Summer holidays are different now

Summer holiday this break has been several days at Oakura beach including new year and the Festival of Lights, then Stratford and now Auckland for a friend’s niece wedding. Enjoyed the summer sun at the Chelsea sugar factory cafe for brunch and having a doughnut for afternoon tea today.  Relaxing is great when you have a good book, bit of embroidery and a friend to share it with including cups of tea and coffee. We have semi binge watched Bridgerton which was great. I have read the books and they are really fun.

    

Lunch at Mokau. 

Oakura beach 

Lunch at Chelsea sugar factory. 

Final days

Just found that this blog had not got posted so posting it now. What a different world it was when I wrote this on getting back to NZ in January. Posting date July 6, 2020.


Our final days were spent in Hong Kong which was an experience. Smallest hotel room ever but on the 21st floor. Lots of fun travelling on a great subway system, finding ourselves on the big bus tour before we had even thought about it, going up Mt Victoria and nearly being blown away, walking up to see the giant Buddha as well as travelling back on the local bus and seeing more of the Various islands. Lots of native forest and walks that could happen.  The sheer size of the buildings, number of people, in various places, juxtaposition of high end shopping with barely basic markets and Mum and dad stores. The fact that the high rise buildings had stores all around the bottom and there were 20 of the same in the one block. The goldfish market we were told about was stunning. Trying dim sum at a restaurant where no one spoke English and Hong Kong Disney where the ride “It’s a small world” was closed.
These are the final days of another amazing trip to the uk with Stephanie and meeting friends and family once again. Hoping to do it all again in four years.

Kent and Environs

5 January: up early and packed. Watched Sanditon with Stephanie and Virginia while Luke and Mark were at his rugby training. Macaroni for lunch and then Mark took us to the hotel at Gatwick. Had a small dinner in the hotel and a repackaging to take only two suitcases with us. 

4 January: early start for Stephanie to return the car. We walked into town again and did shopping then after lunch we went to Walmer castle. An interesting space as it was all circular. Interesting gardens used by the queen mother. A drive along to Deal and we walked out to the end of the pier and had coffee while in Deal. Home to pack. 

3 January; walked to town with Holly and Ayo to see canterbury tales. It was really good and funny. Had cream tea at tiny Tim’s tea shop with princess Charlotte and prince Louis teas. Walked to view the cathedral to view. Then home to go out for lunch at Chilham but the wool pack was booked out. Had a walk around and then drove to the Granville in lower Hadres. 

2 January: visited Scotney Castle. A delightful place with a ruined castle in the grounds.

Bodiam Castle was next on the tour and this castle was destroyed but left as a shell. Rye was the next destination and it was lovely to walk around. Went into the church and also the lookout. Weather was good but still couldn’t see France. Home again and nachos for tea. An earlish night. 

1 January: visited Dover for a walk along the cliffs but too wet. Want to the castle which was a good trip once again. We watched the fog roll in and completely cover us in. Dinner was hotpot and veges. An earlier night which was good. 

Scotland 2019

Trying to get online and update the adventures to date. I have posted photos to Instagram and some to face book as well. 

Enjoy the short notes.

24 December : walk into Duns to buy tea but bought gloves first. Bollards covered in knitting were fun. David and Muriel arrived for lunch so we had cold meat and salads with roulade for dessert. Was a great day to sit and talk in front of the fire. Evening event was the carol service at Cranshaws for the district churches followed by mince pies and shortbread. 

23 December: Edinburgh by train and the castle tour which was fabulous then met David for Italian for lunch and a walk through the Christmas markets before catching train back to Dunbar and drive home. A late tea of soup which was nice. 

22 December : had a bit of sleep in after a very busy day yesterday getting to the new house. Heather gave us a tour of the new house and what they have changed and left as it was. The house was built about 1850 and has wonderful views from the front and back. Went to Longformacus for the carol service in the evening and it was followed by drinks and shortbread. A wonderful start to the Christmas season.

20 to 21 December: a early start with Terry picking me up for the trip to New Plymouth. Sat with Debbie and Brent Rawlinson for coffee. Trip good to Auckland. Met Stephanie and waited for nearly an hour for Cathay to open. Wandered the departure area and finally boarded for first flight. Got to Hong Kong and had to transit then get new boarding passes for next flight. Arrived at Gatwick and got through customs okay. Booked onto the next flight and then found a coffee shop to wait for Mark to arrive. Flight to Edinburgh was fine with dry weather when I got there. Met by David and taken to Winchburg where I had lunch, shower and sleep. David took me back to airport where we met Erin from her flight and got the car for the drive to Duns.

Last days at Disneyland.

