This Week……..

I’m still the designated driver in the household while Robin is recovering from his knee replacement operation and we have been going on a few small trips around town this last week.  We were pleased that our local strawberries from “Shirley’s” are now available so drove down on Saturday to get some, the first of the season.  Two large punnets, one to eat now, and the other one Robin hulled, halved, and froze.  Shirley’s now has a “real fruit ice-cream” cart, so I’m sure we will buy one of these each next time we come calling.  So far we have enjoyed strawberries for breakfast with our cereal, and strawberries for dessert with jelly and whipped cream, and there are still plenty left in the punnet.

Strawberries from Shirley’s

On the way home we called in to check out a newly opened café for a coffee.  The place was buzzing, which was good to see and the owner was very happy with the support he was getting from the locals.  We tried coffee and a cake each, and looked through the menus for later – they serve breakfasts and lunch, so I’m sure we will be back.

Robin was the BBQ king on Saturday night, and cooked a rolled stuffed lamb shoulder, it was a good size so I’m guessing it was actually a hogget.  All that tasty stuffing was trying to escape!  There's nothing like a roast on the BBQ,  it smelt and tasted delicious. 

Mmm, roast lamb for dinner

The weekly physio sessions are ongoing, and Robin’s knee is continuing to show small gains each time with flexibility.  Then on Tuesday we attended out monthly Probus meeting, it’s been a while since we were last here with all the hospital/medical appointments.  The guest speaker was Simon Manning who talked about his role in managing the Funeral Disaster Response Team for the NZ Funeral Industry.  When natural or man-made disaster strikes, sometimes there are more fatalities than local resources can manage. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORTs) support local mortuary services on location, working to quickly and accurately identify victims and reunite victims with their loved ones in a dignified, respectful manner.

Simon Manning

Following the 1979 Erebus air disaster in Antarctica which claimed 257 lives, Simon Manning helped establish a more structured disaster response for future fatal events.  This team was called in to help in disasters such as the Cave Creek disaster, the Christchurch Earthquake, the Mosque attacks, .and the White Island Eruption.

Simon Manning was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order in the Queen's Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours list this year for services to funeral services and disaster victim identification.  This was such an interesting talk, and I’m sure non of us were aware of this very important group and the services they provide for the country when disaster strikes. 

Little Treat…….

Robin was starting to suffer from Cabin Fever with staying home recuperating from his knee replacement operation.  So I suggested a drive up the road to Lewis Farms.  Asparagus season had just started so we were keen to get some.  After all, there is nothing nicer than fresh asparagus, is there.  As well, they grow strawberries, raspberries, make jam and ice-cream with their fruit, serve coffee, and also sell a range of other local products.  We hadn't been to the shop since last season, and what a difference we noticed.  The shop fittings have been moved around and rearranged, and it all seems so much more roomy.

Inside the shop

In the pack-house the machines were moving through their paces and the staff were hard at work.  The asparagus season started just a few weeks ago, I was told.

It’s all happening here

With our purchases made, asparagus, local keto crackers, and locally produced ham, we went and sat outside to sit and eat our goodies.  Ice-cream for Robin and a coffee for me.  It was nice and warm in the sunshine, but once the sun went behind the clouds, definitely a little chilly.  Our Spring weather is rather like that, always rather temperamental, Mother Nature just can’t seem to make up her mind.

That ice-cream is almost finished

That was a nice little treat for us both, a little drive, buying fresh local produce, and Robin really enjoyed his mixed berry ice-cream in the fresh air.  Then it was home for lunch.  And……. we will be enjoying asparagus and cheese sauce tonight with our dinner.

Menz Shed in the News

Robin is a keen member of the local Menz Shed and they have been in the local newspaper this week.  They have been working through the year to make wooden toys for children at Christmas, some families are finding it a struggle at this time of the year.  The members have just handed over 150 wooden toys to the charity which distributes them.  No privacy is breached when the toys are passed on by the charity, all that is needed is the child’s age and gender so the present provided is appropriate.

