Alert Level 3

New Zealand has come out of strict lockdown and we are now at alert level 3 - more food options are open (all contactless, takeaway etc), many people are back at work under strict social distance guidelines and we are able to break our bubble with another family ie, the grandkids.  We haven't seen them yet but I think they are all coming to stay later in the week - along, possibly, with their mother who has had enough and wants to come and stay too!  Not the husband - I think there are issues there sadly but won't go into that. 

My damn knees are still a problem - well the right knee which was a much deeper injury.  I still need to sleep with a bandage over it as it's not fully healed yet.  I leave it out in the air all day though to form a scab and it's slowly getting better day by day.  To shower I wrap plastic wrap around my knee and secure it with medical tape to keep the water off! 

My crochet is going really well - that multi coloured blanket (photo last post) is an awesome way to use up loads of colours because the white between each colour change freshens it up and gives it structure.  I'll put up a photo when it's finished.

The grass seed we put down at the beginning of lockdown has grown - it's patchy because it's not grown so well where we removed the moss but we will re-sow those parts when we get more seed.  For now it's still much better than how it was.  Our extremely dry summer hasn't been kind to my plants though and I will need to go shopping for new shrubs when lockdown finishes.  I can order some but I need to see them to decide so will wait.

Yeah... I know it's patchy but better than no grass at all!!

Yesterday was the first day that our country has had ANY food available other than home cooked and the car queues at McDonalds and KFC were just ridiculous!  I had to go out in the car to pick up some click and collect groceries (the delivery I got the day before was missing 12 items!!) and there was a queue of cars way up the road and then way around the corner.  These places are only allowed drive through orders only at the moment and apparently the wait time was around 2 hours.  Madness. 

So life still goes on much the same for us until alert level 2.  I have no desire to buy any takeaway food, we are eating pretty well at home and really enjoying our meals. 

I've cut my own hair (trimmed it) and dyed it.  It looks OK and will do until the hairdresser is open and gives me an appointment which could be another month or two. 

~ Lynda

The boys have been getting out for walks with their parents

And they've been able to go to the dairy for an ice cream :)

Much better!

Well it's taken a few days but my knees are finally much better.  The wounds are getting cleaner and the swelling has gone away.  I can actually walk around now!!  I have to admit it was pretty bad and I couldn't even get up to down from a seat or walk around the other day.  I have had a slight pain in my right lower rib cage area and I think that when I fell I might have twisted something or pulled a muscle - I'll keep an eye on that mild pain just in case.

Life with this separation is difficult with regard to my daughter.  She is a bad communicator at the best of times and I know things are not right there.  She made a comment to me last night which intimated that things were not good at home but then she never expands.  I get that life will be stressful there with her husband stressing about his work and she is finding it very hard having the boys 100% of the time.

Next week we go into alert level 3 which means we can expand our bubble a little.  We are going to get the boys and have them here for a few days - hopefully that is allowable.  They have said that children can go to caregivers so I see no reason why they can't come here.

Thankfully Stu and I are getting along well... I yelled at him quite a bit early on but I think that was the stress about the entire situation.  Apparently my behaviour has been good since then (as reported by the man himself...LOL).

I have finished one crochet blanket in lockdown and have started another one.  The one I'm working on now is one to use up all my scraps of different colours.  I found a photo I loved that won't make the scraps look too gaudy.

The blanket I've just finished

The blanket I'm making now (not my photo... I'm copying this idea though)

I'll leave you with Stu - I took a video of him the other night (and surprised him).  Stay safe everyone.

~ Lynda

Not so good...

Today was a beautiful day so I went out for a long walk.  I had music in my ears, sunshine on my back and all was good with the world (well nearly).  I was about 4 kms out on my walk and was walking towards a couple of people so, to keep my 2 metres social distance, I moved to the right off the footpath on to the grass as we passed each other.  Um, not good.

Here in New Zealand a lot of our grass (especially up north and in dry areas) is Kikuyu grass which spread and creeps with long tendons.  When I walked on to the grass my foot was caught in a very long Kikuyu grass and over I went!  Bugger.  I fell VERY heavily onto the concrete driveway in front of me - the other walkers offered assistance but up I got and then a little girl who lived at the house where I fell said "you need a plaster, would you like a plaster?"  I politely said no, I'd be Ok and carried on my way home.  I had no trouble walking at that point but was really glad I had a tissue tucked in my bra!

