October 15th Raglan By The Sea

The words to a song, spotted in the local hotel, about Raglan by the Sea

it was penned by a long gone local, by the name of Clarrie

However the words did resonate about this seaside town

that is sure to turn your frown upside down 

October 14th The Green Green Grass of Home

Well it's not really home, it's the green, green grass of the neighbourhood park. Nothing beats the unique smell of freshly mown grass

October 13th Walks With (Stubborn) Minnie

Well our Little Miss may have just celebrated her 11th Birthday, but she definitely still has all marbles intact and knows her own mind.  We were out for our walk today, and I decided at one point that when she went to make a left turn, we would instead go straight ahead. That was okay. Until we got to the next possible divergent point in our route. She wanted to go left and I wanted to go straight ahead again (a longer route).  Well you may not believe this is possible, but we actually had a tug of war on the roadside. Not just once, but up to 5 times, and guess who won?

I consoled my loss by enjoying a beautiful Bottle brush tree on the way. It has started to bloom, which is early, and which, if old wives tales are to believed, means a long hot Summer. 

October 12th The Bag And I

Does anyone else use oven bags? I find them so handy especially when sticky sauces are involved in the oven. Tonight's dinner was a butterflied Mango and Chili Chicken, so the bag was perfect. I also always use an oven bag when doing ribs. Wonderful invention!

October 9th - 11th Keys, Scones and Bugs

I just had to take a photo of these keys. You may well wonder why. I just had  to take a photo and send it through to George at work.  Over a week ago, we were looking for these keys as they open our french doors in the lounge. Obviously the doors don't get much use over winter. But we needed to open the doors and could not find the keys. They weren't in their usual hidey hole. We tore the lounge upside down. Then 6 days later I was rearranging and here were the keys we were looking for, quite innocently sitting on the hearth at the very front in full view - where we had both tipped everything over, moved items and looked. That is one mystery that will never be explained. And that is why I had to take a photo and send a copy to George.

Saturday dawned and it was only interrupted by lovely neighbours who are moving on to greener pastures and a larger house with their growing family. They came to wish us goodbye and brought with them some lovely home baking. Confession time.. some have been eaten and there are a few less than originally gifted.

Finally the weekend finished with a walk to our neighbourhood lake. Unfortunately two dogs have unexplainedly died recently here, and they feel it may be linked to lake algae. Signs are everywhere. Fortunately Minnie is always on a leash and doesn't run free, but we still have to remain vigilant on our walks

After that sombre note, I will end with a photo of a pretty flower sighted on our walk. Absolutely beautiful colours that would brighten any day

October 8th Join The Club

In my mind, nothing can bet a good club sandwich Unfortunately some cafes take it upon themselves to make huge monsters, and they just don't cut the mustard

To me the perfect club sandwich has no crust, has the freshest, softest white bread, egg is a must and when you take that first bite, there should be a taste explosion.

It was wonderful to find a club sandwich today, that met all of those expectations. I almost felt like hopping in the car and going back to buy another one!

October 7th A Never Ending Circle

I was gifted this wonderful bracelet. What sets this bracelet apart from others is that it is made entirely from Elephant hair. I would never have believed elephant hair was like wire - until I was given a piece recently in Thailand. It is just like a hard wire.

This bracelet was purchased in South Africa, and is made entirely from elephant hair, so it is pretty special. Also it defines a never ending circle of friendship. And as I always say...

Anything not related to Elephants, is Irrelephant!!

October 6th Happy Birthday To Our Minnie

Our wonderful little Diva, Minnie celebrated her 11th Birthday today. She still gets called a gorgeous little puppy when we walk her, she still goes hyper when George gets home after a day's work (I just get a wee kiss when I walk in the door), she still rules the roost and demands diva attention, and she still holds a very special place in our hearts.

According to my best friend Mr Google, Minnie in human years is around 60 years old. We couldn't let this special day go unnoticed.

Happy Birthday Minnie, and let's hope we have many, many more to share with you

October 5th Stuffed If I Know

It was brought to my attention by an overseas visitor that here in New Zealand we have a funny habit of having two names for vegetables. "Why"? they asked.  Tonight's dinner reminded me of that conversation. Dinner was Capsicum with an Orzo, Feta and Pork Mince stuffing OR Peppers with an Orzo, Feta and Pork Mince stuffing

I am stuffed if I know which it is!

