I slept in till 7am.

Then while Azzan showered and packed up I finished blogging, had my shower and packed up my gear.

Andrea & Ross were away before us.

I was trying to be gone by 8:30am but it didn't quite happen.

We finally were loaded in the Regulus, window wipers going to clear the morning condensation when I realised that the windscreen was a tad icy.

Winter sure is approaching fast!

Only got a few minutes down the street when Ross called up.

He needed some information, so I zipped back, found what he needed, called him, then locked up again and drove to Sasha's.

Thought she would've left for work already but she had waited to give me a big hug.

Nice

Anson had gotten his last big boar processed into bacon and it was being stored in their freezer.

So we loaded it into the chilly bin and womanhandled it into the back of my truck.

We headed into the city.

Just had time to get a frappaccino and some food for a hungry Azzan before our appointments.

Shoshannah was having her follow up session with Helen Loveday.

And I was having some massage therapy with Scott Sharp.

I haven't needed to have any work done on my shoulder in absolute ages, but for some reason in the past few months it has started playing up again.

I had bee trying to get into see Scott but he has always been booked up, so I was very happy to see him again.

He works magic with his hands so I came out an hour later feeling so much better.

Azzan lay on the floor in the waiting room and watched a dvd.

S&A walked to the library once Shoshannah was finished.

I whizzed up to get Mahalia from her harp lesson.

Melanie and her Dad had dropped her off there for me.

She had enjoyed her sleep over, lovely for the kids to have opportunities to connect with their friends when they can.

I picked up Azzan from the library and we went to Spotlight.

Mahalia was wanting fabric to match her onesie as Margaret was going to lengthen the arms and legs of it for her.

She is growing so much that her limbs are too long for the garments that fit her elsewhere!

She finally found some neon lycra that worked for her.

Azzan was wanting curtains for his room.'That was an interesting mission.

He chose a silky slinky green galaxy looking print.

Totally not curtain fabric at all, but he was adamant that was what he had to have!

While he was searching Mahalia also found some material that was totally perfect for curtains for her room.

Of course it was covered in horses!

She also found some gorgeous fleece with horses all over it too so had to get that to make herself a cuddly blanket.

I was ravenous by this time and was getting texts from a very hungry daughter still in the library.

So we got our fabrics sorted and went to pick her up.

I took them all to lunch at Colombus Coffee.

We had a good feed so everyone's tummies were happy for a while.

Just remind me not to have their corn fritters again.

I never learn - they are all nicely presented etc, but the fritters themselves are absolutely boring.

I only had two things to do and we could leave town.

Did those and then

Nek minit....

Went to Strandbags to get Azzan his suitcase - he wanted black, I wanted colour - far easier to see on the luggage carousels, but as the lady pointed out he won't grow out of black.

So he got black with a bright green label.

 

Kids got loose in Farmers half price sale.

Girls were okay, but Azzan needed to try on some clothes as I do not trust his size judgement yet - with good reason!

While I waited in the changing rooms I was about dropping from exhaustion, leaning against the walls for support.

Finally we got it all sussed and I then queued to pay.

I had been told that earlier int he day the queues were 12 deep.

Thankfully I was only the third in line.

Conveniently Starbucks was on my way, so I sent the kids back to the vehicle with all the shopping while I fueled up myself!

 

Then I fueled up the Regulus and was about to go over to get groceries when Shoshannah commented that I had said I would take her to the Bendon sale, so I did a left turn instead.

While she was getting sorted there the other two walked across the road to United Video.

I was soon text to come and pay for their dvds.

But they hadn't quite sorted all they could get out so that took a while.

Then back to get Shoshannah.

 

Finally got groceries and then zipped into Hangar 58 to see Nathan while he got some takeout wedges for our dinner.

I was so glad to finally leave town.

It was after 5:30pm.

Got home around 8:30pm.

Stopped off to unload the bacon into Anson's freezer then home to unload all our gear.

The wwoofers had the place warm and tidy.

Nice to be back home.

Got the kids off to bed and then dropped into bed myself.

Kept busy on the computer until midnight so I could be the first to wish Brianna a happy birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was awake quite early, but as I had gone to sleep at 9pm I was feeling a lot better.

Thought for a moment my cold had gone but it only took a few minutes for the sneezing to start.

I cuddled up in bed with tissues and caught up on my blogging etc.

Azzan had One Day School at 8:45am so while I showered I prised him out of bed around 8am to get dressed and get ready.

He had made his lunch the night before so he was ready and champing at the bit to leave well before I was.

I swallowed down a heap of vitamins and ate a kiwifruit and we were away.

 

This is the back window of our new vehicle.

Mahalia and I chose these stickers last time we were in town.

They represent the four of us, our new 'normal' for our family.

It just felt good to personalise our new truck.

At least I can find it in town now, it is taking a bit to get used to looking for it as it is more 'normal' than my old one

 

I dropped him off and headed into Nelson.

The school traffic at that time of day is horrid so it took me a while to actually get away from Richmond.

I had time to do a couple of jobs before my 10:15am counseling session.

Parked up and walked via Starbucks to take my new fabrics to Leeanne.

