So, today was another pyjama day.

I stayed in my bed for most of the day.

Held court from the comfort of my pillows.

I spent the morning doing stuff on the laptop.

Caught up my blog and did some shopping & banking.

Shoshannah took Mahalia & Azzan out to do a muster in a local paddock.

They found a llama with it's leg caught in a fence up the hill.

Seb & Oliver popped over to unload my gear and the groceries.

The girls put everything away.

 

I had a long talk with Noel, sorting out the mussel side of the business.

Anson came in for a visit so we chatted about the farm etc.

He sent out a load of cull sheep today and got in a new lot of lambs.

So the business side of life is continuing to tick over.

We are all finding it hard to cope without Tim but we have to carry on as he would want, so that is what we are doing.

 

Azzan's room was a nightmare.

While he went up to help Anson get the llama untangled from the fence, Mahalia very kindly got stuck in and cleaned it all for him.

She is such a sweetie and so naughty!!

 

Seb & Oliver went out in the '88 South' to do some mussel work.

It was a bit of a grotty day but there were some lines desperately needing more buoys tied on as they were sinking.

Shoshannah heated my last night dinner that I never ate cuz I was home too late.

She presented it to me for my lunch.

It was very tasty.

Spent some time sussing out travel plans for me and Seb & Phoebe.

I have finally made some decisions as to going north at the end of April.

It is all falling into place now.

I am looking forward to spending some un-rushed time with Sunni.

 

Shoshannah decided we would have home made pies for dinner.

She got all the makings out and heated up the pie maker.

Anson got Azzan some venison steak to cook up to make steak pies.

We each made our own.

I had vegetarian ones.

They were yummy.

The kids and I watched an episode of 'The Mentalist'.

They have gotten quite addicted to the programme.

It is rather intriguing watching him in action.

Shoshannah was glued to her book.

It was sorta surreal having dinner tonight.

Just the 4 of us.

It is good to be just us.

But on the other hand it felt like we were marking time, until Tim came home for a decent dinner.

A mutton roast or a wholesome Port Ligar stew.

We would always have a special easy sorta dinner if there was only one of three of us cuz normally we have the table surrounded by heaps of people.

So tonight with just 4 of us and making pies it felt like we were having a quiet 'just us' night.

Trouble is, that is going to be the pattern for a long time now and I think the novelty is going to wear off very, very quickly

 

After dinner I brought out the things I had bought in Christchurch for the kids.

The girls got blingy stuff and loved it.

Azzan present was a game so hopefully I will have enough energy to play it with him tomorrow.

 

I got the washing through the machine and dryer and then cleaned up in the kitchen after the kids had done the dishes.

There is a leak in the new sink, the wetback of the wood stove is leaking badly and the toilet cistern is leaking.

It all just got a wee bit overwhelming tonight because I don't know what to do apart from emptying the catching containers

 

I was saying goodnight to the kids.

Tucking them in and saying prayers.

I started with Azzan, he was in a giggly mood.

Telling me about Anson treating him like a sheep dog today and pretending the sheep dog was Azzan.

He thought it was very funny.

By the time I had said goodnight to Mahalia and then Shoshannah, Tim's absence was beginning to really upset me.

Shanni and I had a big hug and a quiet cry on each others shoulders.

I am feeling that there is such a huge hole in their lives that I just cannot fill.

I have not got the energy to fill it.

She assured me that I don't need to be more than I am.

As she said, no one can take Dad's place so don't try.

 

 

Now some of weddings have happened I can post the cards I made.

And because today was not a photo taking day I will pop them in here to add some visual pleasure.

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I woke up an hour earlier than my alarm.

So lay still for a while and waited until I heard Seb's alarm through the wall at 6am-ish.

Nicky had made up a bed for me in Elizabeth's bridal room.

I was surrounded by beautiful creations.

Love this mirror and the perspective it gives.

We were all packed up and ready to leave soon after 7:30am.

Just had to wait for Oliver to arrive.

He pulled up just before 8am so we all said our goodbyes and headed northwards at 8am - right on schedule.

It was a sunny clear morning - cool with a heavy dew.

But as we headed towards Culverden we became enveloped in fog and slowed down by large trucks.

We still made it there before 9am.

Tim's cousin Ed & Jan pulled in behind us a few moments later.

We wandered over to The Red Post Cafe and enjoyed their company over coffees.

It was lovely to sit and talk with them - Ed had us in stitches with accounts of his incognito cycling adventures

We stocked up with freshly baked yummy hot meat pies from The Culverden Bakery across the road, had last minutes roadside conversations and hugs all round before hopping into the Safari and heading back on the road again at 10am.

 

It wasn't as smooth a drive as coming down.

Seb was on a mission to get back so we were traveling a bit faster and the road seemed rougher and more swaying on corners which my stomach didn't like much.

Maybe it was the aftermath of the chicken pie I had just eaten

Despite not feeling great I knitted as we drove and chatted with Oliver.

I am starting another wee hooded jacket in the same yarn as the other one but in a different colour range.

I actually got quite a lot done which made the trip feel more productive.

We stopped at Maruia Falls to stretch our legs for 10 minutes.

Oliver hadn't been there before and it was a better option than a repeat stop at Springs Junction!

It is a very pretty wee place.

I didn't venture down to the river as my footwear was inappropriate.

But the view from above was enjoyable.

There was a large amount of  driftwood swirling at the base of the falls.

