1/12/23

The Mistress's nighttime antics with this foot in a Moon boot continue. The light was on then off for quite some time through the night yet again. My understanding is when you go to bed you sleep. Not so, in this house. Here she is, undoing this boot and massaging her foot in the middle of the night. The circulation in her big toe was blocked she says. Now this word circulation, what on earth does this mean? Arh hey she has just said I was to look this up in my books, as I had time on my hands to do this. Humans!!

The phone roared into action this morning and His Lordship had some news. Lots of laughter and excitement then the reality that he has surgery on his knee next Thursday. Hey, hang on, the Mistress could get a call to have her surgery next week too. Oh, my goodness me. This would be the two of them out of action at the same time. 

Neither of them would be able to drive and would be stuck at home. So, when is a Gnome supposed to do his Gnome business? We shall hatch a plan over the next few days. Oh, this is so stressful. I need a lie-down. 

This afternoon the Mistress's friend called in to take her out for a cupper. Great news for us. As soon as they left, we all gathered around to discuss this dilemma. 

We couldn't come up with a plan, so another gathering was planned the next time she headed out. 

I must report that the Christmas cake has gone off the bench. Thank goodness for that. That stink sure lingered around here and we couldn't get away from it. 

I believe it is now December. This must mean Father Christmas must be getting ready with his deliveries. I wonder what he will bring this year. I believe the Granddaughter has put in her request. Hang on a minute she is now 10 years old. Doesn't Father Christmas stop coming at this age. He better come to me. 

 30/11/23

How is a Gnome supposed to go about his Gnome business when The Mistress is awake most of the night. Every time, we were about to carry out a situation her light went on, then off then on all night long. She wasn't at all happy about this situation she was in either. The Rainbow fella near her door could see most of her antics and her big toe which has a metal rod in it must have caused some pain. Popping pills didn't appear to ease the crisis either. This toe is under the awful moon boot too, so she loosened it to relieve the pressure but from her moaning and groanings, it didn't do much. There is always another night to do our Gnome business, but it is never the same. I recall on our holiday she talked about having patients. Now this is not at all what our Gnome life is about.

Hey, what is going on here? This computer thing has a mind of its own.

The Mistress went out this afternoon for a very important MRI scan. It appears the specialist Doctor is far from happy about her Achilles and may have to do something with it, like surgery. Now this sounds a bit rough, but so is the constant battle to get it fixed. What does surgery mean for a mere Gnome to understand? 

She announces I have plenty of medical books on the subject and should investigate in my spare time. Grrrr.

While she was out the wheelbarrow fella tipped out all the ping pong balls all over the floor. He said he was bored and thought he would create some fun. They went flying in all directions and under the furniture making it very difficult to get them out. 

At play while the Mistress was out.

I even got up on the bench and threw some balls into the wheelbarrow from my prime position. I only missed a few though. 😂😂😂😂

While I was up there, I spotted the Christmas cake. She cooked it in a wooden box. I thought cakes were made in tins. We had to put up with the smell all night long while it cooled down. I hope she puts it away soon. 

Some of her friends called in this afternoon. It appears they had missed her calling in, and as she is not driving at this time, they came to see her. Well, this is fair enough, I guess. They had a lot of catching up to do and jeepers they could all talk. Of course, she had to tell them about our three books that are underway at present. 

29/11/23

 Things swung into action fairly quickly and early this morning. The Mistress had a Christmas cake to make before His Lordship went home and required his assistance. The funny thing I heard her say to him was to take the cake mixer back to the garage cupboard after she used it and she forgot. She was pretty tired and wanted to rest, hence it is still on the bench until he returns. 

The noise of this cake mixer was horrendous, and when I questioned her about this, she announced that it is electronic and quite different from the other varieties. You should have seen the size of the mixing bowl. 4lb of fruit with eight eggs, and a pound of butter, makes a sizeable quantity. His Lordship had to assist in lifting the bowl for her once all the ingredients were in. She asked him to smell the fruit mixture as there was a good dollop of sherry in it. OMG, that must have been the smell while cooking. Now this alcohol may cause some heads to sway. The amount she kept pouring in was a real concern. 

Then for goodness' sake, she mixed the final part with all the ingredients in one huge bowl with her hand. I have never seen her do this before. His Lordship checked she had washed her hands, and sure enough, he got a yes.

The Mistress informed me that the alcohol disappears while cooking, yep, right up our noses. Humans are a real worry from a Gnome perspective. I am told that if I choose to live here then I would learn all sorts of things. She is not wrong there.

