Monday

On Monday we had done a couple of jobs, had lunch and were just about to put our feet up for an early siesta when the phone rang and it was one of Doug's nephews.  He had been fishing and would we like some smoked Kahawai.  Yes please.  All thoughts of a rest were abandoned and we drove the 20 minutes to pick up the fish.  Of course, one has a catch up while there so by the time we got home and took the fish off the bones it was time for our "tea" which was delicious smoked fish in a white sauce on toast.

We had some mashed vegies in the fridge so next day it was smoked fish patties which were just as good.  Four packs of smoked fish in the freezer.  I must say it was some of the nicest smoked fish we have had.

We are starting to feel better and yesterday I finally got around to making a double batch of banana and blueberry muffins so the freezer is well stocked.

This morning we managed a walk, only short but at least it is a start.  

EASTER WEEKEND

Yesterday morning we went back to the Growers' Market as we do not have a lot of vegies at present.  One item not on our list was a pineapple.  

There was a stall selling both pineapples and bananas so I took the opportunity to ask about cutting the flower off the stem.  There has been a bit of a "discussion" as to whether we should remove the flower or not.  We were told that it is best to remove it so did this earlier today.  I then cut the flower up for mulch around the plant although, apparently, they can be eaten.  Will have to look into that for future flowers.

Anyway, we bought a small locally grown pineapple (there were larger ones).  It smells divine.  

One of the flower heads that we removed

A cross section of the flowerhead showing what would have become bananas.

The small pineapple we bought.  We will try and grow the top.

After the trip to the Growers' Market we went home for breakfast then went back to town to go to the Library.  Two things in the one day and we were both ready for a siesta after that.

This is the first bunch after having the flower cut off.

STILL HERE

We are both triple vaccinated and Covid was milder than I expected.  That said, it is hanging in there.  Our symptoms were that of a "common cold" - coughing, sneezing, headache and sore throat.  We had heard about the tiredness and it is extreme.  Luckily, with Doug having it first, he was able to do the essentials like getting meals when I didn't have the energy or inclination.  

What I was surprised and pleased to find was the care available though the Covid Support.  Daily calls from a doctor or nurse or even both on the same day.  I was sent a Pulse Oximeter to check my oxygen levels.  We were also asked whether we needed help with getting medications or food and any other necessities.

The isolation period was 7 days but we have not felt up to going out as we are still coughing and sneezing plus after any small exertion we are exhausted.  However, we hope to get to the Growers' Market in the morning.  

Everyone has been willing to help.  Neighbours gave us a bag of goodies, avocado, bananas, apples, nuts, and a smoothie plus offered to get us anything we needed.

However on Wednesday we got a Supermarket order delivered as, after nearly 3 weeks without a shop, there was rather a lot to ask people to get for us.  Yesterday, I managed to make some meatballs which were very tasty.  

So, we are managing but it feels as though Covid will be here for a while.

BUGGER

Doug has not been feeling too well over the weekend.  A cough, sneezing - flu type symptoms.  Anyway, we went and got some Rat tests yesterday and he tested positive.

Goodness knows where he picked it up,  we have been so careful hardly going out.  The last time we did a Market and supermarket shop was 10 days ago at 6.30 a.m. and both the Market and supermarket were quite quiet.

I tested negative although I suppose I will end up testing positive as well.  So now we are in isolation.

On a different note this is the cartoon from today's local paper the Northern Advocate

AUTUMN

Autumn is here.  On Tuesday Doug phoned and ordered 2 loads of firewood.  We thought it would take a while before delivery but we got one load on Tuesday and the second on Wednesday.  We put both loads away and counted 13 large wheelbarrow loads plus a few boxes of smaller wood for the second lot.  I must say it knocked us as we were both tired on Thursday.  The wood is untreated offcuts from a Timber Mill and is various sizes.  Should keep us nice and warm.

We are still in self imposed Lockdown as daily new cases of Covid in Whangarei are still in the hundreds but we keep busy with the garden and, for me, making Doug's bread and g.f. bread for me.  

I have removed all the tomatoes, I planted fewer this year but had an excellent crop and have plenty in the deep freezer for winter.  I cut and used my basil making both pesto and pistou  but the plants have regrown so well that I have just made some more pesto.  The first lot of broccoli is coming on well although the cabbage white has managed to get through the netting I  covered them with.  I have some  purple sprouting broccoli , pak choi, silver beet (chard)  and perpetual spinach seedlings still to go in.  We have only been going to the Growers' Market and supermarket on a fortnightly basis.  Last Saturday it was still dark as we shopped at the Market but the clocks go back tonight so it will be a bit better next week.

Doug has just been cleaning out his butterfly cage so I took a photo of some of the Monarch caterpillars.  This is just one jar of them, he has 6 jars in the cage.  He is just about to release his 200th Monarch Butterfly this year, no wonder the garden is full of them.

Weatherwise it has been lovely autumn weather with sunny days and temps of 25° - 27° C whereas Australia has been having almost continuous rain.  I see we have rain forecast for next week although it was also forecast for this week and then vanished.  We are still watering the garden daily so some rain would be good.

While I was writing this our neighbour just messaged to see if we would like some fresh Mitimiti mussels in the shell.  Doug has just been across the road to get them and opened them in the microwave.  There are about 5 dozen and they are delicious.  Lunch sorted.