Adventures in the south and taken the travellers from Picton to Blenheim to St Arnaud to Nelson in two days.

After the first night in the campervan – Sue on the massage table with bars – George in the king bed, a nice warm shower at Nancy’s we set off…

The polar blast kicking in but nice clear skies!

It was then off to Blenheim for a couple of winery visits (work) and lunch with Brenda and Graeme ( my in-laws) and then to find Russ’s childhood friend….we fifteen point turned and parked up the 7 meter camper and proceeded to chew the fat and ended up at the Chinese restaurant that Russ and Simon used to frequent on Russ’s sales trips south!

I got the inside bed – and george took ownership of the camper! Then Simon special – pizza for breakfast and we hit the road – heading to the Nelson lakes and Mountains!

The most boring and historical site on the way up the valley….mountains (and destination in the distance) No towns as we followed the Wairau river until a food truck…coffee…and George’s next feed came out of nowhere

Together with truck dog, very friendly owner and a loo with a view!

Long drop with mountain views – very chilly!

Open air loo – no room for modesty!

After a great coffee, bacon butty and a good chat we hit the road soft snow falling!!! To the Nelson Lakes…lake Rotoiti thru the mountain village of St Arnaud!

The wildlife

The locals

The visitors

Then it was swinging the camper down through the mountains, hope valley and back to Nelson….and a loo stop in Nelson which grew into an op shop shopping spree….5 op shops in 1 km. So the worms were biting and George needed a feed, then off to the supermarket in Richmond Rush hour traffic to the supermarket dinner and drinks replenishment- two car parks for a 7 metre van! Getting chilly sun starting to set on the final leg…

Cruising the waterfront freeway to Tahuna holiday park and meeting the family (Brenda and Graeme) for the next couple of nights!

Plugged in – heater on- right next to our travel buddies in their nice warm motel – and dinner IS on its way….

A week full of tidying up loose ends, last minute Saturday work and a visit to the grandbaby…

Giving him his first lessons in how to keep the boat afloat!

Home to pack, cook dinner and get up early Sunday for the next big thing!

This meant leaving home at 7am, collecting George and heading to the prepaid airport park for a leisurely wait until being called for our flight. Ok so if you’re not two hours early you are late! With no traffic on a Sunday morning it was a very quick run through, meaning quality time over a coffee and breakfast, while the six flights before us filled and left. It was kind of exciting to be getting on a plane again!

Not the big boys but the 68 seater cigarillo direct to regional Nelson! George felt he was in a hobbit plane as there was definitely not standing room for his 6’7”. Out came the anti bacterial wipes and the air hostess informed us (her words) good idea as we don’t sanitise these regional planes in between turnarounds! Front row seats meant plenty of leg room and no one in front….until 10 minutes from destination….the pilot advised that landing conditions were marginal in Nelson and don’t be surprised if we had a sudden vertical ascent just before landing and diverted to Blenheim – a two hour bus ride back to Nelson to collect our campervan before heading back through Blenheim to Picton! Destination day one!

However the weather gods were in our favour and we touched down, grabbed the bags and our weeks travel mode with all the instructions!

George was keen to get behind the wheel (in torrential rain) and we headed east, skirting the city and along a watery coastline

Up and over some mountain range (getting hungrier by the minute) and an hour later dropping into the Rai valley…

Stopping at the first (very busy) cafe we found… A very expensive chicken burger and chips to share, only realising, after sating our hunger, that we had probably just eaten someone else’s lunch noting we had double chicken patties and two lots of chips. Needless to say we were very full and ready to set off once again in the rain. Then it was out on the plains and easier driving – to open our 7 meter camper up to a roaring 90km (downhill that is)…

Acres of sleeping vineyards outside Blenheim then north again to Picton. Having been instructed in the toilet emptying procedures, and hesitant to perform these, every public toilet on our journey is a temple! Last stop and George decided it was my turn to drive, a mere 10kms from Picton! However, I still think I drew the short straw, as supermarket stop loomed and four blocks of Picton shops before I could find appropriate roadside parking! Shopping done and out to our friend Nancy’s house for a much needed cuppa…only to mis navigate the driveway and rearrange her berm…while going nowhere fast (skidding) A reverse back onto the road and a second go at getting the sealed bit meant destination day one was complete! A Dinner date with Graeme and Brenda upon their arrival off the interslander ferry meant one more journey before bunking down! Kindly Nancy offered her nice small hatchback to zoom back into the restaurant. Beds flattened and made up with King George in the comfy king size (encompassing entire back half of van) and my single slab behind the driving seat. Just saying, as I lie here, head touching one side and feet on the other, I now not only know the length of the van but am assured that it is 5’7” wide!(a perfect fit for a human of my stature)

The campervan being a new experience for both George and myself, there have been a few teething problems, none insurmountable, but definitely a challenge. As we hunker down for the night.

