I have decided that this side of the family is quite mad! Despite it being cool and overcast, they leap into the swimming pool with abandon and then into the hottub at the drop of a hat. I am hard pressed not to don a fleece sometimes but I do admit that last night's BBQ was scrumptious and sitting outside eating at 8.30 pm didn't seem quite so foolish after all. I did, however go to bed at 9.30 pm.
Last night I was accompanied by Beanie. Shirley has 8 (or is it 10?) dogs staying at the moment and with two new ones in residence, we agreed perhaps little Beanie should join me - a cross between a Jack Russell and a terrier we think. Tiny - but knew exactly where he should sleep and maintained his position.
Today Abi and I went shopping for wedding attire in Cardiff - not very successfully, despite some excellent sales. I shall just have to maintain my position as poor relation, I'm afraid.
The internet connection is horrendously slow and unreliable here, so don't be alarmed if I don't make contact quite as regularly. I leave here on Friday next, for a week in Derbyshire with Gabriel (No 4 niece - and mother of Anuerin and Idris.)
Tonight we watched (the end of) Mama Mia with the children, in Ceri's home theatre. Karen was much in my mind because last time I was in UK, Karen was with me here and we saw exactly the same film (and show in London).
Dogs and swimming pools permitting, I'll be in touch again before too long.
x
Friday, 29 July 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Here three weeks already - look out Wales!
Tom and I managed our little journey together without any arguments - though I DID have to go against his suggestions at the end of the trip because (like last time I was here) he decided he wanted me to go to another Church Street reasonably close by, but by then I had started recognising the landmarks.
He wasn't particularly helpful when I got into Cirencester either - but thank goodness for mobile phones and everything got sorted very quickly. Had a lovely time with the family and made plans for visiting Gabriel next week AND leaving for France about a week after that. Their house is very nice and they have got it looking good. Much smaller than the 5 bedroom + study vicarage they had in Heighington, but ideal for them now that the family is no longer (permanently) living there. The three toddlers got used to me much more quickly than I had anticipated, and 12 week old Henry hardly made his presence felt at all.
I then moved on for Wales and an hour and a quarter later was being right royally welcomed there. It is always as if I've never been away. They hadn't heard that England had decided to play in a black strip for the World Cup (where had they been???!!!). In fairness the Welsh still consider themselves as their own entity, and refuse to be linked to the English at all, so they were fairly scathing about the whole matter - even though Ceri (my cousin) still doesn't entirely believe me!
It was sad to leave Reading and the family there. They've been so supportive and caring and I've really managed to relax and unwind with them. I think it will be much the same here.
It's a much slower broadband connection over here, so I won't even attempt to load any photos here (even if I COULD!)
Surprisingly - they are anticipating rain tomorrow!
He wasn't particularly helpful when I got into Cirencester either - but thank goodness for mobile phones and everything got sorted very quickly. Had a lovely time with the family and made plans for visiting Gabriel next week AND leaving for France about a week after that. Their house is very nice and they have got it looking good. Much smaller than the 5 bedroom + study vicarage they had in Heighington, but ideal for them now that the family is no longer (permanently) living there. The three toddlers got used to me much more quickly than I had anticipated, and 12 week old Henry hardly made his presence felt at all.
I then moved on for Wales and an hour and a quarter later was being right royally welcomed there. It is always as if I've never been away. They hadn't heard that England had decided to play in a black strip for the World Cup (where had they been???!!!). In fairness the Welsh still consider themselves as their own entity, and refuse to be linked to the English at all, so they were fairly scathing about the whole matter - even though Ceri (my cousin) still doesn't entirely believe me!
It was sad to leave Reading and the family there. They've been so supportive and caring and I've really managed to relax and unwind with them. I think it will be much the same here.
It's a much slower broadband connection over here, so I won't even attempt to load any photos here (even if I COULD!)
Surprisingly - they are anticipating rain tomorrow!
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Tom and I are back together - all is forgiven
After a troublesome day yesterday, Tom Tom gave in to my demands and started talking to me again today. He seemed to have the impression we were still in Wellington (where we were together last) but eventually all his stars aligned, the satellites did their thing (and probably the man in the moon now that I know he's there) and he directed me without falter from the garage to my friends Rose and Glyn for the day, and then (even more importantly) back to Steph and Ray's to pack up my bag (and car) and have a lovely evening meal including their youngest, Russell and his wife Sharon.
Tomorrow morning I leave for Cardiff ... well, Whitchurch if we're being precise. I'm going to stop off in Cirencester to see Philip and Rosemary's new house - and catch up with Gabriel (Nye and Idris) and Rachel (Kitty and Henry) for the afternoon.
It's lucky it didn't happen today, because there was an accident in one of the tunnels evidently and the M4 has been closed off, for most of the day. I'm sure Tom Tom could have found another way, but the traffic would have been horrific and it would have entailed miles more driving.
Now that the clutch has been replaced and MOT (our WOF) passed, the car is driving well and I'm sure it'll be comfortable to move round the country in. The seat moves up and down as well as backwards and forwards - and after much hilarity at the dinner table (they suggested I had short legs!) Ray came out and sorted it out for me so that I'm no longer almost having to peer through the steering wheel.
