reminder but if I had had it done elsewhere that was fine. I hadn't got the reminder and didn't realise it was due and on checking the sticker in the car found that it was!!

I knew one of my brake lights was not working so rang my garage to ask if they could sort that for me as I needed to have my WOF. They told me to come down and they would do it. It is in a really difficult place and Jon can't get his hand in to unscrew it so it is easier for the garage to do it.

We drove down to the garage and they sorted it for me and I said I was going to have my WOF done and the young guy there told me of a new garage that is cheaper than the place I usually go to and said they were good so we went there.

They do it while you wait and they were very quick and it passed which is good as that is for the next six months and I had my road tax done last week so it is all ready to sell hopefully to this young Asian couple. I am going to take it to be cleaned tomorrow and I will get it serviced in a couple of weeks.

We came home and I decided to sit out in the sun for an hour which I just about managed as it was very hot on the deck.

We had a cuppa and a scone and then I defrosted the freezer as the lady I sold it to is coming for it tomorrow.

We had hotpot for dinner as I had it ready in the freezer and needed the space to put the rest of the things in the small freezer from the big one. I will have to be careful what I buy now.

Unfortunately, Berite did not take kindly to the hotpot this week, too many onions I think.

We have finally had the confirmation for our flights. We leave here on 26 April and get back to UK on 30 April Yeah!! We have decided to have three days in San Francisco so fingers crossed it will all be OK.

I finished the baby blanket tonight but am not very happy with it. I think as the wool was cheap it has a few bad pom poms and the loose bit that I knitted up yesterday is very obvious and the casting off is very tight but not sure how else to do it. Never mind it can always be used on the floor to lie on.

I went to the doctors this week as I have been having bad pains in my tummy and he thinks it is gastric inflammation and has given me some tablets. I have been reading up on it and it appears that coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol all irritate it. So, it looks like I should stop the wine and coffee to see if it helps. How will I survive without my coffee not even decafe can I have!!! I will have to do it though as I don't want any more problems and we need to get home!

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 25 degrees

Wednesday

I woke up this morning with a stinking headache and it just would not go away.

Jon left just after ten to go to a meeting just as the gardener arrived. I was going to do some housework but decided to go and join her in the garden and tidy it up a little she can not keep it as it should be with only two hours allocated to her.

She set to on the heavy cutting back and I did my bit. It is good doing it when she is here as she has big tarpaulin bags to put the rubbish in. I only have small plastic sacks that I have to pay for and put our for the council and they are not big enough to take some of the huge leaves on some of the tropical plants. By the end of the two hours we had achieved a lot and it looks much better. The man has not been to cut the grass for over a month and it is very long so I think I will have to phone the agent and see what has happened.

By the time I got back into the house it was really hot so just as well we did it in the morning. I think it is far too hot to do housework now!

Jon came back and I did do a bit of housework before I made our lunch.

Avon lady Carol called round with my things and Jon left to go to the library and have his hair cut. I haven't seen Carol for a long time and we had a nice chat.

When she left I made a meatball recipe for dinner tonight and then made a cuppa when Jon got back.

We had two big ships in port today one was the Queen Victoria and her first visit to Tauranga. They were both leaving around 5.30 - .5.45 and I wanted to see them leave so we went down to Pilot Bay and arrived just as the Dawn Princess was sailing and then the Queen Victoria left just after. I will never tire of seeing these huge ships leave this relatively small port with and even smaller harbour entrance. Such a lovely atmosphere down there with lots of families out on the beach and the local radio put on a sausage sizzle.

We got home and I finished cooking dinner which was very nice.

We still haven't got our tickets sorted out. Jon went onto Air NZ website and found tickets for the dates we want at not much more than we paid originally so not sure what the agent is looking for. Jon will need to give him a call and get it sorted.

I did some more knitting tonight and I am about 2/3 through the last ball of wool and the pom poms became much smaller and the yarn thinner. It was enough to knit four rows and is noticeable but then it went back to normal. I am rather annoyed by it but not much I can do now!!

