Out and About

 I've been out and about lately, going here, and going there.  I was at a craft group last week, and we meet in a beautiful old property called Thompson House, home of a former doctor who lived and worked here.   I believe it has been gifted to the community and groups can hire the rooms for meetings.

Thompson House

 One of the ladies there that afternoon teaches bobbin lace.  She had all sorts of exquisite samples on display.  It's such beautiful fine work, but not something I would have the patience for.

Lace samples and bobbins

Melanie had been working on signs of the zodiac and had one for Libra, the Scales of Justice.  That's my sign, I told her, so she very generously gifted it to me.  Here it is at home, pinned up on one of the spools on my thread spool wall hanging in my sewing room.  

Libra, the Scales of Justice

I'm a member of Age Concern, and go there weekly for my easy balance and exercise class.  They also hold meetings about various subjects of interest to older people, and last week held a movie afternoon, free for the members.  That was fun, there were decorations and balloons galore in the room, and we were treated to bags of popcorn or chippies, tea, coffee and juice was available, and we were presented with  small bags of liquorioce allsorts and jaffas.  The film was called "Thelma" and told the story of an elderly lady who was scammed into sending money, supposably to help her grandson, and the police couldn't help her.  So Thelma took matters into her own hands, and with the help of an elderly friend and his mobility scooter, tracked the scammers down, got into their computer, and with telephone help from her grandson, managed to transfer her money back into her account!

Don't mess with Thelma

And to help with me getting out and about, I'm pleased to say that I passed my 80th driving assessment, I was able to apply a couple of months early.  Here in New Zealand drivers have to get a medical clearance to keep driving at 75, 80, and every two years after that.  I went to have an eye test at the opticians, then had an appointment with the doctor, who asked me questions as he filled in several pre printed pages.  "I know you don't have diabetes, and your heart is good", he said as he worked his way through the form.  That was good to know.  Tick, tick, tick, he went through the questions, then, "all done", he told me.  At my 75th assessment, our previous doctor had asked me all sorts of questions, including counting back from 100 by 7, and other general  knowledge questions, so I was a bit worried about what my current doctor would ask me.  "I know you", he said, "and I know there is nothing wrong with your memory".  Whew.... all that worry about nothing!

I've had to do some car stuff this month, things that Robin used to take care of.  Such as apply for the annual car registration, get a Warrant of Fitness, and the car insurance is due as well.  And last time I filled the car up, I wanted to use up some of the petrol vouchers I have, so called into one of the local service stations.  When I went in to settle up, the attendant was rather worried.  "Did you know you've just filled your car with diesel?" he asked.  I assured him that everything is fine, my little car runs on diesel, which is quite unusual here for small cars.  Although Robin used to top my car up for me, he impressed on me not to put petrol in the tank, which would ruin the engine!  Just as well I took that lesson to heart.

Autumn is here

Autumn has well and truly arrived.  Cool mornings and evenings, the sun is rising later and setting earlier, but we are still enjoying nice crisp sunny days.  It’s time to ring the changes and hang my Autumn quilt up.  I love the rich golden colours in this quilt.  The centre baskets came in a kit sent to me from my pen friend  in South Dakota.  I wanted to make it bigger so put the baskets on point and added borders to make it a wall hanging size.  This was the first time I tried circular spiral machine quilting.

Baskets of Blessings, made in 2015

Autumn is a time of plenty, with feijoas and apples in abundance.  We have been gifted bags of feijoas, which I love, but Robin is not keen at all.  There are some left over, so I’ll probably use them in baking, perhaps some muffins and fruit loaf.  And Mary gave all the Sew Wot ladies a bag of super sized wonderful cooking apples from her own garden, thanks so much Mary.  These have been put to good use and enjoyed.

Feijoas and cooking apples

So what else have we been doing?  We had a busy day of medical appointments last week.  First, we had a 10.00am appointment at the hospital, and you can imagine the scarcity of parking at that time of day.  The car park was full to bursting with everyone attending a multitude of clinics, so round and round we drove.  Finally we spotted a spare car park, thank goodness for that. Inside the hospital it was a matter of masks on, sanitize hands,  and follow the orange line on the floor. 

 

We were here to see the orthopaedic surgeon who had done Robin’s knee replacement.  But first  Robin was whisked away for a couple of knee x-rays, then  we were ushered in to a consultation room and the surgeon breezed in.  The x-rays are fine, we were told, Robin’s previous knee replacement has healed well, and the surgeon could see the up-to-date state of the other knee.  Mmmm, that needs replacing too, we were told, probably get done in a few months time.  Documents will be sent out shortly with all the details.  So that was great news all round.  One knee done,  one to go.