Toys made for children who may miss out at Christmas

The range of wooden toys made include trucks, tractors, pull along animals, aeroplanes, dolls clotheslines with miniature pegs, and dolls cots.  A member’s wife also makes mattresses, blankets and sleeping bags to go with the cots.

Menz Shed in the newspaper

Local Goodies

It’s asparagus season once again so we took a trip to the Lewis Farm property to buy a bag of these tasty goodies.  After all, what could be nicer than freshly cooked asparagus dripping with butter, or perhaps smothered in cheese sauce?  The factory was in full swing, clattering away as the asparagus traveled along the lines as it was washed, sorted and graded.  Then packed into bags waiting for the happy customers to come and purchase.  I believe a lot of the crop is also sent overseas.

Fresh asparagus

Asparagus is not the only crop grown here.  Recently the company has added several huge tunnel houses to grow strawberries and raspberries.  And with some of that fruit they make and sell soft serve fruit ice-cream.  Just what Robin fancied!  I decided on a lovely barista coffee instead.

Enjoying his ice-cream

On the way back through town we stopped to have a look at a huge cat mural which had appeared a while ago.  I walked over to take a photo but couldn't see a name on the painting.  Mind you, there were cars parked in front and a container down the far end, so it could well have ben covered up.

Cat mural in town

I asked Mr Google and he gave me the answer.  This amazing 5mt by 20mt mural painted on the side of the Novus Glass building in Oxford St was  the work of SwiftMantis of Palmerston North, and took three weeks to paint.  Commissioned by the Horowhenua District Council and the funding for the mural comes under council's recently adopted Community and Social Development Action plan.  The star of the artwork is local cat Niko, a rescue who now lives on a feijoa orchard just out of town, and the perspective of the Tararua Ranges is from directly above his home near Potts Rd.

About Town

We’ve been pottering around during the last week or so, doing a few chores and getting some necessary supplies in.  I had my first trip to the supermarket for quite some time.  All I can say is that I’m pleased I had my walker to get around on, and I really needed a cuppa and a lie down when we got back home!  While I had been absent from supermarket duties over the last couple of months the shop has had quite a makeover, with all fridges and freezers replaced.  And just to keep the shoppers on their toes, many items are not where they used to be, now placed somewhere completely different.

Another local trip was to get rid of  some recycling, something that Robin usually does by himself.  But I was having a bout of cabin fever so went along for the ride.  What a busy place, cars kept arriving to get rid of their cans, plastic, cardboard and bottles.

Recycling time

Then it was time to go to our local veggie market, the Garden of York,  to stock up on nice fresh locally grown vegetables, (if its green, it’s got to be good for you) and some fruit as well.  I brought home a lovely big grey pumpkin which will be ending up as pumpkin soup one of these days.  And a bag of little baby yams too, we enjoy these roasted, so nice.  Leeks, kumara, cauli and broccoli, parsnips and carrots, that should see us right for a while, we do love our veggies.

Leeks growing in the winter sunshine

Another trip was to get our second Covid vaccination.  We were warned that some people will get a reaction, rather like flu symptoms, but both of us were fine.  There, all done now but…….. we heard on the news that maybe a third dose will be needed later on, we will have to wait and see.  Not that we will have a problem with that, in fact, I imagine the Covid jab will probably become an annual vaccination, just like the flu jab we get each year.

After long last we are going away for a weekend caravan club rally, it’s been a while since we were able to attend.  Robin is champing at the bit, he really enjoys his time away in the caravan.  And it will be a nice change of scene for Gemma as well, she is a well seasoned caravan cat indeed.  Meanwhile, she has been tucked up inside  keeping herself warm.

All warm and snuggly

Offal Night

Does that send shivers down your spine?  We were invited out by friends Derek and Dot on Friday night to have a meal at the local RSA, Returned Services Association, to indulge in one of their regular Offal Night offerings.  We don’t eat offal but were assured that other things were on the menu as well.