I'd been threatening to buy myself a cushion but now won't have to. I've saved myself so much money today - first of all no new sat nav required and now, no cushion. Steph says the money should go towards a Wii to take home! I'll have to check TradeMe before I take such a step, but I COULD be persuaded!! I'll just have to remember to keep my lounge slider shut when I'm doing it, or the neighbours will start talking!
I shall be very sorry to leave Steph and Ray's tomorrow but will be back in no time. They have been great and I feel much relaxed and ready to take on the big adventure. But I'm also keen to see my Welsh lot and the family ... so I'll have mixed feelings as I leave.
The cold has subsided (really only a three day wonder, I think/hope) - it may even be a touch of hayfever. I can't believe it's already 3 weeks since I arrived.
Keep warm and safe antipodeans - see you soon the rest of you.
Tomorrow morning I leave for Cardiff ... well, Whitchurch if we're being precise. I'm going to stop off in Cirencester to see Philip and Rosemary's new house - and catch up with Gabriel (Nye and Idris) and Rachel (Kitty and Henry) for the afternoon.
It's lucky it didn't happen today, because there was an accident in one of the tunnels evidently and the M4 has been closed off, for most of the day. I'm sure Tom Tom could have found another way, but the traffic would have been horrific and it would have entailed miles more driving.
Now that the clutch has been replaced and MOT (our WOF) passed, the car is driving well and I'm sure it'll be comfortable to move round the country in. The seat moves up and down as well as backwards and forwards - and after much hilarity at the dinner table (they suggested I had short legs!) Ray came out and sorted it out for me so that I'm no longer almost having to peer through the steering wheel.
I'd been threatening to buy myself a cushion but now won't have to. I've saved myself so much money today - first of all no new sat nav required and now, no cushion. Steph says the money should go towards a Wii to take home! I'll have to check TradeMe before I take such a step, but I COULD be persuaded!! I'll just have to remember to keep my lounge slider shut when I'm doing it, or the neighbours will start talking!
I shall be very sorry to leave Steph and Ray's tomorrow but will be back in no time. They have been great and I feel much relaxed and ready to take on the big adventure. But I'm also keen to see my Welsh lot and the family ... so I'll have mixed feelings as I leave.
The cold has subsided (really only a three day wonder, I think/hope) - it may even be a touch of hayfever. I can't believe it's already 3 weeks since I arrived.
Keep warm and safe antipodeans - see you soon the rest of you.
Monday, 25 July 2011
SNOW IN CHRISTCHURCH, EH?
I'm really sorry guys - snow on top of everything else. Just what was needed. My decking now has a snowman sitting in the chair - I hate to think how my tenants are coping with the cold after a Kaitaia climate, but I guess briefly it will be a novelty at least.
Over here, the temperature has managed to get into the 20s. It was quite a pleasant day at Ascot yesterday, but I wasn't sorry to be wearing a cardigan. One day, perhaps, I'll get a photo or two on here but I guess I don't need to say the obvious.
Turned on my Tom Tom (sat nav) this morning to take the car to get its clutch sorted. It won't work! I'm wondering if it took exception to being "thrown" out of the cupboard in February. I guess that now I'll have to go looking for a new one - gives my nightie search a break, at least. At least I have a couple of days before taking off for Cardiff via Cirencester on Wednesday.
Have managed to pick up a bit of Ray's cold - but I think the flu jab I had in June has saved me from a good dose.
I'll try the photos once I've published this ...
Over here, the temperature has managed to get into the 20s. It was quite a pleasant day at Ascot yesterday, but I wasn't sorry to be wearing a cardigan. One day, perhaps, I'll get a photo or two on here but I guess I don't need to say the obvious.
Turned on my Tom Tom (sat nav) this morning to take the car to get its clutch sorted. It won't work! I'm wondering if it took exception to being "thrown" out of the cupboard in February. I guess that now I'll have to go looking for a new one - gives my nightie search a break, at least. At least I have a couple of days before taking off for Cardiff via Cirencester on Wednesday.
Have managed to pick up a bit of Ray's cold - but I think the flu jab I had in June has saved me from a good dose.
I'll try the photos once I've published this ...
Saturday, 23 July 2011
There are no photos!
Clearly you don't need to see photos of Rachel and Henry - or the nursery sports day. I have spent ages trying to sort it out but I'm blowed if I know how I got those earlier ones on!!! The photos are on the camera card, but I can't seem to find them on the computer. That will surprise no-one, I know. Sorry.
Went to the bank again yesterday, all ready to do battle. So the bank teller took me over to the machine and I tried again - hey presto, first shot! Hate it when that happens! But at least I can now move on and "know" that the card works.
Today we're visiting Rose briefly, while Glyn and Ray have a round of golf. It looks like a lovely sunny, cloud-free day. They have beautiful grounds and they tell me they have a resident badger at the moment. Last time they were not quite so welcoming about a mole who had taken up residence - they dig holes all over the place, so that was quite understandable. There's quite a bit of talk about culling the badgers over here at the moment because "they"think the badgers are responsible for the spread of bovine TB. The mind boggles.
Tomorrow the clutch is to be fixed and the MOT (alias WOF) sorted. All being well, I shall then be able to drive myself over to Rose and Glyn for a backgammon challenge on Tuesday. I taught them the game when they were in Christchurch a few years ago, and every trip Glyn and I (particularly) fight it out to find the champion. I haven't played since last time I was here, so I suspect - like the Wii - the opposition might be tough!