Now all day we have had to suffer the cake cooking smells. Gnomes definitely do not like such Christmas treats. Chocolate fish is about our limit. Trixie was struggling as we were not accustomed to this carry-on. When she pulled it out of the oven it was six and a half hours from start to finish. 

So how come the oven is off and I can still smell it? She reckons all good smells always linger around for a while. I reckon I am drunk on the smell. OH, I need a lie-down.  o

She was talking to some friends this afternoon saying it's a year tomorrow since we left on our 5-month holiday. My goodness me I recall this holiday very well. Speeding off in her red and black swift sport (2023) with stripes, was a blast. Those stripes assisted us in avoiding most of those red and blue lights that I was supposed to keep an eye out for. 

Two tickets were more than a couple of bottles of wine, and I am not letting on how much because I want more trips like this. This is Gnome business only.

27-28 /11/23

Life is pretty Crusey here in the mornings. Nobody moves at a fast pace. The Mistress really struggles and from my position on the shelf, it can be interesting to study her body language. She lets out some ouches at times. Watching her plonk in her chair is another interesting observation. Gnomes do not carry on like this. We would break for sure. I wonder what she would do if I broke. Hmm. 

Would she break if she plonked down on her chair too hard? I really wonder about this. Oh, the life of a Gnome is really complicated, and humans continue to make life very difficult for themselves. They need to walk in my shoes for a change and see how simple our lives are.

Yesterday some friends of His Lordship arrived for a chat and a cupper. They had just returned from their holiday in Japan. This was the first meeting for the Mistress. Man can they talk, my poor little head couldn't keep up. There were so many stories and constant laughing, but they all did enjoy a catch-up. One of them even came from Waimate, where the Mistress comes from. 

Today they went out to get her Achilles checked at the hospital. She had a feeling you see. Sure enough, her feeling was right. They are now considering surgery, but an MRI will sort decisions out. I asked what an MRI is? Huh, I was told to look up my books as it took too long to explain to me, and The Mistress didn't have time to explain. It's a tough life here for a Gnome.

26/11/23

 The Mistress has a birthday today. Breakfast in bed was requested and carried out. He's a treasure she says. Tea and toast are her normal and today was no different to any other. His Lordship says no crumbs in the bed though. As he is on bed-making duty due to the Achillies heel issue it was suggested that he was to deal with it. 

They went out this afternoon and were quite late back. Us Gnomes had a great time outside around the pool while they were out. The sun was shining, and all sorts of hijinks were going on and I was not about to spill the beans on my mates. 

There are a couple of fellas trying to catch a fish, but he can't cast out properly. He is not known to listen to instructions as he has a mind of his own. There is not a lot of water in the pool and diving in soon taught them that they had to be careful in shallow water. It needs a clean out too, but the Mistress isn't up to this at all, so it will have to wait. 

She was wearing a very pretty dress today. Don't tell her I said this though. I like to keep my opinions to myself. Her phone was very busy this morning. Lots of friends and family sending birthday wishes. I believe her next birthday will be a Biggy and she doesn't like the number this will be.

His Lordship shouted her a meal tonight as no cooking was happening here. As always, she is grateful.

 

24/11/23

 As usual, I cannot get onto the computer very often these days, because "you know who" is on it. Now this is all very well, but the Mistress needs to share. This Moon boot business means she is resting more, which some people are very glad about, but I can't get things done. She parks in her chair in the corner, and it is all on over there. She taps away, most of the day and I would like to know what exactly she is doing. I would be the last person she would tell anyway.

Occasionally I hear her telling someone on her phone, and I can tell you she was mighty happy with an email this afternoon. Some pictures from her new illustrator of the children's book really did make her smile and I saw a teardrop with excitement as she looked at it. Now I was not allowed to see this at all, so I am far from amused. She really can't wait until these books are published. What about me and my feelings. Ah well, the joys of being a mere Gnome. 

The Mistress went out with the neighbors this afternoon. They have these socials at the local club, and they go in the shuttle. I guess this means they don't want to drive if they have a tipple or two. She rolled home and plonked herself in her chair as I gasped for breath when I heard the garage door open. I was busy minding my own business and talking to a mate and had to take off very quickly. Now I am getting older too and just cannot rush the same these days. The Mistress is known to moan about age as she is about to change her numbers in a couple of days.  

Gnomes don't have birthdays, it's just another day. We do Christmas though, especially after the last Christmas. Being away on our big holiday we looked after Toff and Daisy while their slaves had a holiday. Father Christmas came to them and me and I rather enjoyed this experience. So, he better come to me again this year. I am the only real pet around here. I will hang my stocking and see what happens. Apparently, there are not many sleeps before Christmas. 

