AQUA JOGGING

ABOVE:  First up for today, and a first for me here in Hamilton.  Aqua Jogging at Waterworld.

Fingers crossed I love it, and there's some nice people in the group.

I will, of course, let ya know once I get home again.

It's at 10 am, and goes for 45 minutes.  So I'll be back to update around 11.30 OK?

ABOVE:  Finishing touches to a couple of new trees on the back lawn.

ABOVE:  Remember me dousing this pot in Diet Coke a while ago?  LOL... looks like something is starting to grow again!  But let's not get carried away... might be too soon.  But those pearly things are GREEN!

ABOVE:  Lacy amused herself in the rockery yesterday.

ABOVE: That one looks like a frog.

Right, I'm off to get some washing on, make the bed, bla bla bla.

ABOVE: I left home really early as I wasn't sure what the traffic would be like.  Ha ha! I am here a full hour too early. 

So thats ok. I can scroll the internet to kill time.

At least I've got my swim pass on me wrist... no queues for me.

Oh and after installing all the soaker hoses and watering all the gardens late yesterday..  it rained. SO typical. 

11.40 am, and I'm home.  Got washing out and can now sit down and update.

AQUA JOGGING.  Hmmmm.

ABOVE:  That is the description of the class.  NOTE: High Intensity.

If it HAD been high intensity, 85% of the class would have probably dropped dead on the spot.

It was incredibly slow.

And that is all I am going to say on that.

Except, it WAS lovely being in the water.

I'm not hugely disappointed, just thought it would be a more vigorous workout.  And I thought some of the participants would have been around my age.  There might have been two?  who were of a similar age to me.

So, let's see what Thursday's Aqua Fit class is like shall we?

I am now going to get my lunch, then probably head into the sewing room for a while.  

ABOVE:  I'm really enjoying this one.  😊

It took a while to be happy with the composition and so on... but it's coming along nicely now.

It's stinkin' hot.  The cicadas are in full swing... summer has arrived... in Autumn.  (Fall for you northern buggers)

8.11 pm:  Time to wind down for the day.  It's a very pleasant evening, now that it's cooled down.

Looking forward to a good night's sleep, cos last night I went to bed far too early and woke at around 3 am, and that was it for sleep.  Sucked.

So tonight I'm staying up till my usual bedtime,  which is around 11 pm.

Catch ya tomorrow.

PAYING IT FORWARD

 I have made the decision to not do any more paintings.

So, I'm paying it forward and gifting all my blank canvas's to a friend who will turn them into works of art.

She's a struggling artist, so it will make her day getting all my painting stuff.

PAYING IT FORWARD... always feels good.

AND I get more room in the wardrobe for ... well, other shit!  😂😅😊

Today we are going to put a soaker hose in the front garden, then plant out three or four of my propagated hydrangea plants, around where that big conifer was.  They will fill in the gap nicely, and I adore hydrangeas.

I wouldn't normally think of moving them at this  time of the year, but as long as I turn the soaker hose on every day, they should survive being planted out in this heat.   And 'summer' is nearly over, so the heat won't last much longer.

Stew and I are just going to potter around in the gardens today, and do a few other jobs around the place.  So a nice, easy day ahead.

10.57 am:  Stew is working in the gardens, installing the soaker hoses.

And I'm working on this:

ABOVE: I have basically just nutted out what I want to do with this runner today.  I doubt I will actually do any sewing on it until mid-week.

My lower back is a bit sore so I'm taking it easy today.

I have my first Aqua Class tomorrow and want to enjoy it, not have a really sore back from sewing all day.

This is because I KNOW 100% my page is gunna get stalked by bogans today:

Never ever going to waste my time, emotions or energy giving YOU a second thought.  But you carry on reading my shit, cos YOU ain't part of it and never will be again.  

Lots of progress in the gardens today.

Stew has been working hard.  We put 5 baby hydrangeas into the front garden.