Oooo - how did that get there? I suddenly wondered if I could find it WITHOUT the camera card in, and then I fiddled a little bit and hey presto ... Rachel and Henry! Sorry about the intrusion - but I takes what I can get! Can't find the other one though.
On Wednesday I move on to Wales. Don't ask about the weight loss regime!!
Went to the bank again yesterday, all ready to do battle. So the bank teller took me over to the machine and I tried again - hey presto, first shot! Hate it when that happens! But at least I can now move on and "know" that the card works.
Today we're visiting Rose briefly, while Glyn and Ray have a round of golf. It looks like a lovely sunny, cloud-free day. They have beautiful grounds and they tell me they have a resident badger at the moment. Last time they were not quite so welcoming about a mole who had taken up residence - they dig holes all over the place, so that was quite understandable. There's quite a bit of talk about culling the badgers over here at the moment because "they"think the badgers are responsible for the spread of bovine TB. The mind boggles.
Tomorrow the clutch is to be fixed and the MOT (alias WOF) sorted. All being well, I shall then be able to drive myself over to Rose and Glyn for a backgammon challenge on Tuesday. I taught them the game when they were in Christchurch a few years ago, and every trip Glyn and I (particularly) fight it out to find the champion. I haven't played since last time I was here, so I suspect - like the Wii - the opposition might be tough!
Oooo - how did that get there? I suddenly wondered if I could find it WITHOUT the camera card in, and then I fiddled a little bit and hey presto ... Rachel and Henry! Sorry about the intrusion - but I takes what I can get! Can't find the other one though.
On Wednesday I move on to Wales. Don't ask about the weight loss regime!!
Friday, 22 July 2011
Here comes the sun
It's early morning, but at this stage it looks like a lovely day ahead - just in time for our third school sports event this morning. I believe Christchurch is in for some pretty nippy weather over the next three days so I won't complain about a bit of rain over here!
Steph and I have been looking for a summer nightie for me - tried to get one at home before I left, but of course only winter attire was on sale. There's not much to chose from over here either - but that wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm a bit fussy anyway. It is actually quite nice being able to go into big shopping areas and not having to consider the "what ifs". I hear that there was a 5.7 centred in Dunsandel earlier today. Hope everyone is ok - though Karen explained it as a "nice rolly one" even tho it did go on for 30 seconds. I can't say I miss them.
Yesterday I went in to London by train. Stopped at the station and updated my "Senior Rail pass" which gives me about a third off the fare (I think) so well worth the 28 pounds that it cost. (something to be said for keeping my British Passport) Having received the bank letter (with visa card pin number) I decided to pay by card. Fortunately, when I was at the bank I took money out at the same time - because the wretched card still wouldn't work! So I guess it's back to the bank again for another try. I remember that last time I was here, I had trouble with the eftpos process too ... all very frustrating.
Anyway I met Rachel (niece number two) there with her 11 week old Henry. I'm not at all biassed of course, but he really is a dear wee man. Olive skin and big brown eyes. We got a taxi (I'm still a wimp with the underground if I can get away with it!) to Notting Hill and then wandered around the posh area and viewed the shops etc (only from the outside). We found a very nice restaurant behind a dress shop and wandered in there for cibatta chicken and avocado, followed by an extremely delicious strawberry something which we shared. And suddenly we'd been 5 hours together and it was time to make tracks back to Reading.
Meanwhile Steph had been to the physiotherapist and is now strapped for a few days, with a rotor cuff problem. She's as good about going to get things sorted as I am - so it is 7 weeks since she first hurt herself - but I recognise all the symptoms from past experience!!! Even so, she'd done all my washing for me in my absence AND ironed a shirt. I could start to get used to this kind of life.
I'll try to put up a photo of Rachel and Henry. It is always a challenge, so don't be surprised if it's not actually on here. If not, I'll keep trying.
Steph and I have been looking for a summer nightie for me - tried to get one at home before I left, but of course only winter attire was on sale. There's not much to chose from over here either - but that wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm a bit fussy anyway. It is actually quite nice being able to go into big shopping areas and not having to consider the "what ifs". I hear that there was a 5.7 centred in Dunsandel earlier today. Hope everyone is ok - though Karen explained it as a "nice rolly one" even tho it did go on for 30 seconds. I can't say I miss them.
Yesterday I went in to London by train. Stopped at the station and updated my "Senior Rail pass" which gives me about a third off the fare (I think) so well worth the 28 pounds that it cost. (something to be said for keeping my British Passport) Having received the bank letter (with visa card pin number) I decided to pay by card. Fortunately, when I was at the bank I took money out at the same time - because the wretched card still wouldn't work! So I guess it's back to the bank again for another try. I remember that last time I was here, I had trouble with the eftpos process too ... all very frustrating.
Anyway I met Rachel (niece number two) there with her 11 week old Henry. I'm not at all biassed of course, but he really is a dear wee man. Olive skin and big brown eyes. We got a taxi (I'm still a wimp with the underground if I can get away with it!) to Notting Hill and then wandered around the posh area and viewed the shops etc (only from the outside). We found a very nice restaurant behind a dress shop and wandered in there for cibatta chicken and avocado, followed by an extremely delicious strawberry something which we shared. And suddenly we'd been 5 hours together and it was time to make tracks back to Reading.
