Jean's Little World

Graduation 2011

2011-11-03T20:15:00.001Z

A proud Mum and Gran!

NZ Trip

2011-10-09T19:34:00.000+01:00

My new home?

Mount Egmont - it keeps drawing me!

Changed my countdown. We are leaving for NZ on 5 February 2012 with the hope that we realise our dream and secure a job in NZ enabling us to settle there. This will be a make or break trip but one which will be worth while I am sure.

Kosy Kos

2011-10-09T19:27:00.000+01:00

Kos Harbour and not a cloud in the sky!

Good company!

Our trip to Kos was fab, the hotel, food, weather and company were excellent. Now feel as though my batteries have been recharged.

Proud Mum!

2011-08-31T21:42:00.000+01:00

My daughter has just qualified as a nurse! She is a star and I am so proud of her. Not sure where the 3 years have gone and a bit scary to think she is a nurse and may be coming at me one day with a needle. But I hear she is good!

Another proud moment - she reached her 21st birthday not that long ago!

Take off!

2011-05-14T08:58:00.000+01:00

Take off Number 1

Peter doing the Highland Fling Bungee! Mad or what.

Take off Number 2

Today we take off for Auckland on our fact finding trip. Just busy passing the time till its time to go to the airport. Fortunately it is a lovely day and the washing is out so I am a happy bunny. Booked myself a massage to relax me so looking forward to that.

What this space for updates of our trip.

Next big step!

2011-03-03T20:10:00.000Z

Just applied for my first job in NZ. Fingers crossed it seems to be perfect but nothing is. News is job search is going to get harder with all the problems in Christchurch but if it is meant to be it will be.

We also have a new addition to the family another granddaugher Faye born just over a week ago. Lovely wee soul and very content.

Proud Mum

2011-01-25T15:45:00.002Z

Just heard Lynn has passed her exams so chuffed for her after all her hard work. Just about there now only placements and one more essay to go - fingers crossed!

Snow - Nov - Dec 2010

2010-12-27T19:16:00.000Z

I will let pics speak!

Paphos 2010

2010-10-23T21:16:00.001+01:00

We had a lovely holiday to Cyprus for a week. Weather was gorgeous - too hot at times. We got up at 7am every morning and went for a run/walk along the beach track which was beautiful, then back to have a swim so much easier when the weather is reliably good and you have someone making your breakfast. Would recommend where we were staying. We saw 4 weddings while we were there people actually got married looking out on to the beach. Fun comparing the dresses. Got used to sitting watching the sun going down with a glass of wine in my hand! The good life.

Then we came home! Here are some pictures!

Watching the sunset waiting on the wine!

The Sunset!

Our pool and beach!

At the tomb of Kings - this is my King!

Spot my hero!

The tombs again.

The view in the morning!

Land's End

2010-08-27T17:04:00.001+01:00

Just had a week off and went visiting some of Peter's relatives in Cornwall and made a trip to Land's End. Weather was OK when we needed it dry it was and the sun even shone! A lot of travelling but good fun and a bit of an adventure. Back home for a few days before going back to work which is nice.

Start a new course next week which will be a challenge as the brain cells have become a bit lazy over these last few years!

At the outdoor theatre.

Outdoor theatre.

Land's End

Old Buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Addition to the Family

2010-06-13T19:12:00.000+01:00

3 of my grandchildren!

Dee being the new addition here she is only 2 days old.

New World New Adventure

2010-05-16T12:41:00.002+01:00

Things have moved on a treat and Peter and I have now decided to try a new country we are attempting to emigrate to New Zealand. Whether it comes off or not we shall see but things are looking promising. What a roller coaster of a ride emotionally! Watch this space for updates.

Holiday to Fuerteventura

2010-05-16T11:45:00.004+01:00

Catcus outside our Hotel!

View from the main steps of hotel!

Have just got back from Fuerteventura having been there for a weeks holiday. Lovely hotel, lovely weather, lovely food but not sure I would go back. Think perhaps we were not in the right frame of mind and not much to do on the island but the people were lovely think it is just not the place for us. Here are some pics

Chipmunk on the Beach - could sit and watch them for hours!

This one a bit un-nerving - statues of children in the middle of a roundabout - gave me goosebumps.

Long Time getting there!

2010-03-17T20:23:00.003Z

Didn't realise it had been so long. Been busy working under a lot of pressure but at last started a new job! With some old faces which is nice but it has been soooo busy hoping to get some help there too. Have given up Guides mainly due to work pressure and have to say I do miss it but not all the admin that comes with it. But the unit has been passed on to younger leaders who I am sure with guidance will do really well. This year it is time to sort my life out - lose weight, get fit and start to live life and enjoy myself. Peter and I are doing well and getting fit together which is nice. Unfortunately he will be made redundant at the end of the year but these things happen for a reason and I am not going to worry about it in fact it is probably a good thing to motivate both of us.

Dressing Up!

2009-06-07T19:31:00.004+01:00

Cowgirls!

For those of you who know me well enough, I don't need much excuse to dress up!

Recently the Guide Unit I help run took part in the local Gala Day dressed up as Cowgirls. Me I went that wee bit further and was a cow-girl! The picture will explain all!

Cow-girl!

Next was my friend who as a principal in another Gala Day held a Pop Idol party to celebrate. My daughter went as Shania Twain I was Mia doing Lady Marmalade out of Moulin Rouge! The picture tells the story!

Sad News.

2009-05-28T13:09:00.002+01:00

Well where do I start my friend and mentor Nikki's husband died Tuesday. David was such a lovely gentle man and at 39 was far too young to be taken. I can't begin to imagine how Nikki and Kris are feeling. Just hope they both know I am thinking of them and am here if or when they need me. They are both fortunate to have a super family around them and a great circle of friends.

Open Evening

2009-05-25T20:15:00.002+01:00

Come buy our cakes!
My Stars!

As some of you know I help run a Guide Unit and it was the turn of my older girls to hold an open evening - what stars! They had put loads of effort into it and in the end they reaped the rewards. Satisfying when you see them transform from girls to young ladies and come out of their shells.

