Two more weeks minimum

That's the new lockdown time but for sure it will extend for us in Auckland.  Yesterday was very positive in that the numbers came down so our very strict lockdown seems to be working but who knows.  The rest of the country had gone down a level to level 3 which means they can get takeaway food and restaurants can open for contactless service etc.  Many people can go back to the office, people can slightly increase their 'bubbles' but any travel is still banned.  You can't go out of your area.  

Sadly in level 4, as we are in Auckland, we are stuck.  Thank goodness for my junk TV.  I know I should be reading or something good like that but I haven't read for so long now.  I'll see how I go, I think I've got some books and there's always kindle.  If anyone has a 'must read' book, let me know.

Food is great, we are eating well but my weight is way too high so while I'm bored, I can't compensate with treats.  I have my exercise bike which I try to do every day and walking when it's fine.  

This whole world situation is very stressful and I find the conflicting views on everything to be mad.  Stupid Chef Pete Evans (who I used to respect and follow years ago) has gone completely off the rails.  He put up a photo of himself the other day wearing a T shirt that read 'FAKE VIRUS, DEADLY VACCINE'.  Mmmm tell that to the nurses in the covid wards trying to save peoples' lives.  I know the vaccine can be deadly for some which is dreadfully sad but the lives saved can't be ignored.  Where we all go from here though is another story and we will all need to open up and live normal lives again one day.  Hopefully by then the virus will be less dangerous.

It's September tomorrow and our motorhome is due into the country around Dec/Jan.  We are still very excited but in the meantime we will be selling the beach house which is necessary but sad.  I've had some wonderful times there but it just doesn't make sense keeping a property that we will hardly visit. We have so many other places to travel to.  It's a bitter sweet decision for sure.  We also need to sell it because Stu is finishing work soon and we will be needing the money from the beach house going forward.

Life is changing.  I realised my sister turns 80 in a month and that blows my mind.  My brother is 82.  Where is time going?  I try not to let this get to me but life really is short I have so much I want to do yet!

On that depressing note I'll leave you for today.

~ Lynda

Lockdown Sunday

We are coping very well with lockdown but then it's only the two of us.  I really feel for large families who need to provide a lot of food each day! The ONLY options for food now are the supermarket, local dairies and those companies that can provide contactless deliveries (not cooked meals from a restaurant etc).  All click and collect and deliveries have stopped for people like us and can only be accessed via special services.  They have started deliveries by the 'Student Volunteer Army' -- students who are picking up and deliveries groceries for the needy.  

I have had to grocery shop three times and to be honest I'm done with that.  The first time was at a larger supermarket and it was just way too crowded for my liking.  The next two times have been at our smaller, local supermarket and they are very strict on numbers of people inside but still, I don't feel safe even with a mask on.  I'm done with that now and have enough of everything so that we don't need to go near a supermarket for a long time.  

I was going because my daughter was unable to leave the house until F had his second negative test. That came through yesterday so she can now shop but because they are not vaccinated I will worry until they are.  She is booked in for mid September and her husband not until October.  He can get in sooner but I'm sick of hassling them about it.

I'm so relieved that my son and his partner have had their first shot (and he is very, very happy).

We've been for fairly long walks each day which balances out the slobbing about I'm doing the rest of the time!

On Monday night the rest of the country leaves level 4 lockdown and start level 3 which means they can expand their bubble a little and all food outlets can open with contactless service. Other shops can also start selling their goods via click and collect.  We will remain in our very strict lockdown for at least two weeks longer and possibly more after that.

In the meantime I'm doing some online shopping at Aliexpress.  I ordered some really cute reusable plastic bags that are quite solid and look like mason jars.  I'm going to use these in the motorhome for spices, herbs and other pantry items.  The good thing about them is the won't break or rattle around and are extremely compact.  I've bought a few other little items as well that I couldn't buy here.

That's today's news :)

~ Lynda

I think I will love these!!  They are fully washable and seal tight.  

