1/5/23

The mistress went out again and gave us all here some peace and quiet.  When she is home all sorts of things happen around here, so we get to hunt for these children's stories she has written today. Crickey, she hides them well because we were all everywhere. Where could they possibly be? Bother she arrives home this afternoon and we make a dash for it because we heard the garage door opening and that's a sure sign, she has arrived home. One of my mates got stuck while trying to make a run for it. She didn't see him, so while in the bathroom, he made a flying leap for it. Phew that was close.

Coming home with a headache didn't please her at all, then the phone was ringing, then rang again. People seem to know we have arrived home from our holiday. Oh. it's a busy house and only 1 human lives here. She really enjoyed catching up with her friends and an AGM. She has stood down from this committee as has enough on her plate at the moment. Good idea I say. Last year she did too much and forgets she is getting ancient now!!! Gosh, don't tell her this for goodness's sake. My head will be on the chopping block, and this will mean no more holidays. Hmm

Now she tells me there is another email from someone wanting us to house-sit. Jeepers, we are popular because she is always getting these requests. She has such great reviews from all 7 houses we looked after that she is popular. My understanding it she wants a break for a while. She missed her friends while we were away, and I reckon they missed her too. Having just announced it will take a long time to get around everyone. It is a b....... to be so popular!

You want to see the spare room: she still hasn't unpacked everything in bags and needs to complete her scrapbook. I wonder when this will be done. I would offer to do it but as you know my life is full of reading and finding those stories she has written.

The car is still kept outside because there are gnomes on the floor ready to go outside. Maybe she needs to put this in her diary.....😂She has just said if it is fine and warm tomorrow, she will do this job then. I shall report back on the outcome as something else is bound to crop up. 

I must report about the chap who stands in the barrel of beer on the floor here in the living area. He is well known for getting tipsy and rolling around in that barrel. My other mates have to keep him quiet through the night as he makes such a racket. We try to shut him up, but he is not good at listening. If the mistress heard, I wonder what she would throw at him? The mind boggles! Hopefully not another barrel of beer.

Thought for the day.

Kindness is 

realizing that 

we are all in this 

together.

30/4/23

A great discussion my mates and I had last night on humans and what makes them tick. They cannot believe all the things I have learned on this holiday.  So now my job is to teach them what makes this mistress tick. I do not believe I know all the answers either. I showed them this psychology book the mistress gave me. You should have seen their faces. Like me, they didn't know that humans have a brain. 

I reckon it is going to take years to learn about them. The mistress says a lifetime. Lifetime? Crickey this is a very tough project for a mere Gnome family. The mistress agrees and advises them to just learn a little each day. 

The mistress advises that she is still learning about humans and admits and doubts she will ever know everything. Jeepers that is quite a statement. 

Now she went out this morning and most of the afternoon. She tells me she went to church and caught up with some of her friends. She enjoys this place immensely. Nourishes the soul she announces. Crickey what is a soul I ask? Look it up she says.

After a cupper, she met a friend. She tells me they had a carrot cake that was fresh out of the oven. These 2 ladies enjoy each other's company and yack their heads off, either on the phone or in person, but this time it has been 5 months since they saw each other. The mistress came home very happy about her day.

I reckon she is feeling the cold as she has the heat pump on tonight. She does try to not turn it on, but it is chilly she says.

Now earlier tonight I saw the mistress working on a children's book about our holiday. My goodness, what next. She had some ideas in her head that needed to go on paper. I shall have to hunt around later and see what I can find. 

Do you know, she just picked up my thoughts and said.... that will be the day. Huh, Gnomes we have our ways of finding things. 

Something tells me that she will do her best to hide this evidence from us. The mistress has announced that when the time is right, we will be shown and not a minute before. 

The mistress spoke recently about the word "Wisdom" and I have been trying to explain this to my friends. 

She is always saying look it up in your books and this is what we found today.

Thought for the day.

The ability to make good judgments based on what you have learned from your experience or the knowledge and understanding that gives you this ability. 

 29/4/23

The sun was shining, and the mistress was delighted. Today was a special day for her young friends and their baby. It was her christening day and a very special day for everyone. This dear little girl never cried, was very alert looking at everything that was going on and didn't want to miss a thing. It was a big day for this little young baby, and no doubt will be grumpy and tired for her parents later today/night. The mistress came home extremely happy and seeing this lovely family and their relatives and friends brought so much joy for her. She says they are an amazing family. Always lots of laughs and a good catch-up.