Leaving the hospital we went to find the Covid drop-in clinic where we could get both the flu jab and the Covid booster at the same time.  Giving our details we sat and waited our turn, and before we knew it, a friendly and very informative nurse took us into her room.  There she went over details, answered questions, and delivered the flu jab, followed by the Covid vaccine.  All done quickly and efficiently, and we hardly felt a thing.  Such excellent service indeed.

Vaccinations done

With the medical business taken care of, we went for a quick lunch before traveling back home,  we’ve got a weekend caravan rally to attend.  The caravan was packed and ready, and we set off to Shannon School, not too far away from home.  When we arrived and were set up, Gemma found the caravan wardrobe door open.  Just the place to explore, she thought.  She loves little hidey holes like this to settle down and peep out of.

Can you see me hiding in here?

On Saturday afternoon of the rally Robin and I had planned a mystery tiki tour of the local area, to conclude with a BYO afternoon tea.  Cars were shared and off we went.  First stop was quite a marvel of engineering, the Moutoa Sluice Gates.  These were built in 1962 as a flood protection measure.  The Manawatu River here runs very sluggishly, and when in flood the river would overwhelm the stop banks and flood farmland.  The sluice gates cause much of the river flow to take a short cut, bypassing 30km of low capacity river channel, directing the flow down the 10km Moutoa Floodway.  The holding area in front of the gates was very wet and muddy and the gates had been in opened earlier in the  week.

Moutoa Sluice Gates

Continuing on our mystery trip we back tracked down the road to stop at the site of the WW11 Whitaunui Military Defaulters Camp, one of two in the area.  Sadly, nothing to see now, but in it’s time the two camps housed 250 conscientious objectors. The huts used to house the men were built by the Public Works Dept., mostly two men huts measuring 8ft by 10ft together with some single men huts.  The unheated huts were furnished with beds and straw mattresses, a pillow, and old army blankets.  The men were also provided with a small table and stool.  You could imaging how cold the winter conditions would be.  The men were required to work in wet conditions, cutting flax.  One of the more famous detainees was Rex Hillary, brother of Sir Edmund Hillary, hero of New Zealand.  On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Housing for conscientious objectors

Back in the cars again we headed up to the hills for our final stop, the Mangahao National White Water Centre.  No races down the river this day, of course, but we could see the overhead rails all in place.   Over the years the park has been upgraded to international standards, and training takes place here by locals and international teams.  We have watched competitors battle the river at another venue, paddling hard as they maneuvered the coloured hanging poles - green (downstream) or red (upstream).  There were handy picnic tables on the river bank so we settled down to enjoy our afternoon tea.  Out came the thermoses, the coffee and biscuits, and we all soaked up the peaceful atmosphere.

The river looks calm today

I took a short walk up the road and over the bridge to the nearby power station.  The Mangahao Power Station was opened in 1924 and although very small by todays standards is still operational and continues to provide power to the National grid.

Mangahao Power Station

That was the conclusion of our mystery trip so we made our way back to the school.  Although some of our caravan friends who live locally were aware of one or two of the attractions where we stopped, not a single one were aware of the Military Defaulters Camp, and some had not been to the other two sites either.  It’s always interesting, I think, of how much history there is to be discovered as we travel around. 

Last sunset of the weekend

Family Wedding and Kakahu

This week we attended a family wedding.  The venue is so popular that Saturday bookings are not available for the next two years.  So Robin’s niece Hanah (daughter of Kaye and Jan from Nelson where we spent a wonderful Christmas) and her bridegroom chose a Tuesday wedding, followed by a casual BBQ lunch for all the guests on Wednesday.

It was a garden wedding, with guests from as far away as Ireland  from the groom’s side of the family.  When the ceremony was concluded, and the photos taken, we sat outside in the sunshine with drinks and nibbles, till it was time to go into the function centre for dinner.  Speeches were made, and the cake was cut.

David and Hanah cutting the cake

During the cake cutting ceremony Hanah was wearing a beautiful feather cloak – there is quite a story behind this.  The kakahu (Maori cloak) was a garment made in early Maori times and was generally woven or made from traditional materials like flax and feathers. They are worn as a mantle of prestige and honour.  Underneath the beautiful feather cloak was a woven flax cloak which previously belonged to Hanah’s great-grandmother and had been passed down the family to Jan.  Kaye received help and encouragement from the local Marae who advised her how to construct the feather cloak and attach it to the original family heirloom.  The bride was honoured to wear both her great-grandmother’s original cloak at her wedding with the beautiful feather overlay made by her own mother.