Thursday second to last day so we decided that today would be mostly Disneyland. We had a breakfast date with Minnie and friends so the Inn was our first stop and we were seated in a nice table on the balcony. It was good as we were outside and could see lots. All the characters came by and we gots lots of photos, but no Mickey or Donald. We did finally get one with Minnie. Had mickey waffles as well as tried out grits and other foods. After brunch we then went back to tomorrowland and did some more rides again. Decided rather late in the day that we needed to get a photo pass as our brekkie photo was great. Got all our others loaded as we paid for a week. Then spent the afternoon and evening looking for photo opportunities. It was fun and we got a few more.

Stayed late so we could see the fireworks and laser show so got a reasonable position. Watched the light parade again, did our final magic kingdom shopping and got home late ready to pack. 

Friday; last day. Our last breakfast so enjoyed it immensely and took our leftover food to a homeless person. Got ourselves packed, decided we had more room for shopping and headed off to California adventure for last pins, time at the midway for more toys and cars ride again. Had a late lunch at the Mexican and it was delicious. Sonia had not been there so that was great that we tried it out. We were early back to wait for our shuttle so enjoyed the time reading and stitching. Another longish trip to the airport and we were lucky to checkin and be first in the security queue so time for candy shopping. 

Busy two days

well the first two days at Disneyland are done. We started off earlish on Saturday morning and were grateful that we had done the mobility pass on the Friday night. This meant we could go stratight down Main Street, get our pass to Indiana Jones ride and go to the pirates. We walked stratight in and onto the ride. Just so fabulous and being refurbished with lots of changes for the new pirates movies.  Next stop was the jungle cruise, then Haunted Mansion and we then went back to do Indiana jones but it was closed for a problem. They let us get another pass for thunder mountain. We did Spalsh Mountain and I was pretty good at not hiding too much. A gentle trip around Pooh Corner and Thunder Mountain saw the morning nearly over. Shopping stops along the way back to Indiana Jones to find it still wasn't open. We then decided it was Dole Icecream and the Tiki Room, then time for lunch so a turkey leg at New Orleans Square was the order of the day and onto Fantasy Land. Another pass for Peter Pans Flight we then did Toad of Toad Hall, Snow White, and Its a small world while we were waiting. We were back at the motel about 4.30 ready to go to the baseball.
A great taxi ride and we were at Angels Stadium ready for the game of the century it was to play out. We found some food, our seats and settled into the evening. We had lovely neighbours that we both angels and twins fans so it was interesting and we cheered for all equally. Alberto Pujols was the star of the evening as he scored his career 600th home run and also had fully loaded bases when he did it. Only nine other players have 600 home runs so a special night. Due to this the game went until about 10.45 pm as we had fireworks to celebrate at the end as well. A long wait for our taxi home we finally got there about 11.30 so it was after midnight to get to bed.
Sunday - a slow start including doing the washing and having the complimentary breakfast which was yummy.
Back to the park and we found the entire concourse filled with people trying to get into California Avenue so we decided to hit Disneyland again and headed towards tomorrow land. Great organising we ended up with two passes to Star Tours but that was really fun as it was different each time. We blasted our way badly around Buzz Lightyear amidst lots of giggles and then went onto space mountain. This was great fun. We visited how to train a Jedi and had a salad for lunch. A much slower pace today as we interspered some shopping side trips event though we didn't buy much. After a really bad drive around Autotopia - we both would have failed our driving test we headed off to Storybookland and our next pass. Some more of the fantasyland rides were done, including Dumbo's elephants, Casey Jr railroad and the Carousel of course, unfortunately Mary Poppins had just got off.  We traversed our way down Main Street, going via the Ice Cream Parlour for another ice cream. I had rainbow sherbet which was great. Out of the park and then to downtown Disney where we spent some time looking at goodies to buy. A further wander down and we headed home after 5.30 pm. A short stop to post my postcards we decided to stop at Mimi's for dinner. No half portions any longer but we had a drink and a meal each which we did finish. A slow walk home and we settled in for a night in to catch up with tidying up and writing. Sonia rang home to see if all was well. Watched a movie and had an early night.

Off to visit Donald

Sonia and I are off in less than 24 hours to visit with Donald Duck (that is not trump) although it will be interesting to see what is happening in the USA as this will be my first trip since he became president.  I am all packed and the difference between summer and winter packing is enormous. No lots of layers, just one needed and all the clothes fitted into my carry on luggage.  Amazing really.