We are all good :)

Thanks for asking Vickie, yes we are all fine.  My daughter's family all got a negative covid test back but not without a little bit of worry!  I got my results the day before them even though we were tested on the same day.  Then she got a text message from the Health Dept saying they will be getting a phone call and they must answer... OMG, I thought it would be to confirm F had covid but no, it was simply a follow up as he was a contact.  She then phoned her doctor who told her the tests were negative.  He has since had a follow up test and that result is due today.  They still need to isolate for the full 14 days.

Because they have to self isolate and not even leave the house for groceries, I went and did a small grocery run for them.  It was just a little bit scary leaving the safety of my home for a large supermarket but I wore a good mask and have been double vaccinated so felt I could risk it. There is no click and collect or deliveries at the moment due to demand and lack of staff (who are isolating themselves).

I took the groceries to her place plus some baking for the boys and a computer and fold up table so she can work from home.  

I have no need to go back to a supermarket for a long time and certainly have no wish to!

I've been out on a few good long walks -- yesterday I walked to my doctor to pick up a routine prescription.  I wore a mask whenever there were people around but didn't wear it when just walking on my own.  It was great to see so many other people with their masks on and taking this thing seriously.

Auckland is in a bit of a mess at the moment.  There are nearly 500 'places of interest' and this variant is spreading like wildfire.  Thankfully we locked down very quickly so many of the cases are already contained within households. I have no idea what will happen but as long as we can contain this long enough to get a high vaccination rate that's all that can be expected.

On some really positive news... my son and his girlfriend are (hopefully) getting their Pfizer vaccine today!!!  He found that if you live in an area with high outbreak you can register immediately so he did that without putting in his address (he is not in the highest area).  I'm sure they won't turn him away today so I will feel so much better knowing they will be less likely to get very sick.

Stu's niece who is fully down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories is now being downright dangerous.  The misinformation she is spewing out on her instagram page is out of control and she is accusing everyone else of being asleep.  I like to look at her information if only to fact check it which doesn't take much effort at all.  

I'll leave you with some photos.

~ Lynda

Muffins and delicious chocolate slice for the boys

At the supermarket.  Not a lot of social distancing there but everyone did have a mask on.

New builds are everywhere.  One house pulled down and many built it it's place.

And another... 

And this one.  There were only two houses here, now an entire apartment block.

Monday update

First up, my test came back negative.  I always thought it would but hey, in this world you never know. 

Further to my last post about what's open, I should clarify that although supermarkets are simply too busy to be doing their normal 'click and collect' and deliveries there are some other places where food is available.  My daughter has ordered from Hello Fresh -- seven main meals with all the ingredients to cook the meals.  That is a lifesaver for her as they are not meant to leave the house for 14 days.

On the news this morning it is saying that Countdown (our name for Woolworths if you are in Australia) has no meat.  There was some problem in the supply chain or something and the shelves are empty.  Again, thank goodness I have a good supply of everything!

I still find it very strange that little greengrocer and butcher shops can't open under strict rules just like dairies.  For those in US, dairies are little local shops that sell a bit of everything. For those stores that have the capability for people to order online and deliver then they can operate but this does NOT apply to cafe/restaurant/takeaway food.  That only happens when we drop down to the next alert level.

One more thing for any overseas people reading: While it would be ideal at this time to eradicate covid again, we all know that's not realistic longterm.  The plan is to keep it away until we have a high vaccination rate. No government seriously thinks that the world can be shut out forever.  Thankfully our vaccinations here are going really well (finally) and they are now vaccinating over 40s and kids over 12 who are with their parents.  They will then start on the under 40s very soon I would think.

Today we await the government decision of lockdowns going forward.  My prediction is that we'll all stay level 4 nationwide for another week and then, if no cases show up in the South Island, they will drop down a level.  There will be different levels for different areas for sure because the main outbreak is where I live.  They just need to be careful for a little longer though because thousands of people fled the city for various parts of the country before lockdown.

