We spent Labour day bank holiday exploring some of the area. We went to Waihi Beach and had a picnic, we visited Katikati and then came back to our beach for an ice cream to finish the day off with a play in the park. Even on a bank holiday weekend we didnt really see and traffic jams or crowded places it was lovely.
This week we have had a quiet week really, just getting used to things. We had our house sprayed inside and out ready for the summer. You can get lots of bugs in the house during the hot season so this helps to stop that. We decided to go ahead and have this done when one of our neighbours told us she had woken up and was sharing her pillow with a large insect! So she has had hers sprayed every year since. Jess thinks we are cruel as we shouldnt kill any animals or insects.
Kids still loving school, they have 2 assemblies per week and certificates are handed out for good behaviour, being kind, good work etc. Jess got 3 on friday - one for good reading, one for good spelling and one for always sitting down ready and quietly to start work. Bless her. She was then given the school dog to bring home for the weekend. As you can see below he has been busy colouring.


We have planted some more vegetables this weekend, we are hoping to get enought to freeze and save on buying. Have to say you can only have so much rhubarb though! We now have 5 crumbles frozen and several pots of just stewed rhubarb. Going to give generously to the street with the stuff that is growing now! Lots of house here have a rack at the end of their drive with all fresh produce in called an honesty box, you just take what you like and then pop the money in. I bought a lettuce a couple of weeks ago and they leave all the roots on in a bag with water in, so they last for ages.

We went to the local DIY shop yesterday to buy some garden furniture and I was approached by a man who said are you from Sheffield?? I said yes is my accent that obvious, he laughed and said no I am from Eckington and your sons Sheff Wed shirt gave it away! They have been here a year and are loving it.
We then went to Omokoroa market yesterday and got chatting to a stall holder, who had been here 6 years with a very familiar accent. They were from Bramley rotherham. He used to work in Kiveton pit and now worked in engineering over here. He said his prices had to go up to a Sheff Wed fan, then a comment came from the back that would this also apply to a ManU fan, and stood behind us were a family from Manchester! Is there anyone left in the UK!!
Thank you for everyones emails, its great to here from everyone.
x