Stash deprevation: after a month

It has been a while since I have written and things seem to have been a bit crazy. The holiday break is over with a few activities to keep me entertained. Mum and I went on a coach trip to Pirongia Art and Craft Market which was fun. Would go again but possibly take the car so a later start could be made. While we were there we caught up with my cousin and her husband so that was nice. Our next outing was to take institute ladies for a day to teach them how to macrame. It was amazing how easy it was and the little group made it worthwhile. I think all the ladies enjoyed themselves and hopefully we get a few entries into the competition next year.

At the start of October mum and I went to Wellington to catch up with an old friend, Jennifer who has moved into a rest home in Johnsonville. While there Jenny gave me a number of her books, threads and other bits she is downsizing. I also was the recipient of the chair that she needlepointed a number of years ago and this is now in my sewing room as my sewing chair. She says it’s uncomfortable but it will make me stitch faster. While in Wellington we took David out for dinner on two nights at great restaurants, shopped at Nespresso, Pandora and Swarovski with a quick stop at the Christmas shop in Kirkcaldies. Lunch was had at Charley Noble’s which was lovely. Very nice, relaxed place to while away a couple of hours and drink champagne. Mum and I then walked along the waterfront to have a look at the "Scale of Our War" exhibition in Te Papa, an ice cream and the lonely purchase of a postcard at the gift shop. On our way home the following day we stopped to visit with Alice and took her to lunch in Palmerston North at the Joseph Street Kitchen. This was a wonderful place and a real find.

On the stitching front I have been busy with my stash wreath and although I did not get as much completed as I wanted I did get a few other things done or started. I have nearly completed another parcel and trying to stitch some of the surrounds so I don't leave the basketweave to the finish.

Projects I have started are my doll knitting (pink) so I will be able to return the pattern to its owner at some stage. I made these little brooches and also am making a few small gifts for my night class ladies if they all get completed. I also managed to knit another two coat hanger covers and make one up with two still to be made. This is a great project for institute nights as I can knit during the meetings. I have finished the bag insert stitching only in blue which I am hoping to give away as a gift (so now to make up the bag this weekend).

Holiday week.

Wednesday on holiday with mum and dad in Tauranga. It has been wonderful weather so that has been a bonus for us. Yesterday we visited the kiwi fruit farm that we used to stay at. A bag of kiwi fruit, avocados and passion fruit later we had looked at all the vines. Not in such great repair and dad thinks that they should have sold for the offer. House was looking okay but needs repairs. 
Back into town with a stop at the wine shop and lunch at palmers. Dad had the wrong time for his appointment so we decided to catch up with friends who own a cafe. Found the cafe, they weren't there but Kenneth who I went to school with was. Got to lawyers and left dad while mum and I went for a walk around the town. After meeting back up we went to the bernina shop and got an invite to the club class being held in the morning. Back to hotel for a rest. Decided to go to fish and chip place for tea which was lovely. A night at hotel reading, watching TV and embroidery followed. 

Thursday mum and I were up and off to the bernina class. Really interesting and lots of people. Learnt about different buttonholes and there uses: also great for appliqué. Next session was about making a woollen wrap. Was a great idea and might try from some fabric I have at home. Other product demonstrated was shrink fabric. I bought some to try when I get home. Back to the hotel to pick up dad and over to mount maunganui for lunch. Found a nice garden cafe for lunch. Had a great Kumera soup. Next stop was the packing business to meet with Helen who deals with the sale of the kiwifruit. We had a great tour of the packing plant and watched them pack the gold kiwifruit. For tea mum and I found a chinese takeaway which was called Rok the Wok. It was very nice.
Friday we travelled to Taupo so I could do the 100Km flyer with karen and phil on the Saturday. I was the support car driver. It was a horrible day as shown by the photo of the intrepid bikers at the start of the race. The race went along some interesting roads and both Karen and Phil felt the cold. Phil finished in a time of about 4 1/2 hours while Karen completed 75km and had a police ride to the end. A bit of a worry as she never went past me, while I was waiting in the car.

Karen and Phil off to the start of the 100km race.

Sunday monring - all recovered and getting ready to drive home.

Sunday we drove home in wonderful weather and that was the end of the holiday.

Weekend adventures

It's the long weekend and a chance to escape the Naki. After a week of fine sunny weather woke on Friday morning to rain which got heavier during the morning. School was a busy day with the mentor programme interviews and I was fortunate to have mine over with by lunchtime.  A wet drive to Auckland arriving at Stephanie's in time for tea. Fish and chips on the foreshore brought back our childhood memories of this treat.

Saturday after attending Aqua Zumba at Cameron Pool, we went to St Luke's for one thing and ended up with several others as only we can do. After a muffin and coffee we drove to Hamilton for our tour and high tea at Zealong.

Tea ceremony.

