You can never have enough...

[kiwimade64]

How frustrating, mica. We only have two chemists so don't have to go far.

It's definitely cooler, so nice to be outside this morning. Why on earth did I plant those damed violas lol. They are so invasive and need removing. We never see the flowers and they are just too bossy for this garden. It's going to take me a while to get rid of them.

I knew the rifleman was tiny but didn't realise it was that tiny. And to think a clutch of eggs weigh more than the bird. And the Fairy Tern, omg what a graceful bird that is when flying. We certainly live in a stunning country.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Every time I see a fairy tern I am reminded of being ten, and camping at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel one Christmas holiday. Aside from the over supply of crayfish, the night the cow came into our tent, and my Mum's insistence on a proper long drop (with a door), the fairy terns were testing on the beach. One morning I found a hen running ahead of me dragging a wing, and I caught her and took her back to our tents with her sitting quietly in my hands. After my Dad enlightened me as to their clever distraction techniques, and the usual photos were taken I carried her back to where I found her and let her go back to her eggs, unbroken wing definitely evident.

Each time I come across those photos I am reminded how brief the time can be between a healthy population living the sweet life, and coming so close to extinction your numbers go down to double figures. I am glad they are being looked after these days, they are magical birds and that single mama bird gave me the most magical memories.

[Roma]

The Fairy Tern was fascinating as well .... sad that there are only 33 adults left. Good work by those dedicated Conservationists who had successfully reared 9 hatchlings this season for eventual release.

The Plovers were clever at the 'broken wing' diversion also, even though their nests were right in the middle of grassy paddocks where the stock were to go  

[kiwimade64]

We have plovers in the area, and they are awful birds. Noisy and aggressive with spurs on their legs. I don't think the local pukekos are too keen on them either.

I have a lovely bruise on my little toe thanks to bashing it on the coffee table. I'm surprised none of you heard the yelling and swearing lol. But ohhh boy, it is sore.

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Still dark and I have no idea why I set my alarm so early lol. Madam is not happy about it.

Im going out this morning but really didn't need this long to get ready lol.

Had some good rain earlier last night.

Going to housie this morning. Missy's Nanny runs it. Gold coin donation and I think you play for chocolate.

My friend that used to play at CMA Passed a few weeks ago so she wont be there to help have fun.

Will do my games etc when I get home. but Im looking forward to meeting more people.

How's the Toe this morning Kiwimade?

Have a fab day all

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies It is finally becoming a bit lighter, chilly though and the rain we had last night was very welcome.

My toe is sore lol. There is a lovely bruise in all shades of purple and pink. I'll be wearing shoes for a few days.

MrK is having more x rays on his hips and lower back today. We're just being pushed from pillar to post and then in circles with his back issue. We're fed up with it and so is our doctor. Our doctor decided this was a stalling tactic and when I suggested it was in the 'too hard basket', she agreed. So now we have to start the whole process over again but this time, we are not leaving anyone's office until I see their referral or whatever they have to do being done. Waiting six weeks plus for a simple email is not acceptable when he had all the info and it was pretty much written while we were there, just not sent.

It's back to the violas this morning, they are stubborn plants lol. But once a few are out and the soil is loosened, the rest follow. The new grass seed is starting to sprout in places. According to the packet, it sprouts within a week. It won't need dampening down this morning after the rain we had so one less thing to do.

Time is marching on, better get moving

Happy crafting

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Well, good luck you two, with the bones business, you have my sympathy. I was thinking as I got up yesterday and the old metal hip implant made itself felt that maybe I should get that checked out... But I know just how long and how pressured the orthopedic line is, and I am not quite up to joining it yet. It is stressful, all those exams, all the waiting, the back and forwards, and then the painful bit. And I have the added joy of having to argue once again about not having a particular spinal surgery that always gets recommended when the hips get looked at. My orthopedic surgeon is such an optimist about the outcome, but I am not lol...

I'll stick with hip implants thank you very much. I can cope with those, much easier than fusing vertebrae.

And yes, we had rain last night. Not much, but enough for me to avoid watering today. The heritage tomatoes are starting to colour up which is fun, I will be able to see if they turn out to be  greens, or reds, or that bright golden yellow. They are certainly a decent sized fruit, and I love it when gardening is so entertaining. Last Wednesday I came home with a small but bright orange pumpkin which is still sitting on my kitchen bench making me smile every time I see it. It too is destined to be seed for next summers garden, if the flesh that goes into the oven with this week's butterflied chook turns out to be as yummy as the colour promises...

Pumpkins should be orange. Grey is just so boring!

[Mica]

Morning all 
Antarctic blast strong southerly winds and we have had some very heavy rain have pulled the merino top and socks out  I hope warm weather returns its too soon to be in winter woollies.

I hope mrK back issues get sorted sometimes a MRI scan is more useful than x-rays as it shows up the soft tissue stuff associated with the bones. Frustrating getting the run around.

