A day at home.
No rain but cool and windy.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Sunday 24th February
Another Sunday, another lunch at the RSA.
Still cool and showery.
Lazy afternoon.
Cinema in the town hall again in the evening to watch a Star is Born. Excellent film.
Still cool and showery.
Lazy afternoon.
Cinema in the town hall again in the evening to watch a Star is Born. Excellent film.
Saturday 23rd February.
A lot of rain overnight, 30m according to Tony, and the water tank is overflowing!
Rob and I did the recycling in the morning.
In the afternoon we all went into Russell N and I to the waterfront and Rob to the pub.
The red billed bull is the commonest gull in NZ. They are quite small and very curious and we always enjoy watching them.
We didn’t stay too long as quite cool and rain threatening.
I picked Rob up later and he did the now usual steak bbq.
Nice relaxed day.
Rob and I did the recycling in the morning.
In the afternoon we all went into Russell N and I to the waterfront and Rob to the pub.
The red billed bull is the commonest gull in NZ. They are quite small and very curious and we always enjoy watching them.
We didn’t stay too long as quite cool and rain threatening.
I picked Rob up later and he did the now usual steak bbq.
Nice relaxed day.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Friday 22nd February.
Funny how things stick in your mind, on seeing the date I realised that it is the Girl Guides thinking day! Won’t say how long it is since I was a guide!
Pretty wet. Jo and Simon coming for lunch so I picked them up in Russell at 12.30.
Not too wet to sit under cover on the terrace enjoy lunch, chat and the view.
Took them back to Russell at 4pm.
Had early tea and then went in to Russell to see the film Bohemian Rhapsody at the town hall. Brilliant film.
Will return on Sunday evening to see “A Star is Born”
Still raining when we returned home at 10pm. A late night for us!
Pretty wet. Jo and Simon coming for lunch so I picked them up in Russell at 12.30.
Not too wet to sit under cover on the terrace enjoy lunch, chat and the view.
Took them back to Russell at 4pm.
Had early tea and then went in to Russell to see the film Bohemian Rhapsody at the town hall. Brilliant film.
Will return on Sunday evening to see “A Star is Born”
Still raining when we returned home at 10pm. A late night for us!
Thursday 21st February.
A day at home.
Anne came round with some figs from their tree. We do like them but not sure how we can get through all of the ones that she brought!
Rain on and off. Heavy rain forecast tomorrow and maybe Saturday.
Anne came round with some figs from their tree. We do like them but not sure how we can get through all of the ones that she brought!
Rain on and off. Heavy rain forecast tomorrow and maybe Saturday.
Wednesday 20h February
Kerikeri to shop in the late morning.
On the way back we drove through Waitangi and up the hill to a place by the golf course that I remembered from our first visit in 2011. A beautiful view over the bay to Russell.
Some friends from N. Yorkshire, Jo and Simon, due in Paihia today for three days.
They messaged at 5p.m. To say that they were having a late lunch in Russell so we said we’d go down and have a drink with them a bit later.
Good to see them, had a good catch up for an hour or so and hope to see them again on Friday.
On the way back we drove through Waitangi and up the hill to a place by the golf course that I remembered from our first visit in 2011. A beautiful view over the bay to Russell.
Some friends from N. Yorkshire, Jo and Simon, due in Paihia today for three days.
They messaged at 5p.m. To say that they were having a late lunch in Russell so we said we’d go down and have a drink with them a bit later.
Good to see them, had a good catch up for an hour or so and hope to see them again on Friday.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Tuesday 19th February.
An early start for my appointment with the doctor. Not normally up and about so early!
Didn’t have to wait too long, not many sick people this morning.
After 10 mins or so Doc came into the waiting room saying, “Hello, Doreen, I’m Chris”! Dressed in shorts and polo shirt and barefoot. Not quite like my doc in France! Soon had my prescription and off to the pharmacy to get it filled before returning home.
Down to Russell in the afternoon prepared for a swim. We got settled and N decided loud music from workboat in the bay was a nuisance so we walked to the other end of the waterfront. OK for him but not right for me to swim so I returned to our original position.
Beach there is just right not too pebbly and gently sloping. So made my way in and had just immersed myself when I saw a rather large marine creature leap out of the water about 20 metres away. Hmm I thought, what was that? No one else was in the water. Erring on the side of safety but not panicking I decided to get out of the water. Forget Ursula Andreas or Venus emerging from the waves. Think instead elderly, slightly overweight female staggering onto the shore. The seabed is quite pebbly and feet sink into the pebbles so I doubt if either of those two ladies would have been able to make their exit elegantly!