On offer for the brave were Lambs Fry and Bacon, Tripe and Onions, and something rather frightening called a Mixed Offal Plate, goodness knows what was served up for that!  Luckily there was Steak and Kidney Pie and Fish and Chips as well too choose from.  Derek chose lambs fry and bacon, but mentioned the bacon seemed to be missing, and Dot had her taste buds happy with tripe and onions.  Robin and I both chose the steak and kidney pie, which was delicious.

Steak and Kidney Pie

As we were having a night off from cooking, we all indulged in dessert as well.  Ice cream sundaes and spiced apple and walnut cake (huge portion) were devoured with gusto.  It was a nice night out and we all enjoyed our meals, thanks Derek and Dot for inviting us to join you.

The Polar Blast has been and gone and we have had some lovely calm and sunny days, cooler temps starting with frosty mornings.  Thank goodness for the heat pump.  There is a sprinkling of snow on the Tararua Ranges behind our home, no doubt there will be heavier falls as the winter season continues.

SLG Lunch – keeping it local

During the week we had a Super Leisure Group outing, organised by Calvin.  This was my first “big” trip out of the house for weeks after having my spinal surgery so Calvin kindly arranged for us to meet for lunch not too far away, just south of Levin.  That way, I wouldn’t have to sit in the car too long.  We met at Salt and Pepper Café, which also has a plant nursery, a small gift shop,  and sells locally produced eggs.

Here for lunch

Walking through the shop to the café, we were a little worried to see a sign on the café door stating that the café was fully booked.  Surely Calvin had pre-booked a table for our group?  Of course he had, and there they were, three of our group sitting and waiting, with Yvonne and Ashley arriving shortly after us. The café was certainly full to overflowing, always a good sign at an eatery, I feel.

There was plenty of good choices on the menu and we all ordered different meals.  The food was very tasty indeed, and the only problem we encountered on this chilly day were patrons coming and going out the café door and not closing it behind them.  Come on people, it’s common courtesy, after all. 

All ready to tuck into our meals.

On our way out some looked around the garden centre, Trish purchased some eggs, and we bought some of our favourite keto crackers from the shop. 

 

The garden centre

Then it was all back to Villa 50 for coffee and cake and even more chatting to complete the afternoon before everyone headed back down to the Hutt Valley.  Many thanks to Calvin for organising a nice lunch out – it was so nice to catch up with everyone again.

Staying Local

We've had a busy day, doing a few chores in the local area.  First was a visit to the doctor’s surgery for our annual flu jab.  The nurses were busy attending to a steady stream of patients coming in for their jabs.  No trouble at all with this, we hardly felt a thing.  We believe that the Covid vaccinations will be available to us about May, so we are looking forward to receiving them soon.

Next was a trip to the “Big Egg” to purchase our free range eggs.  While Robin was inside attending to this, I walked over to say hello to all the happy hens enjoying some time outside.  They have plenty of space to scratch around looking for bugs in the grass and dirt.  I think they were hoping I had some food scraps to toss over the fence for them.

Happy hens lay healthy eggs

Our last stop was at the local market “The Garden of York” to replenish our fruit and veggies.  Many of the vegetables are grown on site, and we could see lots of fresh seedlings growing nicely.  We love our fresh veggies and always purchase them here.

Veggies growing

After all that, it was time to go back home for a cuppa.

Food, glorious food

It’s been a busy old time lately with the build up to Christmas.  We enjoyed two consecutive dinners out last week.  On Thursday evening the Rangeview Ladies Luncheon Group went out for a pre-Christmas Dinner, taking our husbands with us.  Then the following evening the Menz Shed members had another dinner, and invited their wives.  Both were very tasty meals, most enjoyable, but for whatever reason, no photos were taken.  And on Sunday mornings we always enjoy a tasty bacon and egg breakfast, cooked by Robin.  Usually at this time of the year, we can purchase Free Range double yolker eggs from the local supplier.

