One of the cats brought a mouse inside. Sadly the mouse did not survive, nor was its presence discovered until - well let's just say the problem had multiplied in the worst possible way. Never mind. I am not squeamish and I can lift the queen-size bed onto its side by myself. I can Eeeeek! with the best of them and I know how to use half a can ( Read more... )

Another consequence of Gary's departure for warmer places is a change in soaps. Every time I go to the local craft market I stock up on my favourite soaps from the soap-maker's extensive range. I admire all the strong and/or flowery scents but couldn't possibly use them (or even store them in my house) as the smell makes me feel ill, but they ( Read more... )

... hello to jigsaw!


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We gathered at my brother's place on Sunday night to celebrate my dad's 76th birthday (23rd May).

While there Niece #1 was handing out sheets of paper to everybody. What were they? Her list of things she wanted for her upcoming 13th birthday. I really admire an organised person who knows what they want!


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It has been getting colder here in Palmerston North; autumn, with a bit of rain, but no real bite ... yet. Just cold enough for the slippers to be disinterred from the back of the wardrobe and brought back into service ( Read more... )

Sam celebrated his 7th birthday today.

He's looking well ...


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After I hurt my back last year the physiotherapist said I had to walk every day. I started off with 5 minute walks - all the back would let me do! - and had worked up to 10 minute walks by the time Gary decided to join me. We now usually walk for 20+ minutes a day, most days, with some longer walks when the weather is agreeable ( Read more... )

... I start buying bulbs.

Got a bit inspired. Won't think it's such a great idea when I'm having to plant them, I daresay.

70 daffoldil bulbs


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Yesterday I went out to the local garden centre to get the hay (turned out to be straw) for the hedgehog house and also picked up a few bulbs (crocus, daffodils, and tulips) and some weed mat pegs which I will use with some netting when I divide the catmint ( Read more... )

I went off to the garden centre to buy some hay for the hedgehog house (to supplement what a friend had already donated ... it's a hedgehog mansion after all!) and for various reasons ended up coming home with barley straw. I am a complete townie and have only just had the straw/hay difference explained to me but the barley straw did seem nice and ( Read more... )