Turkey - been there, done that got the T-Shirt!

2009-05-03T20:47:00.005+01:00

Turkey - a view of our pool with swim up bar

Our long walk to the beach from the bar!

A sneek preview - more to follow! Too tired.

Peter Sightseeing!

Jean working out!

A view from the Windmills down to our resort!

The Windmill!

Countdown again!

2009-04-20T19:26:00.003+01:00

Well only 5 sleeps till our Turkey trip. Looking forward to some warm sun, having my meals prepared for me - no dishes and chilling for a whole week. Running about daft trying to organise everything and everyone - why do we do it - coz we love it really!

My daughter is off to Ascot with her boyfriend and family soon too. Can't wait to see the pictures I have seen the outfits and think everyone will look lovely. Proud mum again!

Just booked my seat for my Christmas Shopping Trip! Every year I go down south with my Mum-in-law and meet up with my sisters-in-law and have a shopping trip to do our christmas shopping at the end of November. We are away for 2 nights and have a ball. We meet on the Friday night and catch up and a few drinks, up early on the Saturday morning on a bus to Leeds to do the shopping, stopping off at a few establishments to refresh us back by bus and have another overnight down there and travel up on the Sunday via a lovely garden centre to get our bacon butties - all in all a lovely weekend can't wait.

Intrepid Traveller

2009-04-02T19:39:00.002+01:00

Well we are off again! Decided to book another late deal this time to Turkey somewhere I thought I would never holiday but going there soon for a week to recharge the batteries. Busy trying to get fit enough to jump into a bikini and not feel like a beached whale!

Work is becoming more of a challenge but taking as it comes and glad to still be in a job. Guides are getting a bit easier and delegation is a wonderful thing. With plenty support the unit should go from strength to strength.

Talking of challenges a colleague wants to do a sponsored cycle so I am bringing my bike out of mothballs and having it serviced and off we shall go! Never been saddle sore but suspect I may well be after this but looking forward to it.

Well off to ceilidh dancing which is due to finish for the summer.

Spring has Sprung!

2009-03-19T08:20:00.003Z

Well the weather has improved feels like we are coming out of the dark winter months!

No news on the job front yet but I am ever hopeful. Guiding still remains a challenge. Looking forward to Easter when I get a long weekend.

Can't believe that's nearly my daughter's first year as a student nearly up - where did the time go! Looking forward to helping my step-daughter arrange her wedding if she ever gets organised for those of you who know me you will know I am finding it hard being patient!

Madness Returns!

2009-03-03T22:09:00.003Z

Me in my multi-coloured outfit playing air guitar!

Tuesday is guiding night - was short staffed and as a certain someone was coming to our Smartie Party thought I would ask them to make up the numbers for leaders - Boy was that a mistake - LOL - you know who you are and it was really fun honestly!

We were all to arrive wearing the colour from a box of smarties and everyone turned up dressed in their favourite colour - me I went for the whole box of colours. Pink wig, yellow earrings, brown top, purple necker, blue trousers, orange belt, red socks and green trainers. The patrol running the event did well and had a lucky dip with shredded paper and the aforementioned person who made up the numbers - made the most mess - paper was spread everywhere it turned in to a paper fight! The girls enjoyed themselves and what fun tidying up!

Me in the snow shower of shredded paper!

Little Miss Innocent - Not!

She is back in two weeks time but I will be better prepared this time!

Update

2009-03-02T19:14:00.003Z

Since my last post we as a family have invested in a Wii - boy is it great fun but my arms are aching from playing.

The girls preparing for their Walk!

Been on a sponsored walk with some of my guides for part of their BP Challenge was quite a challenge for me too. My legs have been aching ever since! Anyway off swimming so that should ease the strain.

Work is still as bad as ever but the days fly by - never a dull moment. It's my granddaughter's 7th birthday today seems like only yesterday she was a babe in arms. March is one of those months were there seems to be a birthday every other day or some sort of celebration.

The 3 Girls in my life!

Stressed!

2009-02-20T20:30:00.002Z

Well its been a while since my last post and can't say life has got any easier. Job is hetic just all of a sudden the workload has doubled just as they had decided to try me in another role! Case of too many redundancies I fear spreading the rest of us too thin. Still hankering after a change but can only do this myself. Diet going ok but suddenly my body has decided to age! Finding this hard to accept but not giving in that easy.

Guides has improved and I feel more at ease for the meantime. I have a good set of leaders so we shall get there - just ask me next year if I am still here!

My wonderful husband has been a non-smoker for over four months now so am proud of him. My daughter started her placement in her course and finding it hard work but rewarding sooooo proud of her too.

Challenge!

2009-01-28T12:27:00.002Z

OMG! Last night was my night from hell with my Guides - one of those nights where nothing was going right but have put it down to experience and boy am I going to learn from it and now realise how much I don't know.

Still job hunting but to no avail one horoscope I read in the New Year suggested it would be October before a career move materialised - not sure I am that patient but we shall have to wait and see.

Another Holiday!

2009-01-18T16:54:00.004Z

Yes we have booked another holiday. Peter and I are going to Majorca at the beginning of October. We are going to the North of the island which we believe is the more sedate side! We have managed to get a good deal in a hotel half board - yipee I don't need to cook so now we will have to get in shape. Have already started last week I was at 3 classes at the leisure centre, once to the gym and attended my ceilidh dance class and a ceilidh so exercise is definitely on the up. Just need to get the eating into shape and hey presto in 3 months time I will be a new woman!

Have been uploading some pictures of our NZ trip for you all to have a look at. Enjoy!

Been at Head Office this last week and next helping out in the Cashroom - a new experience!

2009 - New Year ahead

2009-01-09T08:30:00.002Z

Well another year dawns and this year it will be different! The title of a book I got from a friend and lets hope this is the case. A search is on for a new job although I already have one in that I am now Guider in Charge of the Guide Unit I was lucky enough to help out at last year. This is a paper exercise only but have already found out that entails a whole lot more - a challenge but I have a good team with me so time will tell.

