A BUSY WEEK

On Monday our Parkinson Walk was from the Information Centre to the Raumanga Falls.  We were surprised to see that there was still some water going over the Falls.  There is a rocky area above the Falls and one of the group (the wife of someone with Parkinson's) went across this area to get a good photo.  Unfortunately, she must have slipped and ended up in what looked like a shallow pool but was, in fact, waist height.  I didn't see it happen as I had my back to the Falls at the time but saw the looks on the faces of those who did.  Luckily, there was the husband of a lady with Parkinson's who was able to help get her out.  It still took them three tries.  She is o.k. and had almost dried out by the time we got back to the cafe and stayed and had a coffee with us.  It could have been much worse with the need to call the Fire Brigade.

Tuesday, we had appointments in town just after lunch so went in early as we wanted to buy a stick vacuum.  We have had a hand held vacuum that Doug used to vacuum up Sophie's (Labrador Retriever) hair.  She moults constantly.  Anyway, it was not really enough to do the job so we bought the stick vacuum and it is amazing to see how much it sucks up.  Looks like a good purchase.  

Wednesday was a free day so I removed the older tomato plants.  They have done us well in spite of the drought which has now been officially declared.  I have another lot of tomato plants that I grew from seed and are looking good but not ripening yet.  The new beans that I sowed have come up so I am hopeful of a crop and am also getting a second crop from the Dalmation Beans.

Thursday (yesterday) I had my second Dental appointment for fillings, this was only 3/4 hour thank goodness and was only $385 rather than the $450 of last weeks session.

When I got home I did some more work in the garden.  During the week I have also been picking peaches and getting them stewed and frozen. 

We have also been getting the spare bedroom ready for a visitor on Sunday.  We have a new walker to the Parkinson Group and it turns out that she moved from Auckland a couple of years ago and knew my friend Gillian whom I have known for about 45 years so Gillian is coming up for a few days catch up.

The Deck area is still proceeding.  We have put up an extra screen for the sun and also ordered some venetian blinds and a "fly curtain" which we hope will keep out some of the sun in the late afternoon.  The only other item still to be finished is guttering and a water tank.  

The drought is serious with areas further north on level 4 restrictions which is essential drinking, cooking and washing only.  We do, however, have light rain forecast for tomorrow.  So here's hoping.  After that it is supposed to get cooler (mid 20's).  Yesterday was 31 degrees which is today's forecast.

I have also cleaned out what was left of the water in our rain butts (putting it on the garden) in readiness for tomorrow's rain