We had a discussion as to what she could make for me, then I whizzed through the bank and back to the car.

I was going through tissues like nothing as my nose & eyes were running profusely.

Had a very emotional therapy session so heaps more tissues - had to share the box with my therapist - they say sharing is caring - she must really care

 

Afterwards I mosied off into the city centre.

Dropped my iPhone lightening cable in, it is faulty so they are sending it away to be checked.

Then found a great button source at the Bernina shop.

Haven't been in there for years so was pleased Leeanne put me on to them.

Spotlight are hopeless and Creations didn't have much when I last looked wither.

The lady at Bernina was so helpful, I know where I will be going back to in the future.

Then I went to see Roni and spent time sorting out flights for Azzan.

He is now all booked to go spend a week with Sunniva in Auckland.

When I told him later, his pleading comment was 'Only a week.'

I assured him that would be long enough for Sunniva at the moment as she only has a very small apartment etc, so he was assuaged for now.

 

I just had time to go pick up some hot potatoes for our lunch and drop off the buttons to Leeanne before I picked up the girls at 2pm.

They were all happy, had enjoyed their time with Katherine and Sophie.

We called in to see Sally and picked up feijoas from Tim & Alison's tree - thanks heaps T&A

Then it was out to Richmond to collect Azzan from school.

I was early so sat in the back and listened.

They had been studying Mazes and Labyrinths.

Azzan read out his story, it was quite long and gruesome but interesting.

The other boys showed what they had done and then they headed outside to do some final stuff for the day.

Time was pressing so I had to take Azzan at 2:55pm and drop Shoshannah at her 3pm guitar lesson.

Then took the other two up to Ross & Andrea's for their piano lessons.

Shoshannah walked up there after guitar.

When Andrea got home Mahalia had her lesson first.

She was not happy, she has been asking me to drop piano for a while.

I have been reluctant to let her as she has such a lovely approach to the piano.

But she and Andrea had a chat and they have agreed to drop the practical side of it and just concentrate on the theory.

I am happy with that as long as she applies herself to her harp.

She was picked up by Melanie and her mother at 5pm and went to stay the night.

I headed into  town again to meet up with Nathan.

He wanted to introduce me to a friend.

So we sat and talked at Hangar 58 for an hour before he had to start work.

I chose some delectable looking sweet things to take back for dessert.

At 5pm I drove over and grabbed a frappaccino to drink on the way back to Richmond but on puling into the traffic from Hardy St into Rutherford St cars were banked up as far as I could see so I did a left turn back into town and went to do another couple of things.

Checked out Noel Leeming's for a car phone charger and got a better deal with a usb charger and free cable to connect my iPhone to the radio in matching colours.
Of course I chose purple

Then I cruised over to see Bedelia, made some appointments and had a chat in between her dealing with clients.

By this time it was closer to 6pm and the traffic was back to relative normality so I headed to Richmond.

Andrea was making dinner so we were all soon sitting at the table enjoying a delicious meal.

We had a very interesting discussion about mental illnesses which Ross explained extremely well to a very interested Azzan.

We began talking about movies which portray some of the more common ones and Azzan had to get his pen and paper and make another list!

Phillipa arrived in time for dessert.

Azzan bailed at that point and began googling stuff and then he found some Catherine Tait clips which he had to show us.

Phillipa & Andrea hadn't been 'educated' into 'Post People' or 'Lauren Cooper'

 

I managed to get him off to bed around 9pm.

Ross gave Phillipa some computer help and then it was time for her to whizz off and pick up her kids.

I sat with Andrea and showed her some photos then we headed to bed.

I cosied up in my pillows and got some photos sorted to put onto canvases.

It was very late by the time I finished

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woke early, read my kindle and updated my blog.

Lying back on my pillow dozing in between.

I had this incredible sensation that Tim had come and gently kissed me.

I came to with a start - it felt so real.

Maybe it was.

I have heard it said that love extends beyond the grave

 

 

Then at 8am I hopped in the shower while the others were having breakfast.

Got a good start on my day for a change.

I had woken with a major head cold.

I never get sick and I hate to be sick.

I am sneezing, have running nose and eyes, a sinus headache and crackly ears.

So incredibly annoying.

I got straight into the vitamin containers and am now taking high doses of Vitamin C, Kyolic Garlic and Ultimate Immunity.

 

Christophe went round to help Anson work on the dog kennels again.

Mahalia showed Héléna and Margaret how to clean the Cottage.

Then she came back and packed for town.

Azzan cleaned his room and packed.

Shoshannah was busy getting all her birds & chickens done.

She is wanting to downsize her aviary so if anyone wants to buy some birds let me know.

 

I still hadn't made a decision as to when we would leave, but Shoshannah made the call for us to head out later today instead of before dawn tomorrow.

 

The others all had pumpkin soup for lunch.

I had some banking etc to do so got that all done while I ate some of Shoshannah's delicious pumpkin & silverbeet salad, threw some clothes in my bag, and grabbed what else I thought I needed and I was ready.

The kids loaded everything into the Regulus.

Shoshannah wrote out a list for the wwoofers to do while we were gone.

