Random musings

Quote for the day:

“The secret to being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day.”

Day six, dawned sunny with clear blue skies – a day to be seized.

Today being Tuesday is usually our Tuesday Cycling Group gathering.  We always meet at Gordonton and enjoy the companionship and company of fellow cyclists while having a good workout. Some say it’s more than a cycling group, if you want to read more about our group, check out this post which I wrote sometime ago. So instead of a group ride I decided to make the most of the warm autumn sun and clear blue skies and cycle the Waikato River Trail out to Ngaruawahia and return. Luckily I realised there would be no coffee anywhere along the way, so wasn’t disappointed.  The signs of autumn are starting to show with slight colouring the tree leaves.  Many people were also out enjoying the morning either walking/cycling either by themselves with with family members.  It’s a great sight to see.

Snake update

No updates on the snake episode.  Last report no sign of it, hopefully it’s gone back under the house. “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Virtual drinkies

Had my first ‘virtual drinkies’ this afternoon with Denise.  What a great way to have catch up!  How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

Good books

What are you reading at the moment?  Got any recommendations?  I love to have your feedback.

Love to hear what’s been happening in your world?  Well that is it from me, take care and remember keep in your bubble – GoldGard Gal 🙂

Quote for the day:

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure”  Bob Bitchin

Thank you for your contributions and taking the time to post.  I enjoy reading about your happenings, reflections, and local news from your region.

Thankfully NZ doesn’t have snakes

I’m so glad I live in New Zealand.  I was speaking with my daughter Tracy on the phone this morning.  She lives in a little place called Drake (out in the sticks) with her husband Phil and daughters Delilah and Poppy.  As we were chatting she exclaimed “Oh my goodness there is a snake dangling between two bookcases”.  This wouldn’t generally be an issue as husband Phil is a trained snake catcher. But today it is an issue as Phil left early this morning to work all week in Lissmore (couple of hrs drive away). Knowing what ‘kiwis’ are like about snakes my heart and imagination immediately went into over-drive.  We had to quickly end the conversation so she could phone Phil and decide what to do next.

A few hours later I phoned to get an update.  At the time of speaking she couldn’t see the snake and she’s been told that because of the recent bush fires, there is a lack of food (mice, rats etc) for the snakes so they’re behaving quite unusual – actually they’re hungry.  Her current thought/state is “out of sight, out of mind” and hopefully after a period of banging a broom (apparently snakes don’t like vibrations) near where the snake was it may have gone back outside!!  Yeh right I thought!!  Here’s hoping – there could be an update to this story sometime!!

Another stunning autumn day

Went for an early morning walk to enable me to plan my day and think about stuff. Initially there wasn’t a person to be seen, but as the day revved up people started to appear walking and riding their bikes. It is so good to see kids and parents out on their bikes enjoying the freedom cycling brings.

Today I’ve spent most of my time getting ready for online learning by contacting my students by email to let them know what the plans are. I have two classes on Thursday and must admit I’m feeling a little apprehensive about them, not the subject matter just the technology side of things.

Monday evenings – ‘girls in the shed’ time

Usually on a Monday night my inventive and resourceful friend Beth and I spend a couple of hours drifting between ‘being creative’ and ‘trying to be creative’ in my garage.  Beth can’t join me this evening for obvious reasons, so I will have to go it alone!  It will not the same without Beth as she is a perfectionist (in a good way) and that ensures I lift my game also.  We like to make things from re-cycled timber, anything that is old and can be re-used.  What I’m after is old, preferably leather belts (or similar, see left) to use as handles for my tool boxes and plant holders that I make, so if you have any please let me know.

Also after any old cutlery, particularly forks and spoons, along with old bike chains. Pinterest is full of great ideas and we have fun trying to replicate them using our own ideas etc.

I’m posting this blog early tonight, because I want to get out into my garage.  Trust you’ve all had a happy and productive day, wherever and whatever you have been doing.  Are you getting used to this isolation thing?  What benefits are you experiencing?

Till day six, take care, and stay in your bubble!  GoldCard Gal 🙂

Quote for the day:

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

by William Arthur Ward

Thank you for your posts and taking the time to share something of your world and how different they can be.  What has been happening your world today?

Today a family in Greymouth will be morning the death of an elderly member, who died with corona-virus (she also had pre-existing conditions), my thoughts are with them at this sad time.   I also heard today that Assissi Rest Home (just down the road) has 11 confirmed cases of corona-virus. That is getting very close to home, so it’s important we remain vigilant in our self-isolation.

Today seemed like any other Sunday, except when I cycled to the supermarket I had to wait outside in a cue, everyone keeping their distance.  Thankfully it was a bright and sunny autumn day and people seemed very relaxed and happy to wait their turn.  What was most enjoyable and rewarding was delivering the groceries to my various neighbours afterwards; catching up with them face-to-face (keeping our distance apart) and just chatting. I felt like an old fashioned delivery girl delivering groceries like they used to years ago.  I think I could do that for a job should there be a need.

This afternoon I finally got the chain saw out to do a little pruning and tidying up of the orange tree.  Even though I haven’t used my chainsaw for months it wasn’t a problem starting it.  Oh how I love a tool that starts more or less straight away. Of course I put on all my safely gear, love wearing those ‘chaps’ (leg cover protection) as I feel like a cowboy wearing them.  Can’t say they’re attractive but at least I know my legs are protected should anything unexpected happen!