Now the temperatures are warming up, it’s time for the occasional BBQ meal.  Our latest one was a small rolled pork and roast potatoes and kumera cooked on the Weber, so delicious and it smelt wonderful too.  While Robin was in charge outside, I was cooking up extra veggies on the stove top.

BBQ time

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but just to remind you, the Horowhenua area where we live is full of market gardens.  Shirley’s Strawberries is a favourite of ours, and during the season we often call in to replenish supplies.  As well as being freshly picked and delicious, they are very reasonably priced too.

Yummy local strawberries

Another favourite place to visit is Lewis Farm, not too far from us,  which grows asparagus.  The season is in full swing and the factory is full of seasonal workers.

Asparagus everywhere

Lewis Farms also grow strawberries, and make their own ice-cream.  They are branching out into raspberries, we discovered, so we will have to watch out for them when they are harvested.  Robin sat outside at the picnic tables and  ate his strawberry ice-cream with gusto during our visit, while I had a freshly brewed coffee.

Coffee at the Asparagus Farm

And on the menu for dinner tonight is Asparagus Quiche using some of that freshly picked asparagus, and blackberry crumble.  Sounds good to me, and I don’t think we will be going hungry.

Lock Down Shopping

In line with the medical view that over 70s should not be going out to get their groceries during the lockdown, we investigated on-line shopping and delivery.  It would be well worth the charge to get it safely delivered to our door.  First, we had to register, then spent quite some time checking the website for the products we needed. Then came the frustration, with our order ready, we had to pick a “slot” (day and time) for either pick-up or delivery.  But there were no slots available, and seemingly no way of leaving the order ready on-line for the next available slot.  All this took a couple of hours, grrrr!

Robin rang through to the office and told the person on the other end of the phone about our predicament.  How could we stay home as advised and get our groceries delivered.  The answer was, “Come down now, the queue is not too long”.  So that’s what we did, donning a couple of face masks which Robin found kicking around somewhere.

The line outside the shop was orderly, all standing well apart, and the one at the front of the queue was handed a trolley and allowed in the door each time someone exited with their trolley of groceries.  After 15 minutes of waiting, it was finally our turn – although shoppers are meant to go on their own, he allowed both of us in together.  Perhaps we looked rather old and doddery?  With a list in hand, we quickly got what we wanted.  But then we had to wait in an even longer queue snaking around the store till we finally reached the checkout.  Goodness knows how the really elderly cope with all this standing and waiting.

We knew that the checkouts had changed somewhat, although this was our first experience of the changes.  We unloaded the items at the end of the counter, then stood well back behind the Perspex screen.  The items were scanned and placed into another trolley behind the operator, who then wheeled it around, for us to collect.  Payment was made by credit card, no cash allowed, and although I didn't witness it, I presume that the terminal would be wiped down between customers.  We had to pack our own groceries into bags, which we did at the car.

There was a bit of excitement while we were patiently queuing and waiting our turn at the check-out.  A younger woman had walked down between the aisles and sneaked in front, instead of walking back around the store and going to the end of the queue.  She had been told to move but just stayed at the front, finally walking up to the next available checkout and unloading her trolley.  The manager came rushing up, telling her to put her things back into her trolley and get to the end of the line, as she had already been told!  F*%# You, she said, and flounced out of the store, leaving someone else, of course, to put all her items back on the shelves.

Walking around the shop it was good to note that we never noticed a single case of anyone coughing, sneezing or spluttering, so that was good.  Still couldn't buy any flour though, although there seemed to be plenty of TP in stock.  And as a treat, a packet or two of Easter Eggs jumped into our trolley, we needed them after all that stress!

We will give on-line shopping another try in the near future, hopefully it will be more successful next time we try.

Fickle Spring Weather

Spring weather down here in New Zealand is often fickle and changeable.  It’s a beautiful calm Spring day today, but yesterday it poured with rain for hours.  Frosts some days, wind on others, we just don’t know what the weather gods will be throwing at us.  But what we do know is that the days are slowly getting longer, so “Roll on Summer”.  All this rain and alternate sunshine is good for the local market gardens.  We went to our favourite one yesterday, before the rain started, to see lots of new crops in the ground.

