HAPPY 84th BIRTHDAY MAX

Today (January 10th) is Max's birthday.  This photo was taken yesterday when the Rest Home held its Birthday afternoon tea for residents with birthdays in December and January. (I think it is usually monthly).  It was held in the Rest Home part of the complex and Max who is in the Hospital was put in a wheelchair and taken down.  Unfortunately, he didn't really know what was happening and after he had his cake and cup of tea got very agitated.  (He was going to be too tired for work).  I took him back to the Hospital Lounge and left him to have a snooze.  

I have several presents for him that I will take in today so hope he is having a better day. (some are better than others).  I found it really sad yesterday as the others attending were not suffering dementia and there was a lot of conversation going on around us which is all lost on Max.  

After several days of 29 degrees it was much cooler yesterday with some very welcome heavy showers.  24 degrees forecast for today and tomorrow.

RUSSELL

Today we drove up to Russell - mainly to see a "girl" I went to school with.  She and her husband are in New Zealand visiting their son in the South Island and came up to Russell for a short break.

It was about an hour and three-quarters to drive up the winding coast road and we arrived at about 10.30.  Time for a coffee, some quick "op" shopping and then we went to the Pompallier Mission.  It must be over thirty years since I was there and it has been brought back to how it was originally under the French.  We had an excellent guide who took us through the process of tanning leather, printing and book binding (using the same leather).

We then headed for the Duke of Marlborough Hotel and met Diney and her husband - it must be over fifty years since I had seen her and was great to catch up.  I took some school photos with me and we reminisced over a delicious lunch.

Then it was time go back home, this time via the car ferry and SH1.  A most enjoyable day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

First, thank you to everyone who commented on my post yesterday.  I had a wonderful day, ending with a delicious meal at a local Thai Restaurant.

Still find it hard to believe I am now 70 but then it is hard to believe that tomorrow will be the year 2014.

I wish each and every one of you a very happy and HEALTHY year ahead.

CAN IT REALLY BE?

                                               Up to date photo taken this morning.



I am 70 years young to-day and find it hard to believe.  That was one of the reasons for the walk over Mt. Aubrey posted yesterday.

For years when I was still caring for Max I was unable to have a decent walk so really appreciate the walks that Doug and I go on.

In spite of the odd ache I am still fit and aim to keep that way.

One of the reasons for lack of time and energy to blog is that at the beginning of August I started on the Lumosity Brain Training games.  I had always been too tired when caring for Max to attempt a Crossword or Code Cracker but had started doing them and felt the brain training may help.

It is amazing - now I must admit how low my "Brain Performance Index" was as in August it was 296 but has now risen to 1141 and I have noticed a huge difference when doing Code Cracker.  Yesterday, I had got nearly to the top of my age group but today move into a new age group.

I have decided that 70 is the new middle age.

Main present was a fishing rod!!!!

Mt. Aubrey

Yesterday, Doug and I walked over Mt Aubrey.  It is next to Mt. Manaia which we climbed in February.  We were very lucky as rain was forecast and arrived just as we returned to the car.  It took us just under 2 hours walking from the carpark along the Reotahi walkway then up and over Mt. Aubrey to Tiller Park and back along the road to our starting point.

                                          Looking across at Mt. Manaia

We were not having Christmas presents (I had already been given a new camera among other things) but on Christmas Eve Doug decided to make me a box to have by the front door.  Previously I had a basket full of all sorts of bits and pieces including a knife, secateurs etc.  This is now out of sight in my lovely "rustic box"

He "knocked it up" in a day.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I haven't posted for some time.  Life seems to have got in the way.  Still it is good to be busy.  The following are a couple more photos from Gibbs Farm.  Two live giraffes and a giraffe sculpture.

We have done a lot since then - mainly walks including a couple up Parihaka.  The plan is to walk up (or is it over) Mt. Aubrey during the holiday period and also re-do Mt. Manaia.  A lot of this is to with a birthday coming up this month with a zero on the end.  Feel I must keep my fitness up.

It also helps with the stress.  I am finding it hard not to feel guilty as far as Max is concerned.  The Home had a Christmas lunch last week but I don't think he knew what was going on.  I will visit him in an hour or so (It is Christmas Eve here) and then again on Boxing Day and try to enjoy Christmas day without any guilt.  There will be ten of us at Doug's so I will go straight after church and help with the preparations.  He is roasting a leg of hogget and I will glaze a small piece of ham which we will have hot tonight and cold on Christmas Day plus a joint of beef and someone is bringing a couple of roast chicken.

Weather here has been good, 27 degrees C forecast today - a bit cooler with showers for Christmas Day but that will mean I won't have to water the garden.  Up at 6 a.m. watering the garden for an hour or so this and most mornings.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2014.

Gibbs Farm - 2

Some more photos from Gibbs Farm (Doug's this time)