October 2nd to 4th.. You Know There is a Granddaughter In The House When..............

All of a sudden there are toys everywhere (and they are not doggy toys)

There are items in the supermarket trolley that you mormally would never bother with (and still won't... what is the big fuss about with Lewis Road Chocolate Milk??)

and then your dog's nose gets out of joint, because she has a rival in the house - ie Rainbow Sparkles also came to stay the weekend!

October 1st She Should Have Gone to (and I did)

I decided it was time to visit the Optician.  I noticed the computer screen was blurry, and even road signs were suffering the same fate.  I didn't want a new frame, I just needed an upgrade to the lens. Instead of an IOS 9.1 upgrade as Apple have just done, let's refer to it as IF (my initials), IF 7.2, I think I may be upgrading to.

What I can't understand with Opticians however, is that it is cheaper to buy glasses with frames and to get 2 new pairs (think of the 2 for 1 deal), then just to have a lens updated.  I still can't get my head quite around that one, but I like my existing frames and can't see the point in changing something I am happy with.

Also with this particular chain of Opticians, and once again I don't know if this applies to all NZ opticians, but the frames are sent off to Australia (yes across quite a wide ditch) to have the new lens fitted. That is more cost effective??

However.. that means for 2 weeks I have to go without my current glasses, and use my even older glasses in the interim, the IF 6.0 model Which is okay, but everything is even blurrier and worse than with the IF 7.1 model.  Expect a few typos over the next few weeks as I use the following IF 6.0 model. Let's hope that damn plane doesn't crash with my IF 7.2 model in it!!

September 30th Do You Get That Furry Feeling?

I received Thailand brochures relating to major Thai Festivals, Spa and Medical treatments today (by the way, if anyone would like a copy, just let me know).

I was doing the right thing and reading the contents, and the following paragraph in the Medical Treatments brochure caught my eye.

Yes, fur will do that to you. There is nothing like being at the beach and your fur coat is on display for all and sundry to see!

September 29th A Birthday!!

Firstly it was George's birthday, which is why we had the previous weekend away.We went shopping for his birthday present and let our vehicles indulge in a little tryst of their own, and realised that these two have been together in the family for one year now

 The day ended with a fairly spectacular sky. A lovely sunset on one side and then on the other it was a different story, with blossoms standing out against the dark sky on the other side

September 28th Oops I Did It Again

I really could do with a PA. Well actually some days I could do with two of me - although the rest of the world may cough and splutter at that suggestion!

I was bumbling along with my usual day, and as I often do, I think during the day (don't cough and splutter at that either please) and consider my options for what photo I am going to take for that particular days blog. The minutes and then hours ticked by, and I had no idea until it came to dinner time.  Yes I thought to myself - my crunchy roast potatoes will make a nice photo  I make a particularly good crunchy roast potato, even if I do say so myself.

Problem solved you would think. But not so! It was one of those days where everything electrical or bluetooth decided they wouldn't perform to standard  A wireless printer - yes if I am in the same room, but a big fat no to the laptop in another room.  External hard drive - lets fry the spare laptop. The other external hard drive - so you think you can find me. You get the drift. The house is currently undergoing a bit of an electronic meltdown, and a photo of crunchy roast potatoes was the last thing on my mind We finally sat down to a dinner of lovely roast pork, crunchy roast potatoes and coleslaw, and then it was a big ooops. Where's the photo op? Sorry folks you will have to make do with what was left on my dinner plate when I realised no photo had been taken.

September 25 - 27 A Long Weekend

Being of psychic abilities (not really, I just used my common sense). I knew we were ready for a bit of  R & R, and an extended weekend away. Well I knew this month's ago and booked in for a lovely stay at Bethshans Motel, Algie Bay (which is above Auckland).

Firstly, She Who Rules The House, had to be considered. If we can have a weekend away, she has ruled that she must have a weekend away as well. Here she is as we make our way to her Doggy Motel. She can hardly contain her excitement, and had to take over driving duties

A leisurely drive for us

That was Friday, Saturday was spent in much needed Slob and Blob mode - in between admiring the bay,, taking walks to the waters edge we also indulged in a much needed Game of Thrones Fest in between.