My daughter continues to bloom and is turning out to be a lovely young lady and a friend too.

I already count my blessings.

Update

2008-12-22T08:18:00.002Z

Hi Folks, Well it seems like I have never been away. Launched straight into Christmas preparations but have caught up now. Had lots of ups and downs. Said goodbye to our Leader at Guides a sad but happy occasion! Christmas parties attended and survived. Been given a present already by my work colleagues - the cold! Just in time for Christmas oh joys!

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas will enjoy catching up with most of you over the holidays and looking forward to a New Year - could this be the year!

Back to Normal!

2008-12-05T08:43:00.005Z

Santa Parade!

Rugby League World Cup

More Santa Parade!

Mini Golf

Well back in the UK. The Santa Parade was fab and we got sunburnt sitting watching it! We had a game of mini golf before going to the airport our last bit of sunshine and fresh air for 36 hours!

The flight home was better managed to do a lot of sleeping and arrived in London quite refreshed. Which is more than can be said for the toilets in London Heathrow it took me three attempts to find one I felt comfortable using why is it all toilets and cities abroad are so much cleaner than ours?

Anyway we arrived at Edinburgh and my daughter was waiting for us pleased to see us home and our luggage arrived too, always a bonus. Home for a lovely soak in the bath, tea and bed. Can't say it is great being back nice to be in contact with everyone again but finding it hard to settle. But as I have not done any Christmas preparations before we went have had to launch myself into that but it does seem right now that there has been some snow on the ground.

What a welcome back that was on Tuesday having three inches of snow and a two and a half hour trip into work followed by a three hour trip to work on Wednesday. Welcome home me!

A sad day!

2008-11-29T22:41:00.005Z

Our Last Breakfast!

Christmas Decoration NZ Style

Peter and Tyson

Jean and a Tall Ship!

Auckland Harbour

Our last day, we have now checked out and just had our last NZ breakfast sitting outside in the sun waiting on the Santa Parade - it just doesn't seem right all this sunshine and Christmas Decorations hanging everywhere and what's Santa doing in the sunshine!

Its only 12 noon and some people have taken up their positions on the street to see Santa it doesn't start till 2pm. We were lucky enough that our street where we were staying is where some of the floats are starting from so we have seen some of them already minus their occupants.

We took a lovely walk down by the harbour one last time and up some streets we had missed before settling to watch the parade.

A rather nice way to spend our last day!

Auckland - Day 3

2008-11-29T05:46:00.003Z

The Luge

Another scorching day - we woke to our next door neighbour shouting down the phone at 7am this morning - as he was not speaking English we could only guess. So up we got and set off for the Luge which was 1/2 hour outside Auckland - great fun coming hurtling down the hill this took up all the morning and we caught the sun again.

Back to the hotel for our afternoon siesta and then out for tea a lovely steakhouse - just put my trousers on for travelling home and guess what - they are now tight on me! Back to the diet soon but not before my last ice cream tomorrow in NZ! Busy doing our last wash before hitting the sack for the last time in NZ.

Tomorrow we don't fly till late in the evening so we are out of our room at 10.30am but as Santa arrives in Auckland tomorrow the roads are closed we can't get our car out of the car park till 6pm just in time to make our way to the Airport. So tomorrow is a long lie leave the room at 10.30am and head off for breakfast before watching the parade.

Auckland - Day 2

2008-11-28T02:02:00.005Z

Auckland Harbour from Sky Tower
Me having a calming cup of coffee

View from Sky Tower through the glass floorAnother through the glass floor

Spot the Jumper!

Up to find it had rained during the night but clearing to be another lovely day. We hit Sky Tower today - amazing views from the top I wasn't brave enough to walk on the glass floor but Peter was in his element we watched a few idiots jumping before going back down to terra firma! There was a small market nearby with lots of kiwiana so we did that before booking tickets at the cinema for this afternoon to see the new James Bond movie.

James Bond movie was fab - out for something to eat and then home to bed!

Auckland - our last stand!

2008-11-28T01:58:00.004Z

Auckland Zoo!Sky Tower as seen from our hotel street
Our Hotel as seen from Sky Tower

(Its the one with the blue and green stripe in the middle of the picture!)

We woke after a bad night - although the site was quiet we had one of those air freshners that scooshed every so often in our room and a flashing light and a ticking clock - need I say more. The weather was fine in the morning and we set off to Auckland not such a long journey this time and no side roads would be taken.

We were arriving in Auckland bypassing the zoo so a decision was made to visit the zoo on our way in. It was scorching hot and the zoo I have to say was disappointing - smaller than we thought and alot of the exhibits were under refurbishment almost to the point where we should have got our money back. But I did get to see one of the hot keepers I had seen previously on the TV! And 2 of the elephants!

We then tackled the traffic of central Auckland and managed to find the hotel without too much stress really easy in fact. We checked in to a slightly disappointing room in that it was quite small and no cooking facilities and only a shower but hey we are in the centre of Auckland walking distance of all the attractions and it was cheap but clean!

We did a sorte before showering and heading out for guess what - food again!

Matakohe

2008-11-28T01:54:00.003Z

King of the Kauri's - so big it didn't fit in the picture
Sitting inside a Bog Kauri Root

Spot Peter!

At the Kauri Museum, Matakohe

Cabin for the night at Matakohe

Road to Nowhere!

We had an interesting trip down to here. We thought we had seen the last of the untarred roads - how wrong were we - we had even worse ending in the road to nowhere we came to a dead end at the top of a mountain and had to turn and come back the 10kms or so to find the correct road. No wonder the local postie gave us a funny look! Anyway after finding the correct road we made good progress and the weather was kind and the view from that mountain top was awesome. We arrived in Matakohe late ish after noon to find it nothing more than a hamlet with a super museum all about the Kauri tree. We checked into our chalet which was lovely and clean and bright and welcoming it had to be there was nothing else there! We visited the museum which passed the time for us and after retiring to the chalet we ventured out to find something to eat - fish and chips our first of the trip and they were not bad !

