Sunday, March 15, 2020

RETHINKING THINGS

WELL... with the news that we will have to 'self isolate' ourselves for two weeks when we return from Australia... there's been some serious thinking going on here.

First and foremost.... we have arranged for Lacy and Brylee to stay somewhere else when we come home, so that they are not forced to self isolate with us.

We have canceled our plans for traveling within New Zealand after our Australian holiday as well.  Obviously, we can't go anywhere for two weeks upon our return.

Hopefully the house has enough food and LOO PAPER for our use while we are in isolation.  If not, we can get the kids to drop stuff off at the doorstep.

Far out, this is certainly putting a bit of a spanner in our holiday plans!

Of course, we could avoid the self isolation by simply NOT going to Australia, but THE OLD MOO would be crushed if we didn't go over now!

And we would lose over a thousand dollars in flights, and travel booked in Australia too.  

So, we are still going.  

CRAZY?  Probably.  *sigh*

Back to today... packing.  Getting the lawn mowed as Stew didn't get to it yesterday.  

He did this instead:




ABOVE:  He put the dining room blinds up ... so now we can block the sun in the afternoon/evening when it's too bright.  Oh, and we will have privacy at night too of course.

I'm taking the dogs to the groomers this morning.  They will feel much cooler after that.  Coco has had the shits the last couple of days,  so she is in desperate need of a thorough bath!  Lacy had to tend to her yesterday... she was pretty ikkky.

ONWARD...

I've done some more reading up on the 'self isolation' thing.  Seems we CAN go for a drive, a walk etc, so long as we don't come into CLOSE contact with other people.  So it's not all doom and gloom.  Phew!  I think I'd go nuts shut inside the house for two weeks solid.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEX!  Sorry I did indeed forget, there's been just a bit on me mind!  See you tomorrow, have a lovely day.

Today... is going well.  
We've had the dogs groomed.
We have talked to our immediate neighbours, so they know we are away, and once back are in isolation.
We've been to the supermarket and stocked up on the essentials:


ABOVE:  I felt like a bad person stockpiling DIET COKE!  But it's the one thing we must have when we get home!  Oh... and dog food.
Cos they must be catered for too.
Anything else we need can be delivered to the house by the supermarket, or one of the kids.

 ABOVE:  Everyone is saying 'DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE'... so, I have Stew sorted.


 ABOVE:  We went and bought the paint for the Studio exterior walls, to get rid of the calf shit yellow.  OF COURSE I chose a blue!  It will dry a slightly darker shade, don't worry!  It's not going to be so 'in ya face blue'.  *smiles*

 ABOVE: The punching bag has been annoying me ever since we put it there.  
I have to climb over it to open the windows... and there's not much room for children to play with the toys.
So I suggested to Stew he get rid of it.

He wasn't keen at all.

Then I pointed out to him just how often he uses is.  LIKE NEVER.

So he reluctantly agreed to get rid of it.  
And he knew of a young couple who would just love it... a young woman he works with and her husband.

ABOVE:  So there ya go... we will be taking it out to them this afternoon.  It's a nice feeling to know they will really appreciate it and use it, and we are happy to gift it to them.

I went for an FBG walk at 5 pm in Cambridge.  While there I got the news that Australia is now also imposing a 14 day self isolation plan for incoming travelers.

WE ARE NO LONGER GOING TO AUSTRALIA.

It would be completely pointless going over there to be put into isolation for two weeks, then come home and have to self isolate for another two weeks!

We are absolutely gutted, and I had to ring my Mum and give her the bad news.  She was extremely upset, but understood that it was completely out of our hands.   She cried.  I cried.
In fact I'm still crying on and off, because it upset me so much to hear my Mum cry.  I love her so much.

Sorry Mum.  We will see you later on in the year I'm sure of it.  

Stew and I will now have to sit down and decided what we are going to do for the next month.  Probably do some traveling around here in New Zealand.

Anyone want us to visit them?  Got a bed? *sigh*

I'm signing off early today.  I'm just a bit upset right now.

52 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:08 AM

    I think the media have over-cooked this a bit am sick to death of hearing about it a lot of fear mongering going around. You two will be fine happy Sunday! George's Mum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Thanks, we will do our very best to enjoy our holiday.

      Delete
  2. Hi Chris, I think that the airlines have to give some compensation because people are actually being discouraged from travelling unless it’s unavoidable. It’s not much fun at all here in Australia, might be different in a Coffs Harbour, Melbourne has people in a panic state, buying everything they can get their hands on and just the general anxiety of not knowing what will be happening. I know how much you are looking forward to seeing your Mum,.

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  3. Anonymous7:32 AM

    Your dining room blinds look great!

    With regard to your travel plans, do you know what the rules are in Australia with regard to self-isolation? Will you be expected/required to self-isolate for 14 days upon your arrival?

