Sunny Thursday.

[dinky]

Good morning ladies,
Thursday 4:45pm here and it's been a sunny day, although not exactly hot. The wind's just coming up now. I managed to get a whole washing line full of clothes and towels dry, so that's a good feeling. Janna is at home today ,but starts work at 8am tomorrow. She's not working that dreaded 2am shift until next week, thank goodness. Janna went to get me a couple of library books today, as she was going up to the mall for wild bird seed, and she came home with 2 really scary ones - at least the titles are scary "Survive the Night" and "Lock every Door". Gosh ,I don't think I can read those when I'm on my own at night next week. Janna has certainly become a lot more confident since she started working at Te Pae. I noticed it when she had to ring Inland Revenue about her tax. Normally she' wouldn't do it , but this time ,she rang and spoke to someone with no hesitation. I was really proud of her.

Yesterday we had an earthquake - only a 3.5 ,but its epicentre was close by here and we really felt it. The whole house shook and the floor was rolling. The poor cats went crazy. I didn't hear it coming and so I got a real shock too, but luckily it didn't last long. and it was in the day time. I really hate it if we get one at night.

I've got a small patch of black mold on the ceiling of my bedroom. It's just come up, probably due to all the rain we've been having lately. I don't know which is worse - black mold or flooding in the lounge. I've sprayed white vinegar on the patch and Janna will scrub it with hot soapy water tomorrow when she gets home from work. If that doesn't work, I'll have to look at something else. I always open windows in the bedroom and try to keep it warm at night, so not sure why this is going on. Tim, my neighbour, has the same problem in his lounge and bedroom.

I haven't seen my cousin for ages now and I've still got her birthday presents here. I've asked her to come and get them, but she doesn't seem interested. We talk every morning on the phone and she goes out shopping etc, but won't come here. As I don't have a car, I may have to take them to her in a taxi, as I really want her to have them. I guess i could borrow Brenna's car and do it. Now I'm starting to worry if I've gotten her enough -I always start second guessing myself- and I'm worried if I've offended her AGAIN. I know I haven't though. Honestly, I never seem to know where I am with her.

Now for my more important news. On Tuesday , I went to the hospital and had both my knees x-rayed, as they have been extremely painful, despite the strengthening exercises i have been doing. I have osteo arthritis in both knees, due to all the judo I used to do. Anyway, the specialist i saw said that I need both knees replaced. They only do one at a time, and I am down on the waiting list to have my left knee replaced now. Unfortunately ,the health system here is terrible and so there will be a wait, but at least it will happen. I often think of yola who also had trouble with her knees and wonder how she is getting on, and your husband, Howard, Shelley, whom I recall was having trouble with his knee as well. Some days the pain isn't so bad, but sometimes, just walking down to the end of our street is horrible. At least I'm in the system anyway.

No more news. Apricot chicken rissoles and pasta for tea tonight with lots of veges. I'm just going to see if the cats want to go outside for a bit first and by then, the tea will be ready.

PAMELA, it sounds as if your sister had a very merry birthday. What did you give her for a gift ? Mantrailing seems to be going so well for you and Robyn. Did Mia also enjoy it ? You might have to take both of them in future if Mia loves it. I hope your work is going well for you and you're not working too hard . I know you've been busy, but do make sure you have time for a bit of relaxation as well. Are you still planning to do the Search and Rescue course with Robyn, when she is over her season ? I'm sure she'd love it. You must be so proud of both your girls. I hope your dad is continuing to improve now as well.

SHELLEY,, wow, you're back in Scotland now until September. How lovely for you, and that sea air will be so good for you, especially after you've had that infection.. I hope you are feeling a lot better now. Are your cousins able to join you ? It must have been very stressful making that shift to temporary headquarters, but at least now you'll be able to relax and catch up on your reading and jigsaws and take the pups on lovely long walks in the sunshine. Do enjoy your time away, Shelley. It sounds as if you enjoyed that vintage fair last weekend and were able to sell some of your beautiful dolls as well. Good for you.

Well ladies, I'm off to take the cats outside for a bit. it might be too cold for them and they don't like the wind but at least they have the option of going out if they want to go.

Have a great Thursday Pamela and Shelley. Hope the sun shines for you both today.

[Shelley123]

Hello ladies.
Not sure whether i told you but my new doll room is completely sorted now and im delighted with it.
I am able to have my bears and other soft toys sat on the carpet without fear of mouldy bottoms.
When we return from Scotland we are goung to make a dining room in the downstairs room.
Pamela, my next fair is September, also.
We struggled to get Malaika and Kwame ti walk nicely on the leads.
We invested in halti harnesses and training leads that have 2 fitting points fir more control.
Dinky, i hope you get your knees sorted soon.
Howard has been told its arthritis in his, although there was no scans.
He takes cod liver oil and Boron tablets daily and thinks they help.