Think you will have noticed something by now - it all revolves around trying to find our destination and food! We had an early night.

90 Mile Beach

2008-11-25T06:54:00.004Z

It just goes on for ever - as far as the eye could see!

Well the rain stopped at 1am this morning and we have had a beautiful day just as well as we have covered some miles today. We are beside a lovely beach again and been for a paddle in the Tasman Sea caught the sun too! Amazing what a change in the weather can do for lifting the spirits. We tried to get to Cape Reinga the last lighthouse in the North of New Zealand and the most northerly point us visitors can get too - we knew the last part of the route was untarred road but it was a bit rough but we ventured on thinking it can't get any worse as we had passed campervans! - Well it did it was a road under construction we stuck with it for about 7kms thinking it will end soon - but it didn't so with only about 9kms left to do we took the decision to turn round we had our hired car to think of and I think we made the right decision have bought a postcard of what we should have seen! As we are in the middle of no where today I have had to cook - pasta quite tasty just been for another walk along the beach and catching up before catching some zzzzz's one more day on the travel before we land back in Auckland.

Whangarei -Birthday Girl!

2008-11-24T05:13:00.004Z

Whangarei - Cabin
Whangarei Beach

We set off bright and early - my birthday. Peter has already bought me a lovely new ring for my birthday so I am a lucky girl. Mum had given me a card to bring with me and my friend in NZ had given me a card too and Lynn had instructed her son to get me flowers for my birthday from her so I was not forgotten even if I am on the other side of the world! Unfortunately the rain has not stopped and it has been raining all day and in this part of the country we really needed sunshine very picturesque or so we are told. The rain has not stopped it is belting down as I type - what a day for my birthday - however we have done the usual quick nip around town and bought lunch. The cabin is lovely but only one room and really a bit clostrophobic for an all day sit in. We will venture out perhaps later to keep ourselves sane but there is hope tomorrow is to be sunshine and showers!

Orewa

2008-11-24T05:10:00.004Z

Windsurfers - Orewa
Orewa Cabin!

We set off from Hamilton to travel just north of Auckland - weather was ok. We didn't like hitting the main roads near Auckland it was like joining the rat race again but only for a short time thankfully. We found our next destination and unfortunately the rain found us too. We managed a quick walk along what would be a beautiful beach on a lovely day the wind surfers and kite surfers were in their element. Off to the cabin which was average but clean. Into town for tea at an english pub next door to a shop that sold english food - Walnut Whips, Jaffa Cakes and Midget Gems and the like. We spent the evening in the cabin as it did not know when to stop raining hopefully our next day will be better!

Hamilton

2008-11-24T05:06:00.003Z

Hamilton Cabin & Bessie
Old Friends!

Waitomo Caves

We set off to Hamilton via Waitomo Caves for the uneducated these are glowworm caves! They were awesome. You are taken through some caves and put on to boats to travel through the darkness to see the glow worms there were millions of them- beautiful and then on to another cave to see the formations. Stalagtytes and Stalagmytes both were great. Out to scorching weather and then on to catch up with an old friend - Bette - fortunately we managed to find her we stopped at a police station for directions and we were only minutes from her home and she was in. So we caught up and had a cuppa before getting to our destination in Hamilton. The motel was super and had a bath a huge spa bath - big enough for two - need I say more! They also had an indoor heated swimming pool. We headed off into town to do a recky and out for tea before spending the next day there. We took to the botanic gardens to find a Pipe Band Competition in full flow - spooky or what. We watched for a while but as it was finishing and the sun was beating down on us we headed back to that swimming pool - bliss and then to top it off a spa bath! Out for tea and a good sleep!

Friends

2008-11-21T21:30:00.005Z

Liz's Garden - our wedding venue a few years ago!

Mount Egmont - Taranki
Mount Egmont at Dusk

Lake Magmahoe - Inglewood

Wind Wand New Plymouth

Cape Egmont Lighthouse

Friends

We didn't have a long journey to get to my friends (Val) so we took the coastal route as the weather was awesome and managed to get to Cape Egmont the most westerly part of the North Island and that's pretty much all you can say about Cape Egmont! Off to the town did a bit of walking around and getting acquainted with the place before heading off to Vals. Arrived to find no one in but her son Adam did appear within 5 mins.

At last a Bath! Boy did we enjoy it. We then visited the friend of Val's who allowed us to get married in her garden 4 1/2 years ago. Liz and her husband Lee. They are very welcoming peeps. We had a lovely relaxing evening meal and the wine flowed - too much perhaps! As Val was busy Liz arranged to meet us in the morning to walk around the nearest lake - all I will say is only one of us made it at 9am the next morning - I wonder who that would be!

The walk around the lake was lovely and an excellent cure for a hangover! What lovely friendly people they are. Back to Vals and met up with my other half and off to the nearest town and did the coastal walkway as the sun was beating down. Before this we decided to have breakfast but neither of us to could finish it - I wonder why!

Val did us proud with a lovely roast dinner at her Dads and her and I caught up on old times before hitting the sack ready to move on the next day.

Wanganui

2008-11-21T21:23:00.003Z

Black Swan
View from Elevator in Wanganui

Elevator - Wanganui

Leapfrog - Wanganui

View from cabin at Wanganui

Left Ohakune and headed south a bit to Wanganui where the weather improved for us. We didn't have much driving to do so we arrived too early to get into our cabin so did a bit of sightseeing. We visited Durie's Hill which is a super vantage point of the town. There is a tower to climb with 176 steps and we both managed. There was also an Elevator which I sent Peter up to take the pictures! After this we went to our cabin more like a chalet with a beautiful outlook over the river and my own whirlygig! Just had to do a washing! After chilling for a while we found a lovely lake - Virginia lake set in winter gardens which we walked around which took just over an hour in lovely sunshine with lots of birds to see. Back to the cabin to chill on the verandah with a drink whilst our Chinese takeaway was delivered to our door. How cool is that. I have to say I have not cooked since being in NZ. Only one night here and off to my friends in the morning.

