Walk 40 - Cornwall

Cape Cornwall

Mousehole

Round The Island at St Ives

Exploring around Cape Cornwall

Mousehole

Mousehole

Barbara Hepworth Garden, St Ives

Searching the country lanes

Finding Stone Circles

Sponsored by.......

Our three week whirlwind UK visit left us exhausted, homesick, happy, sad, ponderous and all that. Watching the jubilee celebrations added to our collection of thoughts about where we are and what we want to do.
So of course I distract myself, make cake and decorate the mantle. Sponsored by Emma Rafter, we have the wondrous cake topping, paper chains, ribbon and tin. Marks and Spencer biscuit tin and a union jake kite - a gift from a friend quite a while ago. Anything red, white or blue fits as does my newly acquired jubilee mug. I've changed the guard and put up postcards I've kept from sent from Blighty, even dug out some pictures of landmarks and top spots. Great British Anthems played and the neighbours came for afternoon tea with the aforementioned cake.

Paper chains and ribbon from my sponsor
Tin from Marks and Spencer

The Union Jack Kite completing the scene really

Victoria Sponge, thank you Jamie

Jet lag and a week at work clearly showing on my face, but I battle on and make cake

The wonder that is

Ready for afternoon tea

Just one more for good measure

Afternoon tea - yes sunny and warm in winter Auckland

Half eaten cake but the Queen hangs in

Is this helping the quandary, I don't know.

Day Nine

Really only nine days, wow. But this is the first time I'm on my own. Well on my own is not quite the thing, but I'm travelling on a train from Chester to Darlington.
Nine days in and I haven't looked at a box or bit of furniture to 'sort'. That starts this afternoon. I feel a cleansing coming on.
The train takes me through places I have never heard of, so this trip has turned into a school type project as I make notes and comments about the stations we pass through and the wise observations of a 40 something woman who had been thrown into a cauldron of mindfullness since getting into the UK. So rather than deal with that right now, random train stations it is.
First up is Hellby, clearly a station proud of itself, as you roll in you notice it's a bit special. It's the winner of the tidiest station award 2011 but proudly displays all it's previous awards.
Frodsham is next and is under some renovation - is it trying to keep up with Hellby down the line - conjours up images of interstation on rivalry.I digress. Frodsham is the gateway to the standstone trial ( my train scribbled notes are a bit dodge and that could be sandstone though. Either way this is also the station to use for getting to the Weaver Valley Regional Park.
Runcorn East is a little nondiscrept with no handy signs or titbits of information. Warrington Bank Quay is not as posh as it sounds but I do start to get glimpses of canals which I rather like. The best I can come up with for Earlstown is the colorful railings on their steps and bridge. You pull into Newton-le-Willows with an view over the town and here at last some beer carrying football fans get onto the train. You'd think with a name like Newton-le-Willows they'd be a story, it has a 2 lonely platforms but not a lot else. Manchester Oxford Road next which means this journey is nearly over.
I'm treated to chimneys and yellow fields and as I passed through these previously unheard of towns my mind wonders about the people who use them, what do they do, why use the train, where do they live, are they happy, what are their dreams, what do they have for lunch.
Pulling into the city of Manchester there are tall impressive looking buildings but I need to find my next platform and take the wonderful sounding transpennine express.

A postscript: taken me far too many days to complete this, so day nine is now 13. As for posting, that will be day 24 then!

Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Annmarie, Duncan and I watching The Empire Strikes Back.

Dunacan and I had started about 10am with episode 1. We had great food all day (porridge, raw veggies with humus, then pizza). The shame was we had to go to the pub for farewell drinks (this was my last full day in the UK) at 8pm, so we only made it halfway through The Empire Strikes back (heh four and half films not bad). The event obviously needs reapeating and successful completion

Ending Unplanned

I have now returned 'home' to New Zealand. So what is home, where is home. Is it friends and family, is it where I lay my hat (though I never look good in a hat). The trip to the UK has made me question this. I make my home wherever I am. I like making a home. Cosy stuff around me, bits and pieces, pictures, food, candles...the list goes on. Yes, New Zealand is home, forgive me if that makes me disloyal to my family and friends and the UK in general but there it is. The thing is who knows where home will be in 5, 10 or 20 years time. We don't know what will great us each day. I live each day and am thankful for all I have, can do and can enjoy during that day. I like to plan but I also appreaciate tragedy and sorrow can strike at any time. we have one life, we should grab each day. A bit cheesy I know but there you have it. What I'm saying is that I don't know how long I'll be in New Zealand or where my road will take me next.