Now the lovely father of this extended family gave the mistress a lucky charm before we left on our big journey. He said it was from his heart wishing us safe travels and good fun. Well, he was right, the mistress says. Look at all the great positive things that happened and kept safe. 

Of course, they were all asking about me, and our travel adventures.

I ask what is a christening? A good question she announces. It's a Christian ceremony at which a baby is Christened. or baptized by a priest or minister. It is where a baby is welcomed to the church. Gosh, all these strange words I have never heard of. The mistress has suggested I get out my books and discuss with my mates tonight. 

Jeepers we had other things planned tonight when she goes to bed, but I guess we could do this and make the mistress happy. I have to watch in case she chucks some books my way and knocks me off my perch. She has a habit of doing this to me at times you know.

Now I reckon this is a health and safety issue. I shall call a meeting first before we discuss this christening business.

Hey, she just announces that she hasn't thrown anything at me for ages. No but what about when we were away? There were many times. Huh she just said suck it up. Oh, it's a tough life being a Gnome.

Thought for the day

You can always give something, 

even if it is only kindness.

28/4/23

Good news to report today. The mistress is on the mend. She is looking much better than I have seen for a while now. Those sleep-ins could be doing the trick. She gathered up all the new gnomes from our holiday and sprayed them before they go outside.   Gosh, what a stink she made. I noted she wore a mask, so that was a good idea. 

Later I wondered where she was and then saw her out the window. It appeared she was in the garden. Gosh, she must be feeling better. Time was running away because she was late for lunch. Relaxing with an apple and a cup of tea for lunch was a good idea and didn't go back out I noted. She is mighty pleased with her efforts, anything to have a happy mistress.

After her rest, she decided to go and meet some friends that she had missed while we were away. I was even allowed to go too. Jeepers.

Socializing

It wasn't a late night and home by 8 30pm. 

Thought for the day

What wisdom can you find

that is greater than kindness

 27/4/23

This is it she says

The mistress had another sleep-in today, and took her breakfast back to bed, for more rest. She thinks she is feeling slightly better today.

Her hair has been driving her crackers, so after her shower, she took off to the hairdresser. Peace for me and a meeting with these new friends. We need to report we found another traffic fine!!! Shh don't tell the mistress. I shan't disclose the amount because this could get me into all sorts of strife. I reckon her Granddaughter will be on her tail. She says sports cars with stripes are supposed to go fast. Yes, but she is breaking the law and demerit points to her name. 

 

More paper was flying around here today, finding more mates for me. There is another old chap in the garage that was given to the mistress, to repaint, from a delightful lady in Paeroa. Plus, there are 2 others that are very small and old she found somewhere, also to repaint and 4 tiny miniatures as big as your little fingernail. So that's about 60 in our car. 

The 2 chaps in the front row are pepper and salt. Jeepers I hope they won't sneeze all over the table. This could get messy. The 2 to the left at the back are double ups because the mistress just loves these guys' faces. They look cheeky, and I reckon the mistress is very cheeky too. 

I recall a conversation she had with a friend about needing a truck or trailer to cart these all home, but careful packing was required she announces.

All the suitcases are now empty, and just some bags to sort. She told me that she doubts there are any more Gnomes in these bags. Hey, I think we have heard this before. 😂😂😂

A neighbour came over to see all these new friends of mine on the floor. She got a shock to see so many. Most are now on the garage floor ready to be sprayed before going outside. The mistress likes to protect them from the weather, and this spray does the job she says. The inside Gnomes only require a wash. Now listen here, I do not ever wash, as I enjoy a bit of dust. She clearly needs to understand this.

She put the fella sitting on the toilet on her toilet. Strange woman I reckon. Now my calculation of the Gnome numbers would be 400 plus. I think a count again outside is required.

Our home is now called Gnome Village. The mistress is a Gnome-a-Holic. 

Also, a Gnome-ologist is her title on her profile for house sitting. Now you should see her reviews from these families that we looked after their homes and pets. She always leaves them some flowers on the bench/table. I am very proud of my mistress.  Jeepers don't tell her though. She could get a swelled head. 

Now one of those miniature friends of mine told me that he reckons he has heard a discussion about the Television doing another story, so watch this space.

26/4/23

 Crickey she was up early today. Needed some blood tests then off to the Doctor later. It appears the mistress might be exhausted from her holiday. Rest is in order for her. She did a covid test too and all is well. Negative.

So, canceling some of her activities seems to be in order for a while. She has even had the heat pump today and must be feeling the cold. A different climate to the North Island. 

