WE'VE BEEN HERE SIX MONTHS

 

Today marks six months of us living in this village.

It's been a steep learning curve, some of it not so good, but MOSTLY it's been nice.

I at least, am starting to make friends, and joining in on some of the village activities.

Once Stew retires, in a few years time, he too will get the chance to fully integrate into this lifestyle/village.

Until then, he is able to join some activities, like there's a Christmas Lunch coming up in early December, and he's going to take a half day so he can attend.  I hope he does make an effort to join in more, because he does live here too. lol

Now, back to today.  We want to have a fairly relaxing day.  His nibs wants to go out somewhere nice for lunch, so I'll have to get me thinking cap on.  I'd like to go somewhere different from all the usual places we go.  ???

I'd also like to buy three more pots, and more weed mat for the back garden.  That's on me 'hit list' of things to get done.  Then ALL the gardens will be so much easier to keep looking good.  All we will need to do is spray a bit of weed killer around now and then... spot kill as weeds crop up.

I know it's going to look fantastic, and I'll be very happy to have it all done.  It goes without saying that Stew will be happy too, cos I won't be giving him 'the look' to get things done.  😂😉

Right, it's still a bit early to be thinking of getting outta bed, so I'll lie here and ready the news etc.  Stew will be up soon, to watch the rugby that he taped in the middle of the night, so no rush.

10.25 am, and Stew was happy enough with the rugby game.  Though it was the All Blacks 'B' team playing Wales, and the result was a given really.  Our guys won 52/26.

ABOVE:  We've been out to a couple of garden centres, and found three new pots.  2 terracotta and one more blue one.

We also grabbed a couple of vege pods... cos I've decided to grow lettuces and a tomato plant or two.  I hadn't planned on doing veges, but it will be nice to have fresh lettuce over summer.

We are now killing a bit of time before heading out for lunch.

We have decided to go to the cafe at The Hamilton Gardens, because they always do a very nice lunch.

ABOVE:  The first stop on our second outing of the day was to Bunnings, where we bought a line trimmer.  Because, although we HAD one, we sold it to our Real Estate Agent, thinking we didn't need one.

We do.

ABOVE:  While the lawns are mown frequently, the edges and corners always look like that.

I don't like THAT.

It's not tidy.

ABOVE: It only took Stew 5 minutes to get them looking lovely again.

ABOVE:  I wonder if the gardeners even notice?

So anyway, after getting the line trimmer, we went to the Hamilton Gardens Cafe for lunch.

ABOVE:  It was perfect weather for sitting outside.

Not too hot or cold.

ABOVE:  My hot chocolate got a 10/10, perfect.

ABOVE:  We both got a piece of carrot cake.  I had one bite only as I was full.  It also got a 10/10... I'd even give it a ++, it was that nice.  I shall have mine for 'dinner' this evening.

ABOVE: Stew's milkshake straw had bees on it.  Very cute.

Shame it was made of paper, I'd love to have kept it.

ABOVE: Here's where lunch went a bit pear shaped.  While the chips were a 10/10, the burger was a massive disappointment.

There was bugger all to it, no relish or sauce, the bacon was overcooked, and the meat patty was totally DRY and TASTELESS.

I didn't even bother eating it, I picked at it, then fed the sparrows.

Stew got half my chips too.

ABOVE: Time to clear the table.  The sparrows and other birds are well fed.  I fed them my burger bun, bit by bit, and they took it out of my hand.  Rather cute.

ABOVE:  We stopped in at Hamilton East to visit MADE again.  We DID NOT get an ice cream at Duck Island, tempting though it was.

MADE... I'll talk about that tomorrow.

It's now 2.12 pm and we are both sitting in the lounge, feet up relaxing.  We are both feeling a bit jaded.

THE JOLLY ELVES CHRISTMAS MARKET

 

Today we are doing the Rototuna Rotary Clubs' Jolly Elves Christmas Market, just up the road from us.

Nice and handy, though we still have to get up damn early, as the queueing will start at 6 am!

ABOVE:  It is being held at Hare Puke Park, Flagstaff.  This is the first time it's been at this location, so hopefully it's a good spot.