But on with the story. It was great seeing people again, it was like I had only been away 2 weeks. Good friends and family are worth their weight in gold and I am very blessed.

My gorgeous brother was there with my mum at the airport to met me, not dressed as Darth Vader but the thought was there. Wonderful, and he had Duran Duran ready to play when we got in the car. I have one brother and he is perfect.

I had a day out with my Dad at Brogdale Farm. It was the start of some fabulous summery weather. I packed for Autumn - the wet windy grey type, but heh ho I got a tan instead. Our trip was followed by the first of many meals and trips to pubs. My dad has eating out and going to pubs down to a fine art and knows his stuff. However I have obviously become a complete lightweight and I think disappointed him in my inabilty to finish a meal or keep drinking! However, he did not disappoint and that night I got to see his band play. Charlie Boot and the Footsloggers - I think the title says it all. They are wonderful and I was sorry the jet lag forced me to leave before the end. I loved the CD I was sent and it was all the better for seeing them live.

The main purpose of the return was to attend two weddings. Both were special and I was so so glad I had made the trip. I would have hated not being there and being able to share the days with such great friends. Another bonus of these weddings was that I had the chance to see and chat to loads of folks. I felt very special, mentioned in speaches and everything.
There were too many special moments to write about them all, I have heaps of thank you letters to send. I was treated to food and drink, given lifts, had a special afternoon tea and experienced wonderful hospitality. The champagne in the hot tub takes a lot of beating but everywhere was great because I was so warmly welcomed.
It was a bit mental living out of a suitcase for three weeks, no more than three nights in one place before moving on to the next location. So yes, I was tired, forgive me for those times when I couldn't stay awake, couldn't really talk or came across as rude. It was hard going with little time alone.

England does some things very well, country pubs being high on the list. So the Queens Head at Icklesham got two visits, always one of my favourites and lovely that the weather was good enough to sit in the garden for lunch both times.

Of course the history cannot be ignored and I managed two historic sites, Leeds Castle, a warm and glorious day with my mum. Battle Abbey was and is one of my favourite places in the world, a entertaining walk round with Sharon and Molly. However my first trip was to Dover Castle with Jane, my godson Rowan and his little sister Marcy. They are 4 and nearly 3 and climbed all the way to the top of the keep. Most impressive.

Another voyage that was needed was to Flat White, a coffe shop in Soho recommended by coffee staff in NZ. You see, Kiwis love their coffee, and NZ coffee is very, very, very, good. I'm sorry folks, nothing came close. So the mission to find Flat White was essential and I was grateful for the company of Emma who also took me into the Tate Modern and complete a pie mission at Borough Market, all without a map (well almost).

There was cricket, pubs, Star Wars, cider, family, champagne, chocolate fountain, lemon cake, singing sons, gypsy tart, problems shared, walks on the beach, strong tea, Robot Chicken Wars, Salvation Army, photos, singing, laughing, crying are you suprised I felt tired all the time. It was full on all the time and I don't think there is any other way of doing it.

Kids are wonderful and there were plenty in the mix. Plus I managed to go to not one, but three primary school, got locked in the play ground at one and saw and assembly at another, not bad going eh?

To end this witter waffle and hope I haven't offened anyone my missing out something what struck me during my time back in the UK is that it isn't goodbye. I had a draining time saying goodbye to folks before I left 18 months ago, and here we are again. Yes I miss people, miss special  the like, but the internet has a lot to answer for and staying in touch and part of people lives is possible. It isn't goodbye, it's see you later.

Thank you to all who made my stay so memorable.

