We've been Busy

 We've had a busy old time lately.  Robin had a hospital procedure recently, one of those which require drinking large amounts of horrible liquid before hand - I'm sure many of you have undergone this as well.  Driving up to the hospital early in the morning, he had his paperwork done, changed into a gown, and taken away.  While I waited I spent some time in the hospital cafe with my book, a cheese scone (not the best one I've ever eaten), coffee, my knitting, and my phone, waiting for the call to come and collect him.  The procedure went well, the results were good, and there is no follow up, so all is well.

Morning tea while waiting for the call

Knitting and my batik  hospital bag, made by Jean

With a weekend caravan club rally planned, we went early and stayed at a new to us camp, parking  beside an older lady who lives full time in her motor home.  She was 94, and had just passed her drivers licence again, she proudly informed us. What an achievement.  The grand tour around this little village didn't take too long, but was still quite interesting.  driving around,  up and down the few streets, then we stopped at the beach.  Cell phone reception here is very weak, and there is a platform on the beach to climb up to and hopefully get a stronger signal.  Here in towns and cities we just take cell phone coverage for  granted, and don't think of the problems those living in smaller places may have.

Local cell phone users come here for a better signal

On leaving the next morning we stopped SH3 to check out Turakina Antiques and Collectables, after years of driving by, towing the caravan behind,  This place was huge inside, room after room choc full of crystal, silver, fine china, and some furniture.  Cabinets were packed full with crockery and china, there were several large dining tables with large place settings, and cabinets full of other collectables.  All quite beautiful, but nothing jumped out to say "buy me".  It was sad to see so many beautiful treasures, sold off and looking for new homes.  These beautiful items for sale needed a large colonial home with big rooms to show them off.  

Inside the antique shop

Then we enjoyed a weekend away with the caravan club, up to the coastal village of Kai Iwi.  The beach is rather wild with signs warning of the dangerous conditions.  We glimpsed a tiny little hut for Life Guards tucked away overlooking the beach.

At the beach

Our club President had arranged a visit to local car enthusiast Sandy's home to view his cars.  Sandy wanted a sports car with a long bonnet but couldn't find a commercial option, so decided to build one himself.  No plans, it was all in his head, just waiting to be acted on, he said.  What a clever man, so talented and I'm sure not many people would be able to accomplish such a thing like this.  I know that quilters can design and make a quilt from their imagination, but this is certainly a much more technical achievement.

An original car, designed and made by Sandy

Time for lunch - but with the first choice closed up tight, we backtracked to Pukeko's Nest Cafe.  There was a group from a car club in attendance taking up a lot of tables,  but we managed to find a couple of tables for our group, and settled down to enjoy our lunch.  Soup was on the menu so that was my choice, and Robin enjoyed his bacon and egg sandwich.  Robin and I posed in front of the place names inside the cafe for a photo shoot.

Then just the other day we met up with our SLG friends for lunch, it was my turn to arrange this and we met at Porirua at Denny's.  There was plenty of choices on the extensive menu, but it still took us  a while of dithering to finally decide.  Calvin and Helen had recently celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversay, what a wonderful achievement.  They will be enjoying a big family celebration very soon.

Calvin and Helen

We all enjoyed our meal choices, and even indulged in desserts, that doesn't usually happen at lunch time.  It was lovely to catch up again with everyone.  Another customer was walking by and offered to take our photo for us, how kind.

Calvin, Helen, Robin, Jenny, Trish

With all these happenings going on, it is no wonder that my stitching projects have been neglected.  But never mind, it's been lovely getting out and about, and we are home this weekend, so I should be able to spend a little time in the sewing room again.