Managed eventually to make contact with my friend to discover her Mum had died and we had missed the funeral by one day - shame she was a lovely woman but have many fond memories of her.

Ohakune

2008-11-18T00:37:00.004Z

Kiwi Skiing

Snowman at Ohakune

Tongariro Chateau

Mount Tongariro

Ohakune Cabin

Chocolate Eclairs

Well we arrived to a beautiful day and the volcano was sitting proud with a lovely blue sky behind it and snow covered peaks - lots of piccies. Cabin once again was lovely - still no bath! We walked around this lovely area which is very much geared for tourists and found an amazing shop selling chocolate eclairs the size of your hand and only about 50p! Well couldn't pass that one.

Next day was peeing down and we did the tour around the three volcanoes and despite all this it wasn't cold and they didn't show themselves, Peter doesn't believe they exist! We managed to travel to Taupo and did some more shopping before heading home for shower and out for something to eat. We went to a steakhouse and I chose well again - I seem to manage to choose all the massive meals I had spare ribs but they were not spare I had loads have the picture to prove it. Peter was gutted again!

Wellington

2008-11-14T20:38:00.003Z

Te Papa Museum - Outside

Wellington - Christmas Tree Outside!

Outside Te Papa Museum & Peter

Jean and Chicken at Te Papa Museum

Wellington - Parliament Building

Wellington - Beehive Building

View from Hotel in Wellington

We travelled down to Wellington via some lovely countryside and stopped off for a coffee right beside a cheesecake shop - well we had to visit ended up buying a Banoffee Cheesecake and they gave us a Zesty Lemon one for free! We managed to eat the lemon one on the way down and kept the other one for another day. They were superb. Arrived in Wellington to a beautiful day. Found our Motel without too much trouble my map reading is something else! We are on the 5th floor and fortunately they have a lift. The room has superb views out over the bay but unfortunately no bath! Yesterday we did all the tourist bits in Wellington as it was a lovely day we walked for miles left the room at 9am and didn't return till 6pm - are we tourists or what! We visited the Beehive - seat of parliament here and did a tour which took over an hour which was very interesting but a tad long. Te Papa is their museum and we walked around this for 3 hours. This was all free so well used by visitors and NZ's alike.

Today it is duller and we are having to wear long trousers a vest top and a fleece but hey its nice to have a respite from the sun! We are doing the remaining tourist bits today and shopping and heading off North tomorrow.

Napier

2008-11-11T21:59:00.005Z

Gisborne White Cliffs
Gisborne - Rivers

Gisborne Cabin Site

Captain Cook's Trail

Peter and Mermaid at Napier

Napier Harbour from Bluff Hill

Art Deco Building

Bertie's Car

Well we have moved on and the sunshine remains with us. We are seriously looking a lovely colour now and you will all be jealous when we get back. It is now Wednesday lunchtime and we have stopped for yet another coffee and muffin - delicious so much for being fit and healthy when we get back, but we are on holiday.

Monday we headed up north from Gisborne to walk the Captain Cook's Walkway and only got half way to the lookout mainly as I felt unwell and dizzy and my legs went - probably undernourished and sun stroke! We headed back to town and walked around town taking in all the murals which were great and really brighten up the place. Tuesday we travelled to Napier which was a superb drive taking in more hills and some awesome railway bridges. Napier was basking in sunshine and we did a long walk around town to get our bearings. Today (Wednesday) we have walked again around the Art Deco part of town which is superb and are off to do Bluff Hill. We had a lovely meal on site last night - have to say the cabins have been superb all the way so far tomorrow is Wellington and a hotel - we are hoping for a bath as we have not had one for over 10 days now! Phew!

Gisborne

2008-11-09T02:50:00.002Z

Guides Rotorua
Maori Church

Rotorua Museum

Ohope Cabin

Ohope Paddling

Ice Cream and a half!

Gisborne Beach

Since my last entry we have moved on and found some sunshine - so much that I have sunburn! Unfortunately the sand flies have found me too! I had a wonderful time with the Guides in Rotorua they made me very welcome and we had a hoot teaching them Ceilidh dancing they were all a wee bit flushed by the time I had finished with them. They thoroughly enjoyed making their badges too. A definite hit. I ended up leaving the CD with them so they could do more dancing!

Next day we finished off the sights around Rotorua and visited our friends in the evening. We had a lovely meal with them and caught up with them and saw their awesome house and gardens.

We then moved on to Ohope Beach what a lovely place you will have to see the pictures to appreciate it. We had another lovely stroll along the beach but couldn't stop walking because the sand was too hot to do so! We then had a super cheap meal at the Charter Club before rolling into bed the tellytubbies.

Next was the journey to Gisborne which took us through some lovely gorges which did seem to go on forever but worth it. Bessy our car even coped with the hills. Sun was shining when we arrived today (Sunday) and we are on yet another superb beach - more walking will have to do more as the ice creams are huge. Our one today was a single cone which had about four scopes on it worth every penny. Off to have fish and chips for tea!

Day 5

2008-11-06T03:44:00.006Z

Papamoa Beach

Craters of the Moon

Me at the Giant Redwood Park

Huka Falls

Hug a redwood!

Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Reserve

Well since my last post we have travelled hundreds of Kms. We stayed over at Shelley Beach on the Coromandel Penninsula which has breathtaking scenery even when it is pouring of rain! And boy can it rain. Didn't expect so many hills or Alps here either but our wee car managed them with a bit of coaxing. We tried to go to Hot Water Beach where you dig in the sand and have your own spa but unfortunately we timed the tide wrong and it was pouring down at the time, so we had to pass on that one.

After that we carried on to our next stop Papamoa Beach which was awesome too. The beach stretched for miles about 8 I think and we walked along there hand in hand - awh doesn't that want to make you throw up! Trouble was it was blowing a gale and threatening to rain! But we carried on regardless and then did a bit of retail therapy before getting our tea and boy were we ready for it.