Then at 2pm we were away.

Stopped off at Anson's for a mo.

I was having problems getting the 4WD gear to shift but he managed to move it for me.

Also had to show Marah the boots she had given me fitted and I was wearing them to town.

I have walked the streets of Nelson and Auckland looking for new boots but not finding what I want as the fashions have changed so much since last year - and then I get back home and she sends these ones round.

Just what I was looking for!!

Thanks Marz xxxxx

 

The girls had both picked flowers so we stopped at the accident site.

I tidied up all old dead flowers and took away the wrappings and they put their flowers in Tim's gumboots with the flax flowers Sandra had made.

They wont die, they just get better with age which is great.

It was a very emotional stop.

Mahalia stood on the side of the road gazing down at where Tim had gone with tears quietly streaming down her face.

Shoshannah was on the other side of the road silently crying at the cairn.

Azzan stayed in the vehicle for a wee while and then he came out to stand & hug with Mahalia.

I was torn between the two girls as they were needing me but also needing their own space - I shared hugs with them as we cried together.

I cant take away their pain, only share it as best as I can and be there with and for them.

We could've stayed there for ages but I knew we needed to keep going.

It was the hardest thing to be driving and seeing Mahalia's distraught face covered in tears in the rear vision mirror and not being able to sit and hold her

We were all immersed in our own private thoughts and grief for quite some time.

I know I was driving through tears for ages.

Shoshannah plugged in her iPod to the radio - so great to be able to do that in the new vehicle.

She had some lovely music to listen to.

But when I asked her to out on our current anthem, it brought about more tears.

"If You Could See Me Now" is such a powerful tribute from a son to his father that we all really identify with it.

 

We met up with Harold and Jana driving in convoy through Garnes/Savilles Reserve.

His joviality helped to dry up the tears.

We blocked the road and talked until another truck came along and we needed to let him past.

 

Had a quick stop at Okiwi Bay, and I diverted briefly to Rai Valley so the two youngest could get some half price sausage rolls to assuage their hunger pangs.

Arrived in Nelson just before 5pm.

Went straight to see Nathan at Hangar 58.

Had dinner there.

As it was only 5pm it was very quiet in the restaurant so Nathan was able to give us a lot of his attention.

We were all so tired that eating was a bit of a mission.

Mahalia couldn't manage to eat all her pizza so we got it boxed up and took it away.

I dropped the girls and the pizza off at the Winnington's then Azzan and I headed straight out to Ross and Andrea's.

Andrea made me a hot lemon & honey drink which was really good.

We were tucked up in bed with lights off before 9pm.

Azzan was snoring beside me as I drifted off to sleep.

He didn't want to sleep alone tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone was very tired today.

I stayed in my pjs and spent a lot of time in my room.

While I rested I was also catching up on some business stuff.

Felt really yuck and my head is very sore and bruised from the bang I gave it on Sunday.

Everything was wet from the rain storm and the temperatures have cooled dramatically.

The kids got both fires going so the living room was at almost unbearably hot - left the hall door open to try and disperse the heat.

Margaret processed pumpkins and capsicum and made soup.

I sorted through the freezer and to look for some meat for dinner.

Mahalia was pleading for meat as they had been eating vegetarian for several days.

Shoshannah did all her chickens and birds and when not busy she rested.

She made herself some wheatfree scones which turned out very nicely.

Our two new wwoofers arrived mid morning.

Héléna and Christophe from France - they drove down in their small camper van.

After lunch Christophe fed the pig with Azzan, found some gumboots to fit and walked around to help Anson.

He is busy building dog kennels.

 

Héléna helped with the dishes and some vege preparation.

I made a chicken casserole for dinner.

Azzan peeled potatoes and cut carrot sticks.

While I was resting he mashed the potatoes beautifully and put beans on to cook with the carrots.

Anson & Marah came round for dinner.

I gave everyone the wee gifts I had bought back from Auckland for them.

They were all happy with their surprises - Marah especially loved the cute wee socks I gave to Anson for the baby.

Dinner went well.

Enjoyed Margaret's spiced apple cake for dessert with ice cream.

Anson & Marah only have around 5 weeks to go before babe is due so lots of talk about that

 

Everyone headed off to bed around 8pm.

I sat and knitted while I watched a new series called 'John Deed' on my new TV and using the remote headphones.

You can really zone out with them - they shut out all other noises.

Except I became aware of a scratching and meowing.

Mo had found his way into the attic and was trying to get down through the trapdoor.

Mahalia had to put him out twice, I think Nathan's bedroom door must've opened as that is the only way he could've gotten in.

Just wish he would catch some of the rodents up there, then I might feel happier letting him into the house!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't know if it was cuz I was tired or if it was the darkened motel room, but I actually slept in later than normal.

Lay and read my kindle for a wee while.

Then had a lovely soak in the spa bath.

Packed up and loaded my gear into my 'new' vehicle.

John had picked it up from Ant's place for me last weekend.

Ant had given it a real work over, replaced brake pads and done some other tidying up which was really great.

I so appreciate all my wonderful friends who have and are helping me with things that are out of my comfort zone.