Off to bed now as all that gardening has made me tired!

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

Tuesday

Up early this morning to get to my keep fit class all this lying around in the morning is not good for me.

A good class but very hot and I stayed for a coffee and a chat. Jon wa out walking down at the Mount and he had a coffee there.

I went to the supermarket and bought lots of fruit and veg to make salads as I am getting fed up with the usual stuff.

Jon was home when I got back and it was soon time for lunch.

Jon had an email about new dates for flights and because we are now looking to leave the week after Easter the flights are more expensive by $2500. What a pain!

Jon showed me his drain which he thought was coming out and I agreed it looked like the stiches were out.

I rang the secretary but had to leave a message. It was getting late and I had to decide to go or not to go to my aqua class. I rang again and got through and explained. She told me Mark was in surgery till late and suggested we go up to ED as it was not something our GP could sort out.

I really thought we were done with hospitals and on the mend now!

We explained the situation and then sat and waited. Eventually, a nurse came out and we were taken to a cubicle. He had a look at it but decided it was too difficult for him to do so we were told to go back to the waiting room and they would contact a registrar.

While we waited lots of people came in and were seen and left again. Thee was a young mum there with a little girl of about 18months old. She looked very grumpy, the mum that is. The child had a bad cough but apart from that looked well and was happy and smiling at people. The mum took the baby to play in the toy area and I heard her on the phone to her mother saying the child would not eat and so she had brought her to the hospital!! Why would you put yourself through hours of waiting when the child looked happy and healthy even though she did have a cough.

Not sure why but the mum brought the child out of the play area and sat herself in front of reception and the child started to cry and all the mother said was 'stop it' over and over and over and was more interested in her mobile phone. I wonder if she thought a crying child would get her seen quicker?

We waited and waited and finally we were taken in again and saw one of the registrars that visited Jon when he was in hospital.

He said he would try and push the drain back in as 'the boss' did not want it out yet. He set up his tray and proceeded to stich Jon up again. Fortunately, this time, the local anaesthetic worked and Jon could not feel anything. He wasn't able to push the drain back in so Jon now had quite a large piece sticking out. We will keep our appointment on Thursday and see what Mark says.

They didn't have a bag to fit the drain and were going to have to go and find one and I said 'I have one in my bag' Well, it is what all women carry in their bags, isn't it? It was just luck that I had the little bag we carry around with us with spare bags for Jon and when the nurse gave us a spare drain bag last week I had put it in the bag!

I asked the registrar, as he had commented on how big the hole was in Jon's side, if, when the drain comes out, it will need stitching. He told me that the hope was for the wound to heal from the inside out and if it was stitched up any further discharge would not be able to get out. So I imagine once the drain is out he will need to wear some sort of patch until it does close.

Finally, after nearly three hours we were free to go home! The mother wand child were still in the waiting room when we left!!

It was time to get the dinner on and we had some chicken cooked in soy sauce, sherry vinegar and honey with rice and it was very yummy.

We watched some TV and that is the end of another eventful day!

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 23 degrees

Monday

Another lovely morning so we decided to go down to the beach for a walk and take Totty. She was very good and really enjoyed the beach to begin with but she would not run and catch shells like she used to and mostly just walked along side of us.

It is the first proper walk both Totty and Jon have had for a long time and it was a lovely day for it. When Jon decided it was far enough we then turned round to go back. Totty got very tired and wouldn't walk so I had to carry her - not as fit as she used to be!

We then went to Tay Street Café for a coffee and sat in the sun and they always have bowls of water out for dogs so Totty was happy.

We then drove to the port to buy some fish and got held up in traffic as there was a fire in a workshop just near the fish shop. The police allowed me to drive to the fish shop and get my fish!

We came home and I hung out my washing and did a few jobs around the house.

After lunch Jon got the lists I made of all the furniture and things as we need to put values on everything for insurance but we need to get on to it. The company Jon has been working for have extended his contract till Easter so he is employed again which is nice we can have butter on our bread now!