Getting another suitcase emptied and finding yet another Gnome made her happy. The progress she says is only a little more to go, she will get the car in the garage.

We have kind neighbors and friends checking on her, and very grateful to these people. Admitting to her exhaustion has taken some doing. Navigating around in places we don't know is more stressful than she thought. That thing in the car that talks to her sometimes misbehaves. She was unimpressed when this happens. That s.....word often popped out. I reckon it was the operator, but don't tell her this.

Last night my mates had great fun, and more alcohol was consumed I feel. I don't have much, because I don't want to fall out of my chair. 

More Gnomes and friends found

Look at Mr. Grumpy. Are those magic mushrooms?

The fella on the horse, well he is hopeless once he has had a few beers, as he keeps falling off that horse. We tried to get into the pile of mail on the floor, but was very difficult, to get access. The Granddaughter wants to know if any more speeding tickets came in the mail. I see another pile of mail arrived today, so I shall report next time. 

I wonder what these fellas get up to tonight. The mistress says I need to talk about our holiday and all the things we did. But do it quietly please. 

Thought for the day

To be a star, you must shine your own light,

follow your own path,

and don't worry about the darkness.

For that is when Stars shine brightest.

25/4/23

I need to tell you that the mistress remained in bed this morning. Gosh so unusual for her. She must be sick. Maybe someone should offer her some bubbly......

Crickey did we have fun last night? My new mates on the floor were rolling around laughing their heads off. One fella is in a barrel with "welcome" on the front. Well, he must have drunk the whole lot because he was pickled 😉😂😃. Cor Blimey we haven't had this much fun in ages. Another fella on a horse, well he took one look at the nude lady beside him and fell off. Another with binoculars was sitting on a beer can and he got his eyes full and fell off his can. He needed another drink to check he was seeing right.

Oops "it" went all over the floor

Now Mr., Policeman came knocking to see what all the commotion was all about because he could hear us outside. So, he too joined in on our fun.  This nude lady was having a ball with all these fellas around. But then she spotted a mate nude and, he was sitting on the toilet, holding a beer can. Goes in one end then, out the other except "it" wasn't hanging down!! It went all over the carpet, so I used my gnome magic, and poof it went away. 

Can't possibly have the mistress knowing what we were up to.

Another 2 fellas were smoking pot and laughing at each other's jokes. The fumes and smoke got into the other chap's face, so he had a mask on. We now have the Boss of our pack. He is huge and lights up at night, so was good that we could see each other better. But the sign he is holding says "The Gnome did it". Huh, which gnome? We will blame the fella on the toilet.

He is the boss man.

Smoking Pot and the weirdo rainbow man

Since when did gnomes have rainbows?? Well, this chap thinks he's the cat's pajamas because of his colors. I reckon he is a real weirdo. 

Mr Policeman came calling

A couple of others were on a seesaw and saw some magic mushrooms. Gosh, there could be a problem with Mr.  Policeman here. I think the frogs should go and hide in front of them so he can't see them. 

What is he going to do about these fellas smoking pot? I think we could offer him a beer and he might let them off. The fella who thinks he is fishing is telling huge fishy stories. He doesn't have a hook on the rod and can no water around. By the look of his eyes, I reckon he is pickled too. 

Another chap, well who on earth dragged him here?  He is doing some sort of ritual. His legs are crossed, and his hands are on his head. Did he get into the barrel of booze too? He sits for ages and ages doing this weird stuff. I think I will send him down to that weirdo rainbow fella. The two of them make a good pair.

Since when do Gnomes pick sunflowers? Looks like this one has grown all right. So, what's the problem here?

Those are magic the mushrooms.

Silly twits on a seesaw

Time was going so fast that we thought the mistress could wake soon and she did but was only 4 am. She made a cup of tea and we scarpered. Phew, it was a close call though.  

So, to relax until it was proper morning, we pondered on the word.

"Wisdom". My mates had never heard of this strange word.

A lot of discussion going on until daylight on this one and I don't think we have it sorted yet.

Life is just a path. 

If you follow your heart

it will lead you in the right direction. 

 

 24/4/23

Well, she placed me back on the shelf last night. Some of my mates were on the shelf above and I had a real catch-up. They can't believe where I have been and all the things I have done. 

We jumped down to the floor and laughed the night away....until the mistress got up. We hid around the corner trying not to make a noise. By morning we were all back in our places on the shelf. Quietly watching all the things that were going on today. The mistress went out 3 times today. What on earth was she doing I wonder. MYOBB she says.