At dusk, we decided to venture further afield to explore the neighbourhood on foot and surrounding gardens.

Sunday dawned and it was time to leave. Unfortunately there had been a major road accident and a detour was required away from main roads. Being unfamiliar with the area there were times when we were in a 'Where the Far Kar We' state - but all ended up well (in a country the size of NZ it is impossible for it not to end up well).

George did a job at Snow Planet a while ago, and has been wanting to take me to the Cafe there so I could see the facility. What a fantastic idea, and actually the coffee is good here as well

George came back from the Little Boys' Room all oohs and aaahs..He told me I had to check out the Little Girls' Room. Well I did and it was just your usual ho hum Little Girls' Room. So he took the phone to take photos so we could compare. Ours was nothing like this!

Time to leave the Big Smoke and head down the highways to the Little Smoke

Back from sea views, to green grass and distant mountain views. There is no place like home!

September 24th I'm In The Dog Box

A certain four legged  creature, yes I am talking about our dog Minnie, has kicked me firmly into the dog box. Here's the reason

No this isn't a new addition to the family. If we headed into that territory, we would be murdered in our sleep

This is just Bam, who resides with the kids and for the first time in something like ten years, decided he liked me and wanted the full head massage treatment.

Needless to say a certain Madam picked up the scent when we returned home, and I was ignored for several hours

September 23rd Double Bubbles

I got just a tad excited today. OK I confess, very excited. I was walking through the mall, on a mission from me, heading to the hairdressers.  Yes it was that time for the bi monthly Pinking again.

Normally I am in a rush, I don't look at anyone or anything. However this particular day, I walked past a food outlet and a bit of advertising caught my eye. They were selling Bubble Tea. Actually they had it listed as either hot or cold - I have only ever had it cold.  The tea comes in various flavours - Paw Paw is my flavour of choice (or Papaya - depending on which School of Snobbery you attended), and I always request Double Bubbles please.  I believe the Bubbles are Tapioca Jelly. I really couldn't care less what they are, but I love my Bubble Tea (well it's the Bubbles I am more in love with).

So Bubble Tea it was. And the staff at the hairdresser's were that engrossed in my Double Bubbles, that they headed out on their breaks to try Bubble Tea (but played it safe and went for just the normal amount of Bubbles).

Just a wee note to other Hamilton residents who may decide to try Bubble Tea. I prefer the Bubble Tea from either the Hamilton Night Markets or the Japanese Restaurant in Ward Street to this one.  The Bubbles were yummy, but the rest was really not my 'cup of tea' - pardon the pun!

September 22nd Reflections on Thailand

I had a very short work related trip to Southern Thailand. I am still pinching myself that I was accepted and given the opportunity to attend, courtesy of Thai Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand.

I love Thailand. The food is amazing, to the extent that you can eat anywhere and will always think the meal was just wonderful. Accommodation can range from cheap and cheerful to absolute luxury. My other attraction to Thailand is that a certain mammal resides there, ie my beloved elephants.

When the invitation to all travel agents hit my Inbox, I did not intend applying. I have already been away this year to Seattle and Honolulu, and sometimes this particular person needs a firm handbrake applied. However reading the invitation and the proposed itinerary - one day stood out. That day included staying for one night at an Elephant Camp http://www.elephanthills.com/ and one night at a Rain Forest camp, also managed by Elephant Hills.  Well you can imagine when I saw the word Elephant, the blood rushed to my head, the handbrake went into the off position, and I immediately emailed my wish to be included.

Well blow me down with a feather duster (non allergenic, artificial and no animals were harmed in the making of said duster) I was accepted.

This wasn't a shopping trip. I left New Zealand with only 12kg luggage in my case and returned with 14kg - which is the lightest I have ever travelled  And at least 1.5kg of the luggage I  brought home would have been brochures etc.  OK I lied, there were approximately 15 sachets of various Thai cooking pastes (all declared, I promise!).

