Boys' Toys . . .

After leaving the lake we drove until we reached Twizel where we refuelled the motorhome and decided we would continue on to Tekapo for lunch. As we were leaving Twizel, Bruce suddenly announced that Finney needed a walk. I quickly cottoned on as I saw a row of big boys' toys lol. I was happy to stay in the warm knitting Finney's new jersey while they explored the vehicles on display. 

As we were heading to Lake Tekapo, Bruce spotted a colleague of his parked on the side of the highway. We quickly turned around and stopped to chat for a while. It still wasn't the warmest outside, so I invited Gary in for coffee and cake and we passed a lovely hour or so with him. He then continued south to his son's house, and we travelled further north. We didn't bother stopping at Lake Tekapo and drove as far as Fairlie. Here we treated ourselves to fish and chips for dinner and drove just outside of the town to park up for the night and enjoy our meal. 

The next morning, we stopped at Bruce's work so he could do a couple of hours to complete a small job and then we headed homeward. On the way we stopped at the Chertsey Book Barn. This is a wonderful second-hand bookstore that has an amazing selection of categories and titles. It also has a huge range of puzzles for those who love that sort of a challenge. 

With Finney acting as navigator, we finally arrived at the farm and life sadly returned to normal.

#Twizel #ConstructionVehicles #Fairlie #ChertseyBookBarn #Norwood #JackRussell

5th June 2024

 Lake Dunstan . . .

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful lake. After taking Finney for a walk, we had a delicious meal of meatballs and spaghetti, with a couple of glasses of yummy wine. Because Finney likes to sit by us, Bruce made up a seat for her between our seats using the cushions I had made. When she sat up (like she loves to do) and gave the impression she was human, Bruce was naughty and put one of her biscuits on the table. When I spoiled their fun by taking it away, Finney gave up and settled down for a sleep.

We woke up to a very frosty morning, not that it worried us as the central heating in the motorhome made us feel very cosy indeed. As we were finishing breakfast, we were treated to the most glorious sunrise reflecting on both the mountains and the lake. From the warmth of our wee home, we also got to gaze at the waterfowl that glided effortlessly before us. I particularly loved the black swans and was amazed to see that their wings were mostly white when they flapped them.

After we had cleared away the breakfast things and washed the dishes, we headed down to the lakeside for a walk. It was really breathtakingly beautiful, although as well as the hat and jacket I was wearing, I wished I had also taken my gloves. Bruce and Finney did a bit of mountaineering, but I was happy to wait by the lakeside. We finished our walk by chatting to a couple of fishermen as they inflated their boat, they reported that they have caught lovely trout and salmon in the lake.

After a cup of tea, we finally said goodbye to the lake at 11.30am. It was so restful that we were in no hurry at all to leave and are determined to return again one day. 

#LakeDunstan #Sunrise #LakeReflections #BlackSwans #Ducks #Fishing #Trout #Salmon #Motorhome

4th June 2024

 Time to leave . . .

Our time in Kennington came to an end all too fast. We started the day by sharing one last morning playtime with our darling Addison. She has discovered the delight of being surrounded by empty boxes. Not only have they been fun to play in, when opened up they make great canvases for her creativity. The joy of this was greatly enhanced by sitting in Daddy's big desk chair. Finally, the time came to say goodbye and that last cuddle with her was heartbreaking. It wasn't any easier to give Alex and Nichole a farewell hug. 😢 

We decided to travel home via the inland route, so headed towards Queenstown. We stopped at Fairlight for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed a walk over the bridge and then down beside the river. Finney also had fun discovering all of the different smells the area had to offer.

We continued driving until we reached Lake Dunstan. Driving past several lovely areas that were clearly signposted with no camping signs. When we arrived at the official camping area, we realised that part of the lake was even more beautiful than the rest stops before it. We were very content to park up and spend the night there. 

#Kennington #Fairlight #FairlightBeat #LakeDunstan

3rd June 2024

 Moving Farms . . .

We finally arrived at Dacre on Friday evening. Alex had already started packing the truck in readiness for moving the next day to the farm in Kennington. This little town is just 10 minutes from Invercargill, so it will make taking Addison to Montessori and doing the grocery shop so much easier - a great saving on both time and petrol.