After last weekend with the crew sharing a long awaited (18 year) win, followed by a day of Waiwera Annual committee meetings – the work week began.

Kind of feels like one step forward and two back at the moment with computer issues, new staff training and sick days. But next week…. Not my problem, off to the South Island for a week (no not Queenstown) on Sunday with the youngest offspring.

Came to panmure last night to stay with Dad in his new abode…a two hour drive from Waiwera, and yes the traffic jams and Roadworks just found me again! I turned into the main drag of panmure – wrong side of road, oncoming traffic, bus driver scowling at me as I reversed back and blocked two buses waiting for lights on roundabout to change!

I’m up early this morning to head to work from here, hopefully get a jump on the traffic and create minimal havoc with the locals!

The days this week have been fine and crisp! Like 2 degrees crisp at night! And another storm is on its way to greet us at the start of our holiday…how far the campervan travels on the first day or two could be debatable!

Floyd has been a gypsy this week, as I have had three days at work office and only two at home office.

George came for his Wednesday visit, Dan is slaving away on my city units and haven’t seen the grand-baby for a couple of weeks. But early starts mean early finishes and bed by 9!

As the Olympic Team was announced this week, Russ’s Dads Long lost Olympic Blazer made an appearance!

1948 London Olympic Cycling – in all its glory in the forefront! And finally thanks to Graeme’s (Russ Brother) persistence it is coming home next week!

Up and at it now for a busy day (work) and packing…adventures await

While my Maltese family is basking in temperatures in the mid 30s, We, down under, are grasping for double figures and if the water shortage is not appeased there is something seriously wrong with the way we capture the sky’s tears!

Two weeks have passed since the long weekend adventures….and in two days time, we have the shortest day and begin the up hill climb into fairer weather!

A midweek trip to the not so sunny Bay of Plenty for a not so happy event, another funeral. The upside was catching up with dear friends and once again escaping the rat race of Auckland.

Or did I… it seems roadworks and traffic jams are nationwide (or at least they follow me). Hours of car sitting, followed by desk sitting upon my return has set in the hips and a good walk today is in order!

Floyd has donned his wet weather gear to help my builder create garden space and ploughed around in the mud!

In between the raindrops, the local pub was pumping out some Friday night sounds and beckoned the girls for a dance and…

Of course Trudi joined the band! After all open Mike night is a free for all! And we only live once!

It seems Dad has settled into his new home in Panmure and his new “girls” are looking after him well.

The boys are all trucking along working, playing and looking after babies! Tonight however is “Blues” night…the transtasman rugby final and Rain or Hail we’ll be there. Time to gather the ski gear!

So Thelma and Louise left sleepy little wet Waiwera at 8.30am this morning…..heading south for the long awaited retreat! The rest of the city had either left or given up on a long weekend getaway.

Putting on their blonde hats thinking a bit of R &R shopping on a Saturday morning would be fun before the final destination!

Only to realise it was actually Sunday and in the sleepy little town of Pukekohe, most shops were closed! But not all – barbers and cafes and 2 dollar shops were open all hours!

Meeting up with a couple of friends (Jill and June) for a late morning brunch!

Then it was on the road again, heading west to the wild coast. Arriving at destination at designated 2pm, only to be told the luxury villa was not ready and we could walk to the lookout! Not particularly appealing in the drizzle and low cloud, but off we went!

Thelma amused herself with the local flora while Louise took a comfort stop in the bush. Needless to say the nasty weather meant we did not have to watch out for other trampers!

Thelma braved the cliftops while Louise nervously took photographer duties…. The dampness was increasing but not before a glimpse of the castaways resort, where we were destined (at some point)

Needless to say we were not going to get any sunset pictures tonight! Having worked up a little thirst, the gals decided a sojourn in the bar might be in order to fill in time! Nothing like a cheeky little Rum and coke to warm the bones.

Then the call came, the villa was ready….and the real business began. Thelma had a small rest with a tabloid magazine while Louise soaked up the view and a glass of wine!

Next it was time for some personal maintenance….

A collagen plumbing mask (purchased from the $2 shop and instructions in Chinese) As they say, you get what you pay for and it fell off in 2 minutes ($1 per minute obviously)

Next job was hair and eyebrows!

Followed by baths and showers in our own personal ensuite! Yes we are going all out – a room each!