When I hung out the washing I noticed black bits on it and inside the drum and could see down the middle of the agitator that it was all gunky. As I was not sure how to clear it I Googled it and found a few solutions but lots of people saying it was a problem. I first tried dishwasher powder and a hot wash followed by washing soda and another hot wash but it was still messy. I then found that I could unscrew the agitator and take it out. I then spent over an hour cleaning it what a mess. I think I will stop using fabric softener as that is what causes it and not doing hot washes. I am glad I did it though as I would have been very embarrassed had I sold it in that state!

I cooked fish for dinner tonight but I didn't want much, not much appetite these days. Jon had his first beer tonight but said it didn't taste that good!

We watched some TV and I did my knitting which is now very big and I am on the last ball of wool. We had a cool evening so it was nice to have a cosy blanket on my lap!

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Sunday

I decided it was about time I dyed my hair, I haven't done it since December as the sun has been doing such a good job. It is not easy to buy semi permanent dye here for light hair, everyone want dark. I have managed for most of our time here with a Superdrug colour I brought from the UK but that is not available in the UK now either so I had to go for one I thought would do. I am now a rather dark brown and wonder who is looking at me in the mirror! I don't much like it so it will need lots of washing or lots of sitting in the sun over the next few days!

We went for coffee to one of the garden centres and it was extremely hot sitting out in the sun.

Jason had asked me to get something for him from a Lego website which just happened to be here in Tauranga and was half the price of UK. I ordered it yesterday and the guy emailed me and we arranged to pick it up this morning.

It was just round the corner from where we had coffee and was just a house. As we arrived a young boy came out of what looked like a converted garage. We went inside and he had the whole place set out with Lego, houses, streets a park and village and a working train and monorail. It was amazing. He is 16 and has been collecting for ten years. He told us that dust and the sunlight were the worst things. He did pull the blind up for me to take a photo. We had quite a chat to him - a really lovely young man.

We then went to the supermarket. I am still buying things as I need them and now that I only have the small freezer I can't keep much anyway.

We got home and I hung out my washing and then I sat and read my book for a while. I made lunch for Jon but I wasn't very hungry as we had a cooked breakfast this morning.

I had called Sanje and his wife, the couple who bought our bed and want the TV but they did not answer but she saw I had called and rang me back. I explained to her that we had to postpone going back and did they still want the TV and she said yes. I told her they could also have the surround sound system as they were having to wait. He had wanted it when they came but she told him they could not afford it. I told her I have some plates and things for her and she said she will come next Saturday for them.

She also told me they have applied for a loan as they want to buy my car which he saw when they were here last and he loved it. I am really pleased they want it as it will mean we can sell Jon's and just keep mine till we leave. His wife, and I can't remember her name, asked me if we liked Indian food and I said yes but that Jon could not eat it now. She told me she wants to make me some Indian food as I have been kind to her. I was quite emotional, it is very kind of them as they have very little themselves and I am glad we have been able to help them out.

I made a lemon syrup loaf this afternoon and we didn't do much else. Hopefully, as Jon improves we will be able to get out and go for a walk every day.

I cooked dinner and then we watched Coronation Street and I did my knitting.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

Saturday

Another lazy morning today and no rush to get up!

Jon had a much better night last night due to the smaller bag - long my it continue, I want to go home!

I rang my sister and had a nice chat to her as I haven't spoken to her for ages. She is still waiting for a date for her surgery.

We had breakfast and then later on we went to have a coffee down near the Mount. We then went to Nosh, the deli. They had a market day on with lots of free samples and cooking demos. We bought a few things and then we came home.

We didn't really do much for the rest of the day. I made lunch and then baked some scones to have for tea and Jon sat on the deck in the sun. I did some sweeping in the garden. The grass is very long as the man has not been to cut it and we don't have any tools so it is just getting longer by the day!

I tried to sort out my huge collection of photos I have on my ipad. I decided to put them into individual albums so that I don't have to look through them all to find a particular one. The only problem is I sort them and put them in named albums but then if I delete them from the camera roll it deletes them from the album, too and I don't know how to sort it out. It seems sill having them stored in two places?

