December and the end of 2024

 It's the end of 2023 and end of school year looms and Christmas isn't far away. It's been a long hard year with lots of weather events. Summer is meant to be hot and dry so that will make a change I suppose. The big bombshell is my sister, Donna with the battle she has had with cancer this year. A successful operation in November at Auckland hospital to remove the mass was great news but unfortunately the news now isn't so good. She has terminal cancer and probably won't be with us in 2024. (4-6 months) This Christmas will be special for us as a family as we essentially say goodbye. After Mum leaving us in 2021 its too soon and Donna has so much of life to live. 2024 will be a hard year again for me as my health goes up and down with more tragedy on the horizon. I loo kforward to the eventual break and summer with work over January still but a chance to pause and breathe.

End of October -Term 4 end of the year in sight

 Just a short post and then end of the year is in sight and 2023 will soon be a distant memory. I had a great time in Auckland with Andrew with his new apartment in the centre of the city. We went across to Devonport and explored the city as well as drive around Auckland suburbs and went shopping, Back to work and its crazy as normal. My sister had cancer surgery in Auckland hospital and is doing well. I’m so glad she is still with us as it could have been more serious. 

That’s about it for this month so my next post will be close to Christmas and my last one for the year, 

September-October - change of season and other changes

 Well September and now into October has come around quickly with a change in season and other changes as well. I have been so busy with work with exams and writing to get done. With daylight savings arriving it has been great to have more light in the evenings. I have got involved with a social group and going to events like quizzes and movies etc with my friend Sandra. I have also caught up with my friend Andrew who now lives in Auckland with a fabulous apartment in the centre of the city. Life is always busy but I have taken a break in Auckland and taken so time to reflect. October/November will be end of year stuff and I can’t believe Christmas is only 11 weeks away. More next month…

August - cold and wet

Well winter has been more of what we traditionally know over the years - cold and wet. It’s been tine to sta in and cozy TV and movie time. It has been busy with birthday celebrations with Geoff and seeing family. Armageddon in Palmy with Geoff and Sophie was great and all my ex-students were there in cozplay style. It was also great to spend time with Kerry in Martinborough and see friends too. The term has been very busy so far with more t ocote - including writing. 

That’s about it for now and my journal entries seem to be more seasonal focussed. Only a short post this time but my  next entry will be spring September - warmer weather and  hopefully a bit more sun. I love seeing the new flowers in bloom too.  Far more interesting things to talk about with a trip to Auckland and more travel on the cards. 

Mid Winter - Cozy and time to see family

 Well it’s mid July and winter is definitely with us and I’m enjoying the time on holidays and a chance to catch up with friends and family. It was a tough term 2 with so many disruptions in June with the PPTA industrial action and disruption to travel plans and hui being online and not face to face. I was pleased to have some time at home and also be away and see my brother in Christchurch and see friends too. I’ve made a change with my frozen delivery provider too so I hope this works out well and is slightly cheaper too. 

This coming term will have some travel with being in Wellington again in July & August and celebrating my birthday with Geoff and seeing family. I hope my health gets better as I have had a cold and some gastro issues with food. I will write again at the end of winter and I look forward to warmer weather coming soon,

May - nearing winter

 Just s short post this month as we approach winter. Work is still as crazy as ever with PPTA industrial action in swing and other things looming in June. I’m trying to not work so hard and stress out but work smarter so I enjoy life more. 

It has been good having my ready made meals arrive weekly now and I’m enjoying the variety of selections in my weekly menu. Travel has been crazy over the school holidays so I plan to relax a bit more over the next holiday break and spend some time with my bother and niece in Christchurch.

My next post will be in winter so I’m enjoying the last of the autumn sun and wrapping up for cooler weather.

April - change in weather and other changes…

 Well it’s April now and the weather is starting to change and become colder. I like this time of year as the autumn weather is older in the morning with nice days, The term is nearly over and I’m looking forward to having a break and pause with the busy nature of life. 

I have made some changes around home with laptops and workspace and with meals. I’ve decided to order in ready made meals from My Food Bag and see how this goes for the next few weeks. I’m too tired to cook and I’m not getting enough variety in my diet.

With a great family wedding (Kelsey) last month and everyone being good I look forward to the colder months and a chance to stay more at home in the warm even though I am out and about lots.  More next month as we approach winter and the colder season.

Now in March - February was cyclone month

 Well what a whirlwind month February was with the cyclone affecting many areas in N.Z including where I live in the Hawke’s Bay. Work has ben crazy as normal and I’m looking forward to a break in April. 

Kerry has had a tough time with his Dad acting crazy and taking on another head case - his nephew Adam. I did have a small break catching up with friends Luke & Anthea a couple of times with a BBQ at their place. More travel ahead and I don’t mind with a brand new car - a Suzuki hybrid I picked up this week!

I’m looking forward to catching up with family next weekend at Kelsey (my niece) and Jared’s wedding. It’s been a while since we had a wedding and since so many recent deaths in the family it makes a nice change. 

More news next month…

2023 has started well

Welcome to 2023,,,,

I had a great time in New Plymouth starting the year off rocking the night in at Pukekura park. The year has started well and I am easing my way into regular living after Christmas and New Year with family and friends. 

A few things are on in January but I’m trying to take it easy and not get involved with new ventures for now. It’s god to chill out with my friend Anne in Wainuiomata this weekend and CS party is next weekend but the weather has been very wet,

More to come in February as the year heats up - probably literally lol...