So that's where we are at.  I'll leave you with a little funny from yesterday's covid update.  Our health minister said "spread" instead of "stretch" :)

~ Lynda

It's gone crazy!!

So here we were last Tuesday, normal day... went shopping etc and then boom.  Delta variant struck and we are in full level 4 lockdown.  There are hundreds of locations of interests and thousands who must test and isolate at home.  

I got a cold on Wednesday so went and had a covid test on Friday along with my daughter and her family (separately).  No results yet but that's a good thing because I think positive tests are notified quickly.  It was just the right thing to do to get tested as I had been in a 'place of interest'.  

I have loads of food here and will only need top ups of fresh food which we can easily get from local small shops.  I don't want to go anywhere near a supermarket if I can help it! This variant is a different beast to anything we have encountered before and until we as a country have a higher vaccination rate we need to keep a level of control on it.  

We bought a new little BBQ for our motorhome last week.  We needed a really small one due to storage restrictions of our motorhome plus we need to keep everything as lightweight as possible.  Stu got it out the other day and decided to try it out... it was raining he sat in the garage with the door open :)

So that's how exciting life is at the moment.  Locked down.  For those overseas wondering about our level of lockdown I'll explain.  

- You can leave the house to exercise but must only be with people in you 'bubble'.  If you see anyone else you have to keep your distance.  

- You can go grocery shopping while wearing a mask.  There is not other food option available.  No takeaway food, no restaurants with pickups, no Uber deliveries, nothing.  There is even no grocery deliveries available due to the extreme demand and lack of staff.  Many supermarkets have closed due to all the staff being in isolation.  

- You can leave the house for a covid test, medical emergency or vaccination. 

- I am allowed to bake goodies for my grandsons and drop them off with no contact so will be making them some treats next week. 

That's it unless I forgot something.  Thankfully there is Netflix and loads of other program options.  Add to that I'm grumpy and Stu is driving me nuts.  I'm yelling way to often and picking fault when I shouldn't.  I need to get out for a long walk but am not allowed legally until my covid result comes back.

Thank goodness I am vaccinated... Stu gets his second jab tomorrow.

~ Lynda

Stu trying out our new "Cadac Safari Chef 2" BBQ.  Yes, the garage door was open.

Damn and blast

Covid in the community has hit home.  Thankfully I am fully vaccinated and Stu has had one shot but my daughter and her family have not.  The cases seem to be all over Auckland but none near us... well we thought not.  Then tonight this:

That is an urgent message sent out to all parents and students tonight warning them that there was an infectious student at school when F was there.  He has to get tested tomorrow and then twice more and everyone has to self isolate.  I've not been around any of them so that is good but my daughter is pretty worried.  

Then, a new 'place of interest' was added tonight and I checked my receipts from shopping on Tuesday and I was at the same place and time so will try to get tested tomorrow as well.  I've had a cold since yesterday so feel a test might be a good idea just in case. 

On a positive note my daughter has now asked where she can get vaccinated so that's progress.  My son in Sydney had a test this week which was negative but I've said to him to just try harder to get vaccinated and not worry so much about what type it is.  

Anyway, I'll let you know the progress of all of the above.

~ Lynda

Scary time ahead

Our covid outbreak is growing, we now have 10 community cases and 70 places of interest.  That's massive for one day and they don't know where it started so could have been in the community for awhile. It is expected to grow massively.  I worry for my daughter and son-in-law who are not vaccinated. Stu is due for his second jab on Monday so hopefully that goes ahead.

I always knew this would happen but this really is scary because New Zealand is only around 25 percent vaccinated.  This is due to how long it took the Government to secure the vaccinations and then priority was given to border workers, healthcare workers and people more at risk.  They are rolling out about 50,000 a day now which is great.  We are simply not ready yet as a country to have covid in the community.