Next day we set off bright and early to Rotorua where we are staying for 3 nights. Weather picked up a bit too. We had forgotten how smelly this place can be but after a few hours you kinda don't notice it. We hit the town centre yesterday and did a walk around the Giant Redwoods boy are those big! We came across some Japenese tourists hugging a tree and it took 5 or 6 of them to do so - handy they were there at the time.

Today we have done nothing but walk! We went to see Huka Falls which is water rapids with attitude and thousands of gallons of water coming hurtling down a gorge beautiful colours too. Then we went to Craters of the Moon which is a thermal area and took in some craters and mud pools pretty tame actually. Next we visited a Thermal Village which was awesome (I am picking up a bit of NZ slang!) This had mud pools, steam spouting everywhere and pools which had acid and goodness knows what else giving them some lovely colours in fact every colour of the rainbow.

Tonight I am off to the Guides so hope this goes ok, I have my bits ready for them hope they are receptive. Tomorrow we are catching up with everything else we have not done so far here and with the friends who stayed with us in July. Better sign off and go and iron my uniform better not let the side down! My first washing is dry so better iron that too - great washing weather!

Arrived!

2008-11-02T05:07:00.006Z

Well after a hiccup at Edinburgh Airport (they couldn't find us on their screen but after half an hour it was sorted - phew!) we have arrived, tired, hungry and grumpy! It was a lovely day when we arrived and within 15 mins we had our car, a small car similar to what I drive at home and it was a manual so we were sorted. Peter found the flight easier than me. We both managed to stay awake on the first half so we would sleep the second flight - well that was the theory. It worked for Peter but not me. My butt has spread on the way across with all the meals we have had but all were lovely. We were too early to book in to our accommodation so we hit a shopping mall which was just opening - it was like the tardis bigger on the inside. We headed off in to the centre of Auckland and found a lovely park to park in and stroll around to pass the time and stretch the legs. We headed off just after lunch time to our accommodation which fortunately was available early. It is a lovely cabin with kitchen come sitting area a separate bedroom and huge shower room with washing machine and tumble drier! We both had a very much needed shower to remove the grime of travelling for 36 hours in the same clothes!!!! Then I hit the sack for a couple of hours. After a much needed rest we headed off for something to eat and catch up on our emails before heading out for a walk and back to the cabin to relax till bedtime, planning our next day and hopefully we are now working on NZ time.

Excitement Mounting!

2008-10-27T23:00:00.002Z

Well only 4 sleeps till we leave. Just back from a friends house who has just returned from you know where! NZ. She had 2000 pictures but they were wonderful and made me jealous I am not visiting the South Island this time round - next time! Cleaning well under way and last minute panic over I think.

To top it all my step daughter has given birth to a lovely boy today - no name yet and he arrived just under 3 weeks early so hopefully I will get to see him before I go.

Sleeps!

2008-10-17T12:56:00.000+01:00

14 sleeps to go! Can't wait.

Not long now!

2008-10-14T16:03:00.002+01:00

Well what can I say getting excited only 17 days to go. Have made up CDs for playing in our wee car we have hired. Bought last minute bits and pieces. Starting to write notes for my daughter on how to work the washing machine etc. Practical things like where to find all my important papers should the unthinkable happen. Gathered together bits and pieces for visiting a guide unit when I am there to do a craft with them. Just a waiting game now really. Bugging everyone at work with my countdown!

I've been tagged

2008-10-12T22:01:00.003+01:00

I have been tagged by Nikki - cheers doll!

So here are the rules

1. Link your tagger and list the rules on your blog
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names and links to their blog
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

7 Facts about me

1. I am going on holiday to my favourite country soon - you would never have guessed!
2. I love to be organised.
3. I am at a crossroads - not sure what direction to go in.
4. I hate sitting doing nothing.
5. I love ceilidh dancing.
6. I have few friends but those that I do have are all special to me.
7. I wish I had been a hairdresser!

Not sure who to tag as Nikki has beaten me to it! Aargh!

Now counting days!

2008-09-26T08:49:00.002+01:00

Just to let you know it is 34 days till we start flying. Ok it is 5 weeks but I like the idea of days.

Everything now in place we did have a hiccup where one of our hotels went into receivership but have rebooked so now just waiting to do final pack and last minute panic. Started training my daughter to do her washing and ironing and looking after the house. The joys!

We Passed!

2008-09-17T10:52:00.002+01:00

At last - my daughter has passed her driving test. One proud Mum. Now I have to worry about my car going for a drive without me!

Update

2008-09-15T19:04:00.003+01:00

Hi, Only 6 weeks 3 days till we start flying. Been difficult to get excited lots happening at work and could quite happily not return from NZ unfortunately I don't have what they want - a profession. Met with a friend at the weekend who flys out this weekend to NZ and was able to help them a bit with some friendly last minute advice but wish it was me.

Life seems to be up in the air at the moment. Lynn settled down a bit again and seems to be happy what a laugh we have had recently - we really do get on well and know how each other buzz. Will be happy when she is settled in Uni would like that before we go so fingers crossed.

If anyone knows of any jobs going I would be happy to accept - I will do almost anything!? Certainly looking to change direction.

Home Safe

2008-08-25T21:49:00.003+01:00

Well my daughter is back. What tales she has to tell. Has certainly enjoyed her trip and has taken oceans of pictures and everyone a good one! Busy making a scrapbook of her trip looking good.

Been to the Tattoo with the Guide Unit I help at, which was really good, spoiled by an inconsiderate woman sitting in front of us. She had one of our quieter girls sitting behind her who accidentally knocked her chair and she gave her a row and soon afterwards said wish someone could control these girls. So to avoid any problems I swapped with her so she spent the rest of the time with my knees digging in to her back! Rough justice. I may be biased but our girls did us proud and behaved themselves really well.

Next night I was at a ceilidh which was great fun forgotten a few muscles I had not used for a while. The ceilidh dance class starts soon which is good. Talking of classes my swimming lessons started this Sunday so no wonder I was tired come Sunday evening. I will be fit some how or other.

