Just heard on the radio that our current lockdown will continue until midnight Tuesday. Guess that was expected considering the latest cases. How do you feel about that?
Thank you for your feedback, I always enjoy reading your comments, and today a suggested list of books to read. For the book list check Day two comments – thank you Marg.
Highlight of my day
Opening my red letterbox this morning I got a lovely surprise – a letter from my grand-daughter Delilah and a current school photograph. It was a lovely letter and written very well. I have been communicating by ‘snail mail’ for several years now with her and her sister Poppy. What prompted me to start writing to them was when they were preschoolers their job was to check the little letterbox everyday to see if there was any mail. It occurred to me what excitement it would be if there was a letter for them in the box when they checked it. At that stage they could recognise their names. It brought back happy memories of my mum writing to my children when they were young and the excitement they felt when receiving something in the mail.
It is rewarding watching the development of their printing and drawing skills along with increased vocabulary. What they write about and how they are starting to answer my questions is special. It has been over two years since I last spent time with them in Australia, and I’m secretly hoping that by November I should be able to visit them again.
Something new
One of my hiking buddies Yvonne has often talked about listening to audio books and how useful she found them. This morning I decided I’d download a book and see how it worked while out on a training walk. It took some time to find a suitable book and settled on Burt Bacharach “Anyone Who Had a Heart: My Life and Music”. I’ve always loved Burt’s music and went to his concert in Auckland in 2015. Even at 87 yrs old he could still make music memorable.
I am generally very happy having no distractions while I walk, just letting my mind wonder, dream, reflect and plan, whatever. I did read once how important it is to let our minds “completely rest” especially today with so many distractions demanding our attention. Anyway, today I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book. I did notice that I never really checked my surroundings, my focus was just looking where I was putting my feet and listening to the story. I can see the benefit of audio books and will probably listen to more on my longer training walks.
What has your experience been with audio books? Any tips or ticks I should know about them? Any recommendations?
What has been your highlight today?
Quote for the day
“I’ve got some bad news and I’ve got some good news.
Nothing lasts forever.”
by Kate McGahan
As I write this, Les and Carol have arrived in Picton and looking for somewhere to stay tonight. Their ferry crossing was delayed and they had another police check. They were advised by “Roscoe” (policeman) to take their time driving home , so they will be staying in Geraldine Saturday night and arriving in Cromwell on Sunday. Safe and happy travels Les and Carol. 🙂
That is it tonight. Have you got any news or happenings in your world you would like to share? What book are your currently reading?
Take care – GoldCard Gal 🙂
Scenes of Matangi
This morning felt like spring. What has the weather been like in your neighbourhood?
Hello Heather,
We are also in lockdown but hope fully restrictions will ease on the 28th August as the closest case in 800 kms away.
If anyone is struggling with lockdown, I suggest mixing up your routine. Change the time you excerise, add in something you don’t usually do or get an activity that you and your partner can do together.
For example, today Eliza and I trained at 0730 (much to Eliza’s disgust). We shopped for some essentials. When we got home, Eliza had a nap while I made banana bread and prepared a green curry for dinner.
Heather the pictures looked awesome and I 100% agree with you about Delilah and Poppy’s writing and the way they communicate now.
Hopefully we will see you soon.
Love you.
Raf & Za
Thank you Rafer for your feedback and appreciate the suggestions. Yes hopefully by November both countries will be out of lockdown & we can travel!! 🙂
Good afternoon Heather, today a trip in to the supermarket to collect our click and collect grocery order yipee!!!. There seems to be many more cars out and about than last time from memory and those walking as I ride pass on my little bike are less cheerful than last lock down, perhaps everyone is just a little more anxious this time.
Thank you for the beautiful photos they certainly add a little sunshine to our days. We had a video phone call this morning from Nick, Michelle and the boys which we did not do last time and it was much better seeing them instead of just talking on the phone, thanks technology savvy people. Loved your quote here is one from me especially for you: There is a vitality, a life force, an energy that is translated through you: and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expressions is unique. Martha Graham
Thank you Carly of Tamahere. Love the idea of video calls with family members. I’m going to insert your quote into today’s blog – think it’s very relevant. 🙂
The best thing to do is to hunker down with a good book and a cup of tea. If that doesn’t appeal do something productive like baking something delicious. Or sorting out all those photos you have stowed away. Yesterday I washed and ironed all my bunting ready for sunny days ahead, when I will loop it under the shelter of our sun umbrellas. It makes me happy to see it on a sunny day.
Thank you Alison, great suggestions. That is exactly what I did this afternoon for a while, read my ‘hard to put down’ book and enjoyed a cup of tea. Shame it wasn’t raining because then I would have had the excuse not to go outside! Look forward to seeing your bunting – it always looks happy! 🙂
Hi Heather
Enjoying your blog!
I thought of you this morning when I walked around Lake Te Utu in Cambridge
It would be a great training walk as you can go up and down the tracks on the sides. There are eight of them and they are all a good climb!
Thank you Claire, I will definitely put that walk on my agenda. Thanks for foto 🙂
Love your blogs Heather 😊
Thanks Barb. How are you and Pats? You been out on your bike? 🙂
Yes detours from work this week, zwift today.
Might go to pukete mtb park tomorrow. Love your photos.
What you up to?