Thanks so much Ant and Isaac for getting this all done for me and ensuring I have a safe vehicle to drive.

 

 

I sat and enjoyed a hot chocolate and a chat with Sally before heading out to Richmond.

Seb had asked me to go pick up a heap of pumpkins from his truck which was out at David & Sasha's.

I found them busy at their new abode.

The flooding from the previous week was still very evident with debris and water lines around the house and section.

The flood water was so close to getting into the house but just didn't quite make it thankfully.

Sasha was busy weed eating the lawns and David was demolishing the old fire place.

Etienne had stayed the night so was good to see him again before he headed off on his bus.

I didn't stop long as I was on a time constraint.

Needed to get everything done and be in Rai Valley to pick up Shoshannah from the bus by 1:45pm.

 

I zipped up the street and did the grocery shopping at Pak'n'Save.

Azzan had emailed me his list - which was rather amusing.

I manged to fill most of his requirements there plus found some sushi for Shoshannah.

Then I headed back into Nelson.

Dropped off some pumpkins to Sally and then zipped into the city centre.

Got myself a frappaccino and then fueled up the Nissan Regulus.

As I came back to the vehicle I opened the door and somehow managed to walk straight into it - hit my forehead on the edge of the door.

Not too sure how I managed to do it, except the vehicle is a slightly different shape and height to my Terrano and I just misjudged the distance and height of the door.

Man, it hurt!

Still does actually.

I have a really sore door shaped bruise on the front of my forehead.

 

I drove over to 'Hangar 58' to see Nathan and pick up some wedges for my lunch.

He was busy and happy.

We had a short visit while I waited for the wedges and he made me a frozen fruit smoothie to take away with me.

Had to fly as it was 1:15pm already.

I was still getting used to driving the Regulus.

It has a much more powerful motor than the Terrano so I was having to watch my speeds.

It made climbing the hills so much easier though.

As I left Nelson I was overwhelmed by tears & memories.

I always would phone Tim and let him know I was leaving town so he could monitor my home journey and know I was safe.
 I know I have others who care, but they don't care like Tim did.

It is different.

 

I got to Rai Valley about 5-10 minutes after the bus had been through.

Shoshannah was waiting for me.

She was very tired and happy to see me - and the sushi

I munched on some wedges and then we headed homewards.

Had a break in Okiwi Bay for a few minutes.

When we got to the top of McLaren's the stormy western afternoon sky was so pretty I stopped and asked her to take a photo for me.

Of course she couldn't take just one photo.

 

We talked along the way about camp and things.

She had gone to a country dance evening the previous night, had really enjoyed herself, and is making plans to go some more in the future whenever.

When we got to the Waitata Saddle there were two vehicles parked up blocking the road, when they saw us coming one of them began driving off.

I realised it was Sandra & Phil so tooted the horn loudly to stop them.

They had met up with Cathy & Bill as they were heading out.

Had a quick hug and chat with them before they left and then talked some more with Sandra & Phil.

Was good to see them - despite us both being on the road a lot we hardly ever meet up like that.

They let me go ahead so I zipped off on the final homeward stretch.

As we came over the cattle stop, I paused and said to Shanni, 'We're home.'

I could see she was upset so we sat and cuddled for a moment as she cried.

It's not the same coming home anymore.

 

I am loving that the Regulus actually has a horn that works - the Terrano's horn was pathetic.

Th only thing I don't like is there is no clock in it.

Well, none that I can find at this point.

Most unusual.

Tooted at the sheep as they ran down the hill in front of us, took them ages to decide to let us past.

Anson was on his quadbike feeding dogs and pigs so we had a quick chat.

He was heading around to the homestead so once I had gotten the vehicle turned and reversed down to the back door we had a longer catch up on what had been happening while I was away.

Azzan helped unload the groceries.

It was beginning to rain.

 

Mahalia & Azzan had come back from Seb & Phoebe's on Friday along with Margaret, a Kiwi wwoofer who arrived on Thursday.

They had gotten very busy and had the house immaculately clean and tidy.

The only catastrophe that happened was when cleaning the bathroom my special Japanese bath salts had spilled over and Azzan had swept them up and chucked them all out.

I was gutted, so he was pretty upset, but they are only bath salts so I will find something else to use instead.

The bathroom does have an overwhelmingly lovely smell of Japanese bath crystals at the moment.

 

There was 2 weeks of mail to open so I sat and unwound in the study and began sorting through it all.

The coroners report arrived with big warnings on the outside saying not to open it unless with a support person.

Yeah right!

This was one thing I was going to read quietly on my own.

There wasn't anything in it that I really didn't know already, just in more minute detail.

But I was really annoyed that in something that is supposed to be so exact they made one very glaring error.

The coroner states all that led up to the accident and then said that Tim had gone over the bank on his left.

What!

I know it is of little consequence in the scheme of things.

But when you are a detail person to have something as basic as that stated that is obviously not true makes me question the preciseness of rest of the report!

 

I carried on opening the mail and read a card from a friend in Canada.

She has only been here once.

She shared a dream with me which she had the day/night that Tim was killed.