Meanwhile Steph had been to the physiotherapist and is now strapped for a few days, with a rotor cuff problem. She's as good about going to get things sorted as I am - so it is 7 weeks since she first hurt herself - but I recognise all the symptoms from past experience!!! Even so, she'd done all my washing for me in my absence AND ironed a shirt. I could start to get used to this kind of life.
I'll try to put up a photo of Rachel and Henry. It is always a challenge, so don't be surprised if it's not actually on here. If not, I'll keep trying.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
I've been here two weeks, tomorrow.
I can't believe that already I've been away from home for over two weeks and tomorrow I'll have been here for a fortnight. The days seem to be rushing by in a haze.
I think Steph must have been reading the blog (but actually, she doesn't) because yesterday we got the Wii out again. Remind me that I must not buy myself one when I get home! We spent a total of three hours on it - between us - with Ray also joining in when he got home from golf. It is such fun and of course, most of you will know how competitive I can get ... not necessarily with other PEOPLE but if a blooming machine thinks it is going to beat me it can think again. Unfortunately it did!
Years ago, friends used to invite me around to try playing games on their computer, at their children's request. No matter how determined I was that I would not make a sound, I always managed to entertain them even in those days. The Wii brings out the worst in me - I'm sure the neighbours must wonder what is happening over here ... and we've agreed that I shouldn't play it in front of the grandchildren. I can't see how it can possibly help me to lose weight, but it certainly keeps me leaping about much more than I normally would.
Today, we've been to the second school sports day. I can't claim to have been to any in New Zealand but if they're run half as well as the two I've attended here, I will be most impressed. Both ran like clockwork and the kids were most attentive and responsive when the bell rang and it was time to move on. From wildly enthusiastic cheering and yelling, the raising of a teacher's hand had all the kids with their hands raised within seconds, and total silence. Very impressive.
And tonight, we've just come home from a concert by the Rock Choir that I went along to with Steph, Gina and Rose last weekend, for a taster. They all joined as a result of that afternoon. If they hadn't joined up after the taster, they certainly would have tonight. I think I mentioned that it was along the lines of "The Choir" programme on TV that I was watching prior to coming over here. There were over 220 choristers - sometimes singing up to 8 harmonies - and it was nonstop for 2 hours. A really vibrant, uplifting evening. Evidently there was a series of three TV programmes about them over here, recently, so it may well come to NZ before long, culminating in a mass choir singing at Wembley Stadium. The proceeds went towards funding the search for missing people, evidently.
The car is booked in for a clutch replacement on Monday and its MOT (WOF to us antipodeans). After that I'm hoping it will be a reliable means of transport for the next six months, with the hope of recouping at least half of the outlay, when I sell it nearer Christmas. Still cheaper (and miles easier) than travelling around in public transport though.
I haven't spent much time without a cardigan (at least) - though the "natives" assure me some of the days are quite good. I'm always a cold mortal though, so don't go by me! Tomorrow promises more rain.
I'm beginning to feel a lot more rested and looking forward to catching up with everyone. I hadn't realised quite how tired I must have been.
Watch this space! x
I think Steph must have been reading the blog (but actually, she doesn't) because yesterday we got the Wii out again. Remind me that I must not buy myself one when I get home! We spent a total of three hours on it - between us - with Ray also joining in when he got home from golf. It is such fun and of course, most of you will know how competitive I can get ... not necessarily with other PEOPLE but if a blooming machine thinks it is going to beat me it can think again. Unfortunately it did!
Years ago, friends used to invite me around to try playing games on their computer, at their children's request. No matter how determined I was that I would not make a sound, I always managed to entertain them even in those days. The Wii brings out the worst in me - I'm sure the neighbours must wonder what is happening over here ... and we've agreed that I shouldn't play it in front of the grandchildren. I can't see how it can possibly help me to lose weight, but it certainly keeps me leaping about much more than I normally would.
Today, we've been to the second school sports day. I can't claim to have been to any in New Zealand but if they're run half as well as the two I've attended here, I will be most impressed. Both ran like clockwork and the kids were most attentive and responsive when the bell rang and it was time to move on. From wildly enthusiastic cheering and yelling, the raising of a teacher's hand had all the kids with their hands raised within seconds, and total silence. Very impressive.
And tonight, we've just come home from a concert by the Rock Choir that I went along to with Steph, Gina and Rose last weekend, for a taster. They all joined as a result of that afternoon. If they hadn't joined up after the taster, they certainly would have tonight. I think I mentioned that it was along the lines of "The Choir" programme on TV that I was watching prior to coming over here. There were over 220 choristers - sometimes singing up to 8 harmonies - and it was nonstop for 2 hours. A really vibrant, uplifting evening. Evidently there was a series of three TV programmes about them over here, recently, so it may well come to NZ before long, culminating in a mass choir singing at Wembley Stadium. The proceeds went towards funding the search for missing people, evidently.
The car is booked in for a clutch replacement on Monday and its MOT (WOF to us antipodeans). After that I'm hoping it will be a reliable means of transport for the next six months, with the hope of recouping at least half of the outlay, when I sell it nearer Christmas. Still cheaper (and miles easier) than travelling around in public transport though.
I haven't spent much time without a cardigan (at least) - though the "natives" assure me some of the days are quite good. I'm always a cold mortal though, so don't go by me! Tomorrow promises more rain.
I'm beginning to feel a lot more rested and looking forward to catching up with everyone. I hadn't realised quite how tired I must have been.