Once ashore I picked up my towel and jandles and made for my seat. A local chap was sitting on the adjacent seat and he made some comment about perhaps I had done the wise thing as it was a bronze whaler (shark)! https://www.niwa.co.nz/news/summer-series-7-beware-golden-triangle-bronze-whaler
He said they are often seen around the wharf but he’d not seen one there before. Rob told me later that they are scavengers and rarely attack humans.
To swim again or not to swim that is the question!
Pity N missed it!
Back home for another evening on the terrace.
Didn’t have to wait too long, not many sick people this morning.
After 10 mins or so Doc came into the waiting room saying, “Hello, Doreen, I’m Chris”! Dressed in shorts and polo shirt and barefoot. Not quite like my doc in France! Soon had my prescription and off to the pharmacy to get it filled before returning home.
Down to Russell in the afternoon prepared for a swim. We got settled and N decided loud music from workboat in the bay was a nuisance so we walked to the other end of the waterfront. OK for him but not right for me to swim so I returned to our original position.
Beach there is just right not too pebbly and gently sloping. So made my way in and had just immersed myself when I saw a rather large marine creature leap out of the water about 20 metres away. Hmm I thought, what was that? No one else was in the water. Erring on the side of safety but not panicking I decided to get out of the water. Forget Ursula Andreas or Venus emerging from the waves. Think instead elderly, slightly overweight female staggering onto the shore. The seabed is quite pebbly and feet sink into the pebbles so I doubt if either of those two ladies would have been able to make their exit elegantly!
Once ashore I picked up my towel and jandles and made for my seat. A local chap was sitting on the adjacent seat and he made some comment about perhaps I had done the wise thing as it was a bronze whaler (shark)! https://www.niwa.co.nz/news/summer-series-7-beware-golden-triangle-bronze-whaler
He said they are often seen around the wharf but he’d not seen one there before. Rob told me later that they are scavengers and rarely attack humans.
To swim again or not to swim that is the question!
Pity N missed it!
Back home for another evening on the terrace.
Monday 18th February.
Quiet day.
Made appointment to see doc, 9.30am tomorrow, just for a repeat prescription.
Waterfront in Russell in the late afternoon.
Beautiful weather, wished I had come prepared for a swim.
Watched dusk fall over the bay later.
Made appointment to see doc, 9.30am tomorrow, just for a repeat prescription.
Waterfront in Russell in the late afternoon.
Beautiful weather, wished I had come prepared for a swim.
Watched dusk fall over the bay later.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Sunday 17th February
Lunch at the RSA again.
Back home and later on N and I went down to Russell.
Quite dull and a bit cooler but still very pleasant.
A lot of people about.
N and I sat out on the terrace as dusk fell, so beautiful.
Back home and later on N and I went down to Russell.
Quite dull and a bit cooler but still very pleasant.
A lot of people about.
N and I sat out on the terrace as dusk fell, so beautiful.
Saturday 16th February
Rob and I went to the transfer station to get rid of the recycling rubbish. It was really busy, good to see so many people recycling. Popped into the op shop and got a jigsaw and a book.
Back home for a while then Rob and I went into Russell and caught the 2pm foot ferry over to Paihia. He went off to meet friends at the pub and I had a wander round. I found a second hand book place and spent quite a while browsing there. Like a charity shop but just books and I chanced on a jigsaw, another one, as well. I ended up with just 2 books and left my purchases there to pick up later.
I got an iced coffee and sat by the ferry terminal watching all the comings and goings.
The Zane Gray restaurant was hosting a wedding reception so it was interesting watching all the guests arriving. Rather more fashionably dressed than the holidaymakers and residents! It seemed strange to see the ladies tottering along in high heels, quite different to the normal footwear of jandles.
We caught the 4.30 ferry back to Russell, called into the Duke of Marlborough for a drink then back home where Rob cooked steak and jacket potatoes, on the BBQ. A nice end to the day.
Friday 15th February
I made corn fritters for lunch seeing as we had bought 5 cons yesterday. We had two last night and they were so sweet, among the best I have had.