 

Seb was on a mission to get to Nelson, plus the sandflies were attacking Phoebe, so we were soon on our way.

Arrived in Richmond at 2pm and got started on our lists.

Seb's was in his head so Phoebe & I were playing guessing games trying to work our lists in with his!

Also we were trying to get hold of Noel so they could meet up, but that proved nigh impossible.

So carried on with the lists!!

While Phoebe and I did the bulk shop the boys did a repack of the Safari.

Then it was into the city.

Phoebe & I zipped into see Roni to talk about the holiday in the Yasawa Islands for her and Sebastian.

Decisions were made and we left with Phoebe clutching more pamphlets to make some more decisions from - all most exciting

They leave May 4th - and if there is anyone who would like to contribute towards Phoebe's 21st birthday pressie - ie the holiday - then message me privately.

This holiday is instead of presents and party.

They are going to go island hopping for a couple of weeks and enjoy some sea air, sunshine and swimming, and hopefully swim with some manta-rays.

I have been collecting donations towards it for several weeks now - it will be a lovely time for them after such a hard couple of months.

 

We whizzed around the corner and met up with Phillipa at Starbucks.

As she was on a time constraint she had pre-ordered our drinks and they were waiting for us as we walked in the door.

Nice to sit and catch up with her and the wedding plans for 10 minutes before she had to rush off to do more things.

We met up with the boys again and did the last few things - fuel and groceries - then went over to see Nathan.

He was at work so we crashed out at Hangar 58 and ordered some dinner.

It was quiet so his boss said he could sit and talk with us for a wee while.

We were all quite hungry so the food disappeared very quickly.

We finally headed off homewards, called in to Seb's house to check out how it was looking.

Phil had done a great job of cleaning the carpets, the landscapers had done their job and it was all looking great.

Just the shower being fixed now and then it will be all ready to be rented.

 

Seb & Oliver connected up the trailer that Seb had loaded & parked up at Hira before we left, and then we were on the final stretch towards home.

The last 2.5 hours!

It was too dark to knit so I dozed.

I was so tired.

Seb dropped the trailer at the top of the hill and then quickly ran me down our hill to home and then back up to hook it up again and took it down their hill to unpack in the morning.

Shoshannah & Azzan flew out of their beds when they heard me come in.

Hugs and cuddles all round and then they went off to bed.

They had the house clean and tidy and the fire going so the place was toasty warm.

Mahalia was sound asleep.

I unpacked some stuff, then went through all the mail which was piled up at the end of my bed, and then hopped into bed and snuggled down.

It was really good to be home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I slept in till 7:30am!

Got my bags all packed up, and myself showered and ready to go out for the day.

It was a chilly morning so it was on with the long pants and shoes.

Really hope we do get some more warmer weather, am not ready to farewell the sandals, tights and lighter clothes just yet.

Bri handed me a hot chocolate which I drank as I talked to Jesika on the phone and got myself sorted to leave the house.

Bri had recommended the Addington Coffee Co-op so I changed plans and Vonnie met me there.

The place was full so we sat outside.

Very glad of my warmer clothes and downie!

When we ordered we were told there would be a delay as they were quite busy.

But 15-20 minutes is what they said and that was okay by us.

The drinks and Vonnie's food arrived about 15 minutes later.

But after about 35-40minutes I asked a waitress when my food would be served.

She said there was about a 50 minute wait!!

I was like - 'what!' We were told 15 for the coffee and 20 for the food.

She was quite apologetic and said no, it had been 50minutes for most of the morning, but did get us some more drinks to keep us sweet while we waited.

Just as well we had plenty to talk about eh??

I was very taken with the hot elderflower drinks - they were very delicious.

So much so that afterwards I bought a bottle of the cordial to take home.

Finally my breakfast arrived - but it was the wrong one.

They delivered Eggs Benedict with bacon.

I had ordered Eggs Florentine with Salmon & Spinach.

The waiter said he would get me another one and assured me it wouldn't take another hour to produce.

So a couple of minutes later I had the correct breakfast.

It was really good.

But maybe it was because I was so darned hungry by that point!!!

At midday we had to leave so went out to the shop at the front.

It is a Fair Trade shop and had some lovely items for sale

I bought the Elderflower cordial and some other things for presents.

I found the sweetest tiniest dangley earrings - wee wire and bead bikes.

Took them back for Bri - she really loved them.

It was really good to see you Vonnie - love you till next time xxxx

Then I headed off to find the MacPac Outlet shop.

It took me a while to track it down.

I thought it was at Tower Junction but drove around and around and couldn't find it, so eventually put the gps to work and located it across the road.

Changed Bri's shirt and then made my way around the corner to the Windmill Centre.

Fiona had suggested that we meet at the Ed Hopper Cafe there.

She is obviously well known and we were soon seated and enjoying her favourite foods

We hadn't had a decent catch up in ages so it was good to talk.

I ended up crying all over again, but they were good tears, sharing tears.

That's what I like about you Fi, you are so grounded and down to earth that you support and empathize without being all soppy and mushy and doing the whole 'I'm-so-sorry-for-you' stuff.

I love the scarf Fiona is wearing - she wove that herself - pretty darn good eh??

As we said goodbye Seb & Phoebe drove by, leaving Riccarton in total frustration at not being able to get a park.

It was pretty manic at the mall.

So glad I hadn't gone over there.