Watch this space! x
Sunday, 17 July 2011
THE MOON
I forgot to mention that last night as we drove home from the Roger Daltry concert, we were admiring the very full moon (not something to be appreciated in Christchurch, I know). After I'd commented on the fact that there always seemed to be an increase in earthquakes around full moon, Steph pointed out the MAN in the moon.
Now I know that I lived here for a full three years and I know I've been back numerous times, but I swear I've NEVER seen the "face" inn the moon so clearly - at home it always looks more like a rabbit with two long ears at the top. But indeed the face was there - it gave a whole new meaning to all those children's stories I used to read as a child.
Have I just been incredibly blind in NZ or is it really correct that the "face" isn't there? I can't believe, after last night, that I could have missed it all these years if it is. And is it full moon in NZ at the moment? It would appear by the Stuff news column, that you're having lots of 'bigger' small shakes at the moment, so that rather indicates to me that it IS full.
Oh the intelligence of my thinking processes never cease to amaze me. Either that, or I've just PROVED once and for all, that my school lunch was always short of one sandwich at least. X
Now I know that I lived here for a full three years and I know I've been back numerous times, but I swear I've NEVER seen the "face" inn the moon so clearly - at home it always looks more like a rabbit with two long ears at the top. But indeed the face was there - it gave a whole new meaning to all those children's stories I used to read as a child.
Have I just been incredibly blind in NZ or is it really correct that the "face" isn't there? I can't believe, after last night, that I could have missed it all these years if it is. And is it full moon in NZ at the moment? It would appear by the Stuff news column, that you're having lots of 'bigger' small shakes at the moment, so that rather indicates to me that it IS full.
Oh the intelligence of my thinking processes never cease to amaze me. Either that, or I've just PROVED once and for all, that my school lunch was always short of one sandwich at least. X
Third attempt
Twice, yesterday, I wrote up the blog - only to lose either the internet link or simply the blog itself. This morning I've set myself up on the dining room table ... instead of sitting up in bed on a pillow. Now of course, I can't remember what I've said publicly or what's simply gone into the ether.
It's been a week of sorting things out. I hear other friends telling how they arrived in London, turned on their computers and away they went. I've never yet experienced that - even though my super duper new netbook/laptop is wireless with all the bells and whistles this time. Admittedly Steph and Ray don't have wireless network themselves - indeed I don't think many of "my lot" over here DO have it - so I've had to re-instate the dongle and remind myself how it works. 30 pounds a month for broadband connection of 2 whatever they are (gigs?). So far in 10 days I've used 0.4 and most of that has clocked up when I add photos to the blog.
At least the mobile phone number that I've had over here for the past few years, still works - despite the fact that the card hadn't been used for 2 years. And that's working just fine.
However the Lloyds Bank card password/number has changed ... there's a possibility it happened when I paid for the first 30 pounds on the dongle - Ray tells me that the banks often stop cards if they haven't been used for a while and then suddenly get used for a mobile phone (equivalent). So that's probably been the problem - but meanwhile I had to argue with the bank to send me the new details in UK. It's not like our system at all. I can't chose what I want to use. They do it and post it out separately. It's now been 4 working days and I still haven't received it ... so it's probably gone home! VERY helpful.
And I won't bore you with the details of the car insurance - but suffice to say it is costing more than the car itself even WITH proof of an NZ no claims bonus, giving me a slight discount over here.
I continue to try to watch what I'm eating and the stairs must most surely assist the taut derrière? I'm not tempted to go walking in very wet rain (there IS a difference) and we haven't had the Wii out since the first two days. I THINK perhaps my clothes fit slightly better and perhaps not!
Chai went back to the vet on Thursday - the results of all the tests show that he has had muscular cellulitis. No wonder the poor wee man has been poorly. It got into his lymph nodes and that's why he had such a huge lump and overheating. I remember my mum had it twice, and Daniel (Topp) had it at least once. Both were hospitalised - mum was in a coma each time I recall and Daniel wasn't too bright with it either. It's a pretty serious thing only treated by intravenous antibiotics in humans. So Chai has done well to have fought it off.
We went to the Roger Daltry Show (I now know he was a member of The Who - not Dr). He was showing signs of age I thought and his voice indicated years of rock and roll (dare I say) screaming. But his back up band was incredible - evidently just made up out of people from around the world (I say "just") who clearly held the performance together. We went with raincoats and umbrellas because we had rain all day - and indeed there was a 5 minute damp patch - but the sun came out and it was quite a pleasant evening. They're allowed alcohol at those events, so some of the crowd were quite an interesting spectacle. As most will know, I don't really attend events at Hagley or similar, because I'm not keen on the crowds; but Steph and Ray said that there was only about a third of the expected numbers there, so it was quite a pleasant experience.
It's raining again today and Ray's chest has put him in bed for the day. I think the weather doesn't help - pretty dull, wet and overcast - but he MUST be poorly, because the last day of the Golf is on today and he's not down to watch it. If there's an earthquake overnight, it MAY be because Steph and I have got out the Wii again if he's not using the TV, and we've tipped the balance.
Sorry this was rather a long note. I'll try to be more regular - but it hardly seems fair just writing up about ordinary days. I wouldn't bore you with them at home - so I'll try not to on here.