Not sure what has upset Bertie today but he has not been at his best. Could be coming off the antibiotics, who knows with Bertie!

We had some lamb chops cooked on the bbq tonight and I made kebabs with Haloumi and tomato. I also used some of our courgettes that are still growing but very small but they didn't cook well so I think it is time I pulled the plant up.

I have a stack of magazines which I need to get rid of so I spent the evening going through them and taking photographs of the recipes I like and any little bits of information which might be useful and once done I can give the magazines away.

Off to bed now.


WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees

Friday

An early start today as I was at Red Cross and it wasn't as cold this morning so maybe we have summer back. At least we haven't had all the flooding they have had in Christchurch!

I went to the shop and it was very quiet there this morning but there is always something to do. Sharon found a lovely dress for me and put it to one side and gave it to me to try today. It is midnight blue and a cocktail dress, not sure when I will wear it but it is lovely still with the new label on it for $199 and I got it $16.50 (8.25GBP) Even if I only wear it once it will be a bargain!

I left the shop at 1.00 and went to the estate agent to pay our water rates and then went home.

We had lunch and then I got a FB message from Heather as she was not feeling well so I told her to call me which she did. We had a long chat and I think she was having a panic attack and being on her own makes it worse. By the time she got off the phone she was feeling better and hopefully was able to sleep. I know how she feels as they are horrible and so much worse when you are on your own.

It was by now time for us to go up to see the consultant at the hospital. We left with plenty of time to spare as it was end of school time so busy roads and not sure if we would get a parking space. Typical when you have lots of time - no traffic and a parking place near the entrance!!

We were called in to see Mark and he examined Jon and said that there was about 10cm of tube in the drain and he wanted to shorten it by 1cm a week which means we will need to be here for another ten weeks!!! We said that was a long time and he said he did not want to rush it so the only other option was for Jon to fly home with the drain still in which would be fine as these drains can stay in for a very long time so we would have to get an appointment with a medical team at the hospital as soon as we are back.

We then discussed the long term antibiotics and he decided that Jon could finish them now as he did not think there would be further infection. I asked if he would need another CT scan and he said no. He also said that this is new for him as it has never happened before! He said that the leak was at the site of the previous hernia which had filled with pus and other waste and the swelling was a lot of gas which was released at the surgery.

Mark took the drain bag off Jon's side and he injected him to numb it and then pulled some drain out and stitched him back up again. He asked me if I was squeamish and if I wanted to go out but I think I have seen enough of Jon now not to be put off by these things. It is a big hole and thick drain tube though! They put a smaller bag on and it feels more comfortable for him. So, fingers crossed it continues to heal and no more swelling.

We got home and had a cup of tea and looked at the calendar and dates to see what we could work out.

So, our plan at the moment is for Jon to stop the ABs and if he is doing well we can miss next week's appointment then the following week Mark will shorten the drain again. That will be 20 March and if all has gone well we can then decide on a return date which is now looking to be the end of April. We have Easter in the middle of this so we have two short weeks and Anzac day which is a holiday here so to get packed up would be difficult and we don't really want to travel over the Easter weekend.

This makes it hard for when we do get back as the girls and James and Jason are all booked to go to Centre Parks on 28 April for a week but there is not much any of us can do about it. All sooooo complicated!

I went out to get our fish and chips and then we watched some TV.

Off to bed now so much to think about but not a lot we can do.


WEATHER
Sunny 22 degrees

Thursday

What a lovely morning and not so cold today. I was on my way to the supermarket just after eight this morning as I needed bananas and yoghurt for Jon for lunch. I got caught in the rush hour traffic, a new thing for me as I am not usually out that early.

Can you believe the supermarket had no bananas. They said they had not had the delivery yet!!

I got back home just before nine and Jon had had his breakfast so I had mine and then had a nice surprise as we had a phone call from Kirsty. She said she has had a lot of stress from work and has had to bring work home with her as she has been so busy.