He's putting in all the soaker hoses.

And we decided to buy a couple more trees for the back fence line... more for added privacy than anything else.

ABOVE: Those two big pots got moved into better positions.

ABOVE:  The last Maple standing got a little prune, so we could plant an Avocado near it... to act as a screen once the maple drops it's leaves over winter.

Avocados are Evergreens.

We got two.

ABOVE:  When they grow up a bit, the maple can probably come down.

Or not, we will see how it develops.

The Avocados should have fruit in 3-4 years.

Stew is going to love that.

Me?  Yeah nah, not a fan of them at all.

The cost to us to get our privacy back is so frustrating!  So far we have had to buy 7 new trees for our back fence line.  😔😒😖  I hope all those trees grow fast.

ABOVE:  Don't mind if I do... and all on my own too.  Stew is waiting till later on to have a well deserved beer. 

 

Stew has stopped gardening for the day, me too.  Not that I did very much.

It's only about 2.30 pm, but it feels like 6.  Been a long day already.

I'm going to make us some macaroni cheese, with bacon and onion for our dinner.  We've not had that in months and months.  

We have four soaker hoses in the gardens.  I've got two on right now, and in an hour I will disconnect them and put the other two on instead.  It's going to save me hours not having to be out there hand watering all the gardens.  YES!

Bet it rains later.

ABOVE:  And look at that.  I don't have to cook this evening.  Steve has come over and he's cooking our dinner for us.

We are still having macaroni cheese, yum yum.

I'm on to my 5th glass of wine!  It's a wonder I can even type straight.  In fact, the number of times I've had to go back and correct myself is horrendous.  Ah the joys of wine.

Remind me tomorrow.

ABOVE:  our dinner was delicious.  And now he's doing the clean up too.  And the girls are ever hopeful of a tidbit thrown their way.

Our day is done.  It is wind down time ... and I'm ever so slightly pickled.

Catch ya tomorrow.

FINGERS CROSSED FOR A BETTER DAY

 MEH.

Yesterday was just a down day.

Let's have a better one today shall we?

Stew is home, so I think we shall do some work around the yard.

That conifer out the front is coming down.

Some more weeding will probably happen.

I am also going to plant out into the garden more of my succulents.  Quite a few have kinda... died inside.  I've not got green fingers really.

And I did something in the sewing room yesterday to that 2nd Fish Hall Hanging.  It's not going to be a wall hanging anymore.

I decided to try and lengthen it and make it a runner.

I am a runner maker, not a wall hanging maker!  If someone wants to use a runner as a wall hanging, they can add tabs to hang it with.

So, at some point today I'll probably show you what I've done to make the smaller fish runner longer.  Hopefully it turns out OK.

And yes, obviously I've changed my mind about making any 'Kid Wall Hangings' too.  My heart isn't in it.  And I'm not doing a thing if my hearts not in it.

It's gotta bring JOY.

VICKIE:  You got me all motivated to check out some sort of class I can attend!

I love WATER.

I love being around people.

So this morning Stew and I are going down to the local Aqua Centre to see what they have on offer in the way of Aqua Classes I can attend.

I am feeling so happy that you have inspired me to look into this sort of thing.

I used to attend Aqua Classes in Cambridge, until they closed the pool for renovations.

I really hope I can get back into it here.

Stew and I just visited Waterworld in Te Rapa.  Got the low down on the Aqua classes.

They are POPULAR, and almost fully booked out every week.

But, I have managed to secure a spot in the Te Rapa Aqua Jog class for this coming Monday, and a spot in the Gallagher Aqua Fit class on Thursday.

They are both held in different sites, one in Te Rapa, and one way over in Melville.  But that's OK by me.

It will give me an idea which class I prefer, Fit or Jog.

I'm so excited!

Now I'm off to sort out a 'swim bag', and what to wear!  Like, probably short cycle pants and my rash top that has sleeves... cos I hate my flabby arms!