Keep safe you NZers - see you soon, those in UK. x
It's been a week of sorting things out. I hear other friends telling how they arrived in London, turned on their computers and away they went. I've never yet experienced that - even though my super duper new netbook/laptop is wireless with all the bells and whistles this time. Admittedly Steph and Ray don't have wireless network themselves - indeed I don't think many of "my lot" over here DO have it - so I've had to re-instate the dongle and remind myself how it works. 30 pounds a month for broadband connection of 2 whatever they are (gigs?). So far in 10 days I've used 0.4 and most of that has clocked up when I add photos to the blog.
At least the mobile phone number that I've had over here for the past few years, still works - despite the fact that the card hadn't been used for 2 years. And that's working just fine.
However the Lloyds Bank card password/number has changed ... there's a possibility it happened when I paid for the first 30 pounds on the dongle - Ray tells me that the banks often stop cards if they haven't been used for a while and then suddenly get used for a mobile phone (equivalent). So that's probably been the problem - but meanwhile I had to argue with the bank to send me the new details in UK. It's not like our system at all. I can't chose what I want to use. They do it and post it out separately. It's now been 4 working days and I still haven't received it ... so it's probably gone home! VERY helpful.
And I won't bore you with the details of the car insurance - but suffice to say it is costing more than the car itself even WITH proof of an NZ no claims bonus, giving me a slight discount over here.
I continue to try to watch what I'm eating and the stairs must most surely assist the taut derrière? I'm not tempted to go walking in very wet rain (there IS a difference) and we haven't had the Wii out since the first two days. I THINK perhaps my clothes fit slightly better and perhaps not!
Chai went back to the vet on Thursday - the results of all the tests show that he has had muscular cellulitis. No wonder the poor wee man has been poorly. It got into his lymph nodes and that's why he had such a huge lump and overheating. I remember my mum had it twice, and Daniel (Topp) had it at least once. Both were hospitalised - mum was in a coma each time I recall and Daniel wasn't too bright with it either. It's a pretty serious thing only treated by intravenous antibiotics in humans. So Chai has done well to have fought it off.
We went to the Roger Daltry Show (I now know he was a member of The Who - not Dr). He was showing signs of age I thought and his voice indicated years of rock and roll (dare I say) screaming. But his back up band was incredible - evidently just made up out of people from around the world (I say "just") who clearly held the performance together. We went with raincoats and umbrellas because we had rain all day - and indeed there was a 5 minute damp patch - but the sun came out and it was quite a pleasant evening. They're allowed alcohol at those events, so some of the crowd were quite an interesting spectacle. As most will know, I don't really attend events at Hagley or similar, because I'm not keen on the crowds; but Steph and Ray said that there was only about a third of the expected numbers there, so it was quite a pleasant experience.
It's raining again today and Ray's chest has put him in bed for the day. I think the weather doesn't help - pretty dull, wet and overcast - but he MUST be poorly, because the last day of the Golf is on today and he's not down to watch it. If there's an earthquake overnight, it MAY be because Steph and I have got out the Wii again if he's not using the TV, and we've tipped the balance.
Sorry this was rather a long note. I'll try to be more regular - but it hardly seems fair just writing up about ordinary days. I wouldn't bore you with them at home - so I'll try not to on here.
Keep safe you NZers - see you soon, those in UK. x
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Yay - this might be some photos!
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Monday 11th (7.30 am)
Sorry to see Christchurch had another noticeable bump - I check geonet each day to see how things are going and note there was a 4.3 around midday. All very frustrating, after a relatively quiet week since I've gone - only about 30 under 4.0, I see.
I can't believe it's already a week since I got on that plane. It seems to have been spent trying to get the computer dongle to work (tick), my UK bank card password sorted (cross), UK mobile phone up and running (tick) and now insurance for the new car ... a red Ford Mondeo (1998?) hatchback. I did take a photo of it but that, sadly is another cross because I can't find any photos since Singapore on my camera at the moment (cross).
Steph and I continue to pretend we're on a diet and fitness regime. I HAVE taken Chai out for a couple of 20 minute walks ... but with Ch at the beginning of his name, I keep finding myself calling this large, black labrador cross, Chalkie!!! I expect the same will apply in reverse on my return. And we've twice managed to do half an hour on the Wii fitness programme - I'm proud to announce that my fitness age is 58 ... so it just goes to show how seriously I can take that!! I hadn't realised until now, quite how many left feet I have.
Just in case you're wondering, I know the date I write, and the date "they" publish are different sometimes. Evidently it goes through America (?) which complicates the issue a little.
I'm off to face another day - short sleeves and sandals appear to be the order of this day. It is still light well after 10 pm and again by 4.30 a.m.
I can't believe it's already a week since I got on that plane. It seems to have been spent trying to get the computer dongle to work (tick), my UK bank card password sorted (cross), UK mobile phone up and running (tick) and now insurance for the new car ... a red Ford Mondeo (1998?) hatchback. I did take a photo of it but that, sadly is another cross because I can't find any photos since Singapore on my camera at the moment (cross).
Steph and I continue to pretend we're on a diet and fitness regime. I HAVE taken Chai out for a couple of 20 minute walks ... but with Ch at the beginning of his name, I keep finding myself calling this large, black labrador cross, Chalkie!!! I expect the same will apply in reverse on my return. And we've twice managed to do half an hour on the Wii fitness programme - I'm proud to announce that my fitness age is 58 ... so it just goes to show how seriously I can take that!! I hadn't realised until now, quite how many left feet I have.