I off to city soon for my eye check up going to get DH to drop me off and will catch the train home. Don't mind getting wet on the walk home though the hill climb at the end can suck the energy out of me.

No plans for rest of the day

Enjoy your day

[kiwimade64]

I think an MRI is on the cards at some point, but we have to go through the whole rigmarole all over again.

One big patch of violas dug out and an iris cut back and thinned so am feeling a bit knackered. I've made some decisions about this corner to make it easier to work with but will need to wait until spring. Always a season or two ahead when it comes to gardening. The garden waste bin is chokka I couldn't compost thanks to the convolvulus but there are plenty of dahlias that should eventually end up there anyway. And Madam Alfred will be on the move again, hopefully for the last time. MrK did another eye roll when I told him and said, well, you did tell it not to get too comfortable lol. I think we will have a lot more pleasure from it in its new home.

That pumpkin sounds lovely, orange is one of my favourite colours. The cape cod chairs were meant to be painted orange this summer but it's something that has had to wait until I have more oomph.

Dishes need doing, better move this tush.

[Lilith7]

That must be so tiring & disheartening, KM . I hope it gets sorted swiftly.

Our entire health system is badly in need of a drastic overhaul; preferably involving the gradual (but not too gradual) removal of private health & using our taxes to cover health costs, even if that means raising taxes to some extent. Seems very unlikely to happen anytime soon sadly.


“No society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of a lack of means.”
Nye Bevan (Founder of the NHS)

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies It's darker in the morning now but at least the sun rise is pretty!

It is disheartening, Lilith This issue has been going on since July 2024, even our GP says they are using delay tactics. And the emailed report was only sent after I gave them a rev up. And what makes me even madder was confirmation the e mail was sent was given around two minutes later, so we knew it had been typed up, just not sent.

I have an early start this morning as I'm taking an elderly friend to his hospital appointment. He makes them nice and early so we get in on time to see the specialist and home so the rest of the day is our own.

MrK made apple jelly using our apples and omg it's delicious. The recipe said use any apples and we have loads of them. Crab apples would be nicer, but I haven't seen a crab apple tree for years.

Happy crafting

[Mica]

Morning all 
No wind still nippy temperature expecting warmer day  tomorrow 

No good getting the run around KM

My day at warehouse this morning.  Then dropping DD &DSIL off at ferry terminal don't envy them the residual  swells from yesterday.
We have DGD1 for next couple nights get a break Sat then Sunday at ours we will put her to bed at hers on Monday.
I will need some nana naps next week.

Enjoy your day

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Very chilly this morning. Madam loves snuggles when its cooler.

Its sad that we have to do the chasing when it comes to medical stuff. A lot of people complain about wait times, which when your in pain isn't good. But Im thankful we still have free medicine.. If I had to pay for surgeries Id be dead by now.

MrP had no patience at all and was horrible to live with while we waited. he always thought he was more important and had to be first.

Im off to Pukekohe today for a big shop. And I might sneak into Number one shoes and see if I can get a pair of flasher crock style shoes. Not plastic, I want to say clog style but backless shoes anyway.

Got the buy of the century last night. My mousepad is barely holding on and my mouse is playing up, and Noel Leeming had them really cheap $7-98 for both And Free delivery on small items. So I ordered two sets. I think I paid that for one mousepad last time.

We used to have a glorious crabapple tree. Im not a huge jam eater but I do like crabapple jelly. I actually binned a heap of old jams last week. some I made in 2017 lol. I made it more for MrP than me.

Had a fun time at Housie. My friend calls the numbers so well I only queried it twice. Lovely group of ladies and one guy. Apparently they have housie at the Cossie club too. I sent a text to see if you had to be a member to be able to go along, but no reply so Ill phone later. One of the ladies that went yesterday also goes to the Cossie club. She's 91 now. Have known her from our garage saling years ago.

Have a fab day all

[Oh_hunnihunni]

We have crab apple street trees along Victoria Road, but they are on the steep side so a little risky for me to forage there. That is where my original seed came from. The other side is gingko trees, and the houses are mostly glorious old villas with lovely gardens so it is a joy to scoot along the road really slowly taking in all those treasures. My crab apples are dropping now, very round flattish fruit this year as the tree matures, not a heavy crop, but this year is a bit hard on apples, next will be better. I planted it on the fence line where it should escape the all too frequent chop by the contract gardeners, and a few feet from another apple tree on the neighbours side, which I hoped would help with cross fertilisation. Being a bit of a wild guess as far as genetics go I am rather pleased with it. It is late to drop its leaves and they turn a lovely golden in early winter, one of the last to go. The flowers are quite a decent size, single whites, but the leaves break at the same time so it isn't as showy as some of the grafted true varieties. It also suckers, though I suspect that might be a response to a bit of less than careful weed eating around the base. It is a delight though for me, a bit of personal history being a few years in the pot and then another thirteen here, it reminds me of another kind of life, so I guard it from threats from our arborist. Though I have to admit the one who has the contract now is a good one and he and I are of like minds when it comes to birds, bees, and the glory of trees, so with luck my crab apple tree will outlast me.

