Quote for the day:
“The days you are most uncomfortable, are the days you learn the most about yourself.” from learnlivebetter.com
A special thank you to ‘Unhurried in Hamilton’, I-Solution from Wanaka and Carly from Tamahere for your continual posting of happenings and events in your life and neighbourhood. It makes for great reading, well done!
Today has been a couple of firsts for me. Firstly, this is the longest number of days I’ve ever written something every day. Often wanted too, but …….. What a difference making a ‘commitment’ makes. And I guess I quite enjoy the challenge of trying to come up with something new each day, not that I’d want to do that for a job! I’m enjoying taking photographs of my garden, that is quite easy. I’m a ‘quote freak’ so that is no issue. It’s the content of these posts that are challenging.
My second first today was the online teaching with my Wintec students. Can’t say it was a great success, far from it. We had a few logging-in issues but once I’d worked out that, it was OK. As I’m more task focused, I found it hard to “waffle” or ‘talk about nothing’ to fill in time. What I did enjoy was seeing how the students interacted with each other after the learning was done. They were happy to stay on-line and catch-up with each other, quite different to when they are in class.
A big thank to Virginia for helping me with my technical blog issues that I’ve struggling with over the last few days. Oh the relief to have those sorted. I owe you!
Are you getting bored?
If you are one of those people who doesn’t have to work from home and you’ve completed all the jobs on the to-do list, how about starting to write your life story. If not for yourself for your children and grandchildren. There is a well organised step-by-step book titled “Write your life story” by Michael Oke, published by How to Books Ltd, United Kingdom. I’m just putting the idea out there. What do you reckon?
Grocery run
Late this afternoon I made the grocery run (for the neighbours) to the supermarket. There was a small cue but not the usual 5.30 pm rush. The check-out operators were saying it’s the quietest time of the day. Shelves were mostly well stacked and vegetables fresh and so much cheaper than 5 days ago.
It’s so nice riding home along Matangi Road without the vehicles racing past you. I felt as though I was off on another adventure!
I’ve had a day of sitting in my office, so I’m off out to the garage to do some sanding of my outdoor furniture, as it aren’t going to get done otherwise and I need to clear my head.
Trust you’ve had a great day eight? Take care out there and remember to stay in your bubble. Till day nine – GoldCard Gal 🙂
Lockdown day 8.
It didn’t happen! The euphoria of last week has gone and the rubbish men came quietly and stealthily. It was almost as though the ubiquitous black plastic bags levitated and vanished into the ether.
A sign maybe that the closure of everything other than essentials, with subsequent work and income losses, are starting to have a more sinister psychological impact.
For our immediate family almost all are fortunate to work in essential occupations or like us, retired and not directly impacted by the closures. In this position it is easy to stand back and treat the whole thing as an exiting if dangerous adventure. We can only hope that the efforts to limit the spread will soon start to show positive results.
A more light hearted thought has also occurred to me especially thinking back to the days of isolation as a potential Polio carrier.
At that time and at six years of age, being a member of the boys “Black Hand Gang” was a sign of prestige and importance.
I am getting quite concerned that the amount of hand washing I am practicing at present will seriously compromise my credibility and long term membership. If it ever gets back to the “Chief Grub” I may get expelled.
A quick dash to the super market to bolster fresh fruit and veg stocks has taken precedence over land reforming this morning.
I had hoped to procure some Sulphate of Iron for the lawn already scoured, but it seems that this is another product which is usually stocked that has suffered from the recent panic buying spree. How many people want to kill moss right now?
Perhaps I should have been going to buy 4 candles instead.
Lunch is at hand so dutifully I must attend.
On review of the afternoon I did a short practice with the vacuum cleaner to keep my hand in, but was very quickly ushered away with mumblings about keep out of my hair.
That being the case I had time to get into a small patch of Saskatchewan. Now out onto the flat country it is moving along much more quickly.
Still no immediate sign of the Injuns but my wife was sure she spied some small war parties on the ridges of the Hakarimata Ranges in the red light of sunset last night.
Afternoon coffee and it’s time to mount the iron horse and attack those hills.
As noted yesterday, the wind trainer of the high country beckons and although a relatively short stage it begins climbing from the start.
Immediately we are into the red zone. Fousto, Gino, and Felice have put their heads together overnight and despite being on separate teams have decided that it’s going to be Italy’s day.
They attack one after another and we are soon on the ropes. The majority of the Gordonton team are soon shot out the back and join the “Autobus” already forming with the sprinters.