Thelma and Louise rocking their new hairstyles…Thelma wondering if she overdid the “Perm” and Louise wondering if the colour is quite what she envisaged. Oh well it will grow out!

Now it’s time to relax with a few refreshments until we truck down the hill(40degree incline) to the A la Carte Cliftop restaurant! (Rocking their curls and bangs). Just to let all our followers know we will not respond to any comments as you may or may not be aware….there is no internet at Luxury Retreats!

The bubble is about to burst, not talking about any travel bubble…the travel bubble catchphrase is becoming old! One minute it’s all go (to Australia), next minute you are stuck here or there or somewhere you didn’t plan to be!

Ok so the suspense is too much! With a long weekend ahead…Thelma and Louise are about to hit the road again! The weather promises to be wet, like 100% chance of rain, but this will not dampen the spirits! And possibly will deter the faint hearted (other humans) from travelling too far from home on this last holiday weekend before spring!

Where are the gals off to you ask? All I will share right now is for a “much deserved break” …… there will be laughter (and probably tears), fine dining and adventures!

The last two weeks have stretched us to the limits. The shifting day is finally here….today Dad moves to the house on the brothers estate. Dads new carer has been staying at his house and most evenings after work, I have spent obeying orders and helping the new lady settle in.

Last night I was there wrapping and packing and Dad suggested I take “Sandy” (ashes) with me to mine! I replied I have more than enough of my own – she can go to Panmure with him as she knows that place.

So this morning at 9am the shift begins, George and I representing our Family until they leave the coast….then “Freedom” comes to mind as belted out by Aretha Franklin (song title Think) in the Blues Brothers classic!

Last weekend was a busy one of birthday parties..

Auntie (great) Sue celebrating Esmes fourth birthday in style with Fraser (dad) and Trey (brother).

Then some lifting and shifting (beds and fridges) on the home front, more work for the building crew at my flats and Dads new abode and the rest of the week flew by in a flash of work busyness as May rolled into June, 2021 flying by!

Time to get this day started – my services are required at 8am for the final wrap, pack and Despatch!

Sometimes nothing going on would be good! After a week of unplanned events, I am praying Sunday goes to plan!

The week started with an early wake as I headed to work at 5am to assist in a much needed stocktake! Which opened a can of worms, with neither the accounting or warehouse team members being able to shed any light on the discrepancies! This became my project for the rest of the week – still not sorted, yay roll on next week!

I spent my after work time visiting dad, Jaxon and Tyler Russell and crashing early as our weather see-sawed from tropical to Icelandic!

A moment with my grandbaby on the way home from work.

Until Thursday…when Dad decided he had not had enough attention! His carer took him to the doctor in the morning to have a couple of his skin lesions surgically removed! At 87, enough is enough. The carer leaves at 2pm and at 3.30 I missed a call from Dad…he then phoned Jaxon as, in his words, he was “bleeding like a stuck pig” (no offence to pigs intended). I got the call, to race over and get him back to the doctor before closing!

I race in and this woman “Cherry” is there waving an agreement under Dads nose to sign so she can rent his house out! Chatting away while Dad is wrapped in Bloody towels around his arm! A little push for me to sign on his behalf and actually no “Cherry” leave it there, leave, and deal with it another day. Heaving Dad into car and off to the doctor… more stitches new dressing…. kind of felt there was more to come… so raced home and grabbed my Jammies and toothbrush to stay the night with Dad and Trudi!

I managed to get all the bloody towels soaking, clean up the lounge where the event had started, soaked carpet, collect all the soiled handitowels, emptied rubbish bags, made salad and set table before Trudi arrived home from work to relative normality!

Tea eaten, jammies on, and about to get Dad to bed and noticed the arm bandage was red again and pumping more – towels, frozen peas, pressure and ambulance! The two blokes managed to stem the flow after about an hour more and decided that “their” bandage was invincible, helping us get dad to bed around 11pm! I still felt this wasn’t over and I was right!

I was just dozing off around midnight, dad gently snoring, I crept in and felt his arm….wet! Light on and blood everywhere! I did all the things the experts told me for twenty minutes and no let up! Ambulance again, this time some more experienced operators who pumped something into the wound to stem the flow, loaded Dad in Ambo and left me to follow at 1.30am! I left behind what looked like a murder site! Oh and navigating a half closed motorway due to roadworks, at 2am for most of the drive, was just another event needing my full attention.