I decided to make some corn fritters for lunch. Fritters are very popular here almost a staple of the New Zealander’s diet. A couple of favourites being mussel fritters and whitebait fritters. I have been told that down south, South Island, they are so fresh that the live whitebait are put into the batter and fried immediately, oh dear! Anyway neither of those being my choice I made the corn ones. They were ok but nothing to write home about and if there’s plenty of corn much better to have it on the cob in my view.
We parked the car at the bottom of the road later in the afternoon and went over on the ferry to Opua. Called in the takeaway to order fresh caught snapper and chips for 6.30 pm and went for a stroll and a sit along by the village hall. Ate the fish and chips, out of the paper, and the fish was out of this world! We haven’t been able to go,out fishing with Rob as yet as there is always an easterly breeze and it is quite choppy out there. He assures me that by the end of the month we should be able to get out and catch a snapper or two. Will just have to make do with the local takeaway until then!
I decided to make some corn fritters for lunch. Fritters are very popular here almost a staple of the New Zealander’s diet. A couple of favourites being mussel fritters and whitebait fritters. I have been told that down south, South Island, they are so fresh that the live whitebait are put into the batter and fried immediately, oh dear! Anyway neither of those being my choice I made the corn ones. They were ok but nothing to write home about and if there’s plenty of corn much better to have it on the cob in my view.
We parked the car at the bottom of the road later in the afternoon and went over on the ferry to Opua. Called in the takeaway to order fresh caught snapper and chips for 6.30 pm and went for a stroll and a sit along by the village hall. Ate the fish and chips, out of the paper, and the fish was out of this world! We haven’t been able to go,out fishing with Rob as yet as there is always an easterly breeze and it is quite choppy out there. He assures me that by the end of the month we should be able to get out and catch a snapper or two. Will just have to make do with the local takeaway until then!
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Thursday 14th February.
Valentines Day! A very important day, my grandson Jonny’s birthday. He’s 15 today. Won’t be able to see him as he’s at school in Auckland but at least we saw him last weekend.
Shopping day today and we went to Kerikeri. Back to New World after trying Countdown last week. Worth going that bit further, more choice and someone always does the packing as well! Such a luxury as that doesn’t happen at home.
Sweet corn was $3.50 for 5 cobs and it was really good when I cooked some at teatime. Very sweet and tender.
Shopping day today and we went to Kerikeri. Back to New World after trying Countdown last week. Worth going that bit further, more choice and someone always does the packing as well! Such a luxury as that doesn’t happen at home.
Sweet corn was $3.50 for 5 cobs and it was really good when I cooked some at teatime. Very sweet and tender.
Wednesday 13th February
Another warm day.
We went down to Long Beach in the afternoon.
I had hoped to have a swim but the waves were too big for me to venture in. There is still quite a swell coming in from the east so I just had a walk and a paddle. After an hour or so we went back to Russell. The sea always seem to be calm there as it is quite sheltered so I finally made it into the water. Wonderful!
When we got back yesterday we were greeted by a hibiscus which had flowered whilst we were out.
It seems that yesterday was hibiscus day as we noticed that all the ones in Russell seemed to have come into flower as well.
When we got back home Paul and Lavine had called in to see Rob so after having a chat with them, on the terrace, we left them to it.
We went down to Long Beach in the afternoon.
I had hoped to have a swim but the waves were too big for me to venture in. There is still quite a swell coming in from the east so I just had a walk and a paddle. After an hour or so we went back to Russell. The sea always seem to be calm there as it is quite sheltered so I finally made it into the water. Wonderful!
When we got back yesterday we were greeted by a hibiscus which had flowered whilst we were out.
It seems that yesterday was hibiscus day as we noticed that all the ones in Russell seemed to have come into flower as well.
When we got back home Paul and Lavine had called in to see Rob so after having a chat with them, on the terrace, we left them to it.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Tuesday 12th February.
We took the car down to the ferry and parked there. It’s only a 2 minute drive but down a very steep hill so not inclined to tackle the walk back up there on our return.
We spend so much time sitting here looking over there that we thought we should explore the other side. When we take the car over we don’t normally stop to have a look around.
We walked along the shore as far as the Opua Hall where the road stops and the walkway to Paihia starts. It’s a 5.8km walk so, sadly, a few steps too far for us.
A seat opposite the hall looking down the bay was an ideal place to spend some time before wwalked back to to the general store and got a cup of their excellent coffee. Another walk back to the seat where we watched the ferries plying back and forth and the yachts leaving the marina heading for the open sea.