WHOOP!!!

Steve 'n' Bex came around, and Steve chopped down our messy conifer:

ABOVE: The process was quick and easy.  It has now left a gap that I will fill with a low growing shrub of some sort... eventually.

ABOVE:  The last piece getting hauled out.

We will probably do a dump run tomorrow and get rid of it all.

I have taken this week 'off' ... and today we had hot chip sandwiches for lunch, followed by an ice cream at the Base.  Nothing is ruined by a few days indulgence.

Will be on my best behaviour next week.

It's been a very hot afternoon.  Stew and I just relaxed and did nothing... again... just enjoying the day. 

6.30 pm:  It got HOTTER late this afternoon, so Stew and I jumped in the pool.  So refreshing.

Possibly not many more pool days left, so better make the most of it.

Nice way to wind down for the day, that's for sure.

I'm now cooking us some dinner.  A layered vege and egg dish, topped with some cheese.

Should be delicious.

And that's a wrap on the day.  Catch ya tomorrow.

A FEW MORE PHOTOS FROM YESTERDAY

 Here's a few more photos from yesterday:

ABOVE:  Found a lovely interiors shop in the main Mt Manganui shopping street.  They have the most gorgeous handmade rugs which come from Morocco.  One day I will get a new rug for our family room from here.

ABOVE:  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  The water was warm!  We were very surprised at the number of people in the water, on the beach and in the shops.  

ABOVE:  Clearly I had to take a photo of this shop.  😉😊

ABOVE:  On our way home the sunset was just lovely.

And now... back to today.  Stew is at work today.

I am going to work in the sewing room.

And that is all for now.

9.28 am:  First up for the day... I went for a walk using my new backpack.

I tried putting ice packs in the drink bag, but because the back is padded, it made no difference.  So instead, I took me drink.

It felt so light on my back!

I did a nice little walk in my neighbourhood.

ABOVE:  I have driven under this footbridge a gazillion times and wondered how to get on it.

ABOVE:  Today I decided to find out.  It was a nice change, in a different direction to what I usually go in.  Today's walk was only 2.3 kms.  I didn't feel like doing more.  

4 pm:  Since my walk:

- Bex visited me, which was lovely.

- I did some annoying housework.

- It got hot.

- My motivation to a bloody thing disappeared

So.  I've done nothing else today except watch some stupid shit on You Tube and Instagram.

I wish I  had some direction in my life right now.

But I don't.

Sorry.  I even feel like quitting blogging again.

My life is hardly read worthy.

NOT a plug for sympathy btw... just stating how I'm feeling right now.

I did some weeding!  yep.  And I loathe gardening.  Fuck I must be bored.

Now?  Watching bloody TV till bedtime.

Catch ya tomorrow.

DAY OFF

 Sleeping in today as Stew has taken the day off work.

Primarily so he can take out trailer down to VTNZ for a Warrant Of Fitness.

He didn't want to do it on a weekend, when every other man and his dog do it.

After he's done that, the day is ours.

We don't have any firm plans... yet.

Last night I dug out my old 'kiddie' patterns.

ABOVE:  I have quite a few.

Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to make a couple of Kid Wall Hangings.  Might as well switch it up and see how they go.

I have made some before and they sold fairly well.

So, if we decide to just stay home, I'll probably make a start on one of them.  Or finish the second fish wall hanging.  

Actually, I might even go get me hair cut today too.

I'm gunna get about 6 inches cut off I think.

OMG. Just had my hair chopped off!

ABOVE: How long it was. I asked for 6 inches to be taken off.

ABOVE: The bitch took off at least double that.  I'm gutted.

Only consolation is .. it will grow.

Why do people do that??? 

We are now off on a little  road trip.

20 minutes later... and I just said to Stew that I'm going to look on my big CHOP as a blessing.

It has figuratively taken away the last three years of stress. Now I have a fresh start.

ABOVE: On the road. Lovely day.