So here I am, I managed to have a shower with lots of plastic wrap around my leg but since then the other leg has swollen up and I'm a cripple.  Seriously, I can't walk so I've iced it and will take some anti-inflammatories.  I don't think anything is broken because there is no way I could have walked home (thank goodness).

My daughter video called me today to show me what the boys were up to - Cole had drawn all sorts of exercise instructions on the footpath and showed off all his moves.  Then they scootered around their cul-de-sac etc.  It was lovely to see them and even better to have my daughter call me.

We will be in our level 4 (strictest) lockdown until next week and then it relaxes a little. We are doing well in NZ and considering that we are coming into winter I am so glad that things seem to be under control here.

I hope you are all doing well - strange times.

~ Lynda

Kikuyu grass - you can see those long tendons

Injuries.  Interestingly it's my not so bad knee (right on photo) that is now really bad!

A Breakthrough

I messaged my daughter to ask if she could send a few photos of the boys through as I was missing them.  She did... and then Stu Facetimed a little later on and she chatted a little.  I then messaged her that "The Phantom of the Opera" full stage show is being shown on Youtube for 48 hours - it was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011.  She replied that she's watching it (we've always love the Phantom).

Anyway, I got a little video through from her and it looks like she's back in her 'happy' mode.  I'll leave her for awhile and hope that she is genuinely in a better frame of mind.

We've been for a few walks, mostly around 5 to 6 kms.  I am limited by my knees but find if I take a couple of ibuprofen before hand then I can get through the walk OK.

I have another grocery order coming today including a leg of lamb - I'm hanging out for a delicious roast lamb dinner!  Tonight is chicken and salad, last night was home made fish and chips.  We've been eating really great dinners and I'm succeeding in not throwing out any vegetables.  I plan all my meals around what is needed to be used first.

Obviously, not much else to say - life is much the same for us (thank goodness).

~ Lynda


I'll leave you with a screenshot taken off Flightradar24 which is a live aircraft tracker.  For the first time EVER there were no planes at all over New Zealand.  Not. One. At. All.  I look at flightradar24 quite often and this is surely a first and a sign of how the coronavirus is effecting travel.

No aircraft anywhere!!  

My home town

This video was made for the lockdown - this is my home town, Auckland. I love this... 'our earth mother is breathing'.



I have no other news.  Life is quiet but Stu is spending more time with me which is nice.  The weather has been rainy for the last couple of days and due to rain for the rest of the week.  I need to get out and walk so will take my chance between showers I think.

I have gained weight over the last few weeks and am not happy about that at all.  The thought of 'dieting' is just awful at the moment but I know I need to drop a few kilos.  I'll give it some thought...

I've not heard from my daughter yet.  Stu has Facetimed the boys and I've said hello to them but my daughter still seems to not want to message to talk to me so I'll leave it for a little longer. 

Well that's my lot, have a great weekend everyone - mind you every day is much like another at the moment.

~ Lynda

Forty four years ago...

Today is my son's 44th birthday!  Wow, that sure makes me feel old.  He is video chatting online later so that will be lovely.  What an amazing day that was.  I was induced at 9 am after going 19 days overdue (my daughter was 22 days overdue, clearly they didn't want to leave the womb) and gave birth at around 5.30 pm.  It was the Thursday before Easter and not the easiest delivery - forceps and major episiotomy/rip - yes, too much information but let's just say I was a mess.  Nothing though could take away my elation at having my son, I was on cloud 9 for months and I'm sure I thought I was the only woman in the entire world to have given birth!

He would not breast feed - AT ALL.  Never, ever would he suckle and my God we tried everything.  Even one of the cooks from the hospital kitchen heard about him and came to my room assuring me that she'd never had a baby not feed once she helped.  Um, no... he still did not breastfeed.  So I expressed for as much as I could (no electric pumps back then) and finally had to resort to formula.  Thank goodness my daughter fed straight away when she was born!

At the hospital, day 8 - I stayed 10 nights due to the feeding difficulty but all mothers stayed longer in those days.

