Two things for Jemma to contemplate they sit in front of the fire when it's on and when it's not they insist loudly that it's teatime. So just in case you've forgotten, Jemma, this is Lawty Towers where we live, note the extension on the end at left where you can crash out (like we regularly do with Nana and Granddad naps). As you can see I am waiting at the front waiting for you to come along and collect your not so little $800 Earl and extremely high volume Tabitha. Because we've been away for the week they are berating us ceaselessly and Boy can she make a noise now. It's probably due to the fact that Summer ended last week and they can no more splay themselves out under the bushes all day.

Anyway they've plenty to moan about as this weekend we seem to have been out quite a lot. had a great time out at Waiuku on Sat night for a pot luck supper then home at 2am for a trip to church at 9 am ish. Another wet day today and we just got home on a really slow motorway to lunch at our place with Roger and Co. and also Anne Humphrey who is singlehandedly raising the number of plants in my garden to the extent it will look really good next growing year.

Well Paulala I'm not studying, but I'm going at the art stuff slowly and also I have a small soldering project from Dick Smith to do which will allow me to record some of our vinyl onto CD. but Hey retirement grows on one. While Penny is off work I treat every day like we are on holiday. When she goes back to work I treat every day like I'm on holiday. But of a pain now that it is depressingly wet outside but the good thing is that I can see the oranges getting bigger every day! You remember my clay heap from the extension? Well after I disposed of it the patch has been seeded but I think the sparrows ate all the seed. Maybe I'll re sow it.

Our topic of conversation nearly always covers the Houghton saga. Where will they wind up and when! We keep getting carried away and sort of designing all sorts of imaginary options for them. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Penny has decided after her second Oxfam that yes she is capable of doing some fast times, but no longer needs the pressure on the knees. Now of course it's swimming! She seeks to emulate her Bro's and do the Rangitoto swim. Some knee trouble after the walk required a couple of Xrays. Delightedly all the bone areas seem to display really good density and no structural problems. So there you are Jem. just keep up the exercise! Roger has just completed the Milford to Takapuna King of the Bays swim, took him an hourish in the water and in heavy weather. I swim like a brick so I don't feel I will get caught up in that but I guess I'll be invited for the training periods at the pool where I will be able to feel Pen's bow wave as she cruises past. Actually I won't be doing the Oxfam thing either so it will be back to just the occasional run in the park next door. I have my stopwatch to make sure I don't slack too much and of course the scales. It's been good to have to eat everything in sight to maintain my weight since Christmas, but they won't be needed now.

the School holidays are now officially over. We have Tom back in residence with us again and it is now business as usual. Pen's physio tomorrow and her back to teach on Tues. Me to lounge about. Ahh, such is life!