We had a nice catch up and she told me that James has had a promotion at work and well deserved and long overdue I say. Things are still on-going with the house but that is because they need to get some papers filled in but the issue with the roof is still not sorted.

We had a good catch up and then I put her over to Jon as I needed to get ready to pick Margaret up at 10.00.

I left the house and went for Margaret and we went to the cinema. I asked for one ticket to Saving Mr Banks and she only charged me $9 - pensioners rates!! I think I must have aged in the last two weeks - I blame Jon!

When we got inside there was a friend from Lions there with two of her friends who know Margaret. One of them asked Margaret if I was her daughter!! Lol! I don't think Margaret was impressed and especially as I had just paid pensioner rates to get in!!

The film was really good and we all enjoyed it. I thought it would be funny but I cried more than in the Book Thief and the Railway Man. I didn't know the author was Australian, you learn something new everyday!!

We drove home and I dropped Margaret off and I came home. Joe, from Oz was still here and it was lovely to see him again. He was chatting to Jon about potential work when Jon gets back to UK. He lives in Perth and after spending tonight with his brother in Auckland flies back there tomorrow. He is such a nice person.

He left after two o'clock and I felt bad that I didn't ask him if he wanted some lunch, too late now!

I sat and read my book in the afternoon and Jon sat on the deck in the sun. So nice out there when the wind drops.

We didn't do much else after that. Had a cuppa and then later I mad dinner and we watched TV.

I did more knitting but each time I do it my hands aches more and more - a real labour of love this is!


WEATHER
Sunny 25 degrees

Wednesday

I could get used to having these late mornings especially when it is as cold as it is in the mornings at the moment.

We had a nice long phone call from Heather this morning telling us all about her trip to Barcelona. She certainly had a good time with some lovely meals out including suckling pig and snails. I guess this means that when I get back and cook for her there should be no complaints and requests for pasta all the time!!

She has an interview tomorrow and I hope she gets the position.

We went up to Greerton and had a coffee. We found a table in the sun and it was lovely and warm.

We then went to pick up a spare part for Jon's car - the cover for the back windscreen wiper which disappeared!

We came home and I did some jobs and then we had lunch.

I had a nice card from Jane and Jason and copies of the scan photos of our grandson. Such clear pictures these days. When I had scans of the girls you had to have a good imagination to make out a baby!

I spent the afternoon sorting out all the things Jon brought home from his office the other day and packing where they are supposed to be. If I do all these little jobs now when we get the go ahead to go home we can get onto it ASAP.

Not sure where the days go at the moment but they are passing by quickly.

I made dinner and then we watched TV and I did my knitting. I am now a third of the way and just started the second ball of yarn. This is certainly a labour of love. The knitting is easy but it is very heavy on the needles and makes my fingers ache.

Jon has a man coming from Australia to see him tomorrow. He is the man who arranged the trip to China when we went a few years ago. Hopefully, they can do some business together. I am going to the cinema.


WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees with a cold wind.

Tuesday

Got back to a normal day today and went to my keep fit class this morning. The ladies there are so kind and were very concerned about Jon and how I was coping and gave lots of offers of help which is lovely.

I then went to the surgery to collect the rest of Jon's prescription before going to a café to buy him a coffee and a muffin to take back to him.

I got home and we sat outside in the sun which, despite the wind, was lovely. Jon stayed on the deck while I did some housework.

I made lunch and then later on I went to my aqua aerobics class. There was quite a chill wind blowing across the pool but the water was 34 degrees so very nice.

There was a huge group of school children in the pool and so when we started our class they all joined in behind the sectioned off part where we have the class. Towards the end when they were fed up doing the exercises in the pool a group of them got out and stood by our teacher and carried on. It was very funny to see them but they really enjoyed it. I told them they need to be doing it when they are 60 or 70 like most of us in the pool.

I came home and had made the hot pot which Jon had put in the oven so I didn't have much to do for dinner so got on with some knitting.

