So, to date, we have packet 29 boxes all with stuff we won't be needing for the next month, incredible really the amount of things you accumulate! A lot of it hasn't been looked at since we got to NZ, namely lots of Derek's Apple memorabilia and lots of management stuff which he is now culling, but they are things he is loathe to get rid of as they mean a lot to him. I can understand that but I have moved so many many times over the last 35 years that I have become very singular in my choices of what is necessary and what is needed. I am going back with less scrapbooking stuff but more albums, 21 of them, and lots of material and quilts so they are necessary and needed but that's because they are mine!!!
Talking of which my 'kissing fish' quilt is now put together and I am quilting it.
Last Friday we made a trip down to Tapanui near Gore to take my batik quilt to a long arm quilter there, Julie-Ann. I got her name from Elaine next door, Paddy's friend, who is also a quilter and has used her before.
It is about an hour and a half run down there and we had to be back here for 2pm so we set off at 9. It was a glorious Autumn day and I took lots of photos.
We went through Clyde and Alexandra up on to the top road passed Butchers Dam so stopped and took some photos there first.
It was settled by Scottish immigrants in 1860 for the goldfish, Goldfish!!! I meant goldrush (It keeps spell checking me!) and was one of the first places to grow apples in New Zealand. It's other claim to fame is it was the background for a Toyota Hilux advert in 2011!!!
The Teviot Valley is just lovely and a prolific growing region. I shall miss all this abundance and choice of fruit, veg and nuts to buy at such cheap prices.
As I have said before, we can see it coming across the top of the mountains then it detours either in front of us or behind us across either the Pisa's to Wanaka or the Dunstan's to Alexandra and beyond and leaves us 'dry' - not today though, it's pouring down!! Derek is out clearing the gutters in the rain and getting soaked!!
I went to the house that Julie-Anne had directed me to only to go to her next door neighbour (it is her Mum's house and very nice too) which was presently occupied by two Americans who invited me in not knowing who the heck I was until I started to get my quilt out and they realised I needed to be next door! Julie-Anne told me later that he is the Director for 'Pete's Dragon' which they have just finished filming here. Derek was creased up laughing at me by the gate - thankfully they were nice people! So was Julie-Ann and now she is going to put big 'jungle leaves' all over my quilt - I just hope she can now do it in time for us moving as she has lots of others to do too and works full time. So I left my prize in her capable hands and never asked how much it was going to cost!
So back to Roxburgh.
This time we went via the Moa Flat Road as we have never been on it. Gosh was it pretty up there, some huge and lovely farms too.
I know I seem to be putting in the same photos at the mo but can't seem to get enough of this area at the mo, we are going to miss it so much. The people who came on Saturday from Oamaru for our treadmill are seriously considering coming to live here they love it so much. What lovely people they were.
So back through Alex -
This week seems to have been a blur of packing and very hot days, up to 18 degrees again yesterday and no need for any heating again last night, weird and wonderful weather - a north westerly!
Our apples are doing even better now and getting plumper, they will have had a good drink today.
Neither of us has been sleeping well, stress I suppose and unusually Derek had a terrible night so he had his first ever Nana nap yesterday! I have never known him to do this and he slept for over an hour on the couch. Ah bless him xx
He is taking our car Dolores for an appraisal today as a vicar friend of Lindsays is interested in buying her before we leave which should be good. Hopefully she will raise enough for us to buy a decent second hand car in the UK when we get home.
We have fixed up accommodation now for when we leave here on 29th May (Kacey's b'day) so are off to stay in a motel in Nelson for a month which isn't so bad. It is by the sea in an area we love so we couldn't ask for more and it is cheaper than our mortgage so has all worked out well in the end.
Will try to keep you all up to date for our last two months in New Zealand.
Take care everyone especially my Mum who is not feeling quite herself at the moment, hope the tablets help with the pain Mum and give you much needed sleep. And also to her sister Auntie Brenda who is also not too good at the moment either and in hospital for a short stay. Get well soon both of you xx
TTFN xx