We have had the boys here for two days and will take them home tomorrow.  We will stick to the rules and only drop them off -- sadly not everyone is sticking to the rules with so many people calling it a hoax.  They want their freedom but I wonder what the hell they will do in a country consumed by illness.

Obviously we have cancelled our trip up north next week and I'm still not sure if we can simply change the dates for the same price or get a refund.

Today Stu did a brilliant thing, he build a lovely tall lego tower for the boys and put a very heavy rock on the top... yep, it fell and smashed our glass top coffee table.  Now we are using a camp table until I can find a replacement.  We were wanting new furniture anyway so maybe this will be the start of a revamp :)

~ Lynda

Our 'temporary' coffee table :)

The boys doing some crafting today. I didn't bother to get them out of their pyjamas -- there was no point, we weren't going anywhere.

 

I spoke too soon...

I just said this morning that it was a matter of time before we had covid here in New Zealand.  Boom... and it's here!  A man from Auckland tested positive yesterday and had been over at Coromandel for the weekend mixing in a crowded pub for two nights amongst other places.  His wife is fully immunised but he has yet to get his jabs (but was organising it).

We are now in a level 4 lockdown which is the most strict of all lockdowns.  Hopefully we can stop this in it's tracks but it really depends on where it came from and how many have caught it.

There was a change of plans and I got the boys from school today (before lockdown was announced) and the plan was to have them for the night.  We've decided to have them for two nights and them drop them home which I think is allowable under the rules.  Heck we don't know when we'll get to see them again if this lockdown goes on for a long time so we'll grab our grandsons time while we can. 

I don't need to go to the supermarket for anything as I had an idea that this would happen.  I've been keeping my 'pandemic pantry' reasonably full so we can survive for quite awhile without leaving the house except for fresh vegetables.

Now all we can do is hope that this can be contained -- New Zealand is not going for elimination long term but until we have a higher vaccination rate we need to keep this out of the community.  

I'll keep you informed :)

~ Lynda

Crazy times

We really are living in crazy times.  My poor son in Sydney is in total lockdown and has been for awhile.  I know many of my readers are in a similar situation and I feel it's only a matter of time before we are in the same situation. No covid here yet but I'm sure that will change.  Thankfully he is not alone and he's got his lovely partner with him.  He is taking the time to eat really well and has cut out all sugar and alcohol.  He has lost 10 kilos.  He is trying to get himself as healthy as he can in case he gets covid but is wearing really good masks when he needs to go out.  He gets vaccinated in a month's time unless he can somehow bring that forward.

I also find all the news of Afghanistan to be very disturbing.  I feel for the women there and also the men who were helping US and NZ etc during the conflict.

I am getting the boys after school while my daughter works late and then tomorrow I'm getting them for the night.  They love coming here :) This time Stu will be home to keep them entertained and to help with their homework.

I'm still busy researching all things motorhomes and it's great to have this time to have a better understanding of all that is involved. Next week we are hiring another one and heading up north so that will be fun!  I'll start packing early in the week but it will be so easy this time because we are not flying in like our previous holidays.  I can have all the groceries ready from here so no need to pickup the motorhome and them shop.

My daughter had a fantastic weekend.  Her best friend flew up from Wellington and they went to a 90s event.  Clearly she had a blast and sounded so happy when she messaged me last night.  Her friend is in a very similar situation to her... she had a baby around the same time my daughter had F and then her friend has since had twins who are under 5.  Sadly one of them has quite bad autism but it really bonds their friendship even more given Charlie's diagnosis.  Comparatively though Charlie has very mild autism to the point that I think he's pretty normal but just a little quirky :)

I'm doing my best to avoid all foods that are fattening, I really need to drop a little weight so that's my mission at the moment.  Note to self:  don't give way to temptation!!!

~ Lynda

My daughter and her friend ready for the big 90s party!!

