April Holiday: Nelson and Surrounding Area

We had been to Nelson a couple of times before, but it was good to have a chance to have a look around the area again.

The first visit was to my friend, Raewyn. I had only met her in person once before, back in 1999, when Steven, Simon, Jeff and I went and stayed on their farm at Port Ligar, but have known her through the internet for far longer than that one visit suggests. Raewyn now lives in Nelson in a gorgeous house built by Italian settlers. Her garden shed is a delight, with it's wonderful mural. It was great to catch up again, and once again, I love how she is in real life exactly how I know her from the online world.

Our next stop was the NZ Classic Motorcycle Museum. We were lucky to see it, as it closed at the end of May. Very sad for Nelson, but the elderly owner needed out. However, I have just googled it and discovered that the magnificent collection has been bought and is being moved  - finally, a reason to visit Invercargill!

 

Such beautiful weather, we couldn't stay inside any more, and so walked to the top of a hill overlooking Nelson. It is 'the center of New Zealand' by one definition, anyway!



The next day we just drove around the extended Nelson area.

 We had lunch at Mapua, a picnic in the sunshine....

 .... and bought ridiculously expensive, locally made gloves, and the yummiest hot chocolate ever.

 We drove a long way round to get back to Nelson, taking in the country side, including the hops growing.

 Friday morning. Time to head off to Golden Bay, but first lunch at Jesters, Tasman. (After being sidetracked at The Bead Shop in Nelson and its half price sale.) 

April Holiday: Picton to Nelson

Sailing away from Wellington by ferry has always felt like the beginning of an adventure, and this time was no different.

By the time we got to Picton it was dark, and we were glad we had booked a cabin for the night. Had a lovely meal that catered for me vegetarian and gluten-free wise, but had a few more carbs than I should have had, diabetes wise.

 

Next morning we headed to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Sounds. Such a beautiful drive. It took us ages as we drove slowly and stopped lots, including going for a one hour walk at one point.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This was the noisiest tree ever - it was chocka with nesting shags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nelson at last.

Tenting instead of getting a cabin. This was a mistake. It was really cold, and the dew made everything as wet as if it had rained all night.

In the evening we saw this wonderful movie - a new kiwi classic.

April Holiday: Palmerston North - Wellington

We don't often get away on holiday for more than a weekend, because it isn't easy to get house / animal sitters. We were very lucky this time to have a friend willing to come up from Wellington for two weeks holiday. I've known her for years through homeschooling email lists and then Facebook, during which time she's moved from Auckland to England to Ireland to Wellington and now I've finally met her in person. And despite all the horror stories about internet friendships, Pippa turned out to be exactly like she presents online, and we left totally at assured that she would look after everything wonderfully well - and she did.

We headed first to Palmerston North where, after booking into a cabin in a camping ground, we went to visit Jeff and Konny. We had a delicious meal cooked by them and the people they are living with, Sandra and Matt. A great start to our holiday.

Next morning I got up and, after breakfast, went for a walk in the park next to the camping ground. What a lovely place! I walked through lawns and exotic trees, native trees, and along the river bank.

 Later we went for another walk here with Jeff and Konny. Then it was into the centre to have a look around.

 Outside the library.

 3-D printer at the library.

 After a second night in Palmerston North, we said goodbye and headed for Wellington and the ferry. It was so nice to see Jeff and Konny and to be able visualize them in their new place.

Sick of sick.

Sick of diabetes
of worrying about food
of counting steps I've walked
of random elevated blood sugar levels
of worrying about blindness and gangrene

Sick of urinary tract infections
of the antibiotics used to treat them
of the stomach upset, bloating and diarrhea
and bleeding hemorrhoids that follow close behind
and continue for weeks and months and maybe forever

Sick of sandpaper throat
of sneezing and snotting
of harsh coughing all night
of crackling needle ear pains
and dribbling nose and eyes

Sick of trying
sick of the ten steps backwards
for every single step forwards
sick of nothing being enough
sick of the constant chipping away

Sick of loss
of family and friends
of a body that worked okay
of a mind that was briefly happy
of enthusiasm and passion

Sick of sick
and so very alone
I want a mother to hold me
and assure me that it'll be okay
but I've never had one of those