22/11/23

His Lordship went back today, golf day he says. So, the Mistress has been pottering with these pots, and are now all finished.  

Check out the Treasure Chest.

She is pretty chuffed with herself and will wait to move them to the garden, maybe a job for someone who visits will get this job. I think she is going to trim the edges tomorrow. Mr. Frog needs paint to freshen up, but this is on the to-do list as there are others in the garage queued up waiting. 

I wonder when she is going to step up and get organized out there. Also, I heard her say she has a Christmas cake to make. Normally it is made by now. Jeepers she is slipping behind big time. This is not like her to be unorganized. I guess she has a good excuse for this Moon boot business, but Christmas is not going to wait. The Gnomes in the garage are fed up waiting. We had a chin wag the other night and they are always in the dark out there. They suggested putting a bomb under her. Crickey this is a bit drastic. I don't think His Lordship would be happy about this. He would be sure to have something to say on this matter.

21/11/23

 The Mistress battles on with this Moon boot business and tries so hard to do things or get His Lordship to assist her. She decided to pull two small Gnome gardens to bits and re-do them. These miniatures she purchased yesterday will come in very handy she says. Sitting down was a good idea and she pottered away quite happily. It seemed she needed to wash some items to freshen them up. Not completing this task today as these humans went out this afternoon and came home with a new hose attachment. She was fed up with this attachment leaking and her poor friend used this last week, and she would be glad a new one was purchased. The bin inherited the old one. 

Making a Miniature Gnome Garden

Shopping day today and a list was completed, and photos were taken of certain items that were a bit different for His Lordship. The Mistress was not about to venture around the supermarket. She gets pooped just walking around here. When he comes home, he puts everything away for her and appears he did a mighty fine job. If he doesn't watch it, she could be redundant. Maybe she has taught him well. He has a few clues this fella and she is pretty pleased with her catch. She didn't require a net either!!

Cooking Butter chicken for dinner was a huge job for her and required assistance at times he learned from her how to be thrifty and had enough for seven meals. He was most impressed with her skills and tips and the number of vegetables she packs in, so they get their vitamins and make the meat go further.

This computer is not behaving itself at all. It has a mind of its own. It is hard enough for a Gnome to understand these humans at times, let alone the computer. 

20/11/23

His Lordship has a cold. Man flu the Mistress says. Lots of sneezes and tissues around here.  Now she doesn't want his bugs and has to keep his distance. We know what happened last time he gave her his bugs. She ended up far worse than he did and was unimpressed. It went on for several weeks too. 

 He has been a busy fella here at times doing chores and generally waiting on her. She is known for doing too much you see and doesn't like not being independent. Sometimes he even takes things off her, oh and then she growls, and he growls back. Quite funny from where I am perched. Trixie usually giggles very quietly. 

The Mistress is still coming up with book names, and on discussion with the daughter, they may have it sorted and I am not privy to this information. I shall have a hunt around here and see if it's written somewhere. She is always writing notes, so I am sure I will find it. 

A lovely lady turned up here today to assist the Mistress in having a shower. She is the one who took a photo of me the other day. Looking out the ranch slider made her smile as she saw lots of Gnomes in the pool. Delighted to see my mates gave her a buzz of happiness. She loves our Garden. I hear she has another patient who has a couple of Gnomes and showed the Mistress the photos. 

This afternoon these two went out and she came back with some miniature ornaments to make a gnome garden or two. I could see some bridges, buildings, mushrooms, and a duck. This could get quite interesting I reckon. She also has some miniature Gnomes that could well go in this garden too. I shall keep you updated, because in her state how is she going to achieve this task. The mind of a mere Gnome just boggles. I am sure she will find a way, after all, she is my Mistress.

19/11/23

I finally found the new Gnome the Mistress bought the other day in the garage. He is HUGE.....Now there is some drama about this Gnome. She found it advertised on Facebook was $300 now $90. A bit steep she thought. So, she bid him down but forgot to ask if it was new or secondhand. She knew her new prices fairly well and offered $60 which they accepted. So, picking it up and paying for it she was told the person had died and they were selling stuff. Aye was $300 and got it for $60. They are out to make money, not friends she thought. Just as well she didn't pay anymore. 

Now this Giant stands so high above me, that I have to ask him how the weather is up there. 

