Monday, November 02, 2020

DAY THREE QUARANTINE - AUCKLAND

 WHEN I get home, I already have plans to move some shit around!

Yep.  I am dreaming about it.

Sad but true.

My clothes are in three different rooms in the house.

And I plan on condensing that down to ONE ROOM.

I am going to put my PC in the lounge, where Stew worked during lockdown, and use that entire wall in the study / 'drying paintings' room as a wardrobe for my clothes and shoes.

I will look online at wardrobe options, places like Mitre 10 and Bunnings have wardrobe systems.  Something from there should work.

It will give me something to occupy some of my time while stuck in here.



No time like the present. 

My phone has no protective case right now.  I had to smash it to get it off, to put me NZ Sim card back in it on Friday night.
It's horrible to use without the protective case, so I asked Steve to go out on Sunday and get me a new one.

ABOVE: All going well it should arrive tomorrow.
Then I will feel better handling me phone again.  Right now?  It's as slippery as hell.

ABOVE:  My life right now.  Listening to music.  Playing cards.
Might try catching up on Coronation Street again... I'm about 5 weeks behind!  Didn't watch any at all while I was in Coffs Harbour.

Happy to report Ron is doing well.  He's getting lots done around the property, eating well... just lonely.  As you would expect. It will take him a long time to adjust.  But, time does heal.

ABOVE:  There will be NO mistaking which is MY WINDOW.  😂😄😅

ONWARD...

ABOVE:  Pancakes with a tiny bit of maple syrup.  Cream and rice pudding?  
This breakfast gets a 4/10 ... cos I like the banana.

I've already got the shakes and feel sick from low blood sugars, thanks to not having much of a dinner last night.

So ... I'm going to get a grocery order in.  

Answering a couple of questions/comments:

YES I am rather fussy when it comes to food.  When you are used to being able to CHOOSE what you want to eat, and you prepare it the way you like it, then to have food given to you that is not to your liking is frustrating.  Particularly when what you ordered arrives looking NOTHING like you imagined. 

Popcorn:  No I don't really like it.  I have kept it for an emergency !

I have just placed a grocery order for cheese, crackers, hummus, carrot sticks, ham, caramelised onion relish, burgen bread and some toiletries.  That will arrive this afternoon, so I will have options of my own for dinner.
And snacks.

I just had my first Covid Test done here.  It was awful, no way around it.  At least they only swab ONE nostril here... but they do it for longer.  Brings tears to ya eyes.  Glad that's over.  One more on the 10th November.

I am going to stop posting meal photos and reviews, as all I seem to do is complain and upset people.

*** ACTUALLY NO!  I will post a picture of my meal and YOU can rate it!  So there. ***

ABOVE:  THAT was delicious! So tasty and filling.
I'm saving the chips and drink... not hungry now.

And WHAT rating do YOU give this?

ABOVE:  1.06 pm and my grocery order arrived.  For some reason my carrot sticks didn't get added.  Drat.
I might get Lacy to bring some up tomorrow if she can.  
I'll sort it out!

3.31 pm:  And I've been binge watching Coronation Street today.  It's been wonderful.
First time I've watched a TV programme in over 6 weeks.

I'm feeling much happier now, just getting my head around being in Quarantine AGAIN has been hard.  Add to that the grief I am feeling over losing my Mum and well... I might have lost the plot a few times since I got back to New Zealand.

I would NEVER throw me veges over the balcony - JUST SAYING.  


I just went down to the lobby and booked myself onto a walk for tomorrow night.  I need it for sure!
Sitting in my room all day is soul destroying, even with Coronation Street to watch.

ABOVE:  LOOK what happens when you say NO MORE Cauliflower, Broccoli and Carrot!

ABOVE:  You get an amazingly tasty meal!
There were two pieces of pork, lots of really tasty veges and rice.  I didn't eat the rice.  I also didn't eat the cake... much as I would have liked to.  I want to leave here a kilo or two lighter, not heavier!

Anyone going to 'rate' this?

I give it a 10/10.  Thank You Grand Millennium for giving me food that is just lovely.

I'm going to sign off for the day, feeling fairly happy with my lot now.
The next 11 sleeps (and 11 full days) don't look quite so depressing now.

52 comments:

  1. 3 rooms.. wish i had that amount of clothes...

    Love the window display....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have 'that amount of clothes'... just summer and winter ones are split between two wardrobes, and I've got my exercise wear in a drawer in the spare bedroom too. OK OK... I might have more clothes that you! lol

      Delete
    2. Lol.. its ok mum.. we have the same obsession,,, SHOPPING...I just can't do that right now.. I didn't get the job. As can't do weekends or public holidays.. sucks but on to the next thing.

