Kaimoana, š¤£š¤£ you really are a tonic. Poor Jeeves
I do Hope you get to meet up with Koroās niece. It will be lovely to talk over old times and of course discuss grandchildren
ixion, what Jeeves has on his trolley at any one time depends on what heās been helping himself to as he goes from one place to another. I went weeks without my Baileys when it was his tipple of the month. š”
How are you and Mr I getting on. Is he behaving and not crossing his feet (note to self uncross legs 
)
Jeeves has been visiting me ixion so it may take him a while to get back to you.
He offered me a rather nice Lime/Linden flower tea or a Camomile brew but I can't stand the latter.
Of course there was magnesium as well and the old hot milk & honey (not good for diabetics), Valerian and Passionflower pills but these leave me too drowsy when morning comes.
I think he got a bit out of patience with my pickiness as I saw him pick up a pillow and eye me in a suspicious manner .
He said he was only plumping it up. 
You sound like a real mover & shaker Grammaretto - best of luck with the report.
I've been thinking a lot about Jan so thanks for the update Doodle - I do hope she feels better soon. I guess the onset of winter doesn't help.
After we got back from Kaukapakapa, I couldn't find my walking stick anywhere but today I found it hanging on the recycling bin in the garage. 
Put there to remind me it was our fortnightly collection and to put bin on kerb. I forgot both 
.
I was supposed to have the dogs this weekend but really don't feel up to it.
Learned last night that Koro's niece, now living in Brisbane, flies over soon. Have known her since she was 12, often "stood in" for her mother, including at her wedding - and now she has grandchildren. How time flies.
Here's one of the post from her Facebook page. 
Nfk sorry to hear you're still coughing, hope it goes soon. You rlittle dog sounds zweet, . Poor wee girl, I'm sure you'll love and comfort her.
Glad to have you back Grammaretto Did you enjoy your conference? Were good things decided?
Doodle two things attack me as they have your DH: the sharp, plastic covers of audio CDs and foil wrapped tablets. The latter have cause some quite serious cuts - ridiculous really when we have staunch H&S rules
When Maori men make a speech, it is always followed by a song. Today, at Koro's 80th birthday celebration he followed his speech of welcome and thanks with a song to his late wife and had everyone in tears. They'd been married 62 years when she died last November. She was the sweetest lady and we all miss her but she had been ill some time.
I'd made him some Marae slippers in Maori colours.
There's a long and (to me at least) interesting story of coincidences between me and Koro but perhaps for another day.....
Here are the prospective paddy fields
Well done not tripping on the trip hazards Kaimoana. š²
A lovely cottage with lovely garden but not specially practical was it.
The Premier Inn was ok. There was a lift, hot water and a comfy bed but as Maggie Smith said in her best Edinburgh accent in the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie;
For those that like that sort of thing. That is the sort of thing they like!
I am home at long last. I thought of you as we came through Bradford but took a photo in Halifax.
I spent my extra afternoon exploring Headingly and Meanwood park where there's a memorial to Captain Oates.
The wee DGC are coming tomorrow to play. Their landscape is waterlogged and like paddy fields. We may yet to be growing our own risotto in Scotland.
I am impressed with your purchases of a cow and a toilet Doodle and ixion. I was once given a virtual goat as a Christmas present. I hope it helped
Oh dear, from your reports it really does sounds as if you are going to get a similar Dangerous Deluge for winter.
Spud is now a Baby Bird, mouth open, tongue out ā food!
The weekend cottage was very picturesque. I think the owner had consulted Homes & Gardens. all very designerish and co-ordinated.
Extensive gardens with lots of flowers everywhere, nooks, crannies, arches, trellises and even a dovecot.
Gubbins loved the baby chickens and ducklings (all kept separate from guest accommodation) and there was a glorious view west to the Kaipara.
A rainy weekend had been forecast but other than a few short drizzles on Sunday it was dry. Cloudy though, so the famous sunsets did not grace our evenings.
I wanted to begin this story with good bits so you didn't think I was a moaning, negative old bat. Now, the rest of the Curateās Egg.