She had talked about the dream with other friends near her as it was puzzling to her.

She had no knowledge until much later of how or where he had died.

It was a dream of such exactness that it could only be from God.

When I read it I just sat and cried and cried.

It was confirmation of Tim's last moments.

Confirmation that he knew Jesus was indeed taking him home and that his last thoughts were for me and the children.

I needed to hear this because the mower driver wants to come see me and he keeps telling me that he will never forget Tim's face as he went over.

I don't want or need to hear this.

I know it must be so incredibly hard for him as he was right there, and I do feel for him, but he needs to deal with his own trauma and not dump it on us.

So thank you Stacey for taking the time and writing to me.

 

The rain had begun pouring down.

It was bucketing down so heavily that it was flooding through the balcony from Nathan's room into the washhouse.

I was mystified as it has never flooded through there before.

Then we found it was also pouring in the bathroom window and my study window.

The mail I had just opened and left in a pile was now all wet

Shanni and I put towels down to catch the water.

I was rather anxious.

I just didn't know what to do.

Tim would've been out there unblocking drains and gutters.

I miss him all the time, but at times like this I miss him so much more.

He was always the one to deal with these problems.

He knew the place inside and out.

 

 

I managed to get through dinner.

Shoshannah was too tired so she headed off to bed.

Margaret had made pumpkin soup so I ate some with her the children.

It was warming and tasty.

Then after she had cleaned up I talked with Nicola and Ruth on the phone, tucked the children into bed and headed off to my bed.

 

I didn't read for long.

I was tired, emotionally drained and needed sleep.

I drifted off to the sound of the rain, praying that it wouldn't be as heavy as before and cause any more damage or flooding overnight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't sleep too well.

Woke around 3am and then again at 4am.

Got up and updated my blog and then went back to bed and read my kindle till I dropped off to sleep again.

Then I was awake again well before 6am so decided to get up.

Showered, packed and cleaned my room.

Wilf came back from walking the dog and poached some eggs, so I actually had some breakfast before I left.

Not too normal for me!

I was all ready by 8:30am so said my goodbyes and headed off.

I met Angela at the hospital and walked up to Emma's ward with her.

We sat & chatted while Emma did some physio etc.

Then went back to Ronald McDonald House and exchanged the pram for the carseat and front pack.

Loaded Josiah into the car and drove into town.

The rain was coming and going, it had eased when we got to the cbd so we parked at the Mission and walked to Queen St.

We did some shopping and then got some frappaccinos and sat upstairs in Starbucks and talked.

It was lovely to hang out with no distractions.

When we came out it was raining again so it was up with the brolly and we headed back up the street via verandahs and escalators.

I showed Angela some places to explore that she hadn't found yet.

 

I dropped her back at the hospital and then drove to Sabato to meet up with Sunni & Mat.

Seb & Phoebe's plane had been delayed an hour due to mechanical problems so I wandered around enjoying all the taste testing.

They finally arrived and did some tasting themselves.

Then it was out into the pouring rain and I followed them to Little Bird cafe.

Mat & I drove around while the others ran in and got cheesecake.

Then they got pies at Fridge and we met up again at the Mission.

 

It was bucketing down so I piled into Mat's car and he dropped us all back at the apartment.

I had time to eat my pie, charge my phone, and have a quick catch up with Phoebe & Seb.

Tomorrow they fly to Fiji to begin their 2 week holiday in the Yasawa Islands

It has been lovely to spend time with Sunniva and I am looking forward to coming back in October for a much longer visit.

Mat drove me out to the airport - left the city around 3pm.

It was really hard to see at times, heaps of surface flooding, no let up in the rain at all.

My flight was scheduled for 4:35pm but because of torrential rain, thunder and lightening it was postponed and postponed some more!

 

 We finally boarded around 5:30pm.

Because of the wind direction we made up lost time and an hour later we landed in Nelson.

Cool but dry.

No sign of any rain.

Left that behind in Auckland.

Although, despite boarding in pouring rain, when the plane took off the rain storm seemed to have passed.

 

John met me at the airport in my lovely 'new' gold Nissan Regulus.

Most exciting

Many, many thanks to Ant for finding it, driving it south, spending time making sure everything on it was working well and getting the WoF & rego up to date.

And John for picking it up last weekend and bringing it across to Nelson for me.

 

We came back to Arrow Motel and I crashed out with Sally while John went and picked up Thai takeouts for dinner.

Five of us around the table made short work of all the food.

I was so hungry and it was very yummy.

 

After my early morning and the time hanging around in the airport, I was quite weary so headed off to my unit and was very quickly tucked up in my cosy bed.

 

 

 

 

 

Up and at'em early to get into town by 9:30am.

After my morning dawdlings of this week I had to put my skates on to ensure I got out of the house in time.

Picked up Sunniva and drove out to Kingsland to meet my cousin Tahi at The Fridge Cafe for brunch.

She brought young Bruno and Fern with her.

Bruno is such a wee cutie.

Fern is a busy wee lady who kept busy drinking her fluffy, helping us eat our food, participating in interesting conversations and playing with the kids toys which Fridge so helpfully provides.