Safe in the hands of the Hospital doctors! Or Not! The ED was so busy that no beds were available, Dad spent 2 hours in the ambulance bay and me in the waiting room! 4.30am we were moved to the clinical area, alone, no nurses or doctors, but at least a cubical and a chair(for me) to wait out until the morning staff was on and a doctor could see Dad! A half hour of much needed chair nap for me and Dad snoozed for a bit. I phoned the brother to see if he could relieve me but no! Wife gone to Queenstown and he had to drop kid to school. So instead of the carer wasting her morning getting through the traffic (she was needed at the house to clean up the last round of blood spatter) l stayed while the clinical nurse dressed yet again the wounds this time having not misbehaved for around 6 hours! Maybe we were winning! I got home to his gals and back to mine to work for the day by 10am! Lasting til around 3.30, opening a beer, an early tea and sleep for 12 hours!

Into Orewa early Saturday morning to meet Jaxon and family for a birthday breakfast and a moment on the beach!

George joined us for breakfast with the birthday boy(Jaxon) grocery shopping, dog sitting (Dan working on my flats) and general life jobs! A beer and tea with Dan and Lex and another early night!

Rolling into winter in the Southern Hemisphere, we welcome Aussies to our shores, wrap up warm and swelter in the weekend heat!

Yes May is throwing the four seasons at us….it’s bringing out our layering skills from singlets to puffer jackets.

This weekend, predicted to be a wet one has been one of sunshine and gardening!

With the wasps thinking it is winter, our swan plant is harbouring some big fat monarch butterflies in the making….we are watching these grow until they curl up into chrysalis’s and emerge as butterflies.

The last week has produced a multitude of busyness…work life….dad cares…local board meetings…a little socialising….gardening and preparing for the next working week.

My new gate has drawn a line in the sand, when I am babysitting the canine grandbaby, while Dan is working six days a week (and I am working from home) to get Dads house on the brothers property ready!

George has put his big boys pants on and gone flatting – but hangs out with me (and Floyd) on Sunday’s!

Life is about good food, good friends and family….in between our working days….the team have enjoyed a Sunday roast, ready for an early night and early morning start to our working week!

So for all us mums out here who have survived the process and roll into our twilight years with Adult offspring, we can take a moment to soak up the solitude!

Little boys to grown men and everything else in between…

We have built go carts, sandcastles, new houses and bridges…

We have old friends, new friends, true friends and lost friends….

We have memories, good times, sad times, tough times and more time…

When you look into the eyes of your first born, you feel an overwhelming pride and protectiveness! Then you hug your 2nd, and 3rd and spend the next 25 years as a superwoman! Judge and jury, cook and bottle washer, provider, protector, adviser, nurse, taxi driver…until one day you look in the mirror and notice each year is etched in your face, and you have time to smell the roses!

Russ used to say to me, what do you want to do for Mother’s Day? As he handed me the bottle of wine and chocolate scorched Almonds (yes every year) . My answer was always the same….A few hours of peace! So off he plus three(boys) would go to the flying fox park for an hour or two!

However….when the peace finally comes, it starts all over again….Mother’s Day for me will begin with Dad duties…dressing, feeding etc…moving stuff. Some of us mums are just blessed with being needed.

And the character lines on my face continue to smile at me!

It’s Friday 17th April, day 23 of lockdown, somewhere this week we lost the 15th April…so yesterday and today are the 17th! (Previous dates now corrected)

I was going to get up early and catch this mornings sunrise, but rain splashing on the concrete outside the bathroom window changed my plans…found this last picture on my phone (accidental snap) that sums up the morning – if you remove the impressive artwork! Yes it’s a grey morning as predicted…yesterday was quite busy, off and on, with work communications, therefore my exercise was closer to home – a street and beach (at low tide) circuit

A gap in the gates of what used to be the very popular Waiwera Thermal Resort displays a sad ending to a long running tourist and fun destination for many NZers and tourists…two (ish) years ago it closed its doors for renovations and never reopened due to questionable management culminating in liquidation and a very long court case. So in the middle of Waiwera stands (or crumbles) a derelict waterpark surrounded by high walls with faded and peeling paint!

At the far end of the beach lies the deserted caravan park – barbed and boarded and closed, another large plot of unused privately owned (ironically by the same conglomerate as the pools) prime land. One day, maybe not in my lifetime, these will become usable areas again…

However…after making sure nothing had changed in the hood, police passed by doing their rounds I continued a solo, peaceful stroll towards the island at low tide and around the point, devoid of humans and full of bird life again! When the world stands still we realise how noisy our feathered friends are!

After yesterday’s announcement about what our life would look like if we came out of full lockdown…general consensus it would be like having a small hole in your sock and your little toe could poke out now and again! Time get my 23rd day moving…first stop kitchen and morning coffee…