The move went smoothly, with just a few patches of rain instead of the full wet day that had been forecast. With the help of friends, it didn't take long at all to unload the truck and get a second load. Now Alex and Nichole have the daunting task of unpacking a mountain of boxes.

We were disappointed to see that the kitchen cupboards hadn't been cleaned, so I got onto that job while Nichole was getting the last load from the old house. Then on her return, Nichole was able to put things away where she wanted them to go. It is always a great feeling when boxes start to get emptied and with the kitchen being the heart of any home it is a perfect place to start.

Poppa and Addison put the princess bed together, with Poppa encouraging her to use the tools to get the job done. Sadly, I wasn't quick enough to get action photos, just the completed bed. When Bruce started to put the legs back onto the table, he called out "Where's my apprentice." and Addison came running, ready to help again.

Addison was given the choice of bedrooms, and her eyes lit up when she saw the pink room. However, it is a very small room, so she also has the room across the hall to use as a playroom. This is just as well as I do believe she could open a toy shop with her vast collection of toys. We didn't get to open many of her bags and boxes so I'm looking forward to seeing it set up next time we go south. Even though she was surrounded by boxes, Addison insisted she needed a bed, so dragged her bean bag down the hall and promptly threw herself onto it, 

1st and 2nd June 2024

 Travelling South . . .

We left home mid-morning on Thursday. Finney was keen to get going and wouldn't leave the motorhome, didn't want to get left behind I guess. Wearing the new jersey that I knitted for her. However, it is a bit on the big side so I will have to knit her another one. Once she had her harness on, the barking started, her way of saying get the engine going. She loves these adventures as much as we do.

We drove as far as Rangitata and stopped for lunch. We just enjoyed an antipasto board and delighted in the novelty of eating in the motorhome instead of having to unpack picnic baskets or go to cafes like we used to. The salmon that a friend had caught and smoked for us was so delicious. Finney certainly makes herself at home wherever she goes.

We quietly wound our way down the country and stopped at Shag Point for the night. Waking up to the sound of waves rolling into the beach was quite magical. We enjoyed the view of these waves as we ate breakfast. Life doesn't get any better than this. After breakfast and with the dishes washed, we headed down to the beach for a lovely walk before continuing our journey.

#JackRussell #Motorhome #DogJersey #ShagPoint #AntipastoBoard

30th - 31st May 2024

 Weekend Away Preparations . . .

I have been busy this week making birthday cards and finishing turning my daughter's birthday present. This is the card I made for Cameron for his 16th birthday. Like others of his age, he enjoys time spent on computer games. I tried to make a Pacman card even though he is far too young to know about an 80's game - but Nana does lol. When I looked at my punches, I thought if I used the owl upside down it would probably work quite well. Then with the Stampin' Up Tasteful Trim and Punch Bunch stamp set the card was completed.

Today I started to prepare the motorhome ready for our time away. We thoroughly enjoy our time away in our new home away from home. I love things that match, so got busy with the sewing machine and made matching curtains, cushions and other accessories. I even crocheted matching knee rugs for those cooler days ahead.

 

When it came to thinking about food, I pulled out jars of fruit, spaghetti, beans and dehydrated fruit from the larder. Everything went to the motorhome except for the beans, these I used to make a bean salad. Both Bruce and I love the convenience of this salad. I also took meatballs, salmon and cooked potato cubes from the freezer for easy on the move meals. I also packed a variety of goodies to prepare antipasto boards for afternoon teas etc. Next came the job of putting fresh linen and towels in the cupboards and placing clothes in the wardrobe and overhead lockers.

Finally, the water bottles needed filling, and Bruce organised the water tank and a newly filled gas bottle. 

 

Bean Salad Recipe . . .

½ cup boiling water
½ cup sugar

½ cup olive oil

1 cup white vinegar

2 tins mixed beans

3 jars bottled beans

2 onions (1 red, 1 brown)

1 red pepper

½ tsp black pepper

Dissolve sugar in boiling water, add other ingredients and combine well. Better made the day before use. Will keep for a week in the refrigerator. 

Note: I didn't have a red onion and my brown onions were on the small side, so I used 3. I opened a jar each of Scarlet Runner, Green and Butter beans. I will show you how to preserve these when they start growing again. Having jars of bottled beans is wonderful for salads or for adding to meals as there is no defrosting time required.

#Motorhome #CardMaking #MotorhomeAccessories #BeanSaladRecipe

29th May 2024