I had managed to locate another friend whom I really wanted to catch up with.

I had been getting rather anxious as she was not answering her phone.

But she called me back just as I was leaving the house in the morning and said she had only just returned home from hospital.

So I did have reason to be worried!

I drove over to Ilam to visit her.

It was so good to see Jude again.

She caught up on all the family news and I heard what her kids and grandkids were doing now.

Before I left though I made sure I had her families contact details so I can make sure I don't loose track of her again!

She is not at all electronically literate so was fascinated by my phone camera.

It did take a few photos to actually get a half decent one and even then they were a bit blurry - bother it :-/

 

I left around 4pm and headed off towards Riccarton so I could get myself a frappaccino before heading back to Bri's.

The mall traffic had thinned considerably and I got a park quite close to the doors.

Shot in and got a drink and then hit the streets again.

Stopped to fuel up and then back to the house and collapsed on the sofa - Bri was watching something on TV.

I nodded off to sleep for a few moments.

Needed a rest, despite not really doing much apart from driving and socialising I was utterly exhausted and a tad headachy.

Seb & Phoebe arrived around 6pm.

We packed my gear in the Safari.

Lots of hugs and farewells to Bri as we headed north.

Stopped briefly in to visit with Les & Christine.

She had baked a cake for me to take back to the children.

Then on to Rangiora.

We were all really tired.

Nicky had dinner waiting for us which was really good.

I got my knitting out and finished the front of the stripped vest then began another wee jacket.

My cousin Michelle came in from Glen Tui to visit.

It was lovely to sit & knit and chat with her in the cosy warmth of the lounge.

It was so cold and wet outside.

Daylight saving finished this morning so tonight it is earlier than our body clocks are used to!

We were all ready to collapse into bed much earlier than the clocks were suggesting we should.

Time for lights out for me as we are leaving early in the morning to head back to Nelson and then home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I woke later than usual, think my late nights are getting to me.

I had my day planned.

It is hard in the city when I am only here for a short time.

I have a lot of friends here who I want to catch up with, but fitting their busy schedules into my short time, plus the logistics of getting to and being at places which are mutually convenient is a mission.

I got a text to say that my second 'date' of the day couldn't make it so then I had to reschedule.

I ended up staying in bed longer, and then getting to my first 'date' in Aranui a tad later than I meant to.

But that was cool.

It just meant I had longer in the long run to stay and chat with Victoria than I had originally planned.

And that was good - even God planned actually, cause we were able to have a really good D&M xxxx

 

I had been planning to go to Spotlight on my way to meet up with my 2nd 'date' at The Colombo, however because that wasn't happening I didn't really want to go all the way over town just for buttons.

Victoria told me that LinCraft has just opened up in Eastgate - just conveniently around the corner from Bri's, and en-route to my next 'date'.

How super cool was that.

Just goes to show that in the scheme of things God has it all under control.

I zipped in to LinCraft and had fun finding buttons for the wee knitted jacket.

I knew what I wanted and found them but also found some other really funky ones - so ended up getting both and will give Marah the choice of what she prefers.

 

My next 'date' of the day was at Under The Red Verandah.

I hadn't been here since before the earthquakes.

They have done a rebuild and kept the red verandah - it is still just as good and as busy as it was before.

Bri & Sarah arrived at 2pm to join me for lunch.

But as I hadn't yet eaten I got stuck into a delicious Salmon Eggs Benedict.

We had a lovely time chatting over our food.

Bri left and then Emma arrived so we carried on the food fest - nothing like a cafe crawl when you don't have to leave the cafe

I had a delicious lemon & feijoa meringue for dessert - it was very good and very moreish - had to be very restrained!

We were kicked out just after 4pm cuz they were closing and needed to balance their till.

So we reluctantly headed out to our cars.

It was rather chilly - I was very glad of my new downie while we stood and chatted some more on the roadside.

I was saying good bye to Sarah xxx

when this fence across the road caught my eye.

It was so decorative and funky I had to get a closer look.

Love the letter box decoration.

Meanwhile back across the road my two friends acting up - aren't they just the luverliest ladies

 

I took Emma with me and we met up with Amber at The Palms Mall.

Poor Amber had gotten lost side tracked and ended up way down in Woolsten while trying to find her way back to us.

They are not used to shopping over here in the eastern suburbs!!

I was really tired so just trailed around after them in Farmers.

Found a couple of nail polish colours which were conveniently on special with a rather nice gift at a pharmacy nearby.

And, NO! Mahalia, they are not for you - they are mine

 

I was getting far too tired so around 5pm I decided I needed to leave.

I said my farewells to Emma & Amber and headed back to the house.

It had been lovely to spend time with me very dear friend Emma, the miles between our houses are far too long - but I guess that makes any time we get together even the more special

 

I followed my gps over to Bri's.

It took me on a route I wouldn't have taken but it was interesting.

I hadn't been down Gayhurst Road in ages and I was saddened by the large number of vacant sections, and damaged empty houses waiting for the bulldozers & diggers standing by ready to annihilate them.

 

When I got to Bri's her in-laws were visiting.

It was nice to catch up with Lyn & John - we are old friends from their Sounds days.

They headed off to a party and Bri cooked dinner.

It was then approaching 7pm and the start of Country Calendar.

I was waiting for the show with a mixture of anticipation and dread.

They filmed the show during a week in mid December, exactly 2 months before Tim was killed.