It was so good to catch up with Tahi, she is such a breath of fresh air.

Lots of laughter, some tears and just a really good time together

 

Then it was off to met view some appartments.

First agent never showed, so back to the 2nd.

Sunni's friend Amy met us there too and we viewed a stunning apartment with amazing views over the city.

I fell in love with the elephant the owner had on the wall.

I think I would've bought it just for that!!!

 

Amy had seen another property for sale so we walked down to view it.

It was a lot further than she had thought so by the time we did the circuit and got back to the car we were both exhausted and seriously needing a drink.

We drove straight to St Lukes Mall and collapsed at Starbucks and recovered over our drinks.

Then once we were revitalized we went shopping.

Spent most of the time in Cotton On Kids.

Sunni really loved their range of baby clothes.

So we had a buy up - they are all so cute.

We cruised the mall and found Typo - that is also a fun shop owned by Cotton On.

It is not yet in Nelson so I had fun getting stuff for the kids.

We took 10 and sat and enjoyed a glass of water along with a very delectable luxury chocolate to give us a wee bit more energy to get us back into the cbd.

 

Found a park in Queen St and went to visit the Cotton On Mega store and sussed out a few more bits and pieces of baby stuff that we didn't see in the first shop.

Then we left the car at the Mission and walked over to meet up with Genevieve at Bellota.

We enjoyed her company, the food and drinks for a couple of hours.

It is an authentic Spanish tapa bar and the food was delicious.

Mat joined us and we demolished several plates of tapas.

They had intimate modern booth seating so we cosied up there, avoiding the low hanging lights - which I didn't manage to avoid the first tie I sat down 

We were all ready to head off home around 7pm.

I thought this mode of transport parked outside was perfect to travel on

 

Unloaded all the shopping for Mat to carry home and I drove down to Queen st, found a park and got a frappaccino to drink as I drove back to the house.

This time I followed my iPhone instructions and had a lovely drive up through Parnell and Remuera.

The streets were prettily decorated with tiny fairy lights and looked so pretty.

Chatted with Wilf over a cuppa licorice tea and then headed upstairs to pack my bags.

Then I sat and looked through photos of Tim as I was looking for some particular ones, made me rather tearful.

Was going to head to bed reasonably early but ended up skyping with Jesika.

Wedding plans to sort - fun

My last full day in Auckland.

I was ready to head home a couple of days ago but now I am feeling like I still have things to do and people to see, so guess I will have a list to start with next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diane's last morning at home.
Wilf had her all packed and sorted before they headed off to work.
They came back a few hours later to pick up bags and head to the airport.
Bon Voyage Diane - enjoy your sabbatical.
You deserve it xxxx

I took the morning gently.
Just cruised along as I showered and got ready.

Watched some water skiers on the 'lake' in front of the house having fun.
They are doing this every morning.

Took the car and drove into the city.
Parked up at the Mission and walked down to Starbucks for my morning frappaccino, then up the hill via Countdown to pick up some feijoa juice for Sunniva.
She wasn't feeling well enough to come socializing with me.
Had a few minutes with her before heading back to the car.

I have no problem driving around the city, love it in fact now I have the iPhone map lady telling me where to go.

Got myself out to Ponsonby at midday, scouted for a park.

Met up with Stella & cute wee Atticus at Thirty Nine Cafe.

Jason joined us there and we sat out in the sun in the back courtyard and ate a delicious lunch.
I had corn fritters with a hash brown - all made on the premises by a very happy cook who made a point of greeting us as we walked back and forth past the kitchen.

It was so hot, I was very glad I had dressed as cool as I could, and also very glad of the large umbrellas.

We were talking bout baby gear and Stella offered to take me to some baby shops to find some bits and pieces.
So said bye to Jason and I followed her out to 'Nature Baby' where after a demo by Stella as to how it functioned, I bought a baby sling for Sunniva.
She had been telling me she was wanting one so I was glad to find it for her.
There were so many gorgeous things in the shop, but all hellishly expensive, so will wait until they have their next sale

Then I hopped into Stella's car and we went off to another couple of shops.
'Dimples' - also gorgeous with heaps of very stylish merino baby clothes and also terribly expensive. Found the softest, cuddliest, cutest, teddy bear there which needed someone to love, so I bought him home for Sunni

There was another baby shop next door, but they didn't have what I wanted either so we came back to my car.
Said goodbye to Stella and sleeping Atticus and I headed back to Ponsonby to meet up with Christian at Gannet Rock Cafe.
We sat and caught up for an hour before his violin lesson.
He has just returned from 5 weeks in Germany so good to hear all his news and plans.

I was back at the Mission by 4pm so escaped the busy traffic.
Parked up and walked down to Tank to get a drink before going up to see Sunniva.

I was very happy to kick off my boots and socks and recline for a while.
So tired.
We looked at photos and talked until Mat arrived in from work with Tank.
He made dinner - yummy nachos.

Decided as Sunniva and I had a busy day planned we both needed to get an earlyish night so bout 7:30 Mat walked me back to the MIssion.
It was weird to walk out of their quiet restful apartment, down the stairs and out onto the busy bustling street.
Felt almost other-worldish!