And... I'm pretty sure I said all that shit YESTERDAY eh?  lol

See... now repeating myself as well as forgetting stuff.

The weather ... is looking promising for a nice day for a change.  And maybe the kids will visit us too, which would be lovely.

I messaged the lady who sent me the Elf... saying how it was so stinky I've had to put it in an outside shed!

She said they infuse the boxes with CINNAMON... fucked it that's Cinnamon I can smell.  It's super strong, and disgusting, indescribable really.   I'm so annoyed all round over that Elf.

I wonder how long it will take for the smell to go, if ever?

I'm sure to let you know.  lol

Right, it's time to go.... catch ya later.

ABOVE: LOOK AT THAT SUNRISE! It's going to be FINE today.

ABOVE: 7.41 am, all set up. We have a corner site at the end of the row, so could spread out heaps. So lucky.

AND, best of all... sunshine, no sign of rain and NO WIND either. 

Bring it on....

12.25 pm. 

It's a good market,  lots of people,  glorious weather and some good sales.

1.5 hours to go, then pack up in the heat. 

I need a nap already! So tired.

As usual, the market died off around lunch time, and it was a long 2 hours till we could pack up and leave.  Though we did make a sale or two after lunch, which helped with the tally, which was 'fair to average'.

Home now, Stew's gone to do his weekend shopping, and I'm going to lie down.

I feel 'sick tired', if you know, you know.

TWO.  HOURS.  LATER... I woke up!

Then we had a nice evening, just relaxing in front of the telly/laptop.

I've become hooked on online jigsaws again!

Such time wasters.

It's now 10.15 pm, and I'm off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

OMG THIS REALLY STINKS!

 

When we were in Australia in October, we did 'some' shopping.

At the Hyperdome in Logan (Brisbane), we visited a Christmas pop up shop, and I fell in love with a Pink and Blue Christmas Elf.  I didn't want the really BIG one the lady had, so ordered a smaller one.  She said she could ship it to me, once she had made it.

It arrived yesterday.

ABOVE:  I've learnt something... unless you see it finished and can buy it on the spot, don't order it.  This Elf is SIMILAR to the one I saw in person, but it certainly is not as nice as the one I saw.  

Also, it STINKS.   I think Customs must have fumigated it?  I am going to put it outside and hope it loses the smell.  It's been in the lounge overnight, and now the room reeks.

I'm feeling a bit annoyed.  I'm sure I have something on today, but damned if I can remember what it is.  Grrrr.

I hope it wasn't important is all I can say.

We have another market tomorrow, just up the road from here, in Flagstaff. 

ABOVE:  This is the first time the Rotary Club has held the market at this park, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

I am going to drive over there today on a 'recce',  so we know where to go tomorrow.

Hmmm... I wonder if that's what I was forgetting?  lol  If I don't write things down, I sure in hell forget them.  Age?  Too busy?  Loosing me marbles?  Or all of the above!

Right, I'm off to start my day.  Catch ya later.

10.22 am, and I've been 'fluffing around' in the garden/garage patio/CQ for a while this morning.

Putting more potting mix in pots that were low, re-potting a couple of house plants, all the stuff that gets put off.

I've also tidied up CQ (Crabby Quarters) some more, and readied the big trestle to make a start on Christmas present wrapping/sorting.

Lacy visited.

ABOVE:  Lacy visited to show off her new wheels!

YES, a thumping big van!  She can now go camping, and trip around easily.   

It is a Diesel, manual vehicle, so will be cheaper to run.  It also has low K's on the clock.

 

ABOVE: It's HUGE, but she loves it, and that's the main thing.

Moving on...

ABOVE:  Back to Elves.  The photo on the left is what I thought I was getting... and of course, on the right is what arrived.   I think they look totally different, but same-ish.  But yeah, I'm not happy with mine at all.

If it ever stops smelling, I will probably sell it.  It was a very expensive mistake.

Marie, spot on.  Let's call it 'Tranny'.  😂😄😅

ABOVE:  12.50 pm, and I'm just home from a little outing here and there.

I bought that Socket Protector from Mitre 10, plus a few other bits 'n' bobs for Christmas.  