Now she's still not well and while sitting she unpacked some new Gnomes purchased on our holiday. There are Gnomes all over the floor, so I can't wait until tonight when I will count them. We could even have a party I reckon. 

Jeepers there are so many and that's not all she says. Crickey we shall have fun tonight. There are all shapes and sizes. I will tell you tomorrow what we got up to. 

I thought we could play with all the bubble wrap and paper that was flying around here. But no such luck. the mistress scooped it all up and put it in the bin. It was empty and now filling fast. That's a real blow for us because we could have played games in it and pop those bubbles. Oh well I am sure we will find other stuff to get into, like her mail. I see its still on the floor in a pile. Shh don't tell her this will you. 

Now I heard her tell some friends that she went out for lunch with the village people who live here. Despite not feeling flash she wanted to socialize with all the Neighbours. Crickey some of them can't seem to stay on their feet and have had some huge tumbles and ended up black and blue. Jeepers that's a bit rough. 

The joys of growing old she announces.

Thought for the day:-

Destiny decides who touches your life.

Your heart decides who touches your soul.

Wellington

21/4/23

The mistress was up early today, and Ollie didn't quite know what was happening until the mistress explained that his family would be home soon. We were now home wood-bound and farewell to Hastings and the friends we made.

OMG, the car is so full, and she left a small gap to see out the back window. She put stuff all around me but left me a space to keep an eye out for those red and blue lights. It rained further down the road but was a good trip with a couple of stops. I didn't see any Gnomes hop into the car either!! But I did see a small Gnome size book plonked in front of me called "Wisdom". What on earth does wisdom mean. The mistress announced that if I read the book then I would find out.? It's a very strong word she says, and adult humans usually have a lot of wisdom/knowledge that they have learned over the years and share with others. Older adults usually have the most wisdom. Hmmm, I will have to think about this.

 We get to our accommodation and the mistress is extremely tired. Hey, she was in bed by 8pm. That's so early for her. Rained all night she says.

22/4/23

Ferry to Picton

Our Ferry arriving from Picton

Another early rise as the mistress didn't want to rush, so had plenty of time to get to the Ferry. We were 3rd in the queue and had such a long wait, but she did her word find puzzle while we waited. The drizzling rain didn't ease up until we were out of Wellington.

Happy Rocking away on the ferry

All aboard and we are sailing.  I am very happy rocking away watching all that is going on around us. Everyone was hungry as was just past 1pm. Hey, the mistress had a glass of bubbly to settle the nerves about getting us to Wellington and the ferry. But I reckon she did well, but Shh don't tell her this.

We met some lovely people, on board and the mistress couldn't open her bottle so asked the chap next door if he could take the top off. Huh, we found out later he had a special ankle monitor for home detention. Jeepers he is a criminal and he sat beside us for a while to eat his lunch. When he moved away, he put his hood up and stuck to himself. No wonder. I wonder what conviction he created to have such a thing on his leg. At least he was kind to my mistress and that's the main thing.

A lovely couple Mike and his wife Allison sat at that table and the 3 of them yacked their heads off all the way to Picton. The mistress forgot to ask them if they wanted to come and see all my friends, at home as they were coming to Chch.

The mistress disappeared for a few minutes and when she came back a lady came and whisked us up to the Captain on the Bridge. Allison came as chief photographer. Jeepers not everyone is allowed up their so we are very lucky. Now Derek the shy captain didn't really want to be part of this and preferred the mistress sat in his seat, which she did. Mighty comfortable she says. The view out to the sea was amazing. So much glass I needed my sunglasses. Derek was a great chap and young Sue our escort asked us our story and that it's not every day they get a visit from a Gnome. They will post our pictures to their hall of fame!! Sue came to visit us before we arrived in Picton and said she was impressed with the blog and would keep reading it. She was a lovely young lady and seemed excited to meet us. 

Sitting in the Captains seat

A happy lot. A great photo

On the Bridge, big enough for a party I say.

Calm waters

She looks half sloshed

We traveled to Blenheim for the night, a nice motel, and Chinese for dinner which the mistress said she could cook better than this but wasn't in any state to cook tonight. Hey, she was in bed by 7pm. So early for her. I shall keep an eye on her I think.

23/4/23

Home today. Shes up early and I need to report that she ate her breakfast on the road with her cup of tea. Now I haven't seen this before, keen to get home I reckon. Left at 8am for some petrol, she didn't want to make the car too heavy for the boat yesterday. I was worried we might sink if we were too heavy, and also all the extra Gnomes on our car. Beautiful sunny day and not too much traffic. The only lights we saw was from an accident at Ward. Some big red lights too from a fire engine. We just hoped everyone was ok. I kept my eye on the dashboard for her speed and did well I say. Opps unless there is a ticket in the mail that we missed. 