How come this Gnome grew and I didn't. Does this make me a dwarf? Oh well, I guess some of my other friends here are bigger than me and smaller too. Humans are all shapes and sizes, so I guess this is ok. She has been busy on here again today. The computer continues to have the steam rising and I reckon it is about these books she has underway. His Lordship took her out again this afternoon, for a change of scenery, so I managed to tap away until I heard the garage door go up. Then I scarpered. Jeepers I tripped over my toes too, Crickey there are enough injuries around here without any more people on sticks/frames. I haven't seen a Gnome on sticks before. I guess there is always a first time.

18/11/23

My goodness me, that Mistress, I have a bone to pick with her. I wasn't allowed on the computer yesterday. She had a very important phone call to an editor/illustrator in Dunedin about our children's book. It seems this lady is very clever being able to do both tasks. She can get onto it straight away too. So, this pleases the Mistress no end. 

The computer had steam rising as she tapped away sending the story through to her then photos of us doing activities on our big holiday. I need to tell you that she talked a lot to herself while doing this too but don't tell her this. She just might get a little crabby. 😂😂 She is not a kind person when she is crabby, His Lordship and I stand clear and let her calm down. 

He arrived here yesterday morning to help her out. He is a clever fella and waits on her very lovingly. He even growls if she tries to do something. She is so independent and doesn't like this state she is in, and not known to ask for help. Some of her friends will be very happy about this. Now today is Saturday and he normally plays golf but as he is not in a tournament he can't play. 

The Mistress is teaching him how to cook corn beef in the crock pot today. He liked how she measured the equal sugar in her hand, by rolling his cute blue eyes. 

She had a text that pleased her this morning from the ponytail man in Sumner to advise her the lovely people from the Sumner Dippers love the surfing Gnome she gave the Scarborough Cafe. Anybody who visits this place will see my mate I call Henry. They may have chosen a different name. 

My mate Henry at the Scarbrough Cafe Sumner

I recall this gathering well. They plonked her right in front of my nose. What on earth is a fella supposed to do here. I pleaded with them to move her away.  It fell on deaf ears. How is a fella supposed to enjoy his evening?

Oh Heck

16/11/23

I am still keeping an eye on the Mistress; in case she steps out of line and not resting. I believe she has found a few muscles she didn't know she had. The Hospital warned her of this possibly happening. I can often hear a moan too. Oh, dear, this is sure to slow her down. The telephone is very busy at times, but she enjoys catching up with people. 

Some very nice people arrived today to check out what she requires to assist her around the house and to shower her. Fancy an adult needing help to shower. Humans are so weird. Why does she need help? I dislike water and never shower so why does she need this crazy activity. 

She announces that because of this Moon boot is so high off the ground and she can't be trusted to not fall. This may cause a further injury which she says she doesn't need right now. Nobody would be here to assist her up off the floor or shower. She reckons she could be in there for hours before anyone finds her. Now this could be a real problem, I guess. She might get hyperthermia. 

This lovely lady who showered the mistress took a photo of me and Trixie. How dare she do this. She didn't even ask my permission. It appears she enjoyed all the Gnomes in our garden. Now she is even going to look up this blog I do. This will be sure to increase the hits.

His Lordship phoned, Arh....they are missing each other. Mushy...It appears he is returning tomorrow morning. He has been a busy fella helping his brother and playing golf of course. He can't play on Saturday either due to a tournament that he is not in happening. 

15/11/23

I am pleased to report the Mistress is resting. We have kept an eye on her all day and watching out for her overdoing it. Now something tells me that she simply can't. The phone has been busy and people popping in. I can see she enjoys the company and a chat. 

Even her G.P. phoned to check on her. She says he is a real family doctor. If she needs anything she is just to phone, and they are there to help. The Mistress was pretty chuffed about this. 

With no cats living here, she is missing Ziggy and Bindi. That daughter of hers had a cat called Horse. She is a big puss and wanders through the house all the time. I did notice her almost falling off her special bed that was up high on a shelf. She doesn't miss a thing from her prize position. 

A friend called in this afternoon and watered the pots and garden outside. The Mistress had intended to do this yesterday, oh dear this is not likely to happen for some time now. 

I am a bit cheesed off because the Mistress can't drive which means less chance for her to go out and us to do Gnome stuff. His Lordship is not here so he won't be taking her anywhere either. Oh well, we shall wait until she is asleep before we do anything. 

We still haven't found that new Gnome yet either, so this is on the plan for tonight. So, watch this space.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 15/11/23

View from the Patio

Awesome. Won't get built out.

Another view

Awesome view

Mount Maunganui in the background

Granddaughters school playground

What a view today. No cloud

Having a read and relaxing on the plane

Oh dear

She needs to carry things.