We had dinner and then watched TV. Jon had sat out on the deck this afternoon while I was out and I am glad to see he has a bit of colour back in his face as he has been looking very white.

He is doing well and eating well but the drain is still not clear so we presume the hole has not healed yet.


WEATHER
Cold start then sunny 24 degrees

Monday

I got up at 7.30 today to try and get back into a routine - I hate being late up it puts me behind with what I want to do!

I had breakfast and waited for Jon to get ready and then we went for a coffee before going into the office to pick up his things and clear his desk. He had a chat to the guy in the office who is in charge of the new fumigation business and it all seems to be going well.

We then went to get the road tax for my car before going to the supermarket. As there was a bit of a nip in the air this morning I decided to make a hot pot. It will be interesting to see how Jon gets on with meat as it is so long since he had it.

We got home and I made lunch and just as I was doing it we had a shower and I had to rush out to get my washing in.

After lunch I started on my ironing which has built up over the last few weeks as I don't seem to have been in the house long enough to do it.

I had an appointment for Totty at the vet to have her anal glands cleared again so left to go there at 3.30.

I felt very embarrassed when I got in as she did a big wee on the floor. I usually walk her round the car park before we go in and I forgot!! Ooops!

The vet sorted her out and he asked when we were leaving so I had to explain that it has been postponed.

Back home I made the hot pot which I really should have done earlier to allow it to cool so I can skim off the fat. We will have to have it tomorrow instead.

I cooked some fish for our dinner instead of the hot pot.

We watched some TV and I did some knitting. The pom pom blanket is getting quite heavy on the needles so I can only do a few rows before my fingers start to ache.

Off to bed now to read the Thorn Birds. I do love a good book!


WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud and the odd spit of rain 25 degrees

Sunday

I woke at the normal time this morning and got up for my shower but Jon had a good lie in again and I suppose that is good as he needs the sleep to get stronger.

We decided to go out for breakfast and went over to the garden centre in Bethlehem and had a really good breakfast. There is certainly nothing wrong with Jon's appetite! He had two poached eggs, two slices of toast, bacon, tomato and a side of hash browns and really enjoyed it and only left half a hash brown!

We went straight home from there and I decided I would try and sort out how to knit with this pom pom yarn! Perseverance paid off and I soon managed to cast on and start to knit. I managed to do about 20 rows before my fingers were sore and I decided to stop. It looks very nice knitted up and I hope it will make a cosy blanket. I think it is going to become very hot and heavy while knitting it so just a well the weather is cooling down.

We didn't do much today which was nice. I sent emails to people that were long overdue. I made Jon some lunch but I didn't have any as I was still too full from my breakfast which was half the size of Jon's but he still managed lunch!

We had fresh tuna steaks for dinner which were good and then Jon watched TV and I finished the book I have been reading and found hard to put down. It is called Annies Girl and all about a child brought up in an orphanage run by nuns in Ireland in the 40s. Very sad and hard to believe how the nuns could treat little children like that. It affected her whole life but it was well written and I really enjoyed it. Back to the Thornbirds now.

WEATHER
Sunny 24 degrees

Saturday

I didn't wake till nearly eight thirty this morning and Jon slept even longer!

After breakfast and a few jobs around the house we finally managed to get out for coffee at 11.00.

I drove down to the Mount main street and we walked along to a café and sat in the sun although there was a bit of a nip in the air this morning being the first day of autumn.

We walked back to the car and it was slow going as Jon gets tired very easily. We stopped off at the supermarket for a few things and then Jon was completely done in so we went home. I can't believe how much this has taken out of him.

Once home I made lunch and then I sat reading and Jon watched some TV. We were invited to a bbq but there was no way Jon could go. I went for an hour but more to see the new baby and I was back home in time for a cuppa.

I am reading a really good book and hate to put it down it is so good so I spent some time reading before I cooked the dinner. We had king fish again which is really nice.

We watched some TV and that was another day over.

We usually go out for breakfast on the first Sunday of the month but I will wait to see how Jon is before we decide tomorrow.

WEATHER
Sunny 23 degrees