So it was going to be very fresh and raw and real.

Nicky & Dave arrived just as it was starting.

I was glued to the screen.

Didn't want to talk or be interrupted - just wanted to soak it all in.

Just wanted to see my Timmy.

Just wanted to hear his voice and his laugh.

They did such a brilliant job of the programme.

We were really pleased with it.

Although as some friends have commented it was far too short.

I felt it was far, far too short.

I wanted to keep watching, keep watching and keep praying that my Tim would just walk back n the door again.

He was so full of life and love for us that it was all too much seeing him  - seeing him so real.
And yet trying to comprehend that he is not with us anymore.

I contained the tears but once it had finished I went to the bathroom and cried and cried.

Nicky hugged me while I cried some more.

Then I found out the show was on again on a delayed channel so I watched it again.

 

Nicky and Dave left around 10 and we headed off to bed after finding more blankets and filling my hottie.

The night was distinctively colder.

I sat up in bed and watched the show again on the internet.

I am still crying this morning.

It was a wonderful tribute to a loving man who treasured his family and his home.

I am so thankful that Country Calendar decided to approach us when they did and that we now have this precious record.

I loved him so much and it is so damned hard right now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I had some things I needed to do, people to meet up with, and a time frame to keep to, so I was up and out the door by 8:45am to ensure I was able to do everything in as much of a stress free manner as possible.

I got to The Colombo before 9am and to my delight I found a Post Shop at the entrance so I whizzed back to the car and got a parcel posted up to my darlings in Auckland.

By then Spotlight was open so I headed upstairs to find a ball of wool so I can get the wee vest finished.

I found the wool and then got momentarily sidetracked in the craft section and found some border punches on sale.

Too good a deal to leave behind so my punch collection has just increased by 4!

I then headed off towards Riccarton Mall.

I should have just followed my nose and gone the way I knew, but instead I set my trusty iPhone map to work and listened to its directions.

Only problem is that it hasn't kept up with the Christchurch rebuild and roadworks so I found myself on the new motorway heading west and missed the vital turnoff and ended up cruising all the way over to Halswell Junction.

Oh well, the traffic was easy and it was a nice morning for a cruise

Did a wheely around the roundabout at the end of the motorway and cruised back the way I had come and this time made sure I took the right exit.

Finally got myself to Riccarton and because it was still early in the day got a park easily exactly where I wanted.

I had time to browse the Nature Discoveries shop before Robyn arrived.

I wanted to find something for Azzan.

It is one of his favourite shops - he could spend hours there.

I found a small Timeline game for him which looked like he will enjoy.

He loves random facts!!

Also got a game for all of us to play which looks good.

It is called 7 Wonders, and because Azzan is studying Ancient Civilizations etc at One Day School and at GO I thought this could be a good extension.

If anyone has played this could let me know how they found it I would really appreciate some tips!

I have not done much with board games for a number of years.

Tim was always great at playing them with the kids and he was far better at strategy games than I am, but I figure that this winter it might be good for the 4 of us to have some around the table, close to the fire, things to do.

 

Robyn and I went and had a quick morning tea at Coffee Culture.

Then at 11am I was meeting Janet so we headed into the mall and found her waiting at the main doors.

Intro-ed the two of them, they decided that next time we should just let all my friends come and meet up together in one place to make it easier for me - good plan

Said goodbye to Rob at Farmers...

and I did a weeny bit of shopping there before Janet & I headed upstairs to Gloria Jeans .

Had a drink and a chat for a while.

Then mosied off to shop at MacPac's sale.

They have there downies on special again and this years colour is purple!

How could I resist that

Also found Bri a really cosy fleece jacket for her birthday in the most gorgeous blue.

Both of us needed to be away before 1pm so we headed back to our cars and said our farewells till next time.

I drove straight back to Bri's and had an hour to get ready for the wedding.

Decided I really needed to make an effort and get some make up on and nails painted.

I haven't bothered with either since the funeral.

I used to take pleasure in looking good for Timmy, but I haven't really felt like there is any point lately.

I know I have to do it for me, one day....

 

Lindsay & Alison arrived at 2pm.

Lindsay and I had legal issues to discuss, so while we talked I finished my nails.

When they went to leave we discovered it had begun raining quite heavily

I was very glad I had bought the new shoes and new pants as the temperatures had also dropped and sandals & skirts would've been a bit too cool for me.

 

Bri drove us across the city to the venue - Trents Estate Vineyard

It was a lovely environment with fascinating history and because it had gotten so cold we all gathered around the large fire in the centre of the room.

The dining area was all set out looking very fairyland-ish.

At 4pm we were all ushered outside for the ceremony.

It was very cold and threatening to rain.

We waited, and shivered, and waited....

 

Finally Christine and her father appeared - looking very lovely

 

The rain help off thankfully and the ceremony commenced with the horses in the back paddock witnessing the event too.

 

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Andrew Wenborn

We took some family pics of us afterwards.

It was really cold and my feet had turned to ice despite the shoes!!

Even with only 2 of my children there it was hard to get a 'good' photo

Maybe this one?

Or this

There's always one in the photo isn't there

 

The children had fun with the horses afterwards

We milled around having drinks and nibbles while the family photos were being taken

The Wenborn clan - gorgeous lot aren't they?

and again with all the spouses, partners & children - the lens is having to get more wide angled with each new wedding

We finally headed indoors to some warmth.