Kaye and the feather cloak, attached to the original woven cloak

Dinner was delicious – we had to select our main from a choice of three when we received the invitation way back prior to Christmas.  And we were wondering what we had ordered all these months later.  Luckily the catering staff had a list and brought out the correct meal to each guest – we had both ordered beef, by the way.  More speeches and then the dancing began.  We left a little early as Robin’s knee didn't feel strong enough to be up and dancing, not like the old days when we could dance till midnight!

Place cards at our dinner table

The following day all the guests were invited back to the venue for a BBQ lunch, put on by the bride’s parents, Kaye and Jan.  It was a beautiful sunny day and we all enjoyed sitting outside in the pleasant surroundings.  Must say that the stars of the show were a whole lot of crayfish which Jan had caught, cooked and frozen over the last few months especially for the big day.  The crayfish were halved with a big cleaver, and the tasty flesh removed from the tails and cut up into bite sized pieces.  For those who haven't tried crayfish, it is a real delicacy here in New Zealand.

Preparing the crayfish for lunch

The BBQ was cranked up and steak, chicken kebabs, sausages and meat patties were sizzling away.  With salads and bread rolls, and a helping or two of that crayfish, it was a lunch fit for royalty. Many thanks to Kaye and Jan for their hospitality, and very best wishes to the young couple Hanah and David.  It was a very pleasant afternoon and we got to chat with visitors from far and wide.

After two days of family wedding celebrations it was a real change of pace the next day.  We rook a trip up to Palmerston North, as it was time for my annual mammogram.  I am so thankful that I receive this free follow-up care after my breast cancer several years ago. The radiographer told me that they now had new machines, brand new this week!  I’m sure they came with a hefty price tag.

All done

We decided to go to the local Chinese restaurant for lunch to settle my nerves,  I’ll be waiting and hoping for good results now.  This place has lovely buffet food, and  very reasonably priced too, with dessert and coffee included in the price.

Lunch time

Something to Celebrate

We spent the day in Palmerston North,  with a long list of things to do.  First up was a visit to Spotlight to purchase a cushion inner.  While I was there a lady wearing  a rather stylish 50s dress stopped me to comment that she loved my dress!  (It was a newish blue denim dress with embroidered flowers on the bodice and skirt).  Such a surprise, and not something which happens much, I must admit.   Of course, I had to return the compliment, as she really looked stunning herself.  A random compliment certainly makes your day and lifts the spirit.

We continued on our way, list in hand.  One of the stops was to the Op Shop to drop off some donations.  It was very busy at the back of the store, with several drivers doing the same thing.

We had an appointment with Robin’s surgeon to see how his knee replacement operation was coming along.  Very well, as it turned out – the surgeon was pleased with his handiwork, and Robin’s recovery.  The aches and pains will slowly go, and are all part of the healing process.  He was cleared to drive, and also to attend the local pool for low impact water exercise.

Aorangi Orthopedic Centre

Prior to this appointment we had a celebration lunch at Speights Restaurant, presuming that there would be good news to celebrate.   Speights is a New Zealand beer brand and there are several of these restaurants dotted around the country.  The décor is suitably rural inspired with a nice homely feel.   A range of Speights beer barrels were artistically arranged on the wall.

Our chosen meals were very tasty.  Robin had a lamb shank, with the meat so tender it was falling off the bone.  I decided on fish of the day, bubble and squeak and roasted tomatoes, very nice indeed.  Bubble and squeak is a British dish made from cooked potatoes and cabbage, mixed together and fried. It has been called  one of the "great peasant dishes of the world".  Here in New Zealand other left over vegetables are usually added, roast pumpkin or kumara, (sweet potato) and other greens too.  It is a great way to use up extra veggies after a Sunday roast dinner, and is not often found on restaurant menus.

Robin outside by the mural

With our lunch over, and the appointment with the surgeon, we completed the chores on our list, and it was time to wend our way home.  We were very happy indeed with the surgeon’s report, and with our celebration lunch.  And Robin is pleased he is driving again. 

We’ve been keeping busy

Life is certainly busy when you are retired.  In between dealing with my sore throat, it’s almost better, thank goodness, we had a few things to do.  First we had our second Covid booster shot.  With an appointment booking system, it was very quick, call in to the provider, register, answer a few questions, go and get the jab, then sit and wait for the required 15 minutes to make sure there were no complications.  And we never felt the needle at all, the practitioner was so gentle.

