Rick, Nicky and Claire in NZ

Stress has been a big feature for me this week. I have started the process of applying for the funds in my KiwiSaver, for which there are rules because I am not 65. What has been more problematic has been starting the application for a government First Home Grant. We both need to apply, but with me being self employed, a level of unexpected (to me) complication has been added. I hope to get it resolved next week, but I have really appreciated a quiet weekend with my lovely wife to help me get through it. The week started with wet and stormy weather, but it has gradually improved and got warmer, though the chilly breeze has taken the edge off the warmth of the sun. Nicky has enjoyed her regular trips up the road to Seniors Church and Holy Communion, and has spent much of the rest of the week sewing. Mary came back with her Wednesday for lunch. I have been reasonably busy with work, much of which has been remote but I had a long day in Matakana on Tuesday. Thursday evening I was...

Reading through my notes for this week (yes Dear Reader, I make notes everyday - how else could I recall the plethora of scintillating and exciting things that we get up to?) they can be summarised as “quiet and sunny”. Most of the work that I have done has been remote support, with just one bus trip to the CBD on Wednesday morning. I have finally finished digitising the mountain of audiobooks which Nicky had from the library. A portion of them are now on her iPad, the rest are ready to go. Nicky’s week has included her usual three attendances at church, an evening at life group, having a blood test and regular visit to the GP and an ear wax removal procedure at Dilworth Hearing. She was in town on Thursday for the ukulele concert and sing along, and has also been on daisy and weed mulching maintenance. Unfortunately the chives were pretending to be weeds for the afternoon so we don’t have many left now. It’s their own fault. Thursday evening she went over to Greenlane for pri...

Consider yourself lucky Dear Reader, as I tear myself away from the latest Kate Atkinson (Big Sky) in order to write this week’s blog entry, and hopefully post it in time to keep Mrs. Trellis happy. It’s a hard life being a “read-round-the-world” blogger! We have been having some summer this week, and very welcome it has been. Auckland officially reached 27ºC on Tuesday, and the whole week has been fine, mainly sunny and warm, until today, when the rain arrived and the temperature dropped a little. This has resulted in much consuming of teas, coffee and lunches in The Barlow Recliners on The Rattigan, and wearing of shorts. Nicky has had a busy week - two lots of Seniors Church and Holy Communion as usual. In addition, off to see Doris for her hair care, into town for a concert and lecture (both v. enjoyed) after Book Chat, sewing, laundry and ironing. Brioche was also rustled up yesterday for tea. I have had a quiet week with work, most of which has been done at home with...

One way and another, this week has been a bit of a challenge, though some of the challenge has been positive. We started with Labour Day and the first public holiday of the season - it’s good to have them back again though I don’t think public holidays are the same for some of the retirees in my life. Nicky had had a poor night - we had watched the Wales - South Africa rugby match and not got to bed until after midnight. By the time I woke at 6.30am she was well into the ironing. We had a reasonably bright start with the weather, which was encouraging for our preparations for the very select family lunch we were hosting. Joining us were Paul, Jenny, Stella, Ros, and Letty whom I collected and returned to her home in Devonport. Being small in number was actually very nice as we all got to talk to everybody at some point. Something which doesn’t happen with the “normal” family gatherings. The food, salads especially, were extensive and enjoyable as ever. While I took Letty home, Nic...