 

 

I was doing okay at this point.

But as the afternoon progressed I met up with a couple of very solicitous ladies who wouldn't leave me alone and really pushed my emotional buttons.

Also had a phone call from a good friend and without him meaning to, his reminiscing added to my distress.

Phoebe and Seb were very protective of me which I really appreciated it.

I was fleeing one situation when a strong loving arm pulled me close and allowed me to cry on his chest in private.

 

It was a lovely evening.

Great food, good company, nice folk to talk to, and caring family and friends.

Really appreciated Nicola's kind, gentle & quiet tlc.

I was sitting watching the proceedings, keeping warm under the heater and managing fine after the meal.

The young grandchildren were all running around, coming and going and the little ones were being passed around.

There are quite a few of them

At one point I watched Ali with wee Scott and then Lindsay took him and was obviously enjoying time with his wee grandson.

That really undid me

Lindsay and Tim were so alike in so many ways.

Not only friends, but similar ages, looks and gentle natures.

And it so hit home to me right at that moment that Tim  would not be there with me to enjoy his grandbabies.

He was the one who was so looking forward to them, I am too, but he was the clucky one who just loved his babies and I knew he would be a wonderful granddad.

Thankfully Phoebe was there to talk me through the tears and the pain.

 

The music was cranked up and some dancing was soon underway.

The bridal couple made their exit at a fairly early hour and after some more talk we also headed homewards around 10ish.

Bri got the car heater cranking as it was really chilly!

It just managed to start warming us as we pulled in the gate.

I filled my hottie and headed off to bed to get cosy.

It was a nice evening, I knew it wouldn't be easy but I am glad I was able to go, and I wish Andrew & Christine all the best for their future together xxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Azzan woke in the early hours.

I heard him trundle off to the bathroom.

He came back and said he had a bleeding nose, but I didn't take a lot of notice and just grunted from my 'trying-to-stay-asleep' status!

When I finally woke for real I discovered that he had indeed had a bleeding nose.

There was blood everywhere

Looked like murder had been committed!

Actually it wasn't that bad, he had done his best to contain and control it, poor wee fella.

I cleaned up the mess and had a shower and then got him up and moving.

Zoomed upstairs and made him some lunch and packed up the Terrano.

I wanted to get it all sorted so it would be easy to unload my gear later in the day and leave everything else packed ready for Cat & the kids to just head off home.

 

Andrea left for work at 8am.

We gave Ross a hand to get his breakfast and coffee and then we left around 8:20am.

I had to drop Azzan off and run.

I hated not walking him into the classroom but he was okay with it.

Hugs and kisses goodbye and then we had to zoom into the city.

I knew there would be the commuter traffic to contend with and we had 9am appointments.

I took the route into Tahunanui and then over the hill from the lights to try and avoid the long queues of traffic, but still got caught between the end of the motorway and the lights

I left Shoshannah at the bottom of her street and she walked to her appointment.

Then I dropped Mahalia off at the steps heading up to Winnington's so she could walk herself there.

I just made it to my appointment on the dot of 9am!

I had a good session with my counselor, we talked about setting boundaries.

I am learning to do that.

Not easy but very necessary for my emotional well-being.

She commented to me that I was looking very sad and tired.

Yes, I am.

No doubting that.

I walked the streets wondering how everyone can be happy.

I passed a friend who lost his wife very suddenly a couple of years back and he was happy and laughing and I wondered how he could be like that and if I ever will be again

 

It was raining off and on so I had arranged with Shoshannah for her to walk to Winnington's if it was not raining and if it was I would pick her up.

She finished before me and decided to walk in spite of the intermittent rain.

That left me free to head into town to do a couple of things before my next appointment at 11am.

The rain was getting heavier.

I couldn't find a park in the main street so carried on around to the carpark and parked as close as I could to the entrance to Farmers.

I knew it was probably slippery so I was taking great care to walk carefully as I crossed to the entrance.

But I got caught and my feet went out from under me and I fell hard.

Some ladies came to ask if I was okay as I pulled myself up.

I was hurting so bad but managed to hold it together, Shoshannah asked me later why I didn't just sit and cry like I wanted too.

I told her it was cuz I was tough

But I sure didn't feel tough at the time.

Man, it hurt

I managed to skin & bruise my knee through my tights without holing them.

Also have a weird bruise on the top of my foot at the instep and my toes.

I hobbled off into Farmers and did the shopping I needed to to.

Bought some more pjs cuz I had inadvertently left mine at home in the dryer after especially washing them to bring with me - duh!

Then I just had time to get myself a frappaccino before my appointment at Nelson Beauty.

Amanda gave my knee a clean up and then I laid back and had a very relaxing facial.

I think I might have gone to sleep.

Am so tired.

 

It was absolutely bucketing down when I went to leave to Julie took me out to the Terrano under her brolly.

I drove to the other end of the carpark to get closer to Farmers again and this time I bought myself an umbrella!!

Splashed my way to the hot potato stand and joined the queue to get three for Seb, Phoebe and Mahalia's lunches.

Then hobbbled and splashed my way quickly to the Farmers Market to get some Salmon & Avocado wraps for the rest of the lunch orders, only to find he had either not come or had packed up and gone due to the rain.

Damn!

So I motored back to the hot potato lady and joined the queue - again

She was very glad to see me back cuz my card had declined and she had been too busy to notice til I had left.