Now we stopped at Kaikoura for a cupper and oh no, 2 extra passengers. Just where were these going to perch. Right at my feet she says. There was a small area, but these fellas are quite big from what I could see. She left room for me to see out thank goodness.

We were heading down the road and wondered why 2 large boats and a lot of people were watching from the beach, and saw dolphins, dozens of them playing and jumping out the water. Rather interesting to watch and close to the shore with Kayaks out there too. The people on the tourist boats, we could hear their excitement. 

Look for the dolphins playing

Watching the Dolphins

Home sweet home. The mistress remembered where we lived. Amazing. But hey I have to tell you she forgot where to find the cups to make a cup of tea, then at dinner time....she didn't know where the salt and pepper were. She opens several cupboards and drawers too!!

Now a lovely neighbor who looked after the outside watering in our absence left a casserole in the fridge with a welcome home sign pinned to the fridge. Awesome and the mistress is very grateful. She will have it tomorrow as she's not feeling that great tonight.

 Hastings/ Napier

Farewell

20/4/23

The sun is shining again making the mistress extremely happy. Not feeling a lot of improvement in the health department. 

We zoomed off to Napier today to farewell a friend in her brand-new house and to have a last sit in her favorite place on the waterfront, counting her blessings, for the wonderful experiences we have had for the past 5 months. She sent gratitude upstairs to the Angels, guides, and her mum for all these fun times, exploring the North Island and so far out of her comfort zone. Jeepers I am proud of her, but Shh please don't tell her this.

As for me, well I am grateful too, and especially to my mistress. Gee, how many Gnomes get to go on such a holiday like this. I reckon we will be back here sometime in the future.

Now the mistress had a really interesting conversation with Ollie today about not walking again, and that his family is returning home tomorrow. He really focused on her, and she reckons he understood perfectly clearly. Yeah right, I say. She says look at his body language it speaks volumes. 😏😏😏

So, we travel to Wellington tomorrow, cross the cook strait Saturday, and home Sunday. Now my eyes will be on the lookout for those red and blue lights, and I shall be frequently looking at the speedo! I wonder if there is a pile of tickets in the mail at home from the cameras we didn't see. I shall report my findings.

When we return home on Sunday, I will continue to report on the comings and goings of this mistress. There are a whole lot more events, trials, and tribulations that go on in her life and already her dairy is filling up after a couple of weeks to settle first and to get properly well. 

The mistress reports a book or two, of adults and children's books about our holiday are huge possibilities. So, watch this space.

We could become even more famous!!

Oh No she has just announced that some ferry sailings are canceled due to staff illness. OMG what next.

Don't panic she says, it is not our boat. Phew

Hastings

19/4/23

We are back here again. The old mistress hasn't been too well this past week and looking forward to getting better for our big trip home. So, this has meant being confined to the couch and poor Ollie hasn't had his walks. She did try yesterday but they came back very quickly, and she nearly caught me doing my Gnome business. She found that this was just too hard and am sure Ollie understood. The mistress thinks he is missing his family and will be excited to see them on Friday. 

Now this great lump of a dog really likes being with the mistress, especially when she is in the kitchen. He takes up the whole floor.!!

He even stood on her toe and that wasn't funny either as she said he was very heavy. The size of his paw is the size of her hand. No wonder when you see what he eats every day.

Today the mistress is just a little better, so headed out for a cupper and a yack to the lady from the previous house sit and to say goodbye. She enjoyed their morning tea which led on to lunchtime due to all the yacking that women do. They were at a place she had been to before and enjoyed called "The Figgery". They have a huge orchard of several varieties of figs.

Eventually after a nice lunch, she is now on the couch. It doesn't look like she will be moving far tonight.

 Hastings

17/4/23

Ollie missed out on a walk today as the mistress isn't well and had to rest. I reckon he understood exactly when the mistress explained to him that the Doctor said rest only today. She lay on the couch this afternoon and he knew this was unusual. Reassuring him she would be better tomorrow. She is very sure he understood. I shall ponder this. 

I spotted her reading her book that I saw the other night. I reckon she is just about at the end of it. 

As for my reading, well this psychology book is so complicated that my tiny brain hurts. The mistress says, " Well, just read a little bit each day, and maybe your mates at home will help you all to understand humans, cats, and of course dogs. She also reports that animals know more than you think, despite them not talking. Just watch their body language she says.

