April 4, 2013

  • Thursday 4th April

     

     

     

    I woke up early - soon after 5am, spent a few hours blogging and catching up with some banking etc.

    Bri left for work soon after 7am.

    I had a quiet, no rush, sorta morning.

    Had planned to do some visiting before meeting up with Louisa at 11am but didn't end up getting into the shower until quite late.

    And then cuz I was so weary and achy I enjoyed a lovely long hot shower.

    So by the time I was ready to greet the world it was around 10:30am.

    I just drove straight to the Bealey Ave and met up with Louisa at her work.

    We wandered across the road to a cafe and spent an hour catching up.

    There were many tears shed and good food and coffee consumed.

    It is invaluable to have good friends to share pain with.

    At midday Louisa had to head back to a meeting and I drove across town to meet Corrinne at Riccarton Mall.

    We had a lovely time hanging out together.

    Got some lunch and sat and talked.

    Loads more tears.

    Love my cousin - she is so understanding and supportive.

    She prescribed that some serious retail therapy so of course who was I to argue!

    We found Sassy's and I had fun trying on funky clothes.

    Bought a top I fell in love with and they found two others that I wanted to try in different sizes at their Merivale store.

    So we piled into Corrinne's car and made our way over there.

    That was a really good decision.

    Never got the two I had on hold but ended up with 2 other garments which I absolutely love.

     

    While we were shopping Olivia text this photo to me - she is out on D'Urville Island with my kids.

    They sailed out there today to do a spot of hunting and fishing and camping.
    Love this photo of my happy campers heart

     

    It was getting late and Corrinne needed to get home so we went back to Riccarton to get my car.

    I was thirsty so we popped into get a drink from TANK.

    I turned around and there in front of me was Hazel!

    I have been trying to touch base with her for past 3 years but each time I come down I am just too busy to fit anyone else in so we hadn't caught up since she left Nelson.

    Of all the people in Christchurch and in the crazy busy mall we randomly meet - so cool!

    There was a sale on in one of the blingy shops so I went and chose some jewellery for my two young ladies while my smoothie was being made.

    Corrinne left and I decided to drive to the other end of the mall so I could get some flowers from Pak'n'Save because my leg was aching from all the walking.

    I parked up and then found I was only half way and should've driven round the outside to get to the other end.

    So I walked and found a small florist instead.

    Bought some lovely flowers and a couple of cute cards.

    Lindsay phoned as I was trying to find the exit back to the carpark.

    I was walking and talking at the same time and I ended up walking back and forth several times getting myself quite lost.

    I just could not find the exit to where I needed to go.

    I could see other carpark signs but not the one I wanted.

    When I told Lindsay I was lost in Riccarton Mall he laughed!!

    Finally I found it.

    It was quite a narrow one opposite the foodcourt and I had just kept missing it - duh!

     

    It was just before 5pm so I managed to navigate the traffic before it turned into crazy rush hour stuff.

    Only had a short distance to drive to find the Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village where our friend Doreen is currently living since her house was damaged in the earthquake 2 years ago.

    She was very pleased to see me and loved the flowers.

    I sat and talked with her for ages.

    Her dinner arrived but she didn't want me to leave.

    I am so glad I was able to visit, she was reminiscing about the times she and her late husband used to holiday at Port Ligar with Tim's parents.

    It was lovely to hear the stories.

    She was also very concerned as to how the children and I were doing now.

    She has a real affinity for Azzan.

    Her birthday is the day after Mahalia's and this year she turned 95.

    Apart from being extremely frustrated by her very arthritic hands she is as sharp as a knife and is still planning on moving back into her home as soon as it is repaired.

    I just hope and pray that it gets done before it is too late for her.

    The wheels of bureaucracy move very slowly down here bummed

     

    After a couple of hours I had to leave as I knew Bri was at home waiting to eat.

    Bri cooked another very tasty dinner.

    I sat and knitted until I ran out of wool and then it was bedtime.

    I have a busy day tomorrow so it is lights out now.

    Have been trying to fit all my visiting and catching up into a couple of days but it is hard to juggle everyone I want to see.

    I guess I will just have to return again soon winky