Tank was very happy to be getting an extra walk, he trotted along making friends with a wee person at the lights and enjoying being out.
He was sure he should be getting into Diane's car with me.
After all it is his grandma's car!

He and Mat walked back home and I drove down to Queen st.
Miraculously found a park opposite Starbacks so zipped over to pick up a frappaccino for dessert as I drove home.
I wanted to travel a different way than my iPhone lady wanted me to, so she got a bit upset, but we figured it out and I zipped along the waterfront and got back safely.
Chatted with Wilf for a few minutes and then headed to bed.
It is very hot and muggy up here.
Well, it is for me.
Coming from the cooler climes of Nelson I am not really used to the mugginess.

Left the doors of my bedroom open for a while and lay in the dark and read my kindle for while.
The lights of the city were really pretty reflecting in the water in front of us and in the stormy clouds above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made some plans on waking.

Put on my walking shoes and set off to catch the train.

Walked up and met Sunni at Starbucks.

Got my frappaccno and left her to curl up in a cosy comfy warm chair upstairs with her drink, and I carried on up to the Mission to pick up the car.

I was feeling very fragile and broke down at the office.

Am really appreciating our new 'out-laws' - Diane is a great lady to talk with xxxx

Got myself sorted and out to the car, Diane got her NavMan working for me.

But I had only gotten a wee way down the road and was siting at the lights in the straight ahead lane, jut one car back from the intersection, when it decided then to tell me to turn left - yeah right!

So I activated my iPhone maps and they did battle while I followed my nose

I told Diane later and she laughed saying 'surely you should be used to hearing several voices coming at you all at once!'

 

Finally found my way to the hospital, called Angela and she came down to meet me.

I organsed my park and then made my way back following her instructions.

But got the left right turn mixed up as soon as I walked in the door!!

That place is a rabbit warren.

I was very glad to meet up with Warwick & Emma at the lifts.

Emma walked me back to the ward to meet up with Angela.

She finished feeding Josiah, while he slept we went to the cafe area to hang out with Warwick.

It was lovely to spend time with them up there.

Another friend arrived who was a bundle of laughs so we had a bit of a crazy visit.

We walked back to the ward and chatted a wee while longer.

Then it was time to leave so I headed off into the traffic and found Global Fabrics.

I wandered around and finally chose a few fabrics I liked.

Got them cut and then drove back to the Mission.

 

The staff were having a farewell arvo tea for Diane so I sat and ate cake for a mo.

Then walked down the street to the Mexican Cafe and met up with Sunniva & Libby.

We sat and ate nachos and talked for a while.

Nice place to chill, but food is budget.

 

Sunni headed back to her apartment to rest, so I went shopping with Libby.

Actually, I sat while she tried on clothes!

I was really tired and still quite fragile.

Spent much of the day holding back tears.

 

It was getting late so I headed back to see Sunni.

Grabbed a Pomegranate smoothie on the way past Tank.

Sat and rested with Sunniva until Mat got home from work.

I was weary and she was not feeling wonderful, so it was good to just sit awhile.

Once Mat was ready and Tank (their dog) was fed we walked down to Britomart to meet Diane & Wilf off the train.

We had dinner at Northern Steamship Co. BrewBar.

It is a very quirky place.

Loved all the upside down lamps hanging from the ceiling

Behind the bar displaying all the Mac's brews on tap, the wall was lined with old picture frames.

Down the other end of the bar were two large supporting poles surrounded with circular book cases.

 

It was very noisy and busy.

We filled our bellies, talked over/through the noise and then walked back to the train.

Said goodbye to the Sunni & Mat and caught our train home.

It is only 7 minutes from Britomart to Meadowbank - much faster than driving.

 

I fell into bed at 10pm.

Emotionally drained.

It was a good day but a hard day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I woke at 5am-ish and spent some time replying to emails.

Then got up to say goodbye to Diane.

When I was in the shower I was hit with memories and thoughts and dissolved into tears.

I remembered Wilf saying at Tim's funeral how much he and Diane had been looking forward to getting to know Tim & I better and spending time with us.

As mutual in-laws, future grandparents, plus as friends with lots in common.

We were looking forward to those times too.

It was also the thoughts of Tim not being here to share the grandchildren which he was so looking forward to.

He had been waiting for so long for the appearance of them.

The children all have been busy creating lives and taking their own time to produce their own families so we haven't had the pleasure of the prospect of grandkids until this year.

And now they are beginning to fill our lives he is gone - just totally not fair

 

 

Wilf had left me the train timetable and card so I thought I would head down and catch the 9:17am to Britomart.

Got there and found there was an earlier one not listed in the schedule.

So when it arrived I hopped on board.

Must say it was rather interesting.

As a white female I was very much in the minority in my carriage.

 

It was quite good not to be in a hurry to be anywhere so I meandered.

The crowds ascended the escalators quickly and by the time I got to them I sailed up to ground level alone.

I was able to get my bearings as soon as I saw this building.

It is at the bottom of Queen St and I have been up into it with Sunni to visit one of her apartments.