That day spent with elephants was amazing. Better than amazing. We first saw the elephants in their enclosure and they were brought over to us. The staff were concerned because I was in tears and they thought something was wrong, but it was only tears of happiness.  Time was spent with the elephants, and then we watched them head off for a cool down in their mud pool. We were asked if we wanted to join them, but after seeing one elephant use the pool as a toilet, common sense prevailed. The elephants were then brought by their Mahouts to be washed down and scrubbed with coconut fibres - fortunately I am short, and I did do a bit of scrubbing but then spent my time just admiring these wonderful, wonderful animals. After their wash it was time for us to prepare their dinner - ie chopping up pineapples and sugar cane, and making their medicine - tamarind mixed with salt, and wrapped up in a banana leaf. Then we were able to feed our elephants. My elephant, Moh Dang, was a guts and kept wanting more and more, but then dropping it. A few stern words and I refused to hand over any more food until Moh Dang cleaned her plate so to speak - she got the message.

So what did I come home with? The Mahout could see I had a special relationship with Moh Dang, and discreetly pulled a hair from her for me to keep.  That is now safely framed.. I was surprised as the hair feels like a piece of wire

And I thought I had better go with something traditional. The Camp had wonderful coffee cups, but had run out of new ones to sell in their gift shop.  So what does one do? Offer to buy a second hand one, which I did.

 That day with elephants rates up there with being one of the best days of my life. I can't describe how it feels to be stroking an elephant and staring into it's eyes. Words can never describe that emotion. I know for years to come I will still pinch myself that I was so fortunate to have such an experience.

 "Anything that is unrelated to Elephants is irrelephant!"

September 21st Keep off the Grass!

I promise I will post some photos and write regarding my Thailand trip. With catching up with work, I just haven't had the time as yet. 

Yesterday, I was surprised to see this little intruder residing in my money tree. Me thinks this plant took the warning to keep off the grass too literally! A dandelion has decided to reside in our money tree pot.

September 20th Honey I'm Home

After 8 days away in Thailand, it is good to be back in the land of New Zea, and home with my two honeys. The weather gods here are not so kind, with an extremely wet weekend. Well maybe they are kind as it meant a weekend spent with the feet up in between doing the unpacking and washing. And if you are going to have your feet up, a nibble dish is required.

I am not sure if anyone else is like me, but I really don't like sundried tomatoes - I find them too leathery and chewy. I prefer to use fresh on my platter. It was so good to sit down and nibble on my home made cheese, fresh tomatoes and stuffed olives. 

I love elephants, I love Thailand and I love travel - but there is no place like home!

September 10th I Don't Have A Bucket List

I have decided this week that I don't have a Bucket List per se, I have a ten gallon drum!!  There are so many wow factors and wonderful things to see and do in life, so why limit yourself to a bucket?

On that note this blog is in for a short remission. One of my ten gallon drum items is going to unfold. I am off to Southern Thailand for a work trip. Part of my time will be spent.. wait for it... get this..... this is gobsmacking... pinch, pinch pinch yourself material.... in an Elephant Camp.

As much as I love writing this blog, if I am in an elephant camp I want to spend every possible minute I can adoring these wonderful, majestic creatures.

Karma has come my way in being selected for this trip - there were only 5 spots available, and I am filling one of those spots.

"Anything unrelated to elephants is irrelephant". 

 

 

September 9th God Save The Queen

Queen Elizabeth has become the UK's longest reigning Monarch. I wonder if instead of one week's extra leave due to long service, if she now receives two? Also why is the anthem titled 'God Save The Queen'.  Save? From what exactly? Is her Gin habit that bad?

With the above facts in mind, I thought today's photo should pay homage to our Sovereign's longevity. However, being of Polish heritage I am not really a monarchist, even though during my formative years I was raised under Her Majesty's rule.

I finally found an item with her Majesty on it. The document belonging to my mother when she was given Australian Citizenship in 1961, in return for swearing allegiance to the Queen.

September 8th Random Acts of Kindness

There are still some wonderful people in the world out there - apart from myself of course. Just kidding!!  Today I was the lucky recipient of an act of kindness.  I have mentioned previously that we love doing Jigsaws, but only Wasgij appeals. FYI did you realise the word Wasgij is the word Jigsaw backwards? I told you I was educational. Why we like them is the picture on the cover is only a clue, and the puzzle is different.