She made me three more and this time I got the pin right!!

I picked up the girls and headed out to Richmond.
Seb & Phoebe had just arrived so we ate our potatoes, packed my stuff into Safari, said goodbye to Cat, Shoshannah & Mahalia and headed south.

The girls were leaving for home once Shoshannah & Azzan had finished their lessons.

I was a bit concerned about them driving home because the grader had been working up the road and it was raining.

Typical - they always choose wet weather forecasts to come do our road!

Heard later that they had arrived safely but the road was quite greasy.

 

It was raining heavily and very misty so it was slow driving for a while.

But the further south we went the clearer it got.

I stretched out in the backseat.

My knee was really sore and it was hard to get it comfortable.

I had my knitting bag with me and I had been thinking I might use the left over wool I had bought to add into the wee hats and knit some matching socks.

But on reading the pattern I discovered they are knitted on 3 or 4 short double ended needles.

I hate using those so I changed my mind.

I decided I might just have enough wool to make another small vest.

I hadn't been looking forward to traveling in the back seat as I am not a good passenger.

I am so used to driving that I get really nervous when someone else is driving.

But Sebastian drove well and I got involved with my knitting so the journey flew by.

 

We had a brief stop at Springs Junction.

That place is such a hole.

The toilets are disgusting.

I went over to get some wedges from the tearooms as I was getting quite peckish.

The shop was devoid of products.

There were freezers and chillers for Africa but hardly anything in them.

The food was made on the premises and looked okay.

The wedges, when they came, were really really good, but the pottle of sour cream was minute!!

Thankfully I had a container of humus in the car to dunk them in.

The temperatures had dropped heaps and the sandflies were very hungry so we wasted no time in leaving.

We finally made it to Woodend just before 7pm.

Diverted to drop mussels off to Lizzie and Paul.

Admired their brand new wooden fence - it is fantastic, and such a necessity now that Oscar is walking!

I had been texting Brianna as we approached Canterbury and she came and met us at The Palms which was great cuz Phoebe and Seb were staying back in Rangiora.

With all the road works they would've gotten hopelessly lost and taken ages to get back to their bed.

As it was Bri had to weave and wheel around the roadworks and closed off streets to get back to her house.

I was so incredibly tired when we arrived.

It was such a relief to stop.

 

Bri cooked up a very healthy and wholesome and extremely delicious dinner.

New potatoes and veges all from her garden with fresh poached salmon.

With Nick away in the UK working and Abby off on a course, Bri is home alone right now so it is a good time to be here with her.

I completed knitting the back of the wee vest and cast on the front.

I was being totally random with the stripes.

I don't like too much order so just knitted as I felt inclined.

Quite like the way it has turned out so far.

But my eyes could barely see and my brain was beginning to malfunction so I packed it away and headed off to bed with a hottie for my knee.

Thanks Abby for lending me your bed.

Very comfy.

But just a query - do you have enough pillows?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seb called around 7am to say he was on his way over.

So I got up and began sorting some paperwork and continued packing.

The kids got up and showered & ready to head off to town.

I waited for Seb to arrive before I had my shower but he took ages.

When he finally arrived at 8:30am I discovered that he had been changing the fuel filters on the boat.

Good man! - important to keep the maintenance up to scratch.

We did the necessary paperwork and he headed off to get some mussel work done before coming into town too.

 

I finally made it into the shower and finished packing.

David brought the Terrano down for me and the kids piled all the gear into it.

Graham came down to talk with me while I ate my breakfast.

We finally left around 10am.

It was earlier than I had originally planned but my list had grown and I could see I was going to need all the 'spare' time I could get to do everything.

I stopped into see Anson & Marah on the way past.

It was the ultimate scene of domestic bliss

They were both outside hanging out the washing together.

Of course they were joshin' like - 'quick hide the rolling pin, Mum's here' etc!

It is really lovely to see Anson so happy and relaxed and to watch them both excitedly anticipate their baby's arrival.

 

We had a good trip out.

I was driving a lot slower and a lot more cautiously than usual.

The grader was working out our way, I could see his tracks and workings for quite a while before I met him.

I was a bit freaked about passing him but we got by safely.

 

Had a quick stop at Okiwi Bay.

I was really struggling to stay awake as we came down off the Ronga and when we got to the SHW6 turn off I pulled over and had a few minutes shut eye.

That helped immeasurably and we made it through to Nelson without any further ado.

Mahalia & Azzan sang us over the hills.

 

I took lunch orders as we got into Nelson, made a right turn and drove through Burger King to satisfy Azzan's cravings.

Then up to Starbucks to satisfy mine.

Shoshannah whizzed over to get herself a frappe from Colombus Cafe and then some baked potatoes for herself, Halia & me while I posted the mail.

Nuana met up with us so we chatted in the carpark while I ate my lunch.

It was actually good to take 5 and eat without rushing.

 

I had a list to work through.

I got a text from Ross to say he and Andrea were heading off to get some medical assistance around 3pm so I didn't have to rush to get the kids there my then as previously planned.

Ross had slipped while out tramping over the weekend and thought he had just sprained his ankle.

But after he was x-rayed they found a break in the lower end of his tibia!

He is now plastered up to his knee.

That will keep him out of mischief for a while

 

A quick stop at Nelson Beauty to ask Julie about the rash on Shoshannah's face.