There are quite a few bottle bush trees along the street and one of them is being strangled by the morning glory that proliferate in this climate.https://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/weeds/blue-morning-glory-ipomoea-indica.html
Back home to the delicious smell of the corned (salt) beef cooking in the slow cooker.
If you expand the first photo you can see “our house” which is the one with the blue roof.
A hot and humid day.
We spend so much time sitting here looking over there that we thought we should explore the other side. When we take the car over we don’t normally stop to have a look around.
We walked along the shore as far as the Opua Hall where the road stops and the walkway to Paihia starts. It’s a 5.8km walk so, sadly, a few steps too far for us.
A seat opposite the hall looking down the bay was an ideal place to spend some time before wwalked back to to the general store and got a cup of their excellent coffee. Another walk back to the seat where we watched the ferries plying back and forth and the yachts leaving the marina heading for the open sea.
There are quite a few bottle bush trees along the street and one of them is being strangled by the morning glory that proliferate in this climate.https://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/weeds/blue-morning-glory-ipomoea-indica.html
Back home to the delicious smell of the corned (salt) beef cooking in the slow cooker.
If you expand the first photo you can see “our house” which is the one with the blue roof.
A hot and humid day.
Monday 11th February
A warm day which I thought would be good for a dip in the sea.
When we arrived at Longbeach it was windier than I had ever seen it and there was quite a swell so I soon changed my mind. We did stay there for a while though and I had a walk and a paddle. We then went back to Russell where it was much calmer and less windy.
Another cruise ship moored in the bay, the Ovation of the Seas. The biggest one we have seen so far. 4000+ passengers I believe.
Called in 4 square for a few odds and ends
There’s been a 4 Square near all the places that we have stayed over here. I would think that Russell is somewhat unusual in having 2 stores within a short distance of each other particularly as it is such a small town. At this time of year both stores are very busy but it must be a different story in the winter months.
https://www.foursquare.co.nz/upper-north-island/northland/russell/
When we arrived at Longbeach it was windier than I had ever seen it and there was quite a swell so I soon changed my mind. We did stay there for a while though and I had a walk and a paddle. We then went back to Russell where it was much calmer and less windy.
Another cruise ship moored in the bay, the Ovation of the Seas. The biggest one we have seen so far. 4000+ passengers I believe.
Called in 4 square for a few odds and ends
There’s been a 4 Square near all the places that we have stayed over here. I would think that Russell is somewhat unusual in having 2 stores within a short distance of each other particularly as it is such a small town. At this time of year both stores are very busy but it must be a different story in the winter months.
https://www.foursquare.co.nz/upper-north-island/northland/russell/
Monday, February 11, 2019
Sunday 10th February
I went to morning service at Christ church in Russell.http://www.oldchurch.org.nz/our-churchs-history/
A sung Eucharist is held every Sunday at 10.30am. A familiar service in such very unfamiliar surroundings! It’s the first time I have sung, or at least tried to,the 23rd psalm in Māori!
I would say that 2/3 of the congregation were visitors and the other 1/3 made up of retired local people. The last place of worship that I was in was Wells cathedral, quite a contrast! It’s not often I go to church these days but I was pleased that I had been and I left with a feeling of serenity and at peace with the world.
Back home it was a quick turnaround as we were all going for our usual Sunday lunch at the RSA back in Russell which was as good as ever.
Rob left to go meet up with friends and N and I took took our chairs to the waterfront and spent a relaxing afternoon there. There were 2 cruise ships in the harbour and quite a few of their passengers on the waterfront. By 5pm the tenders were plying back and forth taking passengers back to the ship for departure at 6pm.
We picked Rob up, along with Paul, and came back here. Paul was marinading a kilo of cubed kingfish that he had caught that morning in the juice of 3 lemons. When it was “cooked” ie the lemon juice had made its way through each cube of fish he added finely diced cucumber, chopped spring onions, halved tiny tomatoes, chopped clove of garlic, a little chilli oil and coconut milk. This was left for another hour or so before it was deemed ready to eat and what a fine dish it was. My only complaint was that there was far too much of it, it was very rich , more of a starter than a main dish. A dish of kingfish which was fit for kings!
Saturday 9th February.
Plan was for Danni and Rob to be away at 8am to take her car to Robs place of work in Kaikohe to service it. Neither of them was awake by then so at 8.30 I thought I’d better give them a shout. They were up and away quickly.