Having managed to hide amongst the leading group I begin to feel the strain and gradually drift towards the back. I am just about to crack when “George” comes along side and offers me set of hand painted shoes at a good price. Much as I would like to
buy them, my problem is that I am still paying off the cost of a pair of hand made Adam Hansen shoes from two seasons back.
He understands, gives me an encouraging pat on the back and rejoins his Jumbo team mates up front doing battle with the “Ities”.
We are on to the last climb, 5kms at an average of 12%. This is horrendous but the spirit of the blitz kicks in and I hold the wheels.
The younger Italians now put in their bids, Marco is looking for his pills, Fabio his comb, and as is his way Vincenzo “The Shark”, puts us all to the sword. It’s over, his gap is too big and he takes the stage right next to the tilt a door.
No matter. It’s a team time trial tomorrow and everyone knows the Italians have no discipline. The Gordonton team is still in with a shout and now with the “The Machine” on board we hope to make statement.
It turns out to be a long day especially as it’s now dark and the farmer out back is still cutting maize under flood lights.
Unhurried In Hamilton:
Lockdown day 8.
It didn’t happen! The euphoria of last week has gone and the rubbish men came quietly and stealthily. It was almost as though the ubiquitous black plastic bags levitated and vanished into the ether.
A sign maybe that the closure of everything other than essentials, with subsequent work and income losses, are starting to have a more sinister psychological impact.
For our immediate family almost all are fortunate to work in essential occupations or like us, retired and not directly impacted by the closures. In this position it is easy to stand back and treat the whole thing as an exiting if dangerous adventure. We can only hope that the efforts to limit the spread will soon start to show positive results.
A more light hearted thought has also occurred to me especially thinking back to the days of isolation as a potential Polio carrier.
At that time and at six years of age, being a member of the boys “Black Hand Gang” was a sign of prestige and importance.
I am getting quite concerned that the amount of hand washing I am practicing at present will seriously compromise my credibility and long term membership. If it ever gets back to the “Chief Grub” I may get expelled.
A quick dash to the super market to bolster fresh fruit and veg stocks has taken precedence over land reforming this morning.
I had hoped to procure some Sulphate of Iron for the lawn already scoured, but it seems that this is another product which is usually stocked that has suffered from the recent panic buying spree. How many people want to kill moss right now?
Perhaps I should have been going to buy 4 candles instead.
Lunch is at hand so dutifully I must attend.
On review of the afternoon I did a short practice with the vacuum cleaner to keep my hand in, but was very quickly ushered away with mumblings about keep out of my hair.
That being the case I had time to get into a small patch of Saskatchewan. Now out onto the flat country it is moving along much more quickly.
Still no immediate sign of the Injuns but my wife was sure she spied some small war parties on the ridges of the Hakarimata Ranges in the red light of sunset last night.
Afternoon coffee and it’s time to mount the iron horse and attack those hills.
As noted yesterday, the wind trainer of the high country beckons and although a relatively short stage it begins climbing from the start.
Immediately we are into the red zone. Fousto, Gino, and Felice have put their heads together overnight and despite being on separate teams have decided that it’s going to be Italy’s day.
They attack one after another and we are soon on the ropes. The majority of the Gordonton team are soon shot out the back and join the “Autobus” already forming with the sprinters.
Having managed to hide amongst the leading group I begin to feel the strain and gradually drift towards the back. I am just about to crack when “George” comes along side and offers me set of hand painted shoes at a good price. Much as I would like to
buy them, my problem is that I am still paying off the cost of a pair of hand made Adam Hansen shoes from two seasons back.
He understands, gives me an encouraging pat on the back and rejoins his Jumbo team mates up front doing battle with the “Ities”.
We are on to the last climb, 5kms at an average of 12%. This is horrendous but the spirit of the blitz kicks in and I hold the wheels.
The younger Italians now put in their bids, Marco is looking for his pills, Fabio his comb, and as is his way Vincenzo “The Shark”, puts us all to the sword. It’s over, his gap is too big and he takes the stage right next to the tilt a door.
No matter. It’s a team time trial tomorrow and everyone knows the Italians have no discipline. The Gordonton team is still in with a shout and now with the “The Machine” on board we hope to make statement.
It turns out to be a long day especially as it’s now dark and the farmer out back is still cutting maize under flood lights.
Unhurried In Hamilton:
Well done ‘Unhurried in Hamilton’ 🙂 I love the bit about Marco looking for his pills!