Before his Lordship left this morning, he had jobs to do for her. He is a real handyman to have around here. Using string to tie this bag onto the trolly thingy is so handy for her. Awe he even put the rubbish bins out too. Oh, and he set up the garage for her to paint and tidy up some Gnomes. 

It is Golf Day and tomorrow has a big job on to help his brother and Golf on Saturday.

Jeepers, things were a bit mushy here before he left. Oh dear!!

I also need to report that another Gnome was purchased yesterday. It appears she bought it online as someone was having a clear-out. I believe he is huge, and I haven't laid eyes on him yet.  Watch this space, as I am sure to explore when the coast is clear.

14/11/23

 Jeepers it has been a busy time, and the Mistress wouldn't let me do this blog, so here I am at long last. She is a tough old bird you know and quite mean at times. Yesterday she was up bright and early as there was some packing to do and to leave that beautiful home the way we found it. I caught her taking some photos of the view so I shall find these and let you see. 

Those cats Ziggy and Bindi knew that something was up and were not impressed. The Mistress had quite a conversation going on with each of them as they appeared. Not together though as they dislike each other immensely. They seemed to understand every word you know. The night before Bindi walked around the garden with her while watering. Bindi has quite a lot to say when she is on her own with the Mistress. I could hear them chatting away, and goodness only knows what the neighbors thought. 

His Lordship was mighty handy at packing the rental car and assisting with the chores. He still makes her breakfast every day and she really quite likes this habit. They are a team of these 2 love birds. 

I have made a big whoopsie above and do not know how to correct it. Ah well, you can still read it that is the most important. Goodness knows what the mistress will say.

The daughter and Granddaughter took us to the Airport. We waited and waited because of engineering delays. Huh, what on earth is going on here. Is it safe, this thing? Crickey, we don't want to fall out of the sky. 

Eventually, we boarded. Just a little plane says His Lordship and we sit just in front of the wing. Hope it is safe. Will the wing drop off, isn't that a motor on that wing. I am a nervous wreck here. 

The Mistress's calming voice let me relax and eventually, I wanted to look out the window. His Lordship assisted me and wooh, the view was amazing. Sunny and clear and all the lakes, farms, traffic, animals, houses, cities all sorts of things. 

Now landing was another story. It became windy the closer we got to Christchurch and on landing the plane skidded a little sideways a fraction. I thought the pilot did really well. I wanted to meet him but there was an extra staff member in the cockpit. The hostess said they were busy and had no room today. Well, we cannot interrupt these important people who get us home safely. 

Now look here. These 2 disappeared this morning and didn't get home until late. A very important appointment she announces. Who with, the Prime Minister, argh which one do I hear. 😂😂😂

OMG, they get home, and she is on a strange walker, trolly thing. It appears this appointment sent her to the hospital. This sounds serious says Trixie. X-rays and Ultrasounds all pointed to that Achilles heel issue since August was a real problem. Since then, we all often heard a yelp from her. She kept moaning that she re-tore it when doing basic activities. 

Resting became normal despite others saying she wasn't doing this enough. So, the outcome, it is shredded and hung together by threads only. This moon boot is supposed to help her heal and has to wear it to bed......she is far from impressed but is sure it will heal better now.

I am having problems getting the photos onto here tonight so bare with me and when they sleep, I shall have another go at putting them on here.

11/11/23

We had a great time overnight here.  Once the humans are asleep and Ziggy stops walking all over them, we keep watch and see what he gets up to overnight. He is in and out of that cat flap all night, and if it is not him then it's Bindi but not as often. 

The humans had the Mistress's son arrive from Hamilton today, so they were on the ball for his arrival. Jeepers he is so tall. He is growing a colorful beard, which the Mistress calls fungi. Now he is driving a new electric Hyundai. It only cost him $10.50 one way, so he is mighty pleased about this. He got to meet His Lordship too. He reckons the Son has an interesting sense of humor, and people are advised not to mess with him. 

When they went out Trixie and I toddled down the passage because that Ginger fella leaves a heck of a lot of fur around. His Lordship vacuumed before the Son arrived, as there was so much, and it is a wonder he still has heaps attached. Sure, enough he was up at the window, his favorite place. His owner won't be amused as she likes a tidy house. 

When these humans came home the Mistress decided to hose the pots and garden as there had been no rain for 2 days. The mornings are rough on her due to her leg and back issues, she is very sore. So, she completed this task tonight ahead of another warm day tomorrow. We have been lucky with the weather up here as rain usually happens at night. 

The humans are checking the weather ready for Monday's flight. Could be windy I hear. Oh, dear, they are not impressed about this.

10/11/23

All was very quiet here today. We thought these humans would stay up all night, so they slept later this morning. Oh well, they are on holiday. Only 3 more sleeps they say until we fly home again. 

