op shopping in Eastland

We have been away for a week, but are now home. Hideous traffic in this pat of the country! We have seen some gorgeous scenery - fabulous being away, but always fabulous to be home again too.

While I was away, I met up with the lovely Elaina, who showed me around her home town and a few op shops. I had a fun time and we chatted easily about all sorts of things -I am exactly how she expected me to be too - hee hee! It was a great few hours walking, shopping and eating! It is always the best being shown around a new place by a fun friendly person. I did well at the op shops picking up these sweet things in Elaina's town and another town - Crown Lynn pottery and gorgoeus embroidered mats.  Elaina is the first blogger I have met too by myself. We had a giggle about other people freaking out about this scenario. Lovley momentos of a fabulous trip. (photos taken at the lovely motel)

Rere Waterslide

Rere waterslide is in the middle of nowhere. Good free fun for the teens. No adults were game enough to partake. (boy are the kids GRUMPY - they are not really into Gisborne and want to go home... attitudes big time. I think we may have reached the end of the road with family trips somehow - oh wait - they will go somewhere if it is OVERSEAS... Sheesh.... we DO want them to see thier own country and they have seen a large chnk of it, but attittudes rile me...
Gone are the days when you just throw kids in the car and take them where ever whenever without attitude... sigh.)

30 goals for 2015

A scorcher today in Eastland. The freezing cold water at Waikanae Beach saved me. Thankfully a lot cooler now, so I can sleep a lot better than the past few nights.

My 30 goals for 2015 - linking in with Sophie -

* pass 2 university papers at least (I've done 3 this past year)
* visit Chirstchurch twice (one trip for school library conference)
* visit Dunedin
* visit Queenstown
* shop locally
* buy more from Felt for gifts
* buy more books
* keep vege garden going
* keep up with letter writing
* make more preserves, marmalade,lemon honey (rest of jam tastes gone since tonsils out nearly 2 years ago)
* scrapbook more
* cross stitch more
* knit more for other people (2 orders for cardigans already this year)
* do more school library outreach
* keep the house a lot more tidier
* de-clutter once again
* design and build new kitchen
* paint inside / new carpet in bedrooms
* blog more
* catch up with friends more
* wake up and get up earlier in the mornings (this will be hard...)
* cook more dinners (husband's "job")
* help guide 2 kids into 2 new schools (one will get a fright...)
* cut the grocery bill
* use more natural products for cleaning
* finish quilt
* visit local family more
* do more local sightseeing
* spend a few weekends away with the husband
*live a lot more simply

photo taken today at Ohiwa Oyster Farm

On the road

Travelling around a bit of NZ these summer hols - meeting up with my twin and his family, which is always fab. Backyard volleyball, walks around town, waterfront connect four and soccer zorbing.
Just generally hanging out and having fun in the hot, hot sun. looking forward to some op shopping in provincial towns, buying and sending postcards, lots of knitting, a bit of uni work (no escape!) and meeting with another blogger for the first time! Shaping up to be the best holiday already!

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