Do Gnomes have body language I ask? Well, that's a very good question she says. Gnomes are funny creatures, they observe all day, and she reckons we all get into mischief when no human is around. But no human ever catches them, because they always look innocent.

If only cats and dogs could talk, she says. Heck no that would spoil our fun. 

She thought back to about a year ago when she started fostering cats. This big cat Reily used to sit at her bedroom door when he thought it was bedtime. Now I remember this too. It was 9pm and still too early to go to bed for the mistress, but he waited patiently.  The relief on his face was a real picture, and this is his way of talking. So, body language speaks quite loudly she announces. He curled up beside her and they both went to dreamland and a purr of satisfaction from Reily.

 Hastings

16/4/23

Mmm, she announces some sunshine today. Ollie is ready and waiting for his walk. They were out longer than usual because they went a different route and Ollie loved it so much, he pulled even harder on the lead. They met some other dogs to chat with and were very friendly. On arriving home, he flops on the floor recovering when a lad called in to take him for another walk. Great excitement and again a huge flop on the floor, puffing and panting, but a very happy-looking Ollie on returning home.

Now I must tell you about my findings from last night. She read for ages, and I had to wait and wait. Anyway, there is a huge photo of the Author on the front cover, I had to move her glasses very carefully because I didn't want to wake her up. His name is Kelvin Cruickshank, then she moved, and I had to take off very quickly. I know she enjoys his books because I have seen others at home. 

This afternoon I wanted to stay in the car and read my books, while the mistress went and visited the previous house sit people. She caught up with Milo too, and he was happy to see my mistress. They all had a cupper together and a good old natter, and a laugh or two.

The mistress decided afterward to zoom off to Napier. She so loves this place and I do too, especially if it makes my mistress happy. We sat at the waterfront for a while then went off to her favorite place for dinner. Cafe Anatolia. It is a Turkish restaurant. 

Later we went back to church. Everyone gave us a warm welcome as usual and others met for the first time. Several were very keen to look up this blog. It was a fantastic night and very different and will report back to her Christchurch, church. 

We have promised to see them all again.

Home to Ollie as his tummy was requiring his dinner. It went down so fast, so must have been hungry. It was 9pm after all.

Now he has sprawled out all over the floor satisfied with his day.

 Hastings

13/4/23

I have begun to realize that the later the mistress goes to bed the less time I have to do my Gnome business. But eventually, she disappears, and all is quiet, but on looking down the passage her light seems to be on for ages. When I ask why and what is she doing. She likes to read, she announces. She has a good book and wants to get it read before going home. Huh, I asked her, what is it about? MYOBB she says. 

Well don't tell her, but when I know she is asleep I shall find out.😂😂😂

I shall report later on my findings.

So, going to bed late and then reading until all hours means she sleeps in late, but the phone rings this morning and she's awake.  I don't get my stuff done properly in case she wakes early. Her response was "Tough".

I shall lay a complaint but who can I complain to? Can someone please advise me? My Gnome business is very important, and I need your help.

Ollie took her out for the usual walk. He sits and waits until she finished her breakfast, then gives her a special "Look" and heads to the door. He wasn't impressed when she said to wait until she hangs the washing out. I could read his mind, duh...Humans. Yep, I agree mate!!

I race around here when they go out walking, and all is quiet on their return. But this afternoon I got some more peace when she went out, and when I enquired as to the expected time of arrival home, the air wasn't at all good. She announced that she will be home when she arrives. Now what kind of answer is that? Humans, I really don't understand them, or should I say this one is very complicated. Are they all like this I wonder? 

So eventually, she arrives back, and when I enquire as to what she got up to, I got that look again. So, I shut up and mind my own business. I understand I need to do this task more. 

Now tonight the mistress has been doing something weird with her fingernails. I just sat and never asked, because I know the answer. Her nails have been a glossy pink for about a month and had started to peel off. So, she's very focused, gets a tool and I see that little bits fall off. Now she is quite tidy and picks up the pink bits. The mistress says we must always clean up when completing a task. So weird I say, and another interesting thing I have learned today.

To shut up and clean up when finishing a task!!

Hastings

14/4/23

Oh, yuck as she opens the curtains. Looks like the rain is coming today. Time for some breakfast then Ollie would take her for a walk.

But then I heard Oh no it's pouring down. As time passed, the mistress could see that it would clear but for how long? So readied herself with a jacket and off they went. Ollie was so excited when he saw her put on the coat before mentioning the W ...word. He knew alright and not at all stupid. But hey I noted she wasn't wearing the new hot pink jacket. She didn't want to put him off walking. !!! He was too strong for her to struggle back with him and didn't want to get the new jacket wet......but that's what they are for. Nope, not today. She wants to wait until we get home. 

