I’ve been a bit slow on updates yet again. For one who talks a lot, it is getting harder to update the blog. I always have something to say, it’s just that we have not been moving around the countryside as planned in the last few months.
We are still in Taranaki, but have moved houses & are now in Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth on the other side of the city. We are house sitting for Rae & Wietze (friends of Wayne’s from the past) who have gone overseas till early October. Wayne’s work is on this side of the city, so it is only 5 min’s to work for him. He is still doing the 4.30 am get-up and home by 8.30 am, unless he is doing a Piloting job (has done 2 since he started). He has also done a couple of extra days to fill in for people who are away. We are lucky that we get the rest of the day together, though sometimes he does crawl back into bed to catch up on a few hours sleep. It also means I can complete my 10 hours a week work. I completed 5 years with Asset Insurance Partners also in July, and my Boss shouted Wayne and I out for a dinner and drinks. We went to Mikes Brewery……See Photo of Wayne.
Have done some sight seeing around the area and spent a day heading North up SH3 as far as Mokau. See photo of Urenui coastline. Very dramatic seas on that day trip. A lovely lunch of Whitebait sandwiches and omelette to complete the experience.
It’s been a quiet 5 weeks in Taranaki. The weather has not been that kind to us. It might start off sunny, but you can guarantee a rain and wind event will pass through. I have come to the conclusion that Marlborough has the best weather so far!!!
We have spent 5 nights back in the caravan staying at that the MCA Park in late July, as my cousins daughters wanted the house we were staying in. The MCA Park is great with all amenities available and was close to Wayne’s work. See photo – our rig at the front. You can stay 21 days over a 60 day period, so a good place to go back to while we are here and if we have a few days to sort ourselves out before we move on.
We had a road trip to Auckland 17th – 19th August, to stay with Andrew, Sarah and the boys at the “farm”. Andrew and Sarah bought the house at Pukekawa (south of Auckland) a few months ago and are loving the rural lifestyle. A lovely time with the family and Nana Sue & Sebala had quality time with the boys, no rushing to get to airports. More great news, as Andrew & Sarah are expecting a baby in February 2020, so our grandchildren will total 5. Sarah has got over the tiredness and feeling sick which is great. One very excited Nana!!!!
We had Wayne’s Mum & Dad come to stay 24th -26th August from Feilding. Was a lovely family weekend as it was Bryce’s birthday (Wayne’s brother). Bryce lives here in New Plymouth so we are getting to see him a lot more than we have in the past. Wayne’s parents are doing OK…getting older and Wayne’s Dad is waiting to hear about hip replacements. Wayne’s Mum will be 80 in November, so we will have a trip to Feilding to celebrate that big milestone.
Wayne has done a few runs and a mountain bike ride at Lake Mangamahoe. The weather has not been great to get out there and do lots, but we have walked as much as the weather allowed, doing the coastal walkway, Lake Mangamahoe (1.5 hours top track), Te Henui walkway and checking out the streets etc in the area we are now staying in. I have not been on my bike for a number of weeks, so bike fitness has gone!!
Looking forward to 21st September when our Blenheim neighbours, Kevin & Lynette are coming up to stay a couple of nights and celebrate Kevin & my birthdays along with lots of laughter and good wine and food. See photo of The Deluxe Diner…for Rock N Roll lovers, it might be a good place to celebrate those birthdays!!
Love hearing all the news from home and friends around the country, so don’t hesitate to ring or email or pop a message through the blog site (it is not published unless I say so).
Best wishes to all
The not so travelling Gypsies