Arrived at Zealong about 2pm and waited for our tour to start. Very nice sitting in car, as sun is shining. Tour started and it was just us two. Sophie our guide was very informative and keen about the tea estate. Interesting how the tea is growing in the Waikato region and the actual Zealong estate has only been in operation for six years now, they produce 20 tonnes of tea per year with 60% going overseas. Our tea ceremony was fun but the first tea tasted like grass the young man who joined us commented but it did get better on the second infusion. High tea was fabulous with a wonderful array of savoury and sweet dishes with the venison meatball, chicken wrap and white chocolate with tea infusion my favourites. A walk back down to the car, phone call to Stephanie's brother and we were on our way into Hamilton when the heavens opened and the wipers were going full steam ahead.

Calling into Neville and Barbara-Lee's we ended up staying for a bbq tea. Very nice and tried to sort out the commission for the tattoo referrals for Thomas. 

A drive home with some rain once we got into auckland. A very successful day with shopping, exercise, socialising and being tourists all covered. 

Today's excitement

Catching up with the posting so here is January 9th

A busy day with a trip to Alcatraz planned. The day started with a visit to the redwoods in Armstrong national park and then bags in the car and off we went. Sorry about the sideways photos.

 Just has to be sideways until I get home.

Quick stops at Kowalski's Farm shop to buy sauces and stuff then Kintatude for wool and Sausalito was our lunch stop. A look at some house boats first then Soxalito for sox and lunch by the bay.

Meeting up with Jojo and DeeDee at the car park was fun then onto pier 33 to meet Jo for our trip. Tickets presented, photo taken and onto the boat. Nice trip over, meet our guide for the walk up the hill and onto the audio tour. "All press play" which we tried to do but it was most fun when the audio had phones ringing and Mj tried to answer hers. 

A look through the hospital wing which is not usually open, the a wander down the hill, we watched some of the documentary and back on board for the trip back. It was fully dark by now and really spooky. 

Drive along the Embarcadero to Momos where we met up with MP, Laurie and Elizabeth. So much fun and an entertaining night with good company. Thanks for dinner and a fun day.

Day 2 Vegas tour

The day started with a sleep n and all you can eat breakfast, then a slow meander over the road to book tickets for a show tonight. a long trip through the MGM Grand casino found us in a taxi to the Venetian casino. We walked with mum and dad past the canals of Venice, had a hot chocolate and they decided to return to the hotel.
Stephanie and I then wandered through the Forun shops, all the name brands you can imagine at Caesars Palace, no wonder the rich and famous stay there they don't need to go anywhere for shops. Was amazing interior decoration, set up like a Roman street with suitably dim lighting. After managing to find our way into the Bellagio we walked all over and retraced our steps to find the fountains just finishing the sequence. By the time we walked to the front of the building it was time for us to pretend to be part of Ocean's 11 and watch the fountains play. I recorded it but no sound cMe through. Oh well you can see it and pretend.
A bit further on we looked the bus stop and got tickets which took us to the Mandalay bay casino so we could walk back to NYNY from ther passing through Luxor and Excalibur on our way. The Luxor was amazing and I would love to have been able to see a room - do they have sloping outside walls.
It is so amazing all the details that go into to creative g the theme for the hotel and then we found while at the Bellagio they were removing the polystyrene igloo from the display in the conservatory. Who knows what the photos will be like?

I will report on grand canyon later  refer to auntie steffies for photos and updates.
Ciao off for dinner and show

Las Vegas day one

an adventure from start to finish today as Alex drove us past san Bruno on the way to the airport, we arrived and checked in then found out our plane delayed due to mechanical faults. Better to check. To read more of these adventures go to auntie steffies blog 
After dinner Stephanie and I did a walk around to find out where we need to be in the morning at 6.30 am. Sure is a busy town and so much different from 1988 when the casinos were cheek by jowl and you walked under the store fronts down the street. Lots more lights, characters in the street and people around now. Amazing sights seen everywhere.

Guess where we went?

Shopping at last

Saturday 27 Dec, MJ, mum and I drove over the bay to go to the fourth street shopping area in Berkeley. Had a little drive around some of the university first but it is mostly pedestrian walkways so did not see much.

The Fourth Street area was full of fun boutiques and speciality shops so that was s nice change from the mall type of shops. I took a couple of photos of the lights in the trees and as the day got later the lights were really lovely. We had lunch (pizza and salad, with beignets to follow) at a place called Zuts. It was nice. I got a couple of presents so was pleased and also a great stamping, paper making cutter from a shop called stamping territory. Biggest scrapbook shop I have ever seen.