      Delete
  2. Coronation Street has to really stupid lately. The rules for acting during covid have meant thin story lines and rather bad acting! The whole Todd story line is awful. I'm sure it will get better but it's not what it used to be (although I still watch).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Lynda the todd story line is ridiculous!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous8:00 AM

    If you buy your flatpack wardrobe from Bunnings I suggest you get a staff member to help you when selecting in the aisle. Unless the NZ set up is different from Sydney there are a few different boxes for a single wardrobe and it's easy to miss something you need. Nearly happened to me. Great wardrobe, but not well sorted in the aisle.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maria9:33 AM

    Wow you are very fussy with food. I would have eaten everything you have had (aus too) except the peri peri sauce.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:55 AM

    Do you not like popcorn because you could have kept that as a snack when you didn't like what you were given. Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous10:15 AM

    Bugger I liked the food pics. In fact last night I had poached eggs for tea after seeing your photo of your breakfast. I dont blame you for not eating some of these meals and hate to think what they would give me. I'm allergic to fodmap so no processed food and lactose intolerant. Kj

    ReplyDelete
  7. I dont blame you either Chris, im a type 1 - i wouldnt eat most of those meals and i also know how horrid it can be with low blood sugar so good on you for ordering in your kind of food.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous11:15 AM

    yo Ma it's you blog, post what you want, people don't like it.... it's simple Don't bloody Read it....scrool on lol 😂

    #Lacy 💙

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous11:18 AM

    Please keep withe the meal photos I don’t see why they can’t give you two options for meals. There are bound to be a lot of complaints if one meal is served

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:40 AM

      There is a choice for meals in NZ - the admin would be horrendous if they had to cater for two choices again at each mealtime. Old saying: You can't please all of the people all of the time. Audrey

      Delete
    2. My main complaint is the quality of the food given at dinner time. And the exact same veges every night? Not on... I got that in Sydney and just lost the plot when it started happening here too. I really appreciate all the ramifications of catering to a lot of people, and they do give us THREE choices for dinner... which is fantastic. But I draw the line at Cauliflower, Broccoli and Carrots night after night!

      Delete
  10. OMG - People! It's just a fun activity, rating the foods! It is silliness. No need to be critical. Obviously, We would all rate each meal differently. I , for example, would want the lasagna - not the banana. That's what makes it fun. But since this is her blog, and her meals, SHE gets to rate it. I can't believe she has been "meal-shamed". Naughty Readers!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Exactly Lacy!! I agree....

    Lucy

    ReplyDelete
  12. I enjoy the meal photos and criticism. I am fussier than you. I have never heard of serving cooked vegetables with a pasta dish. Around here it is a salad and garlic bread. Your blog is just perfect the way you choose to write it. I enjoy every word and pix. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I rate all the meals so far in NZ iso 10/10.
    They are free, so free food is good food.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Crikey Moses there are some eejits out there! I agree with Dogstars .... love the food pics and critiques. And "meal shamed" - great phrase! After everything Chris has gone through I think it's time people started to think before pressing "publish" - it might not seem much to you but put yourself in her shoes for a minute and ask yourself if it's really appropriate right now. Wait until she's home and stronger emotionally before saying anything potentially upsetting - and if you can't then move on.

    I'm sorry, Chris, talking about you in the third person on your own blog, but you've been through too much to have to deal with this as well. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:32 PM

      omg I love it sparklingmerlot 💙💜💙 thanks for your love and support for my Ma and family ect xx
      #Lacy 💙

      Delete
  15. You are staying in a 5 star Hotel and the food you are bring given is so far below 5 stars. I guarantee you their guests other than Covid isolation would never be served food of that quality. What is with the potato chips and buttered popcorn, it’s not quality healthy food and the boxed drinks, not even pure juice, I think it’s a disgrace you are paying to stay at This Hotel. They need to up their game and provide more fresh and healthy choices.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous1:30 PM

    yip I'll get some for you tomorrow, and anything else you want 💙💜
    #Lacy 💙

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous1:40 PM

    Do you have to pay for quarantine in NZ? What was lunch - was it an omelette base? Kj

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am hoping to be exempt from paying here on Compassionate Grounds. I've put in my application, just have to wait for a reply now. Lunch was a thin wrap (bread based) and a mince mixture. It was just so nice!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:29 PM

      It certainly looked nice. I hope you dont have to pay Chris.

      Delete
  18. I love that relish!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I see the fixings for some hot ham and cheese sandwiches! $ bottles of that Onion Relish??? I am going to have to try to find that or an equivalent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The relish is relatively expensive @ around $4 a pot. But so worth it!