There were jobs to do here this morning, so they went out this afternoon and came back with their daughter and Granddaughter. 

Now that girl just adores the resident cats here. She is always excited to see and play with them. They are cats for goodness' sake not humans to play with. When they had enough, they disappeared. Bindi keeps to herself, but Ziggy is always happy to see her. 

Ziggy is a fur dropper, as the floor has huge lumps in places where he rests for a while. These humans are always getting the vacuum cleaner out. Just as well that it's permanently on charge and easy to get. Ziggy is often found up at the window in their bedroom, as there are marks on the window where he has been. The Mistress says it must be a full-time job cleaning that window as it is a little messy. He keeps watch down the street as Trixie and I can see him when the humans are out. Trixie says he doesn't miss a thing. 

When the humans come home, he appears to wait for them somewhere very near, and possibly under the neighbor's caravan. 

 9/11/23

The Mistress wanted her man to decide as to where to go today. He takes his time this fella. Last night he said he would decide in the morning. It wasn't decided until they got into the car. Cor Blimey his waiting was hacking the mistress off. She likes to be organized, but he was in holiday mode. He decided that Whangamata was a better option than Whakatane. This delighted the Mistress as she loved this place. She drove the car so he could see the scenery. 

Now this crazy woman took lots of pictures of us and plenty with views, but none turned out as it was so sunny, that she couldn't see the screen to line things up. Trixie and I posed several times too. Woman!!

His Lordship liked this place too. The road was very hilly and windy, but she enjoyed driving and lots of laughter and jokes between them. They like looking at the sea views and I have to admit we did too. So peaceful in the sunshine. We couldn't stay long as a big drive back again.

On the way home the Mistress wanted to take him into Omokoroa. Another favorite of hers. Very pricey real estate too she says. I even heard her say she has expensive tastes. I reckon he figured this out ages ago. 

She is into the wine tonight and even bought a cask. On her second full glass I might add. These cats here seem to have the Mistress on a string. Ziggy eats Bindis food if she is not around, so we have just watched her take Bindis soft food out to her chair on the patio. She doesn't want her to miss out, and this cat is mighty pleased with herself. 

It looks like tomorrow will be a quiet day here. The young toyboy has had enough travelling he says. That Mistress is so wobbly on her feet, and he growls sometimes. She just pokes her tongue out at him. Her sticks are handy for her to use when she gets the right one in each hand and sometimes this even causes stress while juggling her bag. I hear she even pokes him with her stick too when he steps out of line!!

8/11/23

 What a day we have had. Where on earth do I start? It was decided that we would go to Whakatane today, so off we went. All was going very well when cars, trucks, everything was coming to a stop. There appeared to be a fatal accident, and the road was blocked. Instructions were to follow detours. We did this but hang on, another roadblock. Two trucks had blocked the road further up on that detour, and we had a change of plan. Let's go to Rotorua instead. They could have been all day sorting these problems, so a better plan was hatched.

As we got closer to this place the humans and us let out a poo, rotten eggs they say. No, it's Rotorua. Blimey, they explained why the smell, and before we knew it, we were looking at these places that produced the stink. Nope, not us. we wanted to stay hidden in the backpack. The smell crept into the pack, and we were not impressed. Eventually, we came out of the pack for a look around and with a promise not to take us to look at the steam and bubbling mud.

His Lordship took over driving back and the Mistress rested. They had dinner with the daughter and her family. They did enjoy the day despite the obstacles. 

These 2 cats were mighty pleased to see these humans. They must have been hungry as they enjoyed their dinner.

 7/11/23

We were left at home today and we were not impressed. How dare they do this. Humans, well we explored as I had visited this place before and was able to show Trixie around. Also, we kept watch over these 2 Cats. They strut through this place at a great pace sometimes and even though they are brother and sister they really don't like each other. They are really hard cases and have a sense of humor despite their good age of 16 years. The Mistress reckons that they are not looking as good as when we were here in January. They have some health issues now which is a shame. The Mistress adores these cats and tonight Bindi is sitting on the arm of the chair. She didn't even do this last visit, so she is really chuffed and says she is honored. 

Bindi

Ziggy is about to sit on His Lordship's knee.

This house is just like the one on South Shore....Huge. Those cats leave lumps of fur everywhere and the Mistress vacuumed before they went out today and last night, we saw Ziggy disappear into the human's bedroom and walk all over them. They really don't mind at all as they would shut the door if they did. 

Now this storm we had last night meant that the garden didn't need watering today. We can see that veggies are growing and some really nice flowers. 