Just in case you're wondering, I know the date I write, and the date "they" publish are different sometimes. Evidently it goes through America (?) which complicates the issue a little.
I'm off to face another day - short sleeves and sandals appear to be the order of this day. It is still light well after 10 pm and again by 4.30 a.m.
Sunday morning
Don't ask me how I got two sets of photos up at the same time - but it does explain how I used 0.3mbts trying to download the photos.
Yesterday my cousins Steph and Gina and friend Rose (plus husbands) took me to Pennyhill Park Hotel for a very posh high tea. I'll try to put up a photo of the occasion ONCE in due course. Pennyhill costs about Stg1,000 per night - and is particularly known for the fact that the English rugby team train and "live in" there prior to big games. Sufficiently close to Twickenham, I guess, without all the interruptions a closer venue would bring.
We knocked a large hole in the provided fare and were served very well by a young man who poured yet another cup of tea as each cup became empty ... sieve and all. I could get used to that sort of life.
Today Ray is playing golf and the three ladies mentioned above are 'auditioning' for places in "The Choir that Rocks" - evidently there are numerous groups, all learning the same negro spiritual type songs, throughout the country and they all get together for large concerts from time to time. I am going along as spectator and fan club for "my" particular trio.
Steph and Ray's dog, Chai, has been very poorly over past weeks - suddenly getting a huge lump under his chin (and into his head at one stage I'm told) - lymph nodes the vet thinks, but they're not sure what started it in the first place. It MAY have been from an adder bite! I can't begin to tell you how delighted I am to know that there are nasty little fangs at the ready out there, as you can imagine. I now hear that two other dogs in the area have died from adder bites this summer. Oh goodie!!
Was going to put up a photo - but time will tell. NEXT time if I have photos, I'll put them up first. You lucky things!!!
Yesterday my cousins Steph and Gina and friend Rose (plus husbands) took me to Pennyhill Park Hotel for a very posh high tea. I'll try to put up a photo of the occasion ONCE in due course. Pennyhill costs about Stg1,000 per night - and is particularly known for the fact that the English rugby team train and "live in" there prior to big games. Sufficiently close to Twickenham, I guess, without all the interruptions a closer venue would bring.
We knocked a large hole in the provided fare and were served very well by a young man who poured yet another cup of tea as each cup became empty ... sieve and all. I could get used to that sort of life.
Today Ray is playing golf and the three ladies mentioned above are 'auditioning' for places in "The Choir that Rocks" - evidently there are numerous groups, all learning the same negro spiritual type songs, throughout the country and they all get together for large concerts from time to time. I am going along as spectator and fan club for "my" particular trio.
Steph and Ray's dog, Chai, has been very poorly over past weeks - suddenly getting a huge lump under his chin (and into his head at one stage I'm told) - lymph nodes the vet thinks, but they're not sure what started it in the first place. It MAY have been from an adder bite! I can't begin to tell you how delighted I am to know that there are nasty little fangs at the ready out there, as you can imagine. I now hear that two other dogs in the area have died from adder bites this summer. Oh goodie!!
Was going to put up a photo - but time will tell. NEXT time if I have photos, I'll put them up first. You lucky things!!!
Saturday, 9 July 2011
SINGAPORE
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| Kathleen outside the hotel |
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| Outside Raffles - Kathleen was far more adventurous than me - she even tried a Singapore Sling (made famous by Raffles during the war |
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| Outside St Andrews Cathedral - sorry, can't work out how to turn it |
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| Bob - Rosemary's son - refusing to look at the camera |
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| The DUKw - WWII amphibean now used to take tourists around the city |
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| The Butterfly House - Terminal 3 - Singapore Airport |
SINGAPORE
|
| Kathleen outside the hotel |
|
| Outside Raffles - Kathleen was far more adventurous than me - she even tried a Singapore Sling (made famous by Raffles during the war |
|
| Outside St Andrews Cathedral - sorry, can't work out how to turn it |
|
| Bob - Rosemary's son - refusing to look at the camera |
|
| The DUKw - WWII amphibean now used to take tourists around the city |
|
| The Butterfly House - Terminal 3 - Singapore Airport |
Friday, 8 July 2011
Self sufficient at last
Steph and I spent most of the day (it seems) trying to sort out this wretched dongle, so that I didn't have to use their computer again. Suffice to say that eventually (third attempt) we went into Reading and found a very nice young lady who allowed me to explain with about 6 words, and promptly fixed the whole problem by GIVING me a new SIM card. And here I am ... sitting up in my bed at 7.25 a.m. having spent the past 2 hours catching up on emails etc. If I don't get it done now, I may not get another chance today.
Steph has a Wii. It has a fitness programme on it. I don't need to report that fitness isn't a strong point - but I hadn't realised quite how uncoordinated I am. The plan was that we'd do "about an hour" each day of the three weeks I'm here, in an attempt to lose all that weight I'd gained over recent months. We missed yesterday's attempts and I doubt whether today will be much better. But it was a good idea. It's always a good idea at the time.
The new netbook is a treat! Thank you G and M! Any day now I might even master it sufficiently to put some photos on here. Might even try after this, but hopefully the battery will run out before I get a chance!
It looks like a pleasant day ahead - the weather man suggested 20 degrees yesterday. But the threatened rain we were meant to have didn't eventuate, so time will tell.
