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Monday, March 21, 2022

Things to do, places to go

It’s been a busy old time these last several days.  I was booked in for my annual mammogram in Palmy and we had a caravan rally to attend the following day.  So to cut down on all the extra driving to and fro we decided to take the caravan and stay in a rural POP (Park over Property) on Wednesday for two nights while we attended my appointment and carry on to the rally from there.  That worked out well.  Gemma enjoys coming away with us and was rather intrigued with the cattle she could see out the window.  They were busy wandering around the paddock, munching on the grass, slurping in the water trough  and making strange bovine type noises. 

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What are though strange creatures out the window?

Thursday was mammogram day, and I’m so grateful that I get these annual mammograms free of charge as a follow up to my breast cancer diagnosis six years ago.  This didn't take too long at all, and in these Covid times I had to keep my mask on while the procedure took place, as did the staff too, of course.  The results will be sent to my oncologist, all clear I hope, and I will have an appointment with her again shortly.

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Ready to go in

We had lunch at Joe’s Garage and after scanning in and and showing our Covid Passports, we were ushered to a table.  What to have?  We both ordered “Gorgeous George” bacon, eggs, and potatoes, although I swapped my bacon for smoked salmon.  I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that I love salmon.  Followed by a nice hot coffee each, it was a very satisfying lunch.

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Lunch at Joe’s Garage Café

A little shopping took place, including these pretty food themed pieces I purchased from the quilt shop, to complete some projects I’m working on.  I’ve been looking for something like this for a while, so I’m pleased I finally found what I wanted.

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Just what I wanted

Then on Friday we drove to the Pohangia School Reserve for our caravan club rally.  This old school domain is a lovely place to stay.  Surrounded with beautiful mature trees, as can be imagined, the bird song is delightful.  Camping in the domain is free of charge, and for a reasonable fee, the club hired the old school room for us to use in the evenings.  It’s Autumn here now and although the days are still nice and sunny, the evenings are getting rather chilly.  There is a playground and swimming pool in the grounds, and the local children make good use of these facilities.

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Staying at Pohangia

On Saturday morning three cars set off for a bit of exploring.  Our first stop was to check out the camp at Totara Reserve.  Then we drove on to Bartlett’s Ford but…….. ended up turning the wrong way taking a very long scenic road along a never ending gravel road through the hills, kicking up clouds of dust as we drove along.  The dust caked back window on our 4WD was testament to the gravel road we had travelled over.  Eventually we arrived at the tiny settlement of Apiti, where we stopped for a quick lunch.

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Just look at all that dust!

Our trip to Bartlett’s Ford had to be put on hold as the club was booked in for afternoon tea back at Pohangia at 2.00pm.  We were running a little late, and phoned through to the rally family to tell them we would meet them at the café as soon as we could.  Afternoon tea was great, scones with cream and jam, served with coffee or tea, and very welcome after our driving adventure. 

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Who doesn't like scones with jam and cream

Cartwheel Creamery is a small local cheese making enterprise and the makers visited us in camp with their delightful range.  It was like bees around the honey pot as everyone crowded around to see what was on offer.  It’s no secret that I love a nice cheese so purchased three varieties plus some keto crackers.

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I love fancy cheese

Our BBQ had a good workout during the weekend, with Robin cooking chicken kebabs on Friday night and lamb chops on Saturday.  And as well, our usual Sunday morning bacon and eggs too.  For a change, he cooked the eggs in a slice of bread, which ends up toasted,  delicious indeed.

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Sunday breakfast cooked on the BBQ

Grand-daughter Megan and her boyfriend Michael came up to see us on Sunday morning with some exciting news.  They have just purchased a house and will be moving in next week.  Plus a new corgi puppy will be joining them.  I’m already planning on a little something to stitch for a house warming gift.  We are so pleased for them, buying a home with the prices increasing so much here makes it very difficult for young people these days.  We were all chatting away so much I forgot to take pictures.

As usual, it was a very pleasant weekend away with our caravan buddies, and we will be doing it all again in several weeks time.

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Hello from Gemma

11 comments:

Jackie said...

You had a wonderful trip away from home.

Love the fabric, and those cheeses look very good.

Gemma always looks like she is enjoying herself as much as you.

God bless.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

sounds like you have been very busy! having fun :) the breakfasts look great - I love eggs but usually can skip the breakfast meat I am not much for sausage or bacon - I do love salmon though but don't think I have ever had it for breakfast

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful camping trip, Jenny with lots of adventure. You had my stomach growling with the photos of the delicious looking food. Such lovely fabrics that you purchased as well. Wishing you the best on the test results. Have a very lovely week.

Karen S said...

You really do pack a lot into your weekends. Lovely!

Maria said...

Good plan to take along the caravan and safe some driving back and forth.
You guys always find the best food places….
Nice fabrics you found….

loulee said...

Looks like a great weekend away.

Tired Teacher 2 said...

What a nice variety of cheese! I’m glad you were able to find the fabric for your project.

time4stitchn said...

What a fun way to see the world, or your neck of it anyway. I was wondering what that peachy colored meat was on your plate. Didn't look like bacon of any sort to me. But what a great meal. And you limited yourself to 3 pieces of fabric???? I am impressed.

FlourishingPalms said...

You're so good to continue to have your mammograms. I'm doing the same (breast cancer in 2013), and saw my oncologist three weeks ago for my annual visit. Blood work turned up an iron deficiency, so I've had two iron infusions in the past two weeks. Interestingly, my next mammogram will be a Senobright Mammogram. Have you heard of it? I've never had one before, but apparently it involves an iodine IV and is meant to look at dense tissue. I'll have mine in January 2023. Glad you are getting out and about, and continuing to visit new places. Would you believe... I had my first scones with cream and jam when I visited NZ back in 2009? And I haven't had it since! But I remember how delicious it was. Or maybe I remember it so fondly because as I ate, I was gazing out the train window during our TransAlpine trip.

Connie said...

What a lovely post . . . wish I was there, LOL. That breakfast BBQ looks amazing . . . I do enjoy good food, especially when cooked outside :) I will be praying that you get a good report from your oncologist, it's very good that you can get in that easily and get your exams. Love the fabric . . . very pretty prints.
Last but certainly not least . . . every time I see a photo of you and your hubby, I smile. You can see the love shining out between you both, not to mention how darn cute the two of you are. God bless.

Janice said...

Busy, busy, busy. Your lunch looks delicious. I think Gemma enjoys these trips as much as you.