    A Fan in Canada

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So far there are no restrictions on New Zealanders arriving/departing to and from Australia.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous7:50 AM

    Omg!, u lot still going to Oz after this outbreak!! U must be Mad! This is a deadly virus and you will regret it coz on the plane there will be oldies. U might give it to them. Wtf!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:40 AM

      omg annon get a grip lol 😂
      #Lacy 💙

      Delete
  5. Anonymous7:52 AM

    Sorry Chris don't publish my comment if you deem it too controversial!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "U might give it to them"... ahhh WE DON'T HAVE THE VIRUS, and the chances of us catching it and infecting anyone on a plane is highly unlikely.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous9:21 AM

    I was in the womens airport bathroom yesterday in Wellington for a fair bit of time (23 minutes) as I had to get changed and put some makeup on and I saw 16 people out of 47 wash their hands. 16! 31 Feral bastards that did not! Totally appalling. I even reminded some to wash their hands and got the eye roll. My friend in America has it but has no medical insurance so is not listed as a victim because of this she has been told to stay home and isolate herself and hope she doesn't die. There are many others like her that have it that also don't have insurance in her building.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't want to be an American with no medical insurance! They just let them die? Disgusting if that is so.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:01 PM

      Yes they do just let them die. It's just awful.

      Delete
    3. BS ... on the just let them die. Testing is free and so is hospitalization with the Corona virus. IF she did test positive she is absolutely listed. If she has no symptoms then she's not hospitalized and told to self-quarantine.

      Delete
  7. I wouldn't worry too much about coming to Australia..... just use your hand sanitiser on the plane! Even though it's worrying, I sincerely doubt it's like the media and sensationalist journalism makes it out to be.....

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's the little things... those blinds are around the wrong way - well every blind like that I've seen has the top hidden, ie you shouldn't be able to see the roll.

    Don't forget Countdown do deliveries too, you won't be short of anything. Just take care on your holiday, you Mum will be so excited to see you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ps.... Don't shoot me if these blinds are different, clearly I'm not there to see what they are actually like :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes they are the 'wrong way' around. On purpose. If you mount them inside the window frame you would have them the right way around. We wanted to mount them outside the frame and have the blind fabric as close to the wall as possible, to cut out as much light, hence Stew mounting them the way he did. We like to be different! lol

      Delete
    2. Ah, thank you :) I'm sure Stew knew what he was doing. They will be a Godsend with the sun! Of course, the least of your worries.

      Delete
    3. Ha ha... I just watched a few You Tube videos on roller blind installations... and in fact Stew has put them on the RIGHT way!

      Delete
  10. My blinds were all installed by a blind man from a blind shop and all my ones face the roll outward like yours. It makes it more flush depending on your positioning of the frames etc. Otherwise there'd be a gap if roll was inside. 😁

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous2:01 PM

    Lol Stew some people need that at work. Kj

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  12. Anonymous2:38 PM

    Just a little reminder make sure your hand sanitizer container is no bigger than a 100mils or you can’t take it in the plane with you. You will have too put it in your suitcase in the hold. Have fun fun and enjoy your time with your mum . Lee-AnneL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I've saturated wipes with hand sanitiser and have a big bag full in my backpack/handbag for use while travelling, and the bigger bottle will be in my suitcase.

      Delete
  13. Ardern should be shot by firing squad for this decision!
    Rugby suspended!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I know u will have thought of this Chris but put bottles in your case in plastic bags cause they throw them bags around and if the bottle leaks your clothes will stink lol. Happy birthday Bex im sure you got the best present earlier in week with your man home and out of the woods...must have been so scary for u all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks felicity and yes it was. It has been nice having date mornings while the kids were at school and kindy. First time in ages.

      Delete
  15. Maria3:42 PM

    Are you not worried you might catch it in the airport or plane (it survives on surfaces for hours) and carry it to your Mum and Ron?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous4:01 PM

    gosh dam I think all this media hype and shit is more contagious than the actual dam virus, just use a bit of common sence and sh*t and well yea, you should be right, and if not then go to a dam doctor....chill for sh*t sakes man.
    and yes I do get how serious this is but dam.
    #Lacy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gosh damn shit and yeah! LOL!
      It is serious, countries do not have the resources to deal with this.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous4:40 PM

    I just saw on the news that all visitors to Australia are required to self isolate...

    Peta

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Chris. As Peta said above, the latest news is all international visitors to Australia must self-isolate for 14 days. Refer: https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-pandemic-live-updates-australia-world-news/39a65658-167d-4850-9a61-d2faaf6c3091

    I know your Mum would be disappointed, but is there an option for you to transfer your flights to a future date, when travelling may be less restricted. It's such unknown territory right now as to what other restrictions and controls might be put in place as situations are being constantly reviewed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:05 PM

      I totally agree. I'm supposed to fly out on Thursday to Australia from Wellington and my work has canceled it until further notice. I also had a wedding to attend while I'm over there which has had to be postponed as there are many of us flying in from different parts of the world to attend.