We, me N and Jonny had a quiet morning. Well, not sure how quiet Jonny’s morning was as he was plugged into headphones again.
Rob and Danni were back about 12.30 and several bacon sandwiches later Danni and Jonny hit the road back to Auckland. They hit some heavy rain on the way and the road was flooded in places but, thankfully, they got back safely at about 5pm.
Rob went into Russell and came back with a friend, Paul, bearing ribs for our evening meal.
We, me N and Jonny had a quiet morning. Well, not sure how quiet Jonny’s morning was as he was plugged into headphones again.
Rob and Danni were back about 12.30 and several bacon sandwiches later Danni and Jonny hit the road back to Auckland. They hit some heavy rain on the way and the road was flooded in places but, thankfully, they got back safely at about 5pm.
Rob went into Russell and came back with a friend, Paul, bearing ribs for our evening meal.
Friday 8th February.
We were expecting Danni and Jonny to come later on today but I had a message from Danni saying that they were leaving about 8.30. Then message from Rob saying that he would be home by 1pm.
We made a trip to the transfer station which is where everyone can take their recycling rubbish. The guy who runs the place is quite a laugh and we have become firm friends! Everything has to be put in the correct container, without the lids/tops. He is eagle eyed and soon spots anyone daring to commit the cardinal sin of not doing so. After we had disposed of the normal stuff we consigned our faithful portable chairs to the shute. It cost $3 to dispose of them, almost as much as we had paid for them at the op shop 2 years ago!
So, Rob arrives about 12.15 and Danni and Jonny are on the next ferry.
No one wanted lunch they had all eaten.
Danni fell asleep on the sofa, an early start for her and a long drive. Jonny was plugged into technology and headphones, Rob eventually went for a snooze. Happy families! Gone are the days when I would take them out for an ice cream and to the playground.
I walked round to the bench in Okiato overlooking the bay and N soon joined me. Such a beautiful, calm place to sit.
Evening we had a bbq. Danni and I sat out afterwards and had a good long chat, not something that we are able to do very often.
We made a trip to the transfer station which is where everyone can take their recycling rubbish. The guy who runs the place is quite a laugh and we have become firm friends! Everything has to be put in the correct container, without the lids/tops. He is eagle eyed and soon spots anyone daring to commit the cardinal sin of not doing so. After we had disposed of the normal stuff we consigned our faithful portable chairs to the shute. It cost $3 to dispose of them, almost as much as we had paid for them at the op shop 2 years ago!
So, Rob arrives about 12.15 and Danni and Jonny are on the next ferry.
No one wanted lunch they had all eaten.
Danni fell asleep on the sofa, an early start for her and a long drive. Jonny was plugged into technology and headphones, Rob eventually went for a snooze. Happy families! Gone are the days when I would take them out for an ice cream and to the playground.
I walked round to the bench in Okiato overlooking the bay and N soon joined me. Such a beautiful, calm place to sit.
Evening we had a bbq. Danni and I sat out afterwards and had a good long chat, not something that we are able to do very often.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Thursday 7th February
A showery cool morning.
Housework morning and finished off in the garden.
Car ferry to Opua and into Waitangi to shop at Countdown.
Countdown is a bit of a downmarket supermarket and not as well stocked as New World in Kerikeri.
Without wishing to make any racist comments I have to say there were some impressively large Maoris in there, male and female. Wouldn’t want to get into a dispute with any of them!
Face timed with Danni and she and Jonny are coming up tomorrow.
The following is a link to an article about the famous toilets in Kawakawa which is not far from here. We have visited them a couple of times both to view and to avail of their service. Definitely worth a visit if in the area. Do have a look at the article the photos are splendid.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-6666243/TOILETS-designed-Friedensreich-Hundertwasser-latest-attraction-New-Zealand.html
The following is a link to an article about the famous toilets in Kawakawa which is not far from here. We have visited them a couple of times both to view and to avail of their service. Definitely worth a visit if in the area. Do have a look at the article the photos are splendid.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-6666243/TOILETS-designed-Friedensreich-Hundertwasser-latest-attraction-New-Zealand.html
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Wednesday 6th January. Waitangi Day.
Waitangi Day is a public holiday and great celebrations are going on, over the bay, in Waitangi.