A Return

After 18 months away from the UK, I head back for a three week holiday. I fly in three days time and really am not that organised - though the suitcase is out and I've packed the undies!

I have mixed feelings about the trip, joy at the two weddings I will go to, happy to see folks, but scared as to where I fit in, now I've been out of their lives for so long. It took a while to pin friends down and confirm meeting up, was I worrying or over planning as ever?

I now have some fixed meetings, places to stay and things to do, so I'm happier. But I'm going to miss my garden, I've been loving the changes I see each day. I'm going to miss Adam, we have such great adventures together. Is it wrong to be feeling like this? But I'll be flying back before I know it and will marvel at the great changes in the garden, and plan camping trips with Adam. So life is all good.

The Marvelous World of Post

We blimey me and blow me down with a feather or words to that effect. After my Christmas rush and panic to get everything in the post by the 29th November - last posting day to the UK and my slight hyperventilation attack when I hear how much it cost to send (you are all worth it so heh). The wonderful world of postage means they have already arrived - in 4 days - so Happy Christmas to you all!!!

Living on Rescue Remedy

Well I had no idea how hard these last weeks would be.......apart from being in general denial, trying to destroy the computer and use up cooking ingredients I'm really loosing it. However things go on, so the farewells and last visits continue.


Emma and Hamish came to visit, lovely afternoon, had great fish and chips and did a bit of shopping in the old town, all rather great.






Had a break down after a bad hair cut and poor Adam got the hysterical phone call at work, but then was rather relieved when he saw me as it isn't that short and yes, I know, it will grow.


Lovely night out in Folkestone with Jane, despite the lack of strongbow, all too sad leaving her however and sobbed most of the way back to Hastings.


More sad goodbyes when I popped into work Tuesday, but did have a great lunch with Jayne, Lizzie, Sharon and Beckie. Morning out with Sharon on the Wednesday and then saw her again in the evening.


So, generally in denial regarding the packing having spent the rest of the time being with Adam, playing crazy golf, eating out and generally having a lovely time.



Spent the weekend up in Folkestone, great meal out with Dad, Shelia and Duncan on the Friday, good mooch round Folkestone, along the beach and warren on Saturday, enjoyed several afternoon pints with Dad (Strongbow now back on). Quite night in with mum, pasta and a DVD that night. Spent Mothers Day trying to get 7 people having lunch together, didn't quite manage it but had a great day anyway and more importantly so did mum. Saw some of the family and was able to say cheerio. Again, tough and sad, much much harder than you think when you start planning as this stuff!!

So here I am, flying on Tuesday and I'm failing at the packing, I've never been able to pack light so this is a real struggle. I'm worrying about the customs, paperwork, starting work....etc etc... as said...living on rescue remedy.

Last Week at Work

Well the time had to come and my last week at work was upon me. I cannot thank the guys I worked with during that last week enough as my mind wasn't quite where it normally was. Myleen was a star as were Kiri and Lucy. The last week was very busy and very social.

Monday saw my last sisters meeting at Bills new flat - what lovely bookcases she has! It was a very relaxed night and very little work was done, surely not my fault.

On Tuesday I entered the fantastic world of children's parties. Tom and Molly are changing schools so had a leaving party. High School Musical at the Electric Palace with around 40 children - what an education. I was crying by the end!

Tuesday also saw a little group come over for dinner, again very relaxed and entertaining....can't wait for the royal wedding. Also managed to sell a pair of boots to Katherine.

Worked Wednesday and Thursday and did spend time saying goodbye to people which was draining in a kind of good way. Wednesdays shift ended with a temporary pacing so I was quite happy. Had a meal with my neighbours that night, eating so much food!

Thursday night was at the social club with a few guys from cardiology, again a great relaxed night spent chatting.

Friday night saw my official leaving do, I was so so nervous about the whole thing. Was amazed at the number of people there and couldn't really eat due to excitement, sadness and terror, did drink though, thank you Lizzie for the bubbly. Had a great night managed to chat to everyone and didn't loose it completely! Sally gave me a perfect 'glad your going speech'. Gave a semi OK thank you speech in return but could feel the tears welling up so just shut up and sat down.