Hi Heather, great bike ride this morning, did not leave home until after 10.00 am, seems like we are like some others, our getting out of bed routine in the morning has taken on a very relaxed weekend feel about it even during the week. The roads were quite busy today, everyone enjoying the beautiful day. I have decided that my meditation works better for me with my eyes open and just being able to enjoy my surroundings instead of trying to slow down breathing and think of nothing. I am quite happy to accept failure. I believe my personality suits better the being conscious and grateful with what is around me, or that could just be an excuse for putting meditation in the too hard basket. I guess that special part of the brain I have never used will stay dormant. Great idea of writing down your life story for the kids and grandkids to enjoy sometime in the future. I really love the photos you are sharing of your garden keep up the stories I look forward to reading them each day. Hugs from afar.
Thank you Carly of Tamahere! Do you like that name? Where does it say for meditation you have to have your eyes closed – of course I have no idea. It’s not failure it’s a ‘learning experience’ and perhaps it’s not the right time. This weather is quite amazing eh! Catch-up soon for some of those feijoas 🙂
I think the enforced stay at home is allowing me to un-clutter my grey matter and start enjoying my kitchen more. Several years ago, I was very proactive in having dinner parties, some of which were potluck. Potluck were great as you got to look for a recipe that would work a treat and enjoy some accolade for others as well as yourself. a few days ago a friend shared her latest in nutritious pancakes. Banana and buckwheat. So I gave it a go, and whilst it did not look brilliant, it tasted very yummy with a drizzle of Heather’s honey and lemon juice. T
For lunch today, I decided to make banana and finely diced yellow courgette. Complimented with the honey and lemon juice.
Delicious and thanks to Edmonds Cook Book, there are several in the freezer for another day. easy for kids to make if they are wanting to try their hand at cooking.
,s
Thank you Margie. I’m sure you are not the only one who is getting some un-cluttering of the grey-matter! It’s good for body and soul to be ‘taking a deep breath’ and just slowing down. Those pancakes sounds pretty delicious. 🙂
Hi Heather…. another gorgeous day in paradise. I love your garden photos and as a garden geek I’d love to send you some of mine. But I’m not technically adept to do it here so would have to do that on an email maybe?.?? 🌸
What would I do without mine in this lockdown.
Thank you Jan, I’d love to receive some of your garden photos – not difficult to learn. Just take the photo and then share with me, generally a ‘share’ option at bottom of photo. Can’t wait 🙂
Thank you for all your kind comments:Thank you to Colin for over stating my cycling ability, it’s all good fun. Cycling in Wanaka, especially road cycling is seasonal. All the good road cyclists come out in summer and ride in groups with all the latest gear and flash bikes :talking of that I got caught up at the front of the pack at the transition from swim to run in the recent Wanaka triathon: (I was going to set up the Park run at 7am on my mountain bike);Anyway 3 of the leaders passed me: I was very impressed with their sheer power: I have only seen this once before when Val Adams was competing in Hamilton: her strength, and fitness were unbelievable. I could see how she won 2 gold medals at the Olympics. So back to cycling. Here it is more mountain biking as there is access to many off road trails and tracks: you do see lots of ‘gravel’ bikes though( road bikes with big tyres): so yesterday the beloved and I visited our unopened cafe and then went on to the ancient walnut trees in Wanaka Station Park; these are local favourites but you have to be timely as a lot of people know the walnuts are falling at this time of year. There are pear trees too. The park was a farm and this is the homestead portion donated to the community by the then owners. (It is right behind the famous tree). And now we have decided in our bubble we will have news free days. So yesterday we had one. I know it is not being realistic but it does help to clear the head.Further I am sad some iconic publications have been stopped and now I wonder about two I subscribe to: Nz Cycling Journal and the Trail Running Mag. Both their journeys have been rocky with many changes in format. Recently the running mag was taken over by Australia but they do have their Nz contributors. So today I’m off to the grocery shop: that will be my outing. Yours I-Solution Wanaka
Love hearing news from ‘I-Solutions’ of Wanaka, thank you. Great idea having a ‘news free’ day! 🙂
I love your comment about writing your own life story, Heather. It is a great idea and I have found it to be quite enjoyable and also, surprisingly, cathartic! You as the writer, are in control of your story yourself and can decide what is important to include and what to discard.
Having written the life stories of many rural Irish women and published them with their permission, I have received a number of letters from the sons of the newly bereaved family saying that they never really knew what Mum did and how grateful they were to have her story from the book to speak from at the funeral. Boys tend to talk to and do stuff with Dad, but not always that often with Mum.
Thank you Alison for your feedback about writing life stories. Would you mind if I put a link to your website in today’s blog? 🙂