How many of you watch Country Calendar?  That is my favourite TV programme, always inspiring, informative and enjoyable.  Tonight’s program was no different.

Well that is it for today.  I realise I’ve made a ‘rod for my own back’ by taking on this task of writing and reflecting everyday while we are in lock-down, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a sometime.  Not posting a blog everyday but getting into the habit of writing everyday.  I’ve tried writing up journals before, and that lasts a few days, having said that it is only day 4!!

Wonder what will happen tomorrow?  Isn’t that an exciting thought – not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow??  So until tomorrow night, take care, and stay in your bubble – GoldCard Gal 🙂

 

Today’s quote :

“Every situation is life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and that better days are ahead.”

Thank you for your posts, always interesting reading.

Disappointing day for me

Usually on a Saturday morning I cycle with a group of riders that meet at Rototuna shops, but of course being in lock-down that is not happening.  Instead I cycled the back roads of Tauwhare and Cambridge by myself.  The morning was clear with chilly south-west wind.  I decided to count the number of trucks, cars and anything else to help keep me focused, instead of the usual mind drifting.  Well guess what, the number of cyclists far out-numbered both cars and trucks. Lost count of the number of people walking/running.  The way people are going we are going to be the fittest and healthiest nation ever – imagine what that could do for our health system?

I had a surprise and welcome meeting on the road with one of my Tuesday cycling buddies (both keeping our distance); so very good to catch up with your Claire.

As usual my bike rides always involve a coffee stop – but today there was none, 🙁  I tried both the BP & Shell service stations only to be turned away – it was such a let down.  I felt quite dispirited.  “Oh to have that first world problem” I thought to myself and then  “oh get a grip of yourself Heather” was my mental response!  Perhaps it is time I invested in a good coffee machine, I know that would make one of my cycling buddies happy – eh Grant!

I’ve had technical issues with my blog???   Hence the slightly different view.  Not a good day!!  🙁

My reflections so far:

As it’s day three, thought it time to do some self-reflecting, here are my reflections:

• feeling more relaxed, slowed down
• enjoying the peacefulness of our roads when out cycling
• cherishing reduced noise pollution
• appreciating the quiet mornings and evenings (no traffic)
• appreciating the options I have to do whatever, whenever
• missing the human contact
• appreciating the phone calls and text messages received
• perhaps I need to invest in a good coffee machine??

What are your reflections?

I came across this list the other day, thought you may find the ideas beneficial.

The 10 benefits of spending time along

(from BoomSumo.com.)   Let me know if you have found this list useful.

1. Clears your mind.
2. Improves our creativity.
3. Allows you to explore possibilities for your life.
4. Resets your priorities.
5. Improves your relationships.
6. Lets you slow down.
7. You become more focused.
8. You become yourself.
9. You gain self-confidence
10. You become more independent.

I’m off out into my garage to be creative, no idea yet what I’ll do, but sure something will pop into my mind.

Take care, stay in your bubble, till tomorrow GoldCard Gal  🙂

Quote for the day:  “Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”  by Joshua J Marine.

What did you do on day two?  Any interesting events, thoughts, reflections, or experiences you want to share?  (Remember to post them.)

Thank you for your posts, and thank you for taking the time to contribute – makes for interesting reading.

I’ve decided to include a quote each day and an image from my garden.  This morning I’ve listened to a webinar on “How to manage your product / team with a Style Guide” by Emily Cotlier from Write.  It was quite informative.  Then washed my back porch, finished stacking the fire wood and mowed my lawns – pretty pleased with the completed jobs.  Here is my new woodshed.  Thank you Brian for encouraging me get it rebuilt, it’s just what every girl needs- right!  And from what the chimney sweep man told me, you need plenty of air circulating around your stacked wood.

Working from home

Some of you are working from home, here is a useful link with plenty of suggestions:  Tips on working from home

Something special

As promised yesterday I have something quite special to share.  The following poem was written by Jaz Hinton (14 years old at the time), who has overcome cancer.  Jaz is the son of Floss (niece) and Brad who live in New Plymouth.  To be able to write in such a way I find exceptional.  And to put one’s feelings into words like he does is quite extraordinary.  Can’t wait Jaz to read more of your work – keep it up.

Ambitious

Everything is easy, no worries, no hesitation, no failure.

He strolls through simple days, no knowing what is ahead.

Suddenly he falls, chilling daunting darkness.

He worries, he hesitates.

He is lost.

Darkness takes over, somehow it shows him the way.

Cancer does no harm, it only makes him stronger.

He tells himself “I will work hard, everyday”

Now knowing life’s worth.

Nothing can stop him, from the success in his future.

Working for self improvement, he never gives up.

He wants to be the best.

“I will work hard, everyday”

The darkness recedes.

He now knows the way, better than he ever did before.

No worries, no hesitation.

He is found.

Jaz attends New Plymouth Boys High School and last year won the award for leadership and service, called “Be the Example Award” and 2nd top student academic scholar for year 10.  Congratulations Jaz your are a ‘role model’ and we are all very proud of what you and your family have overcome.

That is it until tomorrow – day three.  Wonder what this new day will bring?  Take care out there and stay in your bubble.  GoldCard Gal 🙂