What marvelous presents - never thought I'd own a video camera, still working on using it! Thank you all loads and loads. The overwhelming feeling of appreciation, thanks and love was all a bit much and I'm not sure I'm worth it so found it all very hard to deal with.

So Sunday and my last day at the Conquest, very weird mixed emotions, had a great day though, Kiri kept me busy and productive through the morning and I think we then had a record amount of food at a leaving tea party. Great chocolate cake, muffins, coffee cake, scones with spanked cream and on and on it went.

I was seen off the ward with such style, I'll never forget it. Wonderful. A balloon decorated wheelchair was my chariot and I was showered with sprinkle, party poppers and (more) bubbly. A perfect ending, thank you all again.

Such busy times

Well since coming back from Rome it's been all go. An old friend who I've not seen for years popped down from Norwich which was lovely. She had a very stressful drive and was very tired but it was great to see her and catch up. Had an impromptu trip to London with Sharon which was different to day the least. Had fab dinner at a very busy Planet Hollywood and then went to an exhibition, which was very informative...I leave to your imagination. Monday saw a delightful ladies lunch. My closest friends came to visit, we had lunch in the garden and chatted away for hours, plus caused havoc in the parking department! Did not get a picture of us all together - cannot believe it!

All this time I've been carrying on with the packing of boxes and have now finally delivered them to the lovely Lizzie and her very large loft. Took a while and Adam's back still hasn't recovered! (and I still have more to pack!!)




Did have to do some work and had three lovely night shifts and was treated on my last night to a special 'tea'. Very sad times.

Family Gathering

Had a family get together in Folkestone so I could see everyone before I leave. Also happened to coincide with my sisters birthday (a teenager at last!) and Adams 40th. Lovely afternoon/evening, very relaxed and had a great chance to have a good natter with everyone. Will be strange not being so close but hopefully they will master the joys of emails etc.

Combined this visit with a trip to Dover Castle, many a childhood memory form this place. Took my sister and two of her friends and had a freaky moment when I realised I was the responsible adult now!! Had a great day, sunny, crisp but a wee but windy!

Still packing

Well the boxes are clearly taking over, the flat is a tip and I'm getting very confused where everything is going. Bill came a took all my lovely bookcases today, so flat looking bare and a mess!! Managed to sell a few things last weekend but still have lots to get rid of. A silly amount of lever arch folders - yes I have learnt to throw away the thousands of articles, handouts and teaching things that I have hoarded over the last 15 years.

Also sold my fantastic brown boots, they have gone to a good home - Silin will love them as I have done!

Managing to spend time with friends which I'm loving but will make the leaving all the worse. Have a few more gatherings planned. Off to Folkestone today for a family party to say goodbye to me but also to celebrate my sister becoming a teenager and Adam hitting 40.
Between that and the collection of books on New Zealand I'm gathering I should be all ready for the off in March....
Booked a backpackers in Auckland to stay in when I first arrive.

More fun (and lots of tears!)

Had a leaving party with Beckie - senior sister form Baird ward - she is off to Canada. Our wards have always worked closely together as have all the sisters, so a joint leaving party seemed like a good idea. It was a wonderful night with a great atmosphere. Loads and loads of fantastic food (it's what we do well). There were however lots of tears and overwhelming sadness for the all the great friends I'm going to miss so much. I did however get told off for not loosing it completely but I look really bad when I cry!!



I was given a wonderful photo album with pictures and notes from all at work, even thinking about it brings a lump to my throat and I can only read a few comments at a time. Thank you Sharon for a perfect gift.

HAVE BOOKED FLIGHT TODAY............

The fun begins

So plans now being made and as well as packing, sorting out and throwing away stuff I'm catching up with friends and having fun. First up, my friend Di came for a weekend with her new man Phil. Had a nice night in, a lazy brunch, walk round Battle Abbey and a slap up roast dinner. All rather great, but was sad and tearful when she left. This is just the start, what am I going to be like for the next month.
Have handed in notice at work....