Spring sowing

Our kowhai tree is in full bloom, and such a pretty sight – kowhais would have to be our favourite native tree.  This one was transported as a baby from our previous home in Upper Hutt.  It was self sown under the parent tree so we potted it up and brought it with us when we moved to our new home.  Five years or so on, it is doing marvelously.  Tuis come visiting to sip the nectar, and keep us entertained with their melodic song.

Our beautiful kowhai tree

Strawberries and Ice-cream

We were eating strawberries and ice-cream for a good cause.  The Strawberry Festival was organized by Property Brokers Levin to raise funds for Arohanui Hospice which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients in our area.  The hospice service is free and two thirds of the patients are cared for in their own homes.  Support for their families is also provided.

People were queuing up for their sweet treat, and Property Brokers staff were doing a great job.  Selling tickets, putting scoops of ice-cream into containers, adding strawberries, fruit sauce, and topping it all off with a shake or two of icing sugar.  It was a real team effort.

As we stopped to enjoy our strawberries, we listened to local singer Geoff who provided the entertainment.  At $5 per serving, it was money well spent, and all going to a wonderful cause.  Mind you, I did hear one man ask if he could have it for free, that was a bit cheeky, I thought.  Just as well he was refused. 

And the Lights came on

Each year our local community newspaper prints a list of homes decorated for Christmas.  One “not to miss” we were told, was down at the sleepy little village of Waikawa Beach. On arrival, the first thing we saw was this huge “tree” glowing in the dark.

This display was a little different to the norm, and was made up of lots of frames, where the characters appear to busily move about, full of activity.

We watched as the helicopter went on it’s way, Santa climbed a ladder, a skier busy on the slopes, elves loading Santa’s sleigh, and a little alien popped out of a spaceship.  There were things happening everywhere!

Christmas display at Waikawa Beach

Back in town again we checked out another display on our list.  And as it happened, it was the home of fellow Menz Shed member, Phil.  He likes to come and talk to the visitors when they arrive, and told us the sad tale of thieves coming back in the dead of night who made off with some of his display last year.

Lights up at Phil’s home

The home owners who do these displays are to be commended, they bring wonder and joy to visitors over the festive season.

Mother’s Day Dinner

It’s Mother’s Day down here in the Antipodes, and we celebrated a day early with a Mothers Day Dinner at Waitarere Beach.  This was  new establishment to us, we had never been to Pipi Point Restaurant before, and a group of about 20 of us pooled cars and drove up for a night out.

Inside, the place was humming, and most of the tables were full.  Just as well we had a booking for us all in the back room.

 

Welcome, enter inside

We all found a seat and settled down.  It’s not surprising that this restaurant specializes in fish meals.  I enjoyed a Fish Basket which included tasty seafood wontons, very yummy, and Robin had Fish of the Day.

My fish basket

The food was great, and very large portions indeed.  I noticed several taking a doggy bag home as they couldn’t finish the meal.  There was plenty of chatter going on around the large table, and once again, it was amazing to find out from our table partners that we have friends in common.  And Robin discovered that he and another man who looked vaguely familiar worked at Post Office Headquarters together many years ago.  It’s certainly a small world.

Enjoying out meal at Pipi Point

New Arrival in our Street

Driving out of our village yesterday we saw a new arrival just around the corner on the street.  An instant pop-up house.

The new house must have arrived some time earlier so we didn’t see all the fun and games as it was maneuvered into position and propped up on jacks. You can see the piles being put into position underneath. It seems to be a kit set model complete with internal fittings, as we could see a kitchen through the windows.   And today it looked this.

The jacks have been lowered leaving the house resting on the piles. We must have missed that bit of excitement.  The new owners were inside opening crates and boxes and putting their possessions away.  But the plumbers, drain layers, electricians and who ever else have to come before the house is habitual.

Our Autumn weather continues to be mild and sunny, so we are making the most of it before Winter comes calling.