Another week

I didn't get up to much this week except for looking after the boys a few times.  Charlie wasn't feeling too well so I had him on Tuesday and Wednesday (overnight Tuesday) then both boys yesterday are school and for the night.  

After school pickup yesterday, which was early due to teacher/parent meetings, I took the boys out for sushi lunch.  When we got to the sushi place Cole said "Nana, did you bring us here specially?  Don't you have to do shopping? I said no and that I'd already done my shopping.  They both then told me that I was the kindest most wonderful Nana in the entire world.  That made my day :)

Stu had to go down to Te Puke yesterday with his colleagues for a funeral.  The lady who worked with Stu for over 20 years lost her brother suddenly on Saturday.  Stu and the other guys went for the funeral but also to film it and do a live webstream for relatives and friends around the world.  The guy who died (heart attack) was only 52 and had two young children so it was all dreadfully sad. 

Today I got the train to Newmarket to collect my Gold AT Hop card (train and bus card) so that I can travel for free all over Auckland.  While at Newmarket I went to the great big new Westfield Shopping Mall to have a decent look around.  It is kind of like a maze.  I'm used to malls where you can easily find your way around but I completely got disoriented and ended up walking up and down and around and around trying to find my way out! 

I ended up getting quite distressed and had tears in my eyes.  I could find carpark exits and escalators up and down but simply couldn't find an 'out' door!  I finally found a help desk and a way out but I just found the experience quite awful.  Of course now I will have to go back but I'll be more prepared next time!  While in Newmarket I noticed loads of empty shops along the more quiet side of Broadway (the main street).  I suppose the new mall, covid and expensive rentals have all had an effect.    

Tomorrow we are going to watch F play football again and then taking him and his mate back to his.  His friend is staying the night which will be good for them both.  F and the girlfriend broke up last week but before you get too excited I think they are back together.  Grrrrrrr....... 

Ok, that's me for now.

~ Lynda

On the train today... only a few people on board 

Wearing the obligatory mask needed on all public transport 

Done and dusted for another year

Both birthdays (mine and Charlie's) are over.  Phew.  Charlie had a lot of fun... friends over on his actual birthday, and then a trip to Rainbow's End with family and one school friend yesterday.  He rode the roller coaster (three times) and had a blast.  Today we all went to the Orbit restaurant up the Sky Tower for my birthday lunch which was lovely.  

The boys looked absolutely so cute and F brought his girlfriend along.  I was amazed that she actually came given her issues and personality but it was nice for him that she was there.  She didn't talk to anyone and sat at the end of the table just leaning into F the entire time.  When a group photo was taken she turned away so she wouldn't have her photo taken.  I feel so sad for her because clearly she has issues and is missing out on so much of life being the way she is. F is also missing out on fun possibilities because of her but what can you do?  

Yesterday we went to watch F play football -- it's been ages since we have seen him play but we thought it important to see him and show him we are still interested in what he's up to.

I went to the dentist on Friday regarding my toothache but there is nothing that they can see and my dentist thinks my intermittent pain is more sinus related.  I'm happy about not needing another root canal or something.  On Monday I've got a hygienist appointment so that will be my teeth sorted for another year.

I just need a check up with my doctor (normal lady type tests) and then I'll be done for ages.  

Oh and today at lunch I had a delicious glass of real French Champagne.  I did have a little glass of lower alcohol wine earlier in the week just to make sure I wouldn't feel drunk on a glass!  I didn't enjoy that little glass of wine but did enjoy the Champagne today.  I don't think I'm about to start drinking again any time soon and from now on will be happy with a little glass of wine with a meal out.  I think I've lost the taste for it which really is a good thing.

I'll leave you with photos of today and the last few days.

~ Lynda

Charlie's birthday cake made by his Dad.  It was a silver UFO and very impressive!

My boys at lunch today. How lucky am I to have these sweeties in my life?

On the glass part of the tower where you can look down onto the street.  They loved it.  

Me and my girl.  She is a lot happier these days which is wonderful for all concerned.