There are heaps of steps up the back for a view. We did try a few but our small legs conked out, so we came down again. The Granddaughter and son-in-law did climb it last night, and they have heaps more energy than us. That girl has long legs and she raced up there at top speed. They could see for miles and miles and saw that no cruise ships were in.

It's her birthday today and a family celebration for dinner tonight. The Mistress took her shopping for some clothes, and I heard was very spoiled. They even had a fashion parade tonight too. 

I hear His Lordship was dragged into some shops for females but didn't complain. Tonight, he just put the kettle on in case she wanted a cupper, and sure enough, she said yes. He is one in a million this fella. She says he is very thoughtful at all times. 

6/11/23

 The peace was disturbed this morning when the alarm clock went off at 6 a.m. It was still the middle of the night. What on earth was going on here. Trixie dug me in the ribs to remind me that we were catching a plane. His Lordship started the breakfast while the Mistress staggered into the shower and out in no time.  A taxi was ordered, and we were off out the door. Gosh, things happen here very quickly. The Mistress had his nibs organized, and then he forgot the big red bag he was taking.  Oh, dear where would he be without her, I say. He forgets sometimes but she does too.

Now we were stuffed in a bag and off we all went to the Airport. I yelled to get out of this bag, but nobody was listening. We got on the plane and finally, I was allowed out to see what was happening. 

These planes have lovely ladies looking after us. They gave the humans hot and cold drinks and yummy biscuits, then later some sweets. The Mistress asked a lady if we could go and see the pilot. No passengers were allowed but the Hostess could take me. Jeepers what a privilege. I am so lucky and wait until I tell our 400-odd mates at home what I have done. We forgot to tell that hostess about her collection, Now, that Pilot was mighty pleased to see me. They took pictures for us and oh what a view. we were so high up in the sky and I would never have believed that we could ever do this. We were in the clouds too. Oh, I was so excited.  

Blimey all the controls the pilot had in front of him, made me dizzy. I hope he knows what they are all for. Now he had a book too and I was a bit worried that it was a manual on how the plane works. Surely, he must know his stuff by now, but that book worried me. What happens if we fall out of the sky? Now I am really nervous. He has a helper with him too, and so that was 2 drivers to get this thing off the ground and land again. The engine noise was so different from the car. Amazing really and the view from the window screen. I could have stayed up there all day, but it was time for me to go back to our seats.

Trixie wanted to stay hidden in the bag and didn't dare want to see what we were doing. She heard the humans talk about the bumps in the plane and how scary they were and wasn't game to show her face. Females, oh well I enjoyed my time, and they announced to prepare to land. We were traveling very fast, and I wondered if the pilot was still looking at his manual on how to stop this thing. Oh heck, we felt the wheels hit the ground and could feel the hand break being used and his feet flat to the floor to try and stop this thing. I thought it was going far too fast to stop and his feet needed to press harder on the breaks. Phew now this was really interesting landing and seeing the Mistress's family again. 

Tonight, we thought the roof of this house was going to cave in as a huge storm hit with thunder, lightning, and hail. Of the 2 cats here, the mistress can only find 1 of them. She is a timid cat, but the mistress gives her a cuddle. Normally she cannot pick her up, but she enjoyed the TLC. 

5/11/23

 Oh, it's raining they say here. It might be a movie day as nobody felt like going out today. Packing was completed and we were getting nervous in case these humans left us behind. They went out tonight, so we consulted the others about what to do if they forgot us. We have a plan up our sleeves and no plan B either. We won't need it, and this is all I will say as we don't need the mistress to know our plans.

This flying business is a real mystery as this is a new experience for us. We are still determining what to expect and what happens if we want out and find another way to get to Tauranga should we not like it. Trixie says Shanks's pony. Aye, what on earth is this. She reckons the plane doesn't stop in mid-air to let people out. Everyone has to wait until we land in Tauranga. The other option is to stay home and walk. Well, this is not going to happen. So then Trixie says like it or lump it. Hmmm

These humans are getting excited and so we are too. We just wish those horrible noises outside would stop. It is Guy Fawkes. We heard these at 6 a.m. too. Crazy humans we say. They should be banned because all animals are frightened at this time of year, and these are so cruel. The Mistress refuses to buy them, but maybe she is in the OLD category now!! Oopp's.... I could get in trouble here. My lips are now sealed. 

My numbers keep increasing on this blog. Now 13,500 awesome the Mistress says. Thank you everyone.