      Delete
  19. Oh ... and happy birthday Bex!! I hope that you're having an awesome day.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm so sorry, I knew how much this trip meant to you. You are not alone of course - thousands are affected by this sadly. Make a plan and enjoy your time off. As Tracy said that due to overseas tourists cancelling you could get some decent deals.

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  21. I'm sorry to hear you have to cancel trip...you and your mum must be devastated. Hope they credit your fares. Hopefully you'll get to spend some fantastic times with friends and family in NZ.

    Happy Birthday Bex

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rhonda7:13 PM

    Can Stew postpone his holidays? Go back to work and then take them when things vkear?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not really as he already has way too much holiday time accrued! We will find something to do, places to go don't worry.

      Delete
  23. Lets hope the motels with lost bookings offer cheap accommodation with the cancelled bookings from overseas bookings. Also abed here although not over easter week

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  24. So sorry to hear this but as you say it’s not much of a holiday if you have to self isolate yourselves for two weeks as soon as you arrive. I hope you have a lovely time traveling around NZ. Kristin x

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  25. Anonymous8:02 PM

    Happy Birthday Bex !!

    Peta

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous8:04 PM

    So sorry that you had to cancel your holiday and that you and your Mum are upset. No one likes to hear their Mum cry.😭
    I think it's much more serious than people realise as my job involves working with the Ministry of Health here in New Zealand, and for them to pull the plug on any international travel says something.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous8:06 PM

    Sorry have to add that I think Lacy is a bit naive and misinformed to think this isn't a big deal and it's all just media hype.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:27 PM

      sorry naive and misinformed, incorrect, I do realise it is a big deal, but I do think some people are blowing it a bit out of proportion, and well at the end of the day it's my opinion and well we all have to right to our opinion.
      I do no this is serious.
      but thanks for your opinion on my opinion 'anonymous'
      signed....
      #Lacy 😊

      Delete
  28. Anonymous8:13 PM

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/travel/back-your-backyard/114493290/new-zealands-most-underrated-attractions?cid=facebook.post

    Have a lookie at this!❤

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous8:44 PM

    I too have just cancelled my Australia my mum too was upset but understood it is worrying for everyone. Sigh means I have to stay at work god damn it Blondie

    ReplyDelete
  30. The normal flu kills over 650,000 per year globally.

    Massive overreaction by everyone and causing mass panic that is not necessary.

    Ardern has forced the rest of the world to react with her half arsed quarantine.

    I’m with you Lacy! A bunch of idiots and sheep that follow suit.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous10:37 PM

    I'm sorry, Kiwi Chris in Vic, that although I agree with you about the mass panic that has mainly been caused by the media, I don't think we should be blaming Jacinda Ardern for imposing quarantine. Australia is the only country that followed New Zealand, the other countries had stringent regulations in place while Jacinda was being blamed for lack of action. I do feel for you, Chris and Stew, it is heart-breaking that you can't visit your mum, hopefully it won't be too long before you can go over. Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  32. I very rarely comment on this blog, because of the amount of small minded kiwi sheep who have uneducated opinions. Comment from an educated Kiwi.

    Ardern hasn’t consulted any other countries before her bullshit quarantine.

    It will destroy some sporting codes completely and that will have a huge impact on mental health in NZ especially. The tourism industry is screwed already and now she has impacted that so greatly, that not even Kiwis want to come home.

    NZs own cricket team were overseas when she put this in place and then she had to backtrack on the timing of the quarantine.

    She has forced AUs hands for the quarantine because we are sister countries.

    Not thinking about people who are required to return home to NZ for urgent reasons.....funerals etc.

    If they are going to quarantine, then do it properly. Take people immediately from the airport and isolate them. Close the airports. It’s a half arsed effort to make it look like she is doing something constructive.

    Aunty clearly I am bored and am now subjected to quarantine🤣 when you get sick of the comments, I’m sure you will stop publishing them. At least it’s something for me to read and laugh at.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry you will have to self isolate once home in Aussy Chris... I feel for you and everyone else affected. Thank God we are no longer going to be forced to do that too. Safe trip home and stay well. Love you.

      Delete
  33. Anonymous3:19 AM

    I am so sorry you cannot go to Australia. But agree with you, being stuck in isolation is zero fun. And you certainly would not want to infect you mum. I am so glad you cancelled. This is a scary virus. I've self quarantined myself because I'm over 60. I'll go to the grocery once a week while I'm out playing mah jong. ;-) Hang in there and enjoy the next month in your new gorgeous home. Ky Girl

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  34. I saw the travel restrictions for Australia. That is really unfortunate. I thought of you, of course. I wonder what will happen? Will life ever go back to "normal"? This is all so surreal! I understand the need for drastic measures to keep hospitals from getting overwhelmed and I am glad countries are doing it. I just don't see Covid-19 going away.Hopefully, I am completely wrong!

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  35. Sucks to have to cancel your plans but hopefully we will all not get sick! Things are getting crazy here.

    ReplyDelete

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