Home gosh I have almost forgotten what it looks like. You will remember she says. Next Friday we begin our journey back, she announces as the homeowners here arrive back from their holiday on Friday. 

This afternoon I caught up on some reading of that psychology book that flies my way at times. The mistress had another day at home, and she too got her book out and read. She wants to finish it as has promised it to a friend on her return and another after her. 

She also got on YouTube for her favorite music, while she read. I have to admit I found myself rocking away and quite enjoyed it but don't tell her. I recall her playing it at home too. It's called. 

"Wuauquikuna". They are 2 American Indians who play the flute and have extra sound effects for well-known songs like the Abba selection and others.

 Jeepers I watched the mistress give Ollie a piece or two of sausage at dinner time. I hope he doesn't make a mess around here as she could get into trouble with the owners!!

I have noticed if she is in the kitchen, he is right there all over the floor, and nowhere for her to walk, so he gets a short sharp signal of MOVE, please. Heck, she even uses her manners. Of course, she says. Everyone should use their manners, no matter who they are talking to, including dogs. Manners....hmm. Perhaps I need to look this up too.

 Hastings

13/4/23

Jeepers she is on a mission today and wait till I tell you something.

Ollie took the mistress out walking again and she tells me he is so strong and has to really pull on his lead as she can't keep up. What's wrong with her I say, but shh don't tell her this.

Now I was on a Gnome mission while they were out. It was a huge jump for me to get on the bench as I had a feeling that my easter egg was up there. I pulled the drawers out one at a time and climbed up each one until I got to the top. Golly this was such hard work for me, but I was determined today was the day to find my easter egg. I pushed things around and looked under everything, and Bingo, I found it. Such a relief for me. Now how the heck do I get down from here. While I rested, I had a good long think about it as I didn't want to break any bones. Then my brain said the same way as you got up here you twit. Duhh of course. I didn't want to squash my egg either. It was hard work, but I managed very well. My mates would be proud of me.

Look what I found

So, on their return home, I am sitting here resting after my hard work, and the mistress asks me where did I find it? On your bench of course. She was most impressed with me and said enjoy it while you can in case it goes missing again. Now I figured if it goes missing it will be either the dog or her that takes it from my grasp. Nope, they are not having it.

Oh yummy

Rather tasty and worth all my hard work

The mistress is still on a mission this afternoon.  She gave up playing Croquet to tidy up all her handbags, and suitcase and put all the loose gnomes in the car into a new bag she bought but guess what? As she is closing the zip it came off in her hand then the other side did the same. She says they don't make things like they used to and that it was probably a man who made them. 

Now the idea of this is so there are no flying missiles in the car while traveling. Such a good idea I say. I do not want any landing on me in the front or the mistress, because she needs to focus on driving.  

While she did this a young lad arrived to take Ollie for another walk. Gosh, he is very lucky today and the lad agrees that he is very strong. 

He is telling her that he missed her.....really?

Hastings/Taradale/Napier

12/4/23

Another day of sunshine here 25 degrees. I hope my mates at home are jealous. I do know the mistress's friends at home are getting a bit chilly these days and rarely get over 20 degrees. 

We sure know where to find this sunshine. They say this area is Hawks Bay. A real sunny spot I say. No wonder they grow apples, grapes, and other delicious fruits. In the garden here they grow yummy oranges, and the tree is huge, and much bigger than the mistress.  Out the back, we are unsure whether grapefruit or mandarins with lemons or limes are mixed. Unfortunately, they don't grow well at home. Lemons do but hoping ours hasn't got the frost as it's not covered yet. The owners have told the mistress to help herself which is so kind of them. They don't eat them. 

We zoomed off to Taradale today. The mistress was keen to look around and found this place to be very friendly. No snooty staff and no friendly flies. She did find 2 small Gmones badly in need of paint, so for a $1 bargain she says. Now how many are in the car now? 

We went to her favorite place to sit and ponder in Napier as the sun was just perfect for my mistress.

A nice place to ponder life

Eventually, we zoom off downtown. For the past couple of winters, she has tried to buy a winter rain jacket but has had to wear her tatty one, so wanted to check out a shop. Jeepers more $$

She leaves me in the car to people-watch on the street beside me. I don't think I will ever understand these humans. All shapes and sizes. 

