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.  

Sunny Sydney

We enjoyed the chance to get away from the cold of the New Zealand winter by having a few days in Sydney,  primarily so I could attend the Asia-Pacific Parkinson's Meeting which I found very informative and buoying.  I feel I am not doing t of badly at all and long may it last!  Met up with old friends who took us to their home about an hour by car out of town.  They also took us to Aldi and Target, our favourite shops of choice these days when we are in Australia. I must say they don't have the same appeal as in the past.  We travel light these days mainly because we can't lift and carry like in the past. 

Had one lovely day of sightseeing the day before we left. Got a bus to Circular Quay and imbibed the atmosphere, watching the colourful ferries plying the Harbour waters.  Good views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.  Being a Monday there were not too many tourists around.  Enjoyed a latte and a delicious pastry with Belgian chocolate dipping sauce at a harbour side cafe, then bought myself a pair of sheepskin Ugg slippers as my treat to myself.  

In the afternoon spent an hour or two at the Australian Museum, full of fascinating examples of fauna and flora as well as an interesting display of Aboriiginal history.

Celebrations

This is Queens Birthday Weekend here this weekend but more importantly for us, yesterday was D's 75th birthday. I of course am a lot younger!

Went to Mass at the cathedral and then ambled up the road to the Fortuna restaurant at Skycity where 5 of our nearest and dearest celebrated with us.
The buffet was excellent as usual, especially the seafood and desserts.

Later in the afternoon a couple of friends joined us for afternoon tea. They arrived with a huge gingerbread cake which was delicious and I made a hazelnut cake as usual on these occasions.