ABOVE: Lunch at... Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui.

ABOVE: After having a delightful wander on the beach, we drove up to Bayfair.

I bought a snazzy backpack for walking.

ABOVE: Got to see our boy.

After chatting with Griffin for a while, we parted company.

Stew and I went on to have dinner at a local Kebab place.

ABOVE:  I can't believe this was called a 'regular' size, not their LARGE.  It was heaps of food!

And delicous.

After dinner we drove home.  Arrived just as it was getting quite dark.

And while I have more photos from today, I will hold off posting them until tomorrow. There's not many.

Now.... going to enjoy a couple of hours with me feet up till bedtime.

Catch ya tomorrow.

It's been a really LOVELY DAY.

I FINALLY DID IT

 August, 2021.  19 MONTHS AGO!

That's the last time I was in a hair salon getting my hair coloured. 

Since then I've thought about dying my hair myself, I even went and bought a hair dye.

Didn't use it.

Was scared I'd ruin me hair.

So I have finally bitten the bullet, and made an hair appointment at a 'new to me' salon, that specialises in blonde treatments.

The price is the same as other salons I've been to.  They all charge like wounded bulls.  😖😲😣

But, as I only go once a year, if I'm lucky, I'm not going to quibble about it.

I have to now wait until the 30th of MARCH for my appointment.  That's OK, what's another 30 days right?  I think 19 months between colours is a record for me.

Worth the wait I hope.  Cos I'm feeling dowdy.

I might just go and get a trim at Just Cuts before my appointment.  It's getting too long, and it will give the stylish less hair to colour on the 30th.

Today, I'm going to work on this:

ABOVE:  It's a small runner/table topper or wall hanging.  

And that's it for now.

Catch ya later.

10.10 am:  Gosh I'm freezing!  Crazy cos it's lovely outside today.

I have done the bare minimum housework (ie, I've made me bed), and I'm just not feeling it in relation to doing another thing right now.

What I really need to do is find a new interest, that involves other people.  I did try it with the card group here in Hamilton.  Fizzer.

So I don't know what to do with myself most days.

I get lonely.  Yet I don't mind my own company.

And often, other people annoy the fuck outta me.

I really should just shut up.

Digging myself a big hole.

I'll no doubt end up in me sewing room again.  For lack of anything else to do.

ABOVE:  First thing I did in the sewing room was move the trestle table and the computer desk around.  Now I can see the computer screen easier while I'm sewing, and the trestle table is better placed for the iron/pins etc.  I'm also not dodging the computer chair to get to the trestle table.  So that made me happy.

Moving ANYTHING around makes me happy ... let's get real.  😂😊😉

ABOVE:  I'm thinking about making a curtain for this window.  Dunno.  Just something I thought of in a random moment.  It did have curtains.   I wonder what I did with them?  Hmmmm.

ABOVE:  I decided to make the next two smaller fish 'runners' into wall hangings.  They were not an ideal size to be a runner.

This fish didn't get rows of sharp teeth, as I envision it on a kids wall.  I like it.

ANON:  I don't want to tie myself down to set times working in an Op Shop ever again.  Being able to up and go at any time is more what I want now.

FELICITY:  Card making does not ring my bells anymore.  

LYNNEY: Yes, I think lowering our stress levels immensely has helped both of us.  I didn't think it would impact weight loss, but maybe it has.

SPARKLING:  Yes it is horribly expensive, but I agree, worth it.

It's now 1.32 pm.  And I'm hungry, so am off to get some lunch.  My main meal of the day.  I think I'm having left over roast potato and some baked beans.

It would seem I've had food on the brain all day today.

So, when Stew gets home we are going to our new favourite Indian eatery.  Butter Chicken for me and Chicken Curry for Stew.

That should sort me out.

Oh my, that Indian Restaurant never fails us.  We've had a lovely dinner and are now relaxing at home.

Winding down for the day... catch ya tomorrow.