The street was fairly quiet despite very few car parks being available. She wanders across the road to a shop called "Magazine"

OMG, she comes out carrying a parcel, I hope it's a coat/jacket as she indicated. She said she had a great conversation with the lovely young lady who was interested in Gnomes, so she told her our story, and of course, gave her our card. She was eager to look us up. 

Meanwhile, she showed me her jacket. It's perfect she says. Holy Moley. The brightest pink you have ever seen. I doubt she will ever escape the cops with this color. Just as well the car isn't hot pink. She tells me hot pink for a hot woman. What does this mean? She throws me the phycology book to look it up. It would be a lot easier for her to tell me. She politely told me to shut up again and do as I was told as she had to drive and needed to use her brain to watch the road. 

Now I have a complaint. This is 2 days in a row that she has told me to shut up. Complain all you like she says, and I will leave you on the side of the road. Huh😖😕😔

Jeepers hot pink, I need my sunglasses

Now she tells me that this jacket is reversible. What does this mean.?

I can wear it as a black jacket or pink. 2 Jackets for the price of one. Now that is a bargain she announces. Yeah right. I am still pondering this matter. "Woman" 😑

Hastings

11/4/23

Ollie, just look at his size

Another sunny day here the mistress says as she opens the curtains. She is doing a load of washing, as will be dry in no time. 24 degrees again. Those poor friends of hers at home are only about 14 degrees brrr which is a bit chilly.  

Do you know this dog here Ollie, well he has this mistress really well trained. As soon as she has had her breakfast, he knows it's walk time. She just says the word and I watch him get so excited. 

Arrrh peace for me. I am trying to find an easter egg that I haven't eaten yet. Ollie better not have found it or I will jump on his tail. I wonder where it could be. I shall keep you informed.

The mistress's friend Kate asked about the fish and chips. Do they taste better than Christchurch? Up here Snapper is always on the menu and the mistress loves this fish crumbed. The chips last night could have stayed in the oil longer as were not crisp. Snapper isn't on the menu very often in Christchurch. So usually has crumbed Cod Red/blue. Her brother catches both cod and snapper from his boat in the Marlborough Sounds. 

The mistress took me to try the local cafe, so headed off to have her usual cupper. But this one was very different. We did notice how friendly the flies were. The cafe was extremely clean and tidy, and these little creatures were not welcome. She went to have a mouthful of tea and spotted a fly swimming in her tea. What a way to die in a hot cup of tea without milk. The staff was a little grumpy but gave her a fresh cup. Needless to say, she didn't really enjoy the tea, after this. 

Interesting question I put to the mistress. Why are some people behind counters grumpy? 

A good question she says. Do you have days when you're not as chirpy as the day before? Nope, I am the same day after day. Gnomes are always happy I say.

Humans gosh they are a complex lot. Moods, hormones, happiness, sadness, grumpy, bad-tempered, they are all so different and I want to know why? What are Hormones? I've never even heard of this word before.

Do you know what the mistress did to answer my question?

She tossed another book for me to read on psychology. Now this book is so big and heavy, and she says that is because humans are very complicated, and there is a lot to read up about. Hmmm, I would rather find my Easter Egg.

We zoomed off to the local Rose Garden which was just down the road. What a shame she announces, the roses are past their best, but we did get some nice pictures. Hey, I saw her standing in the garden to get a better shot. Now she will be in trouble if they catch her.

 And that's not the only thing she did wrong this afternoon. As we cruised along the road, I saw 2 mufti cops. No lights going as they were stationary. I reckon they had a camera and clicked as she was doing 55km instead of 50km. I bet the mailbox will be stacked with driving offenses as she often puts her foot down because I watch her.

After doing a couple of messages and putting a rather large bag in the car, I was told, ask no questions and you will be told no lies. Now, what kind of psychology is this. I better duck in case another book flies my way. 😂😂😂

Time for another cup of tea. We went to the garden center that we were recommended. She wanted to see a lovely young lady as was always cheerful and doubted that pet flies would be at this place.

She loved the tea pot and a perfect brew. Not a fly in sight. Jeepers she didn't even share her carrot cake. How mean. She told me that there are some things you share and some things you don't, and this was one of them. Oh, heck it's a tough life being a Gnome. 

I'll tell you what, she is not getting my Easter egg either. 

Huh she just told me that a very good friend of hers in Chch told her to tell me to "Shut Up". Now I have some news for her. I could let her tires down the next time I see her. 😃😂😃

                                       The Rose Garden

In loving memory, beautiful smell

She covered me in leaves

A nice fly-free cup of tea