The lights on fourth street

 The view coming home of the sunset over the city. 

Dinner last night at the devil's Slide taproom. Nice food and good beer according to Ewan, Tony and Alex. 

Boxing Day trip

Christmas Day was a relaxed affair with mu, dad and I having a quick breakfast at the hotel before being picked up by Ewan. The children were up so we had a cuppa and then presents. Many more presents than expected but I recieved a lovely full stocking care of Mrs Claus. I also received a lovely cardigan from Mj and Ewan, so pleased I have space. Alex gave me a Loyola mug and bag, very excited as I will take to school. Using it in the hotel for my coffee. We had brunch then watched the movie a Christmas story.

We went for a short walk to the devil's slide and had this family portrait taken. It was the most beautiful day with only a slight breeze. A visit to wish DeeDee a happy birthday and then home for the feast with ham, turkey, scallop potatoes, green beans and sprouts and roasted beets and sweet potato. Steam pudding followed. Another movie "Frozen" was ordered on demand. Very good, was tired by the time I hug home

Boxing Day outing at the de Young museum suggested by Alex. It was fabulous and we went through the Keith Harrell exhibition. Some very weird artwork but I loved his chalk works from the New York metro. 

Outside the museum in the park area.

Mum, MJ and I at the top of the Hamon tower St the museum. It was a stunning outlook. Another great day, after leftovers for dinner we watched the November Man, good movie with Pierce Brosnan. 

Weekend activities

I know it has been a long while since I have posted but life has been busy. Since the big bike ride I have been doing a little bit of biking, mostly on the spinbike, wii and some walking. Went to Aqua Zumba with Stephanie this weekend, as I am on the annual anniversary weekend trip to Auckland. Marilyn and I drove up on Friday night, she has stayed with barry and Kathryn while I have been at Stephanie's.

Saturday we went to Aqua Zumba then to the French market for breakfast, really yummy. Did some shopping in the afternoon and had a lovely tea with a pork skewers and quinoa and spinach salad. Sunday was church and flash morning tea (Stephanie made cupcakes) then out to Manukau for lunch and home for a rest in the afternoon. Sunday night tea was kedgeree made with smoked salmon we got from the French market. This morning was a lazy day then off to Frolic Cafe to meet Michael for coffee and catch up. Off out to onehunga for lunch so that will be the end of the weekend and the drive home which should be quite nice as not raining and not too hot. 

A very busy day

well today started out with nice weather but has gradually got windier and a bit chillier. I made smoothie for breakfast for Mj, Ewan and myself then biked up to Marilyns (2 km uphill). had a cup of tea, checked out all the party people then decided to bike to Cardiff. Alice tells me this is a 10 km round trip. I managed it quite well but think this was the tail wind on the way. coming back the chain came off the bike and I was a bit stranded as it seemed to be stuck. Walking  back the chain came loose and I managed to get it around the cogs and back on. I was impressed so when the rescue squad came I was on the bike again. A bit nervous changing gears but it seemed okay. Was amazed at myself and how I did this ride so hoping to do most of this each day until race day.

Had all the party food for lunch at my place, then the athletic amongst the family decided that they would have a father/daughter tennis match. Racquets found and off they went so Marilyn, MJ and I were audience and judges.A visit to Dolly's Milk after this and home now ready to go out for dinner.

Ready to party

The house is ready to party. i will post photos from the ipad later today.
Graeme Pitman took the kids up to the top of the mountain today. I would have been a great experience and I am sorry that MJ did not go. she would have loved it. Having the first bbq of the holiday break tonight with all the family at marilyns so that will be nice.
hope that the day goes well tomorrow and it does not rain, as have plans to borrow a table for outside.

Last updates before home.

Nearly time to board our flight home so we are just finishing off some stitching on the piece from Friday morning - Twisted Stitches. It is a fun piece and Sue the tutor was lovely. So inspiring I am going to sign up for her workshop by mail piece next weekend. We saw the finished piece and mum and I were both inspired, so will both do it I think.

 Mum and I both spent the shuttle drive stitching the border as that was easy slanted Gobelin stitching. 

Our work to date. Getting on plane now. See u all soon.

Seminar over

 This is how much I got done on amazing grays after two days. I did not spend anytime stitching after class so was very impressed about how much I got done.

Class has finished and we have been to the welcome banquet with the friends we have made. It has been lots of fun and I have enjoyed my classes, thanks to Nancy andSue for being such inspiring and enthusiastic teachers. I am sure we will both finish our projects and I look forward to being able to send photos when they are done. Also bought more threads to stitch another pieces a different colour way. I am looking forward to the challenge of this and hoping it will go with Sue's harmony piece.