There was no parking near the cottage so DS had to carry everything down a long, steep and very dangerous path. There was a handrail but with 2 metre gaps which made it dicey going from one to the other.
The circular and butterfly mosaics set into the path were proud of the surface which had cracked so flower seeds had been left to grow in the fissures. This was the first 'tripping hazard' well known to the elderly
The steps up to the cottage were not too bad and although the polished floors within looked lovely, I nearly went bonce over bumty on the rug which slipped as I put first foot on it. We rolled this and other rugs up.
The old-style metal bedstead was high and with a modern, deep (and comfy) mattress, it was very high indeed. DS bed was lower but they had put Gubbins beside it so we couldnāt swap.
Nothing in the cottage was geared to older or less able people. No non-slip mat in the shower for instance nor mention of the need to bring Sherpa bearers to carry from the road (where we had to leave the car) to the property way below.
When DS took Gubbins to the local playground the next day and later to do some posh-food shopping, I stayed behind, unable to face that path and climb.
Gubbins loved the cold outdoor pool and I longer for a spa but DS pointed out that the wee step up to it, still meant a heck of a stretch to get in - and out. No hand rail here either. I didnāt dare.
The owners were really kind and when we were leaving, allowed us to go through their garden so DS could bring the car nearer for loading.
I feel mean mentioni g these hassles but if you offer accommodation, shouldn't you try just a little harder at safety for all?
No table & chairs, but high bar stools to the workbench which didnāt have enough lip even for Gubbinsā knees to fit beneath.
Iām glad we were there only for the weekend because although it looked absolutely wonderful, no thought had gone into anything but appearance.
No freezer space in the fridge and the galley kitchen was so small if you wanted to use the toaster, you moved the kettle. A tiny induction hob displaced both when DS made scrambled fresh eggs for breakfast.
It wasnāt as disappointing as this story seems to imply: DS and I had time to talk and he was generous enough to say it was valuable for the obvious bonding Gubbins and I achieved.
Because it looked so nice initially, I had dreamed I could go back alone once I saved up for another weekend ā now I know that just wouldnāt work.
All valuable knowledge.
And then, in gathering up Gubbins' books, I inadvertently walked off with their Information Book for guests about the local sights, menus and other guff.
I took a pair of slippers for the sweet lady owner and she was delighted - and gracious as it turns out she's an expert at the craft
How are you doing, Doodle? Sadly, no after effects from my flu jab at all, so it's business as usual after all. It was efficiency plus in the production line at the surgery. Whisked from pillar to post, it took me longer to fish out my upper arm and put it back than it did to administer the jab. No time even to ask for a badgeš. Just a shame the efficiency and pleasantness can't be extended to their day to day running.
It's been a lovely warm day here. We have been sitting watching the birds. The lido is much in use - we can fit up to 7 sparrows in at any one time. It is on a gentle incline on the patio (improves drainage, Mr.I assured me as he valiantly slab-laid in the olden days.). Does mean they have a deep end for the proficient swimmers and a shallower end for the wimps more cautious ones.
I also put out some diced (cooked) butternut squash. To watch the crows, you'd think I was more Lucretia Borgia than St. Frances of Assisi. They have been circling it and standing at a respectable distance eyeing it with very the utmost suspicion.
No takers as yet .
I am getting up my strength, having ironed for England, to make a risotto for dinner. I hate meals that need to be babysat. My approach has been somewhat tempered by a nice bottle of Chablis I sourced from the wine cellarš¤«. My cooking will be in the style of the late, great Keith Floyd. (One for the pot, two for me ...)
One reason for this early post.
This wine has gone down in the annals of family history. For my mother's 90th birthday party, my brother had ordered wine to be delivered by Sainsbury's to the house.
A delightful young man appeared at the door. I've got your Chablisse here he remarked. Your Merlotte is in the van .š
It's midnight! I must away to my bed....but here's the charmer š I meant to post these yesterday! Good luck with the jabs in the morning....
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