She has such incredibly sensitive skin and we are trying to work out what is causing her reactions.

I dropped the kids off at the library and then whizzed into get Nathan's signature on some legal paperwork.

Left that at the lawyers, then down the street to ask the accountants about some other stuff.

The blasted paperwork never ends!!

So.... I was doing okay until one of the receptionists asked how I was doing.

That was the end of me for the day.

I didn't totally lose it, just told her that 'sometimes it is okay, but mostly it is b****y hard' as I quickly walked out to the lift before bursting into tears.

From then on the tears were very close to the surface for the rest of the day

 

Talk about Tim, about the kids, about the accident, the funeral, I can do that.

But,

How are you? is not a question I can deal with or answer right now.

So please do not ask me that!!!!

 

 

Picked up Mahalia and took her to harp lesson.

Zipped back into town and picked up Marah's new preggy dress from Leeanne.

It is really lovely so hope she enjoys wearing it.

I needed to start looking for an accessory for my dress that she is making for me to wear to Jesika's wedding.

Leeanne suggested I should try checking out the Bead Gallery as they were having a 70% off sale and it was their last day.

I checked out Creations for buttons for the wee woolen jacket I have just finished knitting.

Found the perfect ones but they only had 2 left

So left that job for later and headed to the Bead Gallery.

With some help from the staff there I found a very interesting piece that I can turn into a brooch so got that and also some really funky earrings for the girls.

With the sale on I got them all for a fraction of the cost of the brooch's original price - happy dance

 

Zipped past to pick up Shoshannah & Azzan from the library and then picked up Mahalia as she walked down to meet us.

We zoomed up to the Winnington's to do a pick up and drop off of parcels.

The kids are always very excited to see each other.

We took Grace with us as she was heading in same direction and it saved Margaret having to drive her to her meeting.

Dropped her off in Tahunanui and then we went to visit Sandy at the Monaco hair salon.

She was just finishing work.

Left our spare guitar there for Antonia as she wants to take lessons.

It was lovely to catch up with Sandy again and hear about her family's delight in their weekend with us.

She is a delightful and very insightful friend.

 

The kids were getting really tired and found some comfy chairs to rest in

 

We were heading towards the motorway around 6pm when I got a text from Ross to say they were on their way home too.

We got there first and began unpacking.

The kids were all very tired and hungry.

I left them with Andrea and headed to Pak'n'Save to get groceries.

Normally I hate shopping there but as it was right on the doorstep and I needed flour I gave it a whirl.

Filled up the trolley with Marah & Anson's and our groceries.

It is supposed to be the cheapest place to shop but this shopping expedition has convinced me once again that actually it isn't!

I carefully packed everything into the Terrano so I wouldn't need to repack tomorrow

I was so tired and hungry.

I drove back towards town to pick up Cat.

She had driven out with Seb & Phoebe.

They had come out early to finish cleaning up at the house as it is going to be rented out very soon.

I have had the carpets cleaned and the landscaping has been started.

Seb is going to waterblast the house and paths to freshen it all up.

Nathan and his flatmate just have to clear their gear out of the garage asap and it will be all go.

So here's hoping we can get some good tenants in real soon.

We have put it in the hands of a tenancy agency as neither Seb nor I have the time nor headspace right now to cope with the stress of managing it ourselves.

 

Cat and I were both tired and almost beyond hungry as it was after 8pm.

We found a nice corner table at Speight's Ale House and enjoyed a good feed.

It was nice to hang out with my girl.

Didn't talk about anything too major, too tired for any d&m stuff, just enjoyed hanging out.

 

I dropped her off at David & Sasha's around 10pm.

Andrea was still up so we had a few minutes to talk before we both headed to bed.

Left Ross with is plastered leg elevated in the living room playing on his laptop - he was smiling so obviously the pain & frustration haven't set in yet

 

Azzan was still semi awake listening to an online audio book

He finally turned over and went to sleep while I sat in bed beside him and did some catch up emailing.

Country Calendar has released the programme details for next Saturday.

Here is the blurb about our programme.

 

.

I caught myself falling to sleep at the keyboard so decided it was time to put my head on the pillow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I woke up at 6:50am today.

Crept out of bed to go say goodbye to the travelers but there was no sign of life anywhere.

So I sat out in the kitchen with my drink and laptop.

Then David & Sasha arrived down.

Seb drove over to pick up the '88 South'.

Went back home to see the fishing party off before returning to take the crew out fishing.

 

The morning sky was amazing.

Went out to take photos.

These are but a few of them!

Sandy and family were preparing to leave by this point so I watched them loading up from above.

Family portrait before they load themselves onto the boat.

David and Sasha enjoying a theatrical view

Byee, till next time xxxx

Sasha decided to make some lunch for the travelers.

Bri & Abby arrived down soon after so we had our final farewells with them as they were heading back to Christchurch.

The children were all getting up by this time.

The fisherfolk were getting prepared when Seb arrived around 9am.

Graham, Jeff & Pehe, Glenn, Cat, Sasha & David joined Seb, Phoebe, Mike & Kerry.

They headed out to the Chetwodes to dive and fish for the morning.

Leeann went out kayaking instead.

 

The kids and I stayed back and chilled.

Azzan was buzzing around setting up April Fool jokes.

He was getting right into it.

I was going to hop in the spa but Anson & Marah arrived so that idea went out the window.

