Five weeks of Frantic

Coming up five weeks of being on home soil in New Zealand, it’s been a whirlwind of events….

I got the call in Texas that my dad was failing, and leapt on the next plane, to be home and spend time with him for his last week on Earth. Then followed a whirlwind week of my head in the clouds, trying to stay on top of work, sorting my house out and catching up with family and friends!

Labour weekend treated us to a glimpse of sunshine….

Shorts and beach weather for a minute or two…

Planting some veges with my little helper…

And preparing food for Dads last party!

We said goodbye to dad on Tuesday the 25th October – public speaking at funerals becoming my forte! A skill which I hope I can now retire!

A chance to see old friends – and share our dad stories!

This event was then followed by a familiar Auckland weather event – yes a raging storm! Trudi and I have joined a local group of “Dotteral Minders” These are little coastal birds (diminishing in numbers) who are currently trying to breed…

They obviously haven’t adapted to climate change (or coastal storm surges) as they make their nests in Sand!

Well with 100km winds the tidal surges washed away the three nests! We became quite invested in a rescue mission, moving the last remaining nest 2 times…

Finally up onto the last dune standing which became smaller and smaller with each high tide!

Until the sand didn’t hold and the tyre nest was washed off the remaining lump of sand along with the last eggs out to sea! A few days of braving the elements to get to the point in 100km wind and rain with spades and gumboots! Shovelling sand to no avail!

Two weeks later and there are three new nests on the flat sand! The dotterals have bounced back for round two! (no smarter for their last experience)

Last weekend I travelled to Katikati for a grandparents visit on the Friday afternoon! It was atrocious weather again and My grand baby just wanted me to take him home! We did manage a jigsaw with the help of another boy before getting out the door for a wet drive! Saturday and Sunday saw clearer days and we visited Auntie Barb, Mums dear friend in Tauranga. I was on babysitting duties Saturday night and all went well(ish) – bedtime is a bit of a challenge!

The end of this week bought us sunshine, still cool in the mornings and evenings, but at least some vitamin D during the day!

Russell Rose has bloomed in all his glory! The gardens actually needed water! Lawns had a haircut, washing got dry on the line and we have a busy weekend ahead with the working bee at Riverhaven (bach) today and more birthday celebrations tomorrow (not mine)

It is just so hectic back here, with a house to maintain, time in cars! Hours to and from work, (at least three a day), everyone is a bit sad after a long winter, and everyone is busy and stressed! I miss the miles and miles of smiles, the laughter and the time to sit and chat!