One day old

On to other not so great news.  My daughter suffers from anxiety but has never been diagnosed with more ie, bi-polar disorder or similar.  You will all know that she was on a real high the other week - making silly videos, chatting lots, laughing and was acting very happy.  Then she started to get headaches (tension the doctor told her) and she needed a tooth out.  From there she started to slip  - I knew this because the contact stopped.  I tried phoning, messaging etc but no answer.  Finally yesterday I got a message just saying that she had deleted Facebook and Messenger from her phone, that she was not OK and in a tailspin.  She didn't want to talk and I know I can't force anything when she is like that.

She has the kids at home and her husband so I know she is OK (as in, she's not done anything to harm herself).  Over the years she has seen doctors, had therapy and medication.  The medication never really helped her and the only successful treatment was the realisation that when she spirals down she needs to take notice and pull herself out of it.  As a parent it's extremely difficult because my hands are tied - there is nothing I can say that will help.  In the past I take the boys off her hands and give her space but with our lockdown I can't do this.

She did reply to a text I sent her his morning regarding the boys' online schooling - I know she will come right but after this episode I am going to push for her to seek help again.  Mental illness is so common these days with so many young people suffering from depression and anxiety.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Stu has been learning more programming skills while at the same time working on a work project.  He can spend hours and hours in his office which leaves me on my own all day.  I can fill up most of the time but usually in the evening he stops and we watch some TV together.  Last night though he worked until late and I got more and more angry!  When he finally emerged I just let rip and from somewhere deep inside all the resentment I'd been holding in burst out!  Oh dear, not good.  I did explain to him (later) that he needs to realise that he is my total human company at the moment and needs to balance life a little better.  I think he got the message :)

We've watched a little Netflix this week - 'Unorthodox' was amazing and we watched all the episodes in one go.  Another night we watched 'The Day Will Come'.  Holy heck - what a sad series/movie.  It was originally a movie but made into three episodes for Netflix.  It does have subtitles but worth the watch.  It is the story of childhood horror within an orphanage in the 60s.  Not for everyone I'm sure.

So on with lockdown, I really don't know when our restrictions will be relaxed but I know whatever is decided it is for the good of all.

~ Lynda

Easter Sunday

Well here we are at Easter and it's a really strange time for sure.  We usually spend Easter over at the beach house.  We are really missing our beach house and can't wait until we can get back over there!  I facetimed the kids today to wish them happy Easter and see their haul of eggs - it was so sweet, the two younger ones were tucked up in bed with their Mum and Dad along with their eggs and soft toys.  Very cute.  Older boy popped his head around the door to say hello but he's totally in teenage land now.

On Friday we took some more baking around to them - homemade buns, brownie and muffins.  When we dropped it off the sun was shining so we all decided to have a drink with them - at distance.  It was really lovely to watch the boys play and to have a lovely normal chat.  As it got a little colder my daughter got one of her fake fur coats for me to wear :) I know we're all not meant to socialise at the moment but many people are dropping off food and groceries and chatting at a distance so I personally feel it was OK.  We have all been in isolation now for over two weeks.

I just had a good walk and Stu is still out walking - it's actually nice to go separately as we see so much of each other at the moment and we tend to walk at different speeds.  I love to listen to my music when I walk too.  It's so funny though how when you see someone coming either they or you separate to keep the distance.  Strange times we are living in.

Last night we binge watched "Unorthodox" on Netflix.  Wow, it is worth a watch and a lot of it is based on an actual real story.  I have seen other documentaries about the Hasidic Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and it really is an eye opener!

So that's my life for now - we are pretty happy in lockdown... dare I say, enjoying it even!

~ Lynda

My boys drinking their own kids cocktail

Our 'distance' family get together

TV, food, sleep repeat

I feel that one day is just rolling into another.  Stu gets up early and goes to his office (in the house) and works all day.  I see him when he pops out for a shower or to make a cup of tea etc and then when it's dinner time.  From then it's usually a 'what do you want to watch on TV' and by that time I'm over it.  It's rare that I watch TV/Netflix in the evening - I just don't have the concentration to watch complicated movies or programs.  My concentration span these days is literally in soundbites and that worries me a little.  I've tried reading a book and have got two chapters in and really must do better.

I've watched a couple of movies with Stu but mostly we just watch a little bit of a few Youtube shows and then Stu gets on with his stuff with I simply can't watch.  I know I need to stop watching so much news and updates and relax more and enjoy this time of being housebound.

I've managed to do another click and collect for some groceries next week so I can do some more baking for my grandsons... Cole LOVES my baking and goes on about it all the time.  Yesterday he told everyone that I am the best baker in the world.  Cute.