We absolutely cracked up cuz Azzan forgot about one joke he had set and came rushing in the door after setting another and got caught in his own booby trap.

He got soaked when the container of water fell on him!

Then Olivia & Genevieve came to visit too.

Christine & Less came up so we talked over tea and buns.

 

Mahalia gave Marah a lovely relaxing pedicure before Anson dragged her off home again.

She had to go bare foot so she didn't smudge the polish

 

The fisherfolk returned around 1pm.

Sparrows then headed off to catch fish and our guys unpacked.

Glenn left to go back to Christchurch around 3pm.

 

I was so tired that I was falling asleep at the table so decided to make something to eat and go to bed.

Azzan made me some cheese toasties and iced cranberry juice.

I went to bed and watched 'Sense & Sensibility' - it is the shorter version.

Not too sure how much I missed because I think I went to sleep.

But what I saw I enjoyed.

I was lying in bed here watching the movie and semi expecting Tim to come hop in for an afternoon nap with me.

It was so disappointing that he didn't

 

I tried to tidy up the study and get some paperwork done.

Have to pack for town tomorrow.

I so do not feel like going out but have a list of things we have to be doing, so not really any choice.

Plus once I leave I will be fine.

Jesika phoned and chatted with us.

Then she phoned Sasha and they had a long 2 hour talk.

 

Sasha helped make dinner.

Yummy rice and lettuce salads, fresh fried fish, and broccoli & blue cheese soup.

Azzan helped the older ones do the dishes.

Azzan through a bit of a wobbly after dinner when I was asking him to get his stuff sorted.

It was just too much for me and I crashed in tears in the study.

I just didn't have the energy to deal with him.

He came in later and asked me if I hated him now

 

Once the kids had gone to bed and I had gotten some online banking done I sat in the peace and quiet of the sitting room with David & Sasha and enjoyed a good talk.

Life here is just way to busy most of the time and we don't get time out to just talk much.

It was good.

Now it is time to head of to bed cuz tomorrow is the beginning of a busy week.

 

 

I was going through my stash of cards to find some wedding and birthday cards to post tomorrow when I came across one I had made a while back.

The words say -

'Hope dances in the puddles 'til the sun comes out again.'

I like that

 

 

 

 

 

 

The road was really slippery but Graham negotiated it safely.

It was raining again by the time we arrived.

We ran inside and sat around talking for a while.

Pastor Mike and Kerry had come down and were staying a couple of nights with Seb & Phoebe.

We had a bit of a sing along and talked about what baptism was about.

I was able to share the word I had been given over and for Sebastian when he was born.

That he was going to be a mighty man of God.

It is a word that I have held close to my heart throughout the years.

It is a real blessing today to see him take up that mantle and begin to run with it.

The other word that Mike brought was from 1 Timothy 4:12

'Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers..'

And Mike also read Psalm 78 and shared why he felt it was personally relevant to us.

My people, hear my instruction;
listen to what I say.
2 I will declare wise sayings;
I will speak mysteries from the past—
3 things we have heard and known
and that our fathers have passed down to us.
4 We must not hide them from their children,
but must tell a future generation
the praises of the Lord,
His might, and the wonderful works
He has performed.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob
and set up a law in Israel,
which He commanded our fathers
to teach to their children
6 so that a future generation—
children yet to be born—might know.
They were to rise and tell their children
7 so that they might put their confidence in God
and not forget God’s works,
but keep His commands.
8 Then they would not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not loyal
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

 

 

 

Once the skies cleared we ventured outside.

The flowers in the window box were bright and happy.

There was some joshin' from Mike & Graham about Seb not going too far out and drowning them both - as they are quite a lot shorter than Seb!

Then it was time for his baptism.

A big step of public declaration and a move of faith for him.

Some prayer and words of encouragement on the beach.

Couldn't help but think it was a perfect day for this.

Resurrection Sunday - the death of the old life and birth of the new.

I also shared one of Tim's favourite verses which Bri had brought forward at his funeral.

3 John 1:4
'I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.'

 

Then it was back to the house for a late lunch.

I was heartened by some other words that Mike had re hope and heaven during the afternoon.

Mike had personally met Dean Braxton and told me of his experience with heaven and the reality of it.

It really helped me especially after the hard day I had yesterday.

When we left to head home it was close on 6pm.

Love this photo

 

 

At the top of the hill this is the sight that greeted us.

A sign from God - a window to the heavens.

 

 

Cat & Leeann were preparing dinner.

Sandy and her crew had brought food for the bbq too.

I was really tired so collapsed in the living room with Sandy.

We shared a few quiet tears.

Antonia chose the floor and sussed out how to go about learning guitar.

Me and my boy - we match!

Bri entertained

Mahalia & Sasha relaxed

and pillow fought with Leeann

After dinner Azzan retired to my art work desk and found a new journal to work in.

He is making a special memory book for his Dad.

There was quiet chat around the table

and cuddles in the lounge

 

It was very late by the time we all headed off to our beds.

Sandy and crew have to leave early in the morning.

Bri & Abby are also planning an early start.

It took ages to get the three children into their beds.

Mahalia was very sad so we had a big cuddle and prayer time together.

Azzan needed to sleep in my bed again.

He also needed some tlc tonight.

Shoshannah and Bri had some sister bonding time before they headed off to bed.

Now it is late again and I need to go to sleep too.

It has been a lovely day.

A really good day.

But also a very tiring day.