Did I mention it is only 9 weeks and 3 days to New Zealand. I now have another mission to find a particular scarf for the friends that visited us earlier this year. A trip to the Royal Mile is on the cards. Off to collapse in bed!

Lucky to have a Job!

2008-08-19T14:22:00.003+01:00

Well had bad times since I last posted. Lots of people at my work made redundant although I am lucky still to have my job - well not sure about that! May be time to change direction.

Off to pick up my daughter this week that's her adventure in NZ over with hard to believe it is over already. But hey there's always an upside - 10wk 2 days till we set off ourselves. Corsets bought and posted so don't need to worry about them. Bag almost packed as not needed any summer gear here this year. Keeping busy with my exercise regime and guides starts too so that will keep me out of mischief and the time will pass before I know where I am my butt will be spreading as I sit on a Jumbo somewhere across the Atlantic on my way.

Passed with Flying Colours!

2008-08-05T19:23:00.002+01:00

Oh my God I had the honour of opening my daughter's exam results whilst she is away. There I was sitting with the envelope unopened waiting on her to answer her mobile and you know how hard that is trying to get teenagers to answer their phones! Anyway connection was made and envelope opened she says to me "if the letter says nothing about a fail I'm Ok" fortunately it didn't progressed on and she passed all her exams and got marks which I was happy with and she was really pleased with I think! Hard to tell over a mobile phone to the other side of the world!

Anyway no matter what I am proud of her and really pleased for her she can now relax for a wee while before starting Uni! As for the brains still trying to work that one out - where did they come from?

Bird Landed

2008-08-02T15:32:00.002+01:00

Well my daughter has arrived safely. Had texts throughout her trip keeping me up to date. No matter what time I had a text. Last night was my first good sleep for 3 days no interruptions in the middle of the night to tell me she was in Bangkok wide awake and raring to go!

Corsets delivered safely and I am on a mission to find some more! Bought myself a new pair of comfy walking sandals for my trip to NZ and have put away some clothes as unlikely to wear them here with our weather! Did I mention its only 13 weeks now! At this time 13 weeks from now I will be over the pacific ocean heading for NZ on my last leg of my journey.

Flights have been changed but mean we arrive later in the morning which is good as the car hire place will actually be open when we arrive now.

Bird Flown the Nest

2008-07-30T16:50:00.003+01:00

Well the day has come - my daughter off to NZ saw her off at the airport just wish it was me but at least in 13 weeks (did I mention I was going to NZ) I will be on my way too. She has so grown up and we made it with the luggage 21.2kg they let her off with the over weight bit! Back pack on her back, looking quite the seasoned traveller. My mum and her aunt and uncle were there. We were all trying to think what we were doing at 18 years old - best probably not to go there! Kept her company and then saw her through departures managed eventually to get scottish beanie hat at the airport for Val, the only thing she asked for and most of the shops not selling as its summer apparently. Any way she will be fine and no doubt she will keep me posted just to make me jealous.

Weight Limit

2008-07-23T08:46:00.002+01:00

Well it is now only a week till my daughter heads off to NZ. We had her suitcase unpacked and repacked last night after all there is a weight limit for luggage! You would not think it the fact that she could hardly carry it didn't seem to give her a clue that it might be too heavy. Mum to the rescue. We laid it all out on the spare room floor (no chance of anyone staying with us just now there just isn't room!) and then systematically went through it all me giving her at least 6 reasons why she shouldn't take various heavy things that they have shops there and speak our language and they have washing machines there too, so no need to pack it! We got there in the end with a kilo to spare! Passport and documents are at the ready! Countdown on - thankfully she is working lots between now and next week so that will keep her busy.

Once she is off I can concentrate on my own trip. Have already started to put clothes away I know I won't wear here and buying new bits and bobs. Determined to travel light not like my daughter! Checking the exchange rate every day and have managed to get some good rates so really have enough to keep us going but will still check anyway did I mention it is only 15 weeks and a day till we go!

Peter has a weekend off this week so we will concentrate on NZ checking our itinerary and route planner. I even managed to watch Billy Connolly's tour of NZ last night on the TV - just made me wish I was there.

2 weeks and counting

2008-07-15T08:33:00.003+01:00

Well its now only 2 weeks till my daughter beats me to NZ! Her case is packed and will have to be repacked I am sure it just makes it in on the scales. What fun we have had shopping and getting things ready for her to take.

She has also decided to have another go at this driving nonsense! HELP! Now have my car insured so she can practice - have been out with her and I no longer have white knuckle syndrome. She is coming on fine so fingers crossed.

Of course its not long either till the exam results as she is away in NZ I get the honour of opening them not sure how I will feel brings back too many memories!

My own count down is now 15 weeks and 3 days - not long!

All Grown Up

2008-06-27T11:33:00.003+01:00

Well my heating is now up and running and having lots of lovely hot baths!

Been busy this last week. Daughter is now 18 my how the time flies. We had an open home where friends and family appeared. She had a whale of a time and really enjoyed herself. Got some lovely pressies and pennies for her hols, a lucky girl really. Managed to embarass her as only a mum can do. Decorated house with balloons and banners and pictures of her from when she was a babe and what a babe she has turned out to be! When I work out how to put pictures on I will!

She is now off to Norway in the middle of the North Sea at the moment but has assured me she has not been sick yet, this being her last school trip.

I've been busy watching exchange rate for my trip to NZ the rate is going up so just waiting for the right moment. 18 weeks today and I will be on my way well at least on my way to London!

Proud Mum

2008-06-10T21:38:00.002+01:00

Well Prom Day came and yes I was taxi most of the day but got quite excited myself. Lynn's hair was done and it was lovely then off to get make-up done by her colleague at Boots what a super job she made of her and then back home to get dressed. Stunning she was and what a couple her and Kris made they looked dare I say it again lovely. Took lots of pictures of them and the limo so hopefully they will come out ok. How grown up brought a tear to the eye.