Trust you're all faring OK at home - I had two more personal aftershocks yesterday - I'm amazed how long it's taking me to acclimatise. Keep safe, you all! x
Steph has a Wii. It has a fitness programme on it. I don't need to report that fitness isn't a strong point - but I hadn't realised quite how uncoordinated I am. The plan was that we'd do "about an hour" each day of the three weeks I'm here, in an attempt to lose all that weight I'd gained over recent months. We missed yesterday's attempts and I doubt whether today will be much better. But it was a good idea. It's always a good idea at the time.
The new netbook is a treat! Thank you G and M! Any day now I might even master it sufficiently to put some photos on here. Might even try after this, but hopefully the battery will run out before I get a chance!
It looks like a pleasant day ahead - the weather man suggested 20 degrees yesterday. But the threatened rain we were meant to have didn't eventuate, so time will tell.
Trust you're all faring OK at home - I had two more personal aftershocks yesterday - I'm amazed how long it's taking me to acclimatise. Keep safe, you all! x
Thursday, 7 July 2011
7 July - Reading, UK
There's a new resident at 34A - we met for about an hour on Sunday, after his drive down from north of Auckland and my final packing activities. I think the locals will be very happy with their new neighbour and I feel very happy to leave the house in his capable hands.
We met up with Kay at the airport on Monday morning, and managed to get three seats together on the Christchurch to Singapore leg. It really is an AWFULLY long journey - even on Singapore Airlines - but we passed that leg watching television and playing cards, arriving in Singapore around 5.30pm. A bit of a rude awakening being met by a humid 35 degrees after the -3 frost in Christchurch earlier that day.
Had a bit of a hiccup with the hotel booking, but we won in the end. Phoned Rosemary's son, Bob who, instead of just having a wee chat and/or a coffee, took Kathleen and me on a 3 hour trip around the city, ending up with lunch in a market, close to Rosemary's favourite haunt during her time living in Singapore.
The afternoon saw us going on a WW2 amphibean vehicle on a tour that took us around other parts of the city - then splashing into the river and taking us around to see it from a different angle - and then spent 40 minutes on The Flyer (like the London eye) getting yet another aangle. We felt as though we'd seen our fair share by the end of the day.
Again 35 degrees - and it successfully achieved its goal of giving me a migraine - but a lot of pill popping and a bit of a lie down (and air conditioning) sorted that out sufficiently to have a good night's sleep and prepare for the next 13 hour leg of the journey,
Arrived at 7.15 pm and was met by my cousin Steph and her husband Ray. Steph and I flatted together when I was in London in 1969, so we know each other pretty well. And it also helps that our fathers were twins so there is a special understanding between us (and her sister Gina) which means that I will spend the next three weeks here settling down and settling in to life on the other side of the world. She's very long suffering.
Today I've experienced 2 earthquake scares - one a helicopter making "the noise" which put me on alert and the other when Chai (their dog) bumped against my chair and scratched. Old habits die hard.
I'm writing this on Steph's computer - I'm hopeful that by tomorrow I'll be back on my own desktop but the dongle I purchased last time I was here seems to have changed the rules. It will be of no surprise that I have no idea how to put photos on this system, but perhaps I'll add a couple tomorrow.
It was about 20 degrees today - tomorrow is expected to be wet. We shall see.
We met up with Kay at the airport on Monday morning, and managed to get three seats together on the Christchurch to Singapore leg. It really is an AWFULLY long journey - even on Singapore Airlines - but we passed that leg watching television and playing cards, arriving in Singapore around 5.30pm. A bit of a rude awakening being met by a humid 35 degrees after the -3 frost in Christchurch earlier that day.
Had a bit of a hiccup with the hotel booking, but we won in the end. Phoned Rosemary's son, Bob who, instead of just having a wee chat and/or a coffee, took Kathleen and me on a 3 hour trip around the city, ending up with lunch in a market, close to Rosemary's favourite haunt during her time living in Singapore.
The afternoon saw us going on a WW2 amphibean vehicle on a tour that took us around other parts of the city - then splashing into the river and taking us around to see it from a different angle - and then spent 40 minutes on The Flyer (like the London eye) getting yet another aangle. We felt as though we'd seen our fair share by the end of the day.
Again 35 degrees - and it successfully achieved its goal of giving me a migraine - but a lot of pill popping and a bit of a lie down (and air conditioning) sorted that out sufficiently to have a good night's sleep and prepare for the next 13 hour leg of the journey,
Arrived at 7.15 pm and was met by my cousin Steph and her husband Ray. Steph and I flatted together when I was in London in 1969, so we know each other pretty well. And it also helps that our fathers were twins so there is a special understanding between us (and her sister Gina) which means that I will spend the next three weeks here settling down and settling in to life on the other side of the world. She's very long suffering.
Today I've experienced 2 earthquake scares - one a helicopter making "the noise" which put me on alert and the other when Chai (their dog) bumped against my chair and scratched. Old habits die hard.
I'm writing this on Steph's computer - I'm hopeful that by tomorrow I'll be back on my own desktop but the dongle I purchased last time I was here seems to have changed the rules. It will be of no surprise that I have no idea how to put photos on this system, but perhaps I'll add a couple tomorrow.
It was about 20 degrees today - tomorrow is expected to be wet. We shall see.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Saturday 2 July
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