Then I did the 'recce' down the road where tomorrow's market it.  It looks great!  And we have an EXCELLENT spot with plenty of room to extend out a bit if the weather is good.

After that I picked up my repeat prescriptions and came home.  Now cooking my lunch before taking a break for a little while.

7.46 pm, and I've had a nice afternoon.

Coco and I went for a walk, sat and yakked with a lovely neighbour, watched the river, and then came home.

Stew and I have just loaded the car for tomorrow, so it's now time to settle down for the evening. 

It should be an early to bed night for us.

Catch ya tomorrow.

MOSAICS TODAY, THEN MORE FLUFFING AROUND

 

This morning I am off to Cambridge to make a start on my bird wall hanging.

I am looking forward to that... I wonder which way I am going to go?  Vertical, Horizontal, or Off Set Vertical?   Hmmm....

Late yesterday afternoon, after pondering the Water Feature and Brazier positions, I did the first step, with Lacy's help.

Cos no way can I move that bloody brazier on me own!

ABOVE:  I had thought of putting it slap bang in the middle of that paved area, but then thought better of that.  It's just as nice off to the side, and not in the way of 'through traffic'.

On Sunday I will prepare the area where the brazier WAS, in readiness for moving the Water Feature... which is, from now on, going to be called the Fountain.  Water Feature is too long winded.  It's a freakin fountain. 😂😃😅

ABOVE:  Lacy looking very happy.... and so she should.

She's getting a 'new to her' vehicle in the next few days, one that isn't another piece of shit.

More on that once she's got it.

And that's me for now... catch ya later.

12.15 pm, and I've had a very enjoyable morning over in Cambridge.

ABOVE:  Four birds in position... I will be able to take the plastic off next week.  As you might be able to see, I picked up my Owl from Matangi this morning, and it's on this wall hanging.

The 5th bird I bought will go on something else, at a later date.  I did some work on the bottom of the bird hanging too... this is the part I really enjoy.  The 'titivating'.  

I was asked to help make tablecloths for the Village Christmas Dinner tables ... so shortly I will be heading down to the Community Centre to do that.

ABOVE:   Shame they didn't think to just order these trestle table covers from TEMU.  I just got 3 delivered today, and they were incredibly cheap.   Though in saying that, they are probably not the right type of cloth for a dining table eh?  😂
So tablecloths was the wrong term to use, we are making simple, red table runners.  We did all the cutting out this afternoon, it didn't take long using my rotary cutter and big cutting mat. On Monday, three of us will do the hemming.

It is now only 2.15, so I might just relax for a while.  

7.03 pm:  I decided to stay home this evening, instead of visiting the kids then the pub with Stew.

I have a headache, and just feel ikkk.  I'm just a bit tired I think.  

Some of you might think I'm an 'energiser bunny', but believe me, I'm not.  I have my limits.

I will pick Stew up from the pub in about an hour, then we can just enjoy the rest of the evening at home.

Catch ya tomorrow.

THE PLANS FOR THE LAST GARDEN

 

I'm quite sure Stew doesn't like me much right now.

I've been thinking about the last garden that needs a 'make over'... and there's one BIG thing I really want to do.

ABOVE:  See the water feature?  Yeah.  I want to move it.

ABOVE:   I want to move it to here, where it will be in a less 'cluttered' place, and will be more visible from the seating area.

It might mean getting an electrician to make a longer power cord, but if that's necessary, then so be it.

When something doesn't feel 'right' to me, I have to fix it.  So fix it I will.

The other thing I want to do is this:

ABOVE:  I want to build a 'half height' screen to cover the sight of the SKY aerial.  Then I can put pots 'n' rocks under it.

The brazier will go where the water feature is right now.

So, those are the plans for that garden.  I'm sure we can get it all done before Christmas.  😂😆

Today I'm going to ring our electrician to ask if we need to lengthen the power cord, or if an extension cord (weather protected) will do.

And I will do some prep work in that garden, even if that is only taking out all the existing pots and 'junk'.  😏😉

11.22 am, and it's been a slow morning.

I woke to rain, lots of rain.

So, I have not gone outside yet.  I might later.