The HMS Wellington is moored over there and bedecked with flags ready to fire a salute at midday.
https://media.newzealand.com/en/events/celebrating-new-zealands-waitangi-day/
Rob and I sat on the terrace and chatted as I had breakfast, always good to spend one to one time with him.
N and I went into Russell at 10.30 to visit the Pompallier mission house. Founded by the Catholic missionaries in 1842.
http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/northland-region/pompallier
Then we strolled along the waterfront and sat for a while before returning home for lunch.
I took Rob into Russell to catch the ferry to Pahia to meet up with some friends.
Back home I did some gardening. The border that runs down the side of the house is raised so it’s easy for me to work on. Here, the impatiens are perennial and needed cutting back as they had become very leggy.
Later N and I went back into Russell, my third trip of the day!, to sit on the waterfront again and test our new seating arrangements. We were due to pick Rob up from the 7 pm ferry but he called to say he had been on the earlier ferry and was with some friends at the Duke of Marlborough tavern and why didn’t we go and join them. Not a bad pub but at $12 for a (rather mean) glass of red wine I don’t think we shall be patronising the establishment again. Strangely the pub closed at 7pm as it was Waitangi Day. Don’t follow the reasoning behind that! Said goodbye to everyone and the three of us came back home. A busy day for us!
The HMS Wellington is moored over there and bedecked with flags ready to fire a salute at midday.
https://media.newzealand.com/en/events/celebrating-new-zealands-waitangi-day/
Rob and I sat on the terrace and chatted as I had breakfast, always good to spend one to one time with him.
N and I went into Russell at 10.30 to visit the Pompallier mission house. Founded by the Catholic missionaries in 1842.
http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/northland-region/pompallier
Then we strolled along the waterfront and sat for a while before returning home for lunch.
I took Rob into Russell to catch the ferry to Pahia to meet up with some friends.
Back home I did some gardening. The border that runs down the side of the house is raised so it’s easy for me to work on. Here, the impatiens are perennial and needed cutting back as they had become very leggy.
Later N and I went back into Russell, my third trip of the day!, to sit on the waterfront again and test our new seating arrangements. We were due to pick Rob up from the 7 pm ferry but he called to say he had been on the earlier ferry and was with some friends at the Duke of Marlborough tavern and why didn’t we go and join them. Not a bad pub but at $12 for a (rather mean) glass of red wine I don’t think we shall be patronising the establishment again. Strangely the pub closed at 7pm as it was Waitangi Day. Don’t follow the reasoning behind that! Said goodbye to everyone and the three of us came back home. A busy day for us!
Tuesday 5th February.
Rob’s gone to work, N’s having a lie in. I’m sitting on the terrace watching the maritime traffic pass by.
This was quite a surprise though!
HMS Wellington here for the Waitangi Day celebrations tomorrow.
N beginning to feel better.
Last night Rob brought home 2 new chairs. Camp chairs that fold up, go in a bag and light to carry. The other two really have served their purpose and have come to the end of their days.
I did some weeding in our little bit of garden, easy now we have had some rain.
This was quite a surprise though!
N beginning to feel better.
Last night Rob brought home 2 new chairs. Camp chairs that fold up, go in a bag and light to carry. The other two really have served their purpose and have come to the end of their days.
I did some weeding in our little bit of garden, easy now we have had some rain.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Monday 4th February.w
Nigel not well and needs to see a doctor to get some antibiotics.
I tried to call to make an appointment but, like doctors the world over, I was left hanging on listening to music. Easiest thing was to drive into Russell where I was able to get him an appointment for 2.45 pm. After years in France, where the 24 hour system is the norm,I’m now having trouble reverting to the am and pm system!
A dull, showery day but warm. The rain doesn’t seem to make a difference to the way the locals dress. T shirts or singlets and shorts, jandles(flip flops) or bare feet!
Into Russell to doctor and pharmacy. Hopefully N will soon improve once the antibiotics start to kick in.
.
I tried to call to make an appointment but, like doctors the world over, I was left hanging on listening to music. Easiest thing was to drive into Russell where I was able to get him an appointment for 2.45 pm. After years in France, where the 24 hour system is the norm,I’m now having trouble reverting to the am and pm system!
A dull, showery day but warm. The rain doesn’t seem to make a difference to the way the locals dress. T shirts or singlets and shorts, jandles(flip flops) or bare feet!
Into Russell to doctor and pharmacy. Hopefully N will soon improve once the antibiotics start to kick in.