Wandering up Queen St at 9:30am is actually quite good.

The office workers are already off the streets and at their desks, the main body of shoppers hadn't begun yet.

Just a few stragglers, street sleepers finding some place to go for the day and me!

 

I passed by a BNZ so popped in to see about banking some $US a friend had sent me to help pay for Tim's helicopter ride home.

Had a very interesting chat with the bank teller guy after I discovered the exchange rate was very definitely not in my favour at the moment!

Decided against the exchange for now - will ride it a while and see how the rates move in next weeks.

But got me realising how far out of touch I have been.

Tim always monitored the exchange rates because it affects the prices we get for the sale of our mussels.

Although the US$ has been sitting high against the NZ$ it is definitely the highest I have seen in a very long time.

 

Walked further along and spotted the old BNZ building across the road.

I am loving the beautiful old architecture around the city.

Could happily spend all day just wandering and taking photos of all the wonderful shapes & designs.

They were so incredibly creative back then, unlike the glass box structures that over power the city today.

 

I got myself a frappaccino before walking up to meet Sunni.

I was sitting at the bus stop across the road from her apartment people watching while waiting for her.

It was so funny.

A bus pulled up, a lady hopped on and then proceeded to scramble through her handbag, the driver was sitting waiting patiently while she was dithering with her money.

At last success and she handed him a $5 note - he resignedly gave her some change.

Last time I was on the buses I am sure there were signs asking for correct change to be at the ready!

Then another lady rocked up, stood several metres back from the bus door and called across the gap asking where he was going.

She then yelled loudly down the street to her friend, who then came running staggering up the footpath and consulted with her.

Then it was another yelling session and from down the hill further half a dozen more people came 'running'!

As they were all rather overweight Island folk dressed to the nines in city attire and footwear, I hesitate to use the verb 'running', but they did come as fast as they could manage.

All the while the bus driver is sitting there exuding as much nonplussed patience as he could muster.

Sunni arrived and dragged me away from my entertainment

We walked over to the mission and finally managed to find the keys to the vehicle and were off and away out to St Lukes.

I dropped her off at her appointment and then went down to the St Luke's Mall to hang out for an hour.

I wandered the mall, shopped a weeny bit, not major cuz I don't have much luggage allowance and also most fo the shops I can find at home anyway.

Watched a clown entertaining the kids.

Then just as I had collapsed on a couch in exhaustion wondering whether to get some food or wait, Sunni text to say she was ready to be picked up.

Zipped back and got her and we went in search of lunch.

She took me to a cute wee place - 'little bird unbakery' in New North Road.

It is all raw food.

Not one cooked thing on the premises!

Sunni got the passionfruit cheesecake and I had a fettucine which was amazing.

The 'fettucine' was made from shredded courgettes mixed with other veges and a dressing.

The cheesecake was also delicious - it was made using the flesh of coconut, and the base was so good.

I am not much of a cheesecake fan but I did enjoy the tastes I had of this one.

These flowers were on some of the tables.

Have no idea what they are but they were so beautiful I have to find out!!

Anyone know??

 

Then we drove to Sabato.

It is a food heaven.

We spent ages trying all the various oils and sauces etc.

Was sooooo full when we left.

I bought a couple of very tasty things - Capsicum Chilli Jam and Avocado Oil Dressing which has pomegranate molasses in it.

It is absolutely to die for delicious

 

Then it was over to New Market Mall and we spent the next hour having some pampering.

Both of us had a pedicure and I also had the manicure.

Nearly drifted off to sleep on the massaging chairs.

 

After we were all dry we cruised off down the street and did some 'window' shopping.

Did find some boots I liked while Sunni tried on some others - but as they were $960 I decided to leave them there for someone else to enjoy

 

We detoured on the way home and Sunni finally got her Bannoffie Pie from Frasers Cafe in Mt Eden.

I got an original baked cheesecake just to keep her company - can't have a girl eating alone

 

We were both really tired so headed back to the Mission.

Parked up and headed to the apartment.

I detoured off to get a Tank drink - have become rather partial to the Pomegranate Purifier.

Sat and knitted and rested with Sunni while watching a movie.

Then Wilf called to say they were heading home soon, so I packed my bag and left Sunni to rest some more and headed over to the Mission.

Drove home with Diane through slow 5pm traffic.

I was nearly asleep.

Crashed out at the house while Wilf made dinner.

It was so good to have a home cooked deliciously wholesome meal - steak and veges with a wonderful cheese sauce.

I was just about to fall into bed when Murray Skyped me for a chat.

Nice to catch up briefly but I had to get to bed.

It had been a good day, but I am not used to walking the streets so much and I was exhausted.

Fell asleep with tears on my pillow as I'm really missing Tim so very much tonight.

I have been told many times lately that I am looking good.

But it feels almost like because I am that people think I am okay.

But I am not.

It is sort of a double whammy when I get told that.

For myself and for Tim I have taken care of me in the past couple of years, physically and emotionally and I can't let that go now he is not here.

For him I am still trying to look after myself.

So if you see me looking good and smiling please just know that on the inside I am so miserably lonely.