I do look forward to seeing that awful port a loo being removed from under it though!

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Had an interesting Instagram messaging conversation with my daughter last night that started off with her asking me how to set up a compost bin, and ended with her telling me she is going to buy two alpacas because they are cute and look after chooks.

That woman is as mad as her mother.

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies Another stunning sunrise is happening this morning. It is cold though. I love this time of the year.

lol OHH, gotta love our daughters And it's great to know this kind of madness is 'out there'. There are enough of the other crazies, we need to balance it out

Housework for me today, I'll start after I have watered the grass seed. The little copper blue butterflies are loving having the seed watered three times a day as it's an easy water source for them.

I'll check the cat trap shortly, fingers crossed we have caught him. He will be one pis*** of cat so moving the cage is going to be a challenge. MrK suggested covering the cage with a blanket to help quieten him down if he is caught.

Happy crafting

[popeye333]

Morning everyone.

Chilly start for sure. But I love it.. Yes you can remind me I said that when Im skinny cold in the winter lol.

A Blanket will work Kiwimade, and if for nothing else it puts a barrier between your fingers and his claws .

Is it alpacas that Spit? Odd looking animals, Im yet to meet one.

Luckily all my sisters have a crazy probably dangerous mode. lol.. Especially when we start talking about Murder and how to get away with them lol.

The other half of my lounge suite was delivered last night.. Feels like a lounge now I had worried it might be too much but it looks good. And when Fanny stays we can have two chairs each. One for the Butts and one for the junk.. Mine will be tidy. Hers will be a mess but Ill cover it before she spreads diamonds everywhere lol.

It was lovely having a good stock up of food yesterday. It gets me ahead, and I have started stocking up on Madam food, just incase my Tummy surgery takes longer like my knee did.

Ohh I got a new pair of pants yesterday, but I forgot to try them on... Will do that this morning.

I might pop up for a wander through the Oppies, I haven't been to them for ages. Maybe all three.

One of the boys is coming to mow my lawn this afternoon. It needs taming. His twin is away and I dont know which one came to the door yesterday lol.

Dianne told me of another hunt the missing pieces game last night. OMG its a doozie and even on the lappy you need a magnifying glass.

We are both soo much happier not going into the home. Paul her Hubby said we both look more relaxed and not stressed now.

Need to start thinking about my birthday. Fanny will be up, And Dianne will join us. I will ask Gayle if she can have a word with her Boss (herself) and I will ask Erin too. We can do something. Im not a party girl. Cant beleive I will be 60.

My twin already has his party planned. he is a party person.

Have a wonderful day everyone

[Mica]

Morning all 
Fine day very nippy start with heavy dew.

Kept busy with DGD1 staying. Breakfast was a good nana one chocolate mousse  with raspberries  and toast with Nutella and chocolate chip sprinkles along with one episode of Bluey. Relaxing with coffee now thatcI have dropped her off to daycare. 
Got to pop to Warehouse  to buy new handwash pump container DH broke the bathroom one yesterday.

Bought another quilt home yesterday to add some quilting to it so that it can be machine washed so might do that this afternoon.

The boiled wool that my clicky finger bought on Tuesday night has been shipped not sure whether it is from Melbourne  or Sydney  lets hope I like the colour when it arrives .

Alpacas are fun, yes Popeye they will spit , next your DD will  be spinning yarn from them OHH.
Hope your cat trapping is successful KM

Enjoy your day

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I told her she'll be knitting in no time, but didn't get a response to that one lol. Definitely use a blanket to calm the cat down, it is a good idea even if it isn't reacting aggressively.

I remember being 60 popeye, lots more energy, but not a good year. I hope yours turns out a lot happier than mine did. It is my dh's birthday today, and my wedding anniversary tomorrow, good memories to enjoy, and a good day to be in the garden, perfect weather for that too...

[Roma]

Good morning.

Blue sky and sunshine now that the cool start to the day has been left behind.

Lol Mica, that's what nana's are for! Got to make life easy all round with a bit of "spoiling". I see there is a Skeinz sale starting at midnight.  I might have a "look". 

I once went through a "wanting some alpacas" stage but got over it lol, ponies had been enough extra work/cost! We pass an Alpaca Stud each time we go through the Waikato and I always look out for the cute wee babies

Will get outside soon for a weeding session.  Contemplating re-siting bush-type herbs into pots ... they insist on spreading in my limited vege garden area. The mint has been perfectly contained in a pot embedded in the garden (doesn't dry out).

Look forward to dinner out tomorrow using the voucher dh got for Xmas from his work. Valid for a year but have waited long enough,  lol.

Good luck with the cat KM, stay clear if it's feral ... those claws will be vicious!

Enjoy the day all.