My daughter is unwell - she had to get a tooth pulled this morning and I know that's upset her. She will need an implant or something later on but for now she will have a gap in the side.  She has had headaches too and is just generally not well. 

I heard from one of my sisters the other day (remember my two sisters had a massive falling out) and her story is totally different to the story given by the other sister.  I can't verify or question this at all without then being seen to gossip and I've learned my lesson on that one.  It's their fight but because they think I'm talking to the other one (which I most certainly am not) they are reticent to talk to me too.  I'm glad I'm out of it all and will keep it that way.

Sorry, it's a bit of a blah post today but hey, that's life.  I'll leave you with some photos of our walk the other day.  We went a different way, over towards Manukau Harbour on the Onehunga walkway - it was a very long walk but really enjoyable.

~ Lynda

The walkway around the harbour

Me on the walkway, not my best look but there you go.

Looking towards the walkway

The tunnel under the bridge

Monday, week 2 of isolation

We are doing really well.  Life is no different for me except that Stu is working from home and I don't go to the shops (at all).  I've have a click and collect order for groceries tomorrow and other than that we don't need a thing.  We are very lucky.

I am in the middle of two sisters who have completely fallen out with each other (one of the reasons I changed my blog).  I don't know which sister to believe and as it's not my fight I need to keep right out of it.  One sister has accused the other of the most harsh language and I just find that hard to believe.  Oh well, moving on...

I've been getting out for walks most days and it's really lovely.  Today though, while walking a man was coming towards me pushing a bike.  I stepped out of the way to give the necessary social distance and he suddenly lashed out at me in the most vile vicious way.  I can't remember the exact words but it was something like 'you'd better not wear that fu*king white hat again' plus other awful stuff.  I actually thought he was going to hit me but I kept walking and when I turned around he was riding the bike.  Clearly some nutta who either couldn't get his usual drugs or one who did get his drugs!  It really shook me though because it is just so peaceful out and about at the moment.

Yesterday I went for a walk up to One Tree Hill through the park and everyone was great at keeping their distance - they had closed the road to cars to everyone could walk on the road.  The weather has been brilliant too but it's looking like it will rain later in the week.

Not much else for now :)

~ Lynda

Yesterday's walk... I love it here! 

A local supermarket - they now have an electronic system to stop queues.  You text and then wait until you get texted back to enter the store - it means you can wait in your car.  

The freaking arsehole who abused me in the street

Home Isolation... Week 2, Day ?

I have no idea how many days I have been isolated, I know I started before the official lockdown but did go shopping I think so it's probably been 9 days?  The only time I've been out in the car has been twice to drop something off at my daughter's place.  Yes, not totally 'legal' at the moment as we are only meant to drive to get essential supplies but I figure taking a treat to my boys to be essential.

Charlie enjoying one of my pancakes

The first trip was groceries and the Playstation (which they love having) and the other trip was a batch of gluten free pancakes... Nana's treat.  We didn't go anywhere close to them, they stayed on one end of the driveway and us on the other but we did get to chat and see the boys.  I have to admit it was just lovely.  We didn't put anyone in danger and they do live in our local area so if that's wrong than so be it.  I know other families are picking up/dropping off food etc without getting close and I'm OK with that as long as normal hygiene is observed with wiping wrapping, washing hands etc.

My two sisters are in isolation alone (separately) and are totally reliant on food being dropped off as they are both in their 70s and certainly don't want to get this virus!

On a sad note, my darling friend who we just visited last month - before the lockdown - is now isolated in her care home.  Due to her being in an aged care home there are no visitors at all, and she is now unable to see her husband or children.  Her husband is self isolating at home and his only contact is a phone call to her.  Sadly, because her speech is so bad, that makes it even more difficult.  Today is her birthday so I will be phoning the care home to hopefully sing Happy Birthday to her and give her my love.  I'm so glad we went to see her when we did!

On a positive note my grass is starting to germinate and when I can actually see some I will take a photo!  We have tons and tons of food, fantastic internet, a very comfortable home and lots of wine.  We are all good :)

I've been getting out for walks and am really enjoying my neighbourhood with not much traffic around.  I'll leave you with a photo of a fence/gate in our street.

~ Lynda

Cute huh?  What a nice idea.