Talking of tears - well this week the plumbers have started on the new central heating system. We are living in a tip every room is affected hopefully by the end of the week we will be back to normality particularly as the weather is to decline we will just have our heating in time. A bath would be lovely.

49 days till Lynn goes to NZ and 20 weeks 2 days till we go can't wait till we start counting the days!

Just back from parents meeting for Lynn's last school trip to Norway which is the day after her 18th gosh will have to get organised for that too thats only over 2 weeks away. These next few weeks are going to fly in. Best catch some shut eye!

Death of the Boiler

2008-06-03T22:17:00.003+01:00

Well my visitors have travelled on. It was lovely to hear the NZ accent again. They didn't freeze to death and fortunately we have an electric shower. Boiler has died and we are to get replacement so still surviving without hot water and heating. Fortunately the weather has been kind.

Now only 21 weeks and 3 days to you know what!

This Friday is my daughters prom - have taken half a day to be on taxi duty. Getting her hair done and her make up by a colleague at work she will look stunning. She has now finished school and finished her exams and wondering what to do. I am so proud of how she has turned out so far!

New Background

2008-05-29T08:43:00.002+01:00

Well a big thank you to Jo for customising my blog - I love my new look. Just wish I was in that scene right now. Got visitors coming today from NZ and my boiler decides to stop working - no hot water or heating - plumber on to it as I write this fingers crossed its just the pilot light!

Anyway only 9 weeks till my daughter goes to NZ for her holiday and 22 weeks 2 days for us!

Friends

2008-05-25T21:41:00.001+01:00

Well just back from visiting my friend in Montrose, I do have more than one friend but this one has been around a long time and is the one who knows me best! Made the journey myself this time as she is going through a difficult patch and really needed a shoulder to cry on. We went for a long walk with the promise of a strawberry tart at the end! Not sure I helped but at least she was able to talk for Scotland and didn't have to explain herself to me so I think it was useful to her. We had a glorious sunny day and think I have caught the sun.

Came home to discover my daughter had spent the day on her own. Felt sorry for her as I thought she was to have company but it didn't work out that way. She did put it to good use though and did some studying. She now has only 2 exams to go. Sure she will do well. Proud of her anyway.

Hubby was working so he was taken care of. Countdown under 23 weeks now!

Drowning x 2

2008-05-20T08:37:00.000+01:00

Well this weekend I have been fortunate enough to drown twice. Let me explain. Sunday my daughter and I were off to M & D's Theme Park with the Guide Unit I help at. The sun shone but boy did it get cold when you were wet through. Nikki - some of you will know her and Lins decided I needed an initiation in to the Guide Unit which involved going on the Log Flume (wet ride) at least six times and not stopping until you were wet through walking as though you had wet yourself - that would have been preferrable it would have been warm! Fortunately being a good guider I had a complete change of clothes with me and spent the rest of the day comfortable. A good day was had by all with the promise of another visit before the end of the year!

Having just returned home after a lovely snooze on the bus it was time to do a quick change and on to my swimming lessons! Didn't go particularly well - too tired. Getting better at the back crawl as for the front crawl I will beat it eventually it is all going fine until I have to breath! However my daughter has promised to take my swimming again this week for more practice - GREAT!

Countdown to NZ - 23 weeks and 3 days!

Treading Water

2008-05-12T22:30:00.001+01:00

Well just treading water waiting now. Keeping an eye on the exchange rate. Took my daughter to get some of her holiday funds changed - had a grin from ear to ear that day. She has now finished school only her exams to do and a school trip hard to believe my baby has grown up so fast where have the years gone. I am grateful that we are still friends and on talking terms so much easier I am sure there will be storms ahead yet but am so very proud of her.

Swimming lessons this week felt like week one putting it down to experience but my daughter is now taking me for lessons during the week she reckons she can teach me better! We shall see.

Was in charge of the Guide unit this week I help at scary but actually went really well the girls really behaved themselves and were brilliant even if one of them painted the walls with vomit - all part of the job. I am fortunate to be part of a brilliant team. Hoping to make contact with a guide unit whilst in NZ just waiting to hear from them via email nearer the time. Not long till my friends from NZ arrive can't wait to hear the accent again. Ok sure I have bored everyone with mentioning NZ over and over again.

Jigsaw complete

2008-05-04T21:13:00.001+01:00

Well the last piece of the jigsaw fell into place today. The last accommodation I tried to book finally got back to me and that is now done. Only have to count the days and start packing. Had my friend from NZ on the phone they have a great deal across there where they pay $10 and can phone anywhere all weekend for as long or as often as they like so we were on the phone for just over an hour. Wish they would do the same here! She was moaning about the price of petrol until I told her how much it was over here!

Just back from my swimming lesson - I can swim but I am desperate to learn the front crawl it looks so effortless when everyone else does it! I just look awful. It sounds so easy when the instructor says "relax and remember to breath" as well as use your legs do your arms don't do this and don't do that. Fortunately we have a great bunch all learning together we are a mixed bunch but good fun and we have the pool to ourselves. Once I crack this swimming technique my next challenge will be a musical instrument.

I love ceilidh dancing and would love to play the accordian its finding the time and money to do it but one day!

The Beginning

2008-05-02T08:53:00.000+01:00

My friend Nikki introduced me to Blogs. Decided it would be a good idea as myself and my wonderful husband have planned a trip to NZ later this year and if you don't know about it then you must be the only one in the world not to know! I have been annoying everyone since we decided to go. What with booking flights first and then arranging car hire and accommodation.

I have been lucky enough to visit NZ on two previous occasions one of which we got married a truly wonderful experience. I feel as though I am truly prepared for our trip this time. The count down is on 26 weeks today!

Seems like I have a mountain to climb before then, my daughter is in her final year at school and about to sit her exams, she has a trip to Norway with the school and is off to NZ herself in the summer, she plans to sit her driving test too - who would be a mother! Actually its not that bad. She has a lovely boyfriend at the moment and is maturing nicely. I have friends from NZ coming to stay at the end of the month so its all go.