4/11/23

 The Mistress didn't sleep well. When we thought she was asleep she was wide awake and causing us some frustration at not being able to do Gnome stuff. One of my mates stayed near her to keep an eye out. Holy Moley, it was past 3 a.m. when all went quiet. The wheelbarrow fella decided to let rip and tipped out the ping pong balls, and they were going in all directions. Several fellas jumped down from their shelves and caused a great commotion with all these balls. 

There is a bloke on the floor who is always asleep. We checked if he was actually dead. No, he opened 1 eye then the other told us to be quiet as we were disturbing his peace. Huh not on your Nelly. We wanted some action and exercise. The barrel fella said like it or lump it and carried on biffing balls. 

The Mistress slept in today, but I guess she had to sleep sometime. After breakfast, she got cracking, vacuuming, and tidying all sorts of things including the garage. I reckon she wants her car in the garage while we are away. Also, there is a storm brewing as she had a prior warning from someone down south to advise that hail and thunderstorms created a stir in her house. Now I know this person and how dare she send this storm our way. The Mistress had the washing out and made a quick exit when large drops of rain started then stopped. She also heard thunder.

Now we are still waiting on this storm. There have been some huge spots of rain. His Lordship has arrived, and he reckons that the storm went out to sea. He appears to know this weather business. 

The weather doesn't look that flashy they reckon for us on Monday. These 2 humans don't want wind and I can't figure out why. Hmmm

Crickey tonight's dinner was a spectacular picture to watch from our shelf. These humans were getting very messy and kept using their serviettes. They were chewing on bacon bones. It appears they were very salty and messy. I wish I had the camera, but I was too slow.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

 

3/11/23

The Mistress has done a lot of mucking around today. I guess she knows what she is doing or does she? She nearly drowned herself with a new soaker hose. Maybe she will learn that the amount of water coming out of the tap does not have to be full throttle. Quite a bit of water ran down the drive and a total waste. Now from a Gnomes perspective, this is a crime for our planet. How dare she waste water. The city council might bill her then I am sure she will be sorry. I am later to learn that this is a new hose, and she has trainer wheels on learning how to drive it. I wonder how long this will take. 

She disappeared this afternoon and appeared from the look of her foot she had some treatment on it. Acupuncture she announces. What on earth is this I say. She had several needles inserted into the affected area of her lower leg. Weird if you ask me. What is in these needles I ask. Nothing she replied. They all follow the meridian lines in her body.  

It was suggested I look this up in my medical books or look it up on Google. Now as far as I am concerned Google knows far too much, and I don't dare do this as what I do is my business. There are cameras in all sorts of places you know, and I don't trust these gadgets. 

This afternoon The Mistress sorted her pills into weekly boxes. There are so many, and it took her ages to do this or is it because she is old. Oh, I better start running, I think. 

How does each pill know where to go? Surely, she will rattle. Why is there so much to learn about humans? All this makes my head spin. Gomes do not need to take pills and just as well too I say. We just get into the Zen. Easy really, and maybe I could teach the Mistress a thing or two. I wonder if she would listen to me. 

I have a mate across the room who is constantly in the Zen mode. He permanently sits with his legs crossed and he also has crystals around him. These are good energies they reckon. Hmm I shall ponder this information, I think. 

 

2/11/26

 The 2 humans and the resident cat were all up very early today. 6am it was. Zeus was in fine form, chatting to the Mistress flat tack. He seemed to know what she was talking about, and the Mistress thought he was excited as his human family was due home today. Yeah right!! How the heck does she know this. She said a woman's instinct. I just cannot get my head around this statement. My guess is I never will either. Gnomes are built very differently from these humans, and I am glad about this too. 

Apart from the Mistress, moving things slowly went without a hitch today. She is a fairly organized person, and His Lordship packed the car. They work well as a team these two. I was rather impressed. 

We said goodbye to the holiday home and the cat and zoomed off by 7.45 a.m. Arrived back home then they went out again. His Lordship had his hospital appointments at 10 and 11 a.m. ahead of his surgery. No wonder they were organized.

His Lordship has gone back to Ashburton this afternoon as he had to mow lawns that take about 5 hours on a ride-on mower. Sounds to me that he may as well mow the whole farm. The weather has stopped the rest being done and sounds like no sunshine tomorrow.

Tonight, the Mistress is missing her furry friend. She just loves cats and really enjoyed her time with him. Jeepers the house is quiet here. I wonder if she is lonely. 

Trixie and I are looking forward to the Mistress going to sleep tonight because we want to catch up with all our mates. We want to catch up with the gossip and maybe have a roll call. Some could have escaped, and the Mistress is sure to see this eventually. We are also wondering where all the new Gnomes are too.