I did the housework... washing away etc.

And I just can't seem to get any motivation to do much else right now.

I have plenty to do, so maybe I'm just being lazy. 😃😂

And that's OK, I don't HAVE to be doing shit all the time, right?

1.45 pm, and I finally got outside.  Did some tidying up around the back, pondered the stuff out there and how to re-arrange it.  Very limited options.

Frustrated.

And NOTE TO SELF:  Don't ask.  That is all.

I'm now going to take a break for lunch.

I just heard back from the electrician, and it's all good to use an extension cord,  with a special connector/outdoor cover that can be bought from Mitre 10.  So that's sorted.

I will be moving the water feature as soon as I can 'tee' up the helpers.

NOTE:  I didn't like where the water feature was from the moment it went under the kitchen window btw.

As for the brazier,  I will NOT put it under the kitchen window... not because YOU told me not to, but because I know it won't look 'right' there either.

I have spent quite a bit of time out there today, just looking, thinking and deciding what to do.

The brazier is probably gunna go slap bang in the middle of the paved area, so it's a focal point that we can 'gather' around and enjoy.

And I just ate half a packet of chocolate biscuits, cos I am feeling CRABBY AS FUCK.

Lacy visited this afternoon, to help me with a job.  Now, Stew is home and he's eating the last of the chocolate biscuits.  No way am I doing that again!  I've now got heartburn!  Ikkk, and serve me right.

Right, watching Coronation Street... then off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE - MORNING TEA

 

Another chance to get to know more people here in the Village.  There's a 'Welcome' Morning Tea in the clubhouse, and I'm going.  Sadly, (probably secretly thrilled), Stew cannot attend.

I doubt it would be his 'cuppa tea' anyway.   Sitting around yakking with a bunch of old biddys. Though, he'd probably enjoy the food.

After morning tea, I am going to have a swim, followed by a soak in the hot tub.  I've been looking forward to that for a few days now.

QUESTION:  I'm thinking of making a few of these for sale on our stall...

ABOVE:  Casserole carriers.  I had thought of making the 'traditional' round ones, but they are a massive fag to make.  I think rectangular ones would be just as  handy, and certainly easier to make.

So, what do you think?  Yes, or No?

9.30 am, and I'm getting a fairly strong 'NO' vibe for the carriers.

They could be used to carry any food, a bowl of salad, basket of fruit, etc etc?   I'm still thinking about it...

In the meantime, I've done the housework, showered, washed the hair, put the face on and am about ready for the morning tea.

Well, that was a very nice gathering.  And a nice spread on the table.  I have taken some to have later on, after WW weigh in.

I wasn't going to WW tonight, as I've gained about a kilo in the past two weeks.

Trying to eat more so my blood sugars don't bottom out, and yeah.  Gained weight.

But, I'll persevere, I'll continue what I've always done... YO - YO. 😖😏

ABOVE:  I'm relieved I made an effort with the hair/face!  They took photos of all us 'newbies' today for their 'records'.  

I don't look like some old hag who let herself go... YET!  lol

NOTE:  The eyebrows have settled down enough for me to kinda like them again.  Derrr.

I ended up staying in the hot tub for only about 10 minutes, then got too hot.  So, while it was nice, I doubt we'll be in it much over summer.

The pool though, should be fine.

Well now I'm totally undecided if I shall make one or two of them, or none!

I'm thinking... I'll continue being undecided for now! lol

It is raining, and the gardens look FABULOUS!

All the rocks look so nice WET.

I've done two loads of washing this afternoon, one is already in the drier, and the second (Stew's shirts) will go on a rack.

Boring information eh?

But seriously, I'm being quite lazy.  Just watching True Crime on the telly.  I love those sorts of programmes.

7.33 pm, and I'm semi happy to report a GAIN of .500grams. That is less than I was expecting.

Stew and I are now at Fergus for a nice dinner.

ABOVE:  Calamari and Prawns, Pizza and Loaded Fries.  Certainly could not eat all of that.  We came home with a 'Doggy Bag'.... lunch tomorrow is sorted.

Now, time to just relax for the remainder of the evening.

Catch ya tomorrow.