      Delete
    2. It sure is worth it! Yummo...........so good with cheese and crackers

      Delete
    3. That relish is just the best 👍

      Delete
  20. I love the food critiques and, OMG, decent meals would be so important to me in a quarantine situation.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous1:57 PM

    Hi Chris. So glad that you are back home, one step closer to your family. Please do not stop the photos. I love them and find them so interesting. It is your blog you do what you want. Christine Australia XXX

    ReplyDelete
  22. That Whitlock caramelised opinion relish is the best!! They used to sell it in Coles, but no longer. Full of sugar, but tasty as!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous3:05 PM

    Actually your being very reasonable, there’s nothing I’d eat from the meals they’ve given you. I’d only eat the bread, cheese and ham from you shopping, I probably should go into iso as I’d get my weight down and I really need that. Jo

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sounds like the NZ quarantine is a bit more relaxed than Sydney. You weren't allowed out of your room in Sydney at all. That should help break the boredom a bit for you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Jeepers creepers put on your blog what the hell you like if others don't like it they can bog off or far cough whichever is preferable 🤭 good that you can get out of your room for some exercise crikey Stew's gunna have to control himself when you finally see each other *snort* George's Mum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:59 PM

      *snot* George's Mum xx 😘
      Love it
      #Lacy 💙

      Delete
  26. The food looks a lot better than oz. I’m total opposite to you, love kumera, broccoli and cauliflower. Won’t be too long now Chris until you get home

    ReplyDelete
  27. Please keep updating us on the food and photos, I for one love the photos and reviews good or bad.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey Chris, I've not commented for ages. Life has been HECTIC and I've not had a moment to leave you a comment. But I will comment to say I am glad ypu're keeping the food photos coming, as someone who has not experienced quarantine and very likely won't it is so fascinating seeing your experience of it! and if you wish to moan about the food, so be it! Your blog, you write whatever you like.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love the tea 10/10 from me enjoy looks yum

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww thanks Denise. Hope all is well with you and the family. Much love.

      Delete
  30. 11 sleeps see even that is racing along single figures soon so pleased meal times have changed yay
    Blondie

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love seeing the food - even better when you enjoy it! I’m glad you are feeling more positive.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous12:11 AM

    I would eat that for tea, it looks nice and fresh so 9/10. Jo

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous12:40 AM

    The food is definitely looking more appetising now, but at least you have your little "stash" to fall back on if you are given something you really dislike. I can't have onion relish in the house as I just love it and would eat cheese & crackers with relish for every meal. Glad to hear that Ron is doing ok. Keeping busy does help, but I know from my dad it's when you sit down in the evening and there is no-one to talk to that it feels very lonely. I'm sure his neighbours will check in and keep an eye on him. I saw you mentioned Lacy coming.....are you allowed to meet her, or is it just a drop off ?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Really not sure how you passed on that cake. But good joob!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Please keep on posting your food adventures, with photos!!! As I mentioned elsewhere today, other peoples dinner choices are so exotic. Nothing like the stuff that gets served up here. I would be gobbling it all down. Just happy that someone else was cooking, serving and clearing up lol
    Days are passing. You'll be home soon. At least you're on home ground

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just have to say I love your food ratings. Most of the stuff looks disgusting to me so I'd agree with you lol. Wonder why they can't just have separated meat/grain/veg trays instead of throwing it all together.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sorry, but I laughed out loud at some of the food they bring you to eat. That situation could double for a weight loss camp, most of the food looks just pitiful.

    The hospital where all of my doctors send me when something goes wrong with me has really bad food.except for excellent baked potatoes. They had a pork dish that was tasty, and had tasty gravy on it. The problem was I couldn't eat the pork dish because they only gave us butter knives to use, and the meat was more tough than I ever knew pork to be. I asked if I could have a steak knife so I could cut up my pork to be able to eat it. I was told they didn't allow sharp knives in the hospital. it wasn't a hospital for the mentally unstable, for goodness sake, I was there getting knee replacement surgery. But I guess it is too dangerous to the nurses and doctors if patients have sharp knives. I had my husband smuggle me in a steak knife from home so I could have something other than a baked potato for dinner and a sherbet for desert.

    I will be happy for you to get back to normal and have some of your favorite dishes for a change.
    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I think that many of us reading your blog read it because we love to read it and we love it because of you - the real you. These days (you quarantine days) I just can't wait to see what food they bring you and your ratings of the food. I do not think you are wrong in expressing your opinion - it is yours and on your blog. Noone who doesn't want to read it can just scroll on!
    I loved your dinner with new veges (they are my favourite)! I didn't get why almost all your meals in Australia had chilli in them? I wouldn't eat that too. Hope you get more of your favourite food.

    Hugs, Danka

    ReplyDelete

Comments will be published once approved by a blog admin. Thank You.