Covid booster reception

On the way home we went to collect some free range eggs, and look, the chickens were out having a grand old time, pecking about in the paddocks and basking in the wintery sunshine.  It’s always so nice to see the birds out enjoying the fresh air, and double yolk eggs were available,  so that was a bonus.

At the Big Egg Company

We had to miss the weekend caravan club rally because our caravan was out of action.  We had a mild altercation with a car in February, and damaged one of the lower side panels.  Yes, it’s taken a while to get the repairs started, first there was the new panel to order and get sent down from the factory, and the insurance claim to get approved.  And our preferred repairer is very busy indeed, especially when Covid swept through the work force, but finally there was a slot found for us.  Here is our caravan at Marty’s Panel and Paint with the lower panel removed – seems there may be a minor leak or two to check out as well, the extra work will have to be at our cost, but it must be rectified.

IN the workshop

As we weren't going away for the weekend after all, I decided to treat the pair of us to a “Lunch and Movie Date”.  Off we went to the local Cinema for an early lunch.  Robin chose a pork belly and mushroom pizza and I had soup of the day, with a nice coffee each, of course.

Lunch before the movie

The new Elvis film was showing, and I could hardly wait to see it.   The story was told in the words of Col Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks.  What a schemer he was, and a serial gambler, always looking after himself first, and with a contract taking 50% of Elvis’s earnings, he was doing very nicely for himself indeed.  As it turned out, he wasn’t a colonel, he was using a fictitious name, in fact he was an illegal immigrant to the USA.  The young actor, Austin Butler playing Elvis, was superb, and must have spent a huge amount of time perfecting the voice, the actions, and those wiggles.  The theater was packed full of grey haired patrons, and with so many strangers in close proximity we both decided to keep our masks on the entire time.  That didn’t matter, I could sigh over those wiggles and the songs behind my mask  to my heart’s content.   What a film, from the young Elvis growing up with black neighbours and being exposed to Gospel music, his first record with Sun, and the effect he had on the young girls when he first started appearing on stage.  “Forbidden fruit”, Col Parker supposedly said, and he wanted his share of the phenomenon.

As I’m sure you can guess, I’m a real Elvis fan (Robin not so much) and can remember back in the 50s when he burst onto the scene.  My girlfriend had older brothers who purchased new records each week, so we listened to the songs too.  Once I heard “Love me Tender” I was smitten. I can certainly recommend this film for any other Elvis fans out there.

More Pink RSC

I’ve been “in the pink” again this week, stitching up more pink blocks for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects, starting with pink four patches.  The larger blocks are called Colour Chains, I believe, and I borrowed the idea of this block from Mari of the Academic Quilter’s blog.  I remember lamenting not too long ago that I was really had enough of making these four patch blocks, which have been carried over from last year’s RSC.  A count up has shown that I only need two more to have enough to make a quilt. The bottom two blocks are easy framed four patches, one in pink, and the other in black/white with a touch of pink in the frame.

Pink four patch blocks

Some more simple stitching and I had done the string blocks for this month.  I merrily stitched away and made a 12 inch block in pink, then since I've decided that I may as well make some 9 inch blocks too, made one in pink and one in cream/neutral.  I still  need to trim these down to the exact size, will probably wait till I’ve finished them all before I do this step.

Pink and cream string blocks

We’ve had a busy week with one thing and another.  On Wednesday morning we went down to the Health Centre to get our flu vaccinations.  No appointments necessary, just turn up, we were told.  It was all done quickly and efficiently and we never felt a thing!  With the New Zealand borders closed for the past two years there has not been any influenza circulating in the community, so those in the know are concerned that there could well be a large outbreak this winter once visitors from overseas start arriving shortly.

Time for our flu vaccination

Poor Robin had a medical emergency the next day.  After a spending a wakeful night in pain with a throbbing tooth, we were thankful to get an emergency dental appointment in the morning.  He spent the night sitting up on his Lazyboy recliner chair as it was too painful for him to be laying down.   No wonder he was in so much agony, he had an abscessed tooth which needed to come out.  A script for antibiotics was issued, and he is now well on the road to recovery.  Not an experience he wants to repeat, he told me.  I took my knitting with me to the dental surgery while I was waiting for him to get his tooth attended to. 

Knitting in the dental surgery waiting room

So that’s been my week.  We are spending this weekend at home, so I hope to get some more sewing done.  Then Easter will be here before we know it, and we will be off and away in the caravan. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Hello from Gemma