Life after Sydney

The first few days were spent trying to get warm and stay that way after the warmer climes of Sydney. This is the first year we haven't been to Europe or elsewhere for a decent length of time.  May still escape somewhere  warm if we can cope with the long flights.  At present D is having trouble with his feet and adjusting to the discomfort of inflamed tendons, a result of last year's long flights.  

Over recent weeks we have had our house painted and I am very pleased with the way it is looking.  One of the neighbours even asked us were we going to sell our house.  No, never, too much stuff to get rid of first.  

However I made a concentrated effort in the book line and returned at least 20 books to the library book sale, bringing home only about 5 over 3 visits.  Will have to find another 5 to pass on to an op shop . 

Talking of op shops went to a new one in Pt Chevalier on Saturday and came away with a new coffee mug with wattle flowers on it to remind me of our Sydney sojourn  and a 500 piece jigsaw, which has quite small pieces.  It is going to be good for the hand-eye coordination.

Have started gardening again.  I bought some variegated silver beet and perpetual spinach at the garden centre this week and a bright pink pansy to add a splash of colour near the front gate, plus a bag of jersey benne seed potatoes.  I suppose it is not too cold as they grow well in the Oamaru area which would be pretty cold in winter.  

Brought  in the orchids to the front porch after they languished outside while the porch was painted.  Will top the pots up with new orchid mix to help them recover.