Group shot.  F's girlfriend wanted no part of the photo.  The boys just loved how the restaurant turned around and it kept them occupied for the entire meal.  

Smile I said.  This is what I got :)  Charlie was cuddling Stu and he said 'when I grow up I want to be a kind Poppa like you'.  So cute.

F's football game on Saturday.  That's him running in the front with the big hair.  He needs a cut but seems to like it the way it is :)

 

Up and down...

For some reason birthdays and me don't agree.  I very rarely get down/depressed but always seem to on my birthday.  Yesterday was no exception, I had a dreadful day (well afternoon).  It all started when my daughter picked me up to have a lovely day out to shop and have lunch.  It just went downhill from there.

Firstly, I don't need anything nor want for anything so when my daughter wanted to buy me a present I just said no thank you.  Then the entire time out it was just constant... would you like this, or that, or perfume or foundation or a potplant or blah blah.  I politely said no and that I just wasn't in the mood to shop (I just don't enjoy shopping these days for some reason).  I know she was trying to make me happy but I just started to feel really weird, I mean what the hell was wrong with me not wanting stuff?  

We had a nice lunch at a Mexican restaurant and then she dropped me home.  Then the messages started from her sending me more photos of 'stuff' that I might like.  I said no again but by that time I just sunk down into a full on depressed state.  I said no to my son video calling me and didn't answer any phone calls.  I cancelled dinner out and was a mess by the time Stu got home.  Crazy woman.

Thankfully around 7 pm I started to cheer up and we went around to my daughter's place for birthday cake and greetings from the boys which was lovely.  I ended up having a lovely evening.

Has anyone else been like this?  Is it all the attention or pressure or what?  

I ended up calling my son later and am back to feeling normal today.  I do feel so stupid though for my mental breakdown when I am so lucky and have nothing to complain about.

Today is Charlie's birthday... he is 7 today. Thankfully, unlike his silly Nana, he is as happy as a pig in muck :)

~ Lynda

My SuperGold card which entitles me to discounts and free stuff like train and bus travel.  Everyone here gets one when they turn 65... plus a pension/superannuation of course.

My son-in-law having a joke with me... I said at least it could have been 78 not 87 :)

My birthday cake and Charlie's birthday presents in the back. My goodness that cake was lemon and was the most delicious cake I think I've ever tasted!

Special day coming up

Yes, tomorrow (4th August) I turn 65.  That's a pretty special age to reach in New Zealand because it is our 'retirement' age when we qualify for our superannuation payment.  It's not much for me as I have a partner who doesn't qualify but hey, it's something.  My mother never made it to my age, she died at 58 and Stu's mother died when she was only 53 so all things considered 65 is good :)

I had a bloody awful day last Friday for some reason... full moon?  God knows but I had a complete hissy fit melt down.  I didn't cook any dinner, didn't want Stu to order me anything in, didn't want to go out etc etc.  Poor guy didn't know what to do with me.  I came right by the next day though and we went over to his nephew's party for his one year old.  That was lovely and most of his family were there so it was important we went.  

I had to have a little giggle to myself though.  The niece, who is a radical Qanon/pro Trump/anti vax person who said she'd never be in the same room as anyone who had been vaccinated, gave me a big hug as I left. I hope I didn't pass on any nano technology or microchips or whatever.  

Last week I bought myself a pretty silver and cubic zirconia bracelet from the jewellers.  I bought is 'from Stu' because I know it's impossible for him to pick anything for me because I'm so difficult.  In the daytime it just looks silver and at night it sparkles :)

My daughter is taking tomorrow off work and we are going out shopping and having some girl time and then Stu is taking me out for dinner in the evening.  I may have a little glass of wine... maybe.  

I'd better get up (yes, coffee in bed time) and start my day but I'll leave you with part of a timeline I made up for my 50th birthday party that was a pretty big, special affair (when all my family were still talking to each other!).

~ Lynda