Back to me being the recipient of a random act of kindness. There are various garage sale sites on Facebook, and I noticed a woman selling a lot of jigsaws - but no Wasgij. So I thought what the heck I will ask if she has any. Lo and behold she did, so we arranged a time in the future to meet up and for me to buy them (she lives rurally). When I queried payment, she said a bag of lollipops would do for the kids

Today I received a text to say that she was in my neck of the woods, and did I want to meet her. Unfortunately due to work commitments, it was impossible. So she offered to come to my home. So that bit blew me away. I told her to make sure she had her bank account details so I could pay her, as I had no cash in the house and also I don't keep a lollipop stash in the pantry. I also gave her specific instructions on how to find our house.. ie no elephants means no Irene!!

Dee arrived mid morning with the puzzles. And I asked for her account details so I could immediately transfer. And she said not to worry!  I said I had to and there were no lollipops in the pantry and I had absolutely no cash. Finally I managed to make her take a bar of chocolate that was lurking in the pantry (well not lurking, very fresh from the grocery shop, but lurking nonetheless).

Well you most probably think that about wraps it up, and that was the random act of kindness. No it wasn't.  Because I had mentioned elephants, Dee remembered she had one she had held on to for years, and thought I should have it.  This is where I get teary eyed at how lovely people can be.

Actually further to that - I received a message today also from a friend from long ago, who I have re-established contact with on Facebook, but we haven't seen each other for years. She has returned from a trip to Seattle and when we do get together for a coffee, she has an elephant for me!

Have a look at the photo, and in the top left, to the right of the 1000 you will see my elephant gift from today - it is silver and a pendant. As I said, there are some truly beautiful people in the world, and we are lucky when they cross our paths.

September 7th It's Nothing!

Remember how Seinfeld was a TV show about nothing. Well I have to state that this posting, following in the steps of the renowned Seinfeld, is also about nothing. There really is no excuse for nothing.  For once I am speechless and can think of nothing to write about. Which is pretty amazing when you think I have been taking a photo a day for just short of 5 years, and writing this blog for just short of 3 years - and for the first time in that time span, I have absolutely  nothing to write about

So I sit here contemplating where all the navel fluff goes, would ear wax make a candle (eww that's a gruesome thought isn't it?) and I really have to remember to check which way water swirls down the drain next time I am ever in the Northern Hemisphere, to see if it is indeed different to the Southern Hemisphere (but I am sure that is a load of codswallop).

Don't panic I did take a photo. Here are Freesias from our garden. I purposely placed the vase on the bench above the cutlery cupboard. So every time I need a piece of cutlery my nose goes a little lower, and takes in the wonderful scent.

September 5th - 6th Cas Branza and Chores

A weekend filled with chores and food - making it. I seem to be making a lot of cheese, but we also seem to be eating a lot of it. It is so good, and our now go to snack and nibble choice is 'Fat Bottoms Estate' Cheese. With diminishing supplies, I decided this would be the perfect weekend to replenish the fridge.

Do you know how little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet -what the heck is a tuffet anyway?  On that note I had to rush off to see my best friend Mr Google to investigate, and a tuffet apparently is a low seat. So now you know. You can't say my blog is nothing but educational. Back to Miss Muffet. If you have ever wondered or lost many a nights sleep wondering what Curds and Whey look like. Here is a picture of the one and the same thing. A scoop of Curds being lifted out of whey

  
There is a Romanian cheese called Cas Branza. I made one wheel for George to enjoy. No he didn't sneak a wedge whilst I wasn't looking. He took a wedge to share with a Romanian friend, he was helping to move.

 The rest of Saturday consisted of the usual chores, some of which are too exciting to even mention here - not!!  On to Sunday and more chores.  Two appliances actually made a rare appearance. The Iron and Ironing Board  - which made it's last appearance six months ago, so not too bad  However my sewing machine only comes out once a decade if that?  I have had it for over 30 years now, and have had it fully serviced once.  Which appears to have done it a lot of good, as it went through a recalcitrant stage, ie spitting it's dummy in the dirt and would start sewing when I stood up from the machine. To the extent that I had to pull the power source when I stood up. I was beginning to think it was The Ghost Of Neglected Sewing Machines pulling a prank on me, but it appears to behave itself now - although it isn't out for that that long to know!! Allow me to present a 1977 Vintage Janome