When writing this weeks happenings I was focussing on visitors and I have realised that last week started with Peter being admitted to Middlemore again with chest pains. I knew it was likely to be a very short stay as last November the geriatician said there was noting they could do with him if it was jut angina.. it was just a feature of an ageing heart and as long as it hadnt been a full blown heart attack or stroke then using the nitro spray and resting was the best course. However, I went up to the hospital armed with his favourite lemonade and some food I knew he would eat and then back again the next morning with egg sandwiches and soup. As predicted the consultant said - all was as well as could be so back home we went. He was chirpy once the pain had died down and no further problems.
I also went to a quite inspiring lecture by Pam Holland an Australian textile "artist"/ quilter.. Her major project is to recreate the Bayeux tapestry!
Last Saturday Brian flew in from Canada on his annual trip back for his Mum's birthday. This year is special as she is 100 and is eagerly awaiting the telegram from the Queen. It has been a lovely few days and we did lots of talking, a good crack at the garden and several odd jobs including shifting the garden shed so that I can now open the other gate. Brian's attack on some of the overgrown grown shrubs, like a rosemary with thick trunks and over 5ft tall were really appreciated - although the blackberry seemed to have fought back. We have filled the large garden bin, the big garden bag and still have a pile to go in the bag after the next collection. Much more fun when there are two of you doing the gardening!
We took Peter out for a drive round the waterfront - our Auckland Tamaki Drive is always beautiful and it was great to see so many people out enjoying the return of the warmer weather after Cyclone Gita ( which mainly missed Auckland). Then on Sunday Brian, Tui and I headed off in the campervan to take a leisurely trip to stay overnight at Mangawhai.
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| Morning tea at Shelley beach Kaipara Harbour |
We called in at Shelley beach on the Kaipara, a spot I will return to stay sometime - it is fun to watch the comings and goings of fishing boats etc then a side trip to look at the new Regional park at Atiu Creek - a huge farm of over 800 hectares donated to the people ( no dogs allowed even in the car so luckily Tui didnt poke her head up), and then a late lunch at Port Albert.
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Atiu Creek - Regional park Kaipara Harbour
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Beautiful weather and Mangawhai was looking its best. After a quiet cuppa to the sounds of the trickling stream at the back of the beach house we headed off for dinner at The Dune restaurant - very nice food and hospitable wait staff. Tui was allowed to sit outside beside us which was great considering how hot she would have been in the car. A shortish quiet walk on the beach after dinner was so peaceful and Tui could run free - fewer holiday makers on a Sunday night now that school is back.
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| Looking up the Mangawhai estuary - see the little board rider! |
Sunday morning saw a very leisurely start and then a longer walk along the beach up the estuary - low tide and mostly locals out with their dogs or having a quiet swim - even saw a little dog on his boogie board enjoying the ride. What a beautiful place.
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| Picture perfect looking towards the ocean.. |
Another leisurely drive home via Pakiri, Goat Island and Leigh - the coastline is so varied and quintessentially NZ. A relaxed delicious BBQ dinner with Gil and Dorothy - really topped off a lovely two days. Thank you.
I went into my art class on the Tuesday afternoon - ostensibly to learn about painting skies and landscapes - I have a long way to go! no pictures will be posted! I need lots of practice!
After our heavy gardening session on Wednesday morning, and a visit to Peter - Nana naps and some dvd watching of old but funny TV series rounded off a week of good company and lots of laughs.
Brian has headed off to Christchurch now, I have had a visit to the dentist ( dont eat crunchy crackers or muesli bars if you have old fillings in your teeth! ) and done a bit of sewing.
A residential weekend with my Philosophy group will be a valued end to this week - hopefully stilling this busy mind.
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