.
Week 6. Sunday 3rd February
I woke at 6am and heard the rain falling so turned over and went back to sleep.
Nigel is not well so it was just Rob and I that went for lunch at the RSA. It was very quiet there due, no doubt, to the very wet weather.
After lunch we had a look on the waterfront as we had hoped to see the game fishing boats weighing their catch but there were none in sight. Too wet to hang around so we came back home.
Nigel is not well so it was just Rob and I that went for lunch at the RSA. It was very quiet there due, no doubt, to the very wet weather.
After lunch we had a look on the waterfront as we had hoped to see the game fishing boats weighing their catch but there were none in sight. Too wet to hang around so we came back home.
Saturday 2nd February.
Rob is working as they have a big car sale today.
After lunch it was quite cloudy and we went into Russell. There is a big fishing contest this weekend, game fishing for marlin mako sharks and swordfish. There were many boats moored by the waterfront, some of them huge. We thought that some of the tenders to these boats were worth more than many of the smaller boats in the bay. Big game fish fishing was popularised in the Bay of Islands by the American author Zane Grey in the twenties and early thirties.
https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/history/when-zane-grey-came-to-new-zealand-and-ticked-off-the-local-fishers/
Looking at the boats in the bay, today, it seems that many wealthy people must be following in his footsteps.
After a couple of hours we noted that the sky was getting heavy and soon the rain started. We got back home before it became very heavy. A welcome sight for the gardens and farmers and for the water tanks that need topping up. A bit too late for some people as the water tankers have been busy delivering water to those unfortunate ones whose tanks have emptied.
Rob back after a busy day and he cooked us a bbq whilst we sat under cover, on the terrace, and watched the rain fall.
After lunch it was quite cloudy and we went into Russell. There is a big fishing contest this weekend, game fishing for marlin mako sharks and swordfish. There were many boats moored by the waterfront, some of them huge. We thought that some of the tenders to these boats were worth more than many of the smaller boats in the bay. Big game fish fishing was popularised in the Bay of Islands by the American author Zane Grey in the twenties and early thirties.
https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/history/when-zane-grey-came-to-new-zealand-and-ticked-off-the-local-fishers/
Looking at the boats in the bay, today, it seems that many wealthy people must be following in his footsteps.
After a couple of hours we noted that the sky was getting heavy and soon the rain started. We got back home before it became very heavy. A welcome sight for the gardens and farmers and for the water tanks that need topping up. A bit too late for some people as the water tankers have been busy delivering water to those unfortunate ones whose tanks have emptied.
Rob back after a busy day and he cooked us a bbq whilst we sat under cover, on the terrace, and watched the rain fall.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Friday 1st February.
Certainly a cooler day today, pleasantly warm.
We had a trip into Russell and then to Long Beach in the afternoon.
Sadly our bargain fold up chairs are on their last legs and we may have to invest in some more!
When we were sitting on the beachfront in Russell a Mustang car drew up outside the Duke of Marlborough hotel. Shortly, a bride emerged accompanied by 2 friends. Maybe bridesmaids, maybe not as they weren’t wearing bridesmaidy type clothes. The bride was quite large, no problem with that but the dress she was wearing was voluminous to say the least. She had been ill advised on purchasing it!! Later on, when we were at Long Beach the same car drove along to the end of the road and bride, groom, 2 friends, best man (?) and photographer went onto the beach for photos. Bride was not helped by voluminous dress trailing across the sand! Of such insignificant events are our days made!
We had a trip into Russell and then to Long Beach in the afternoon.
Sadly our bargain fold up chairs are on their last legs and we may have to invest in some more!
When we were sitting on the beachfront in Russell a Mustang car drew up outside the Duke of Marlborough hotel. Shortly, a bride emerged accompanied by 2 friends. Maybe bridesmaids, maybe not as they weren’t wearing bridesmaidy type clothes. The bride was quite large, no problem with that but the dress she was wearing was voluminous to say the least. She had been ill advised on purchasing it!! Later on, when we were at Long Beach the same car drove along to the end of the road and bride, groom, 2 friends, best man (?) and photographer went onto the beach for photos. Bride was not helped by voluminous dress trailing across the sand! Of such insignificant events are our days made!
Thursday 31st January.
Another warm day and another trip to Kerikeri to shop.
Coming home on the car ferry.
Coming home on the car ferry.
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