Another weekend. The first week at work has been and gone and I am really glad its the weekend. My mornings go really quickly so even thought I start at 12, I leave the flat at 11.30 and get up about 9am. Two hrs doesn’t seem to be a lot when you are used to the whole day to do things! I haven’t even had time to update the blog.

We met up with Andy and his girlfriend Alanna on Sunday as planned to go to the Devonport Food and wine festival, which was good fun. I took it easy as I had first day of work next day and Steve tried his best. Some photos of the festival for you, it was fairly small but that only meant a wine tent was never very far away!





We watched NZ beat Australia in Auckland after getting back and chatted to a few avid NZ fans in a nice Irish bar in the Viaduct. I had to drag Steve out after the game - I could feel a whole night session looming.

Work has been fine for both of us. Everyone at the hospital where I work seems very friendly and helpful. The work is basic but a bit finickety so its taking me a while to settle in. The worst part is making teas and coffees for the visiting doctors and nurses - I feel like Julie Walters in Acorn Antiques (cant remember the characters name). The best bit is being alone and getting on with things - but that’s because Steve says Im a control freak, so I would like to be left alone and be in charge (he may be right)

Had a nice Indian takeaway on Wednesday and popped in to our new local bar for one or two throughout the week. But other than that we have been pretty quiet - mainly due to lack of energy and money. I should get paid soon so that will take pressure off - we are always down to our last dollar by the time the pay cheque comes - which is really hard when u have been used to not worrying each month for so many years, its like being a student again.

Steve is coaching cricket this morning with the school and was very proud of his AGS Coach t- shirt. I have been a cricket widow since March 06 now and I'm itching to do things at the weekend, but of course we cant.

BBQ with the cricket team (I think they are called MT Roskill) tonight on the north shore after the game and then we are heading back into Auckland for the end of the Music in the Park concert in the Domain - they are having fireworks at about 10pm so I want to see that. Auckland council run these events in the parks and reserves around Auckland all summer and some in the winter. They are free and thousands of people attend. That is one thing I love about NZ everyone is out and about all the time and making use of parks, beaches and reserves...it is a wonderful way of life.

Steve and I are going to try our hand at Bowls - I know, I know - but to be honest I am so crap at sport that we thought bowls would be something we could both do and something that Steve wouldn’t be so competitive about. e.g., it wouldn’t be much fun us playing tennis together as even tho I love tennis i cant serve or hit the ball very hard - steve would be bored. But hopefully with bowls (which is very popluar in auckland, both young and old people play) we can learn and enjoy new sport together. I am also planning for us to do Latin American dancing, but havent mentioned that one to stevo yet.

The sun still shining here and the weather since end of Jan has been gloriuos - day after day of sunshine - cant complain at all.

Some more photos:




Still no plans for wedding anniversary - where is the Smoke when u need it! We only have one night and a day and I want to get out of Auckland. If any kiwi reading this (assuming anyone reads this) has any suggestions (constructive) please let me know of anywhere near Auckland that we can visit for a romantic getaway. I was thinking of the coromandel, but I think it may be too far for one night?