Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Friday 14 August 2015

Home Again, from trips North and South

 

Trevor’s funeral was full of love, family memories, and so much more .I drove there safely, home safely, and negotiated all city traffic with great care.    On Monday Elaine took me round Papakura, past our home where we lived  from  1962 for some years. All the paddocks are now filled with  homes, factories, there are  new streets, subdivisions,  and so much change.

The flight home was smooth, and what a huge dump of snow on the Central Plateau. AirNZ people were so helpful, and changed my seat to the left side, so I could get photos. 

  Snow below Mt Tongariro.                             

snow on slopes below Mt Tongariro

Mt Ngauruhoe, a total white-out and too much cloud to see any of the mountains very clearly.

Mt Ngauruhoe from the air

Coming down, the Ruahine Ranges in the distance, under that cloud was more snow.

Farmland below

 

Almost landing, snow in the distance

Did I mention that the Flight Attendants are so helpful? Coming home I was last off, as my seat was right up at the front? One carried my bag, and passed it down the steps to another? I didn’t see the pilots this time.

Home to reality. On Wednesday I went to visit a dear friend, company for her daughter who drove us both there. Jeanette has not been well for some time, and this was a sad few hours, as  we talked, staff came in, finished their shift, came in again, nurses attended to her, and finally we left. Jeanette passed away, very peacefully, early Thursday morning. It was an honour and a privilege to have been a carer for her a few years ago. Joyce and I shared  this between us, and we learnt so much during that time. Lessons in life ,we learnt so much, valued each day with Jeanette, and treasure our  memories.

I drove south  to Porirua, on Thursday, a little way North of Wellington, to see the surgeon for a final check-up and  discharge to our GP .All went well, Hugh has some limitations clearly spelt out, no heavy  lifting, no digging in the garden, no twisting or turning, this is for some weeks, till all is healed internally.A challenge is ahead!!!

We have had a run of cold mornings and frosts.  Did Ginger Boy ( or Max by another name) walk carefully  on  the grass, not through the frost? He has a thick winter coat, and little Boris loves to play, getting the odd cuff or smack from the older boy now and again.

Max by the frosty lawn

Quotation of the day, from Socrates

“ Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.

Greetings from Jean

17 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

glad you were able to go and returned safely. always sad when a friend passes, too. glad to hear hugh's check-up was good. i hope he minds the doctor's orders. :)

eileeninmd said...

Welcome home! You have had some busy times lately. I am so happy Hugh had a good checkup. Now, I hope he follows doctors orders and instructions! Love the cute kitty! Enjoy your day!

Georgia said...

Glad to have you back and blogging! Maybe you can settle down and get some work done on your quilt! :D

Tanya said...

I'm sorry tou have had to experience some sadness in your life recently. I am getting caught up on blog reading but I hope to back visiting often soon.

Susan Heather said...

You have been busy. So pleased that Hugh is doing well, even though it will be slowly).

Sad losing two friends so close together but good that you able to sit with Jeanette.

I do hope that you get some time to rest. Was going to phone you - I know I had your number at some stage but cannot locate it.

Hugs - Sue

bj said...

Oh, Nancy Jean, when I fly, I am always so nervous, I don't want to talk..look out the window...take photos....no sir...I read....keeps my mind off flying. haha
I am such a scardy cat when it comes to flying....

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Glad your trip went well, and that you were looked after so kindly by the airline -- That doesn't seem to happen enough these days!

I'm sorry about the loss of your friend, and hope comfort is found in your friendship, and in your memories of her.

I'm glad you're home too, I am sure handsome Ginger Boy missed you!

Carol Mattingly said...

So glad your trip went well. And I am so sorry your friend passed. As I get on in years I think about this more. We are all so lucky to have been allowed to live into those older years as many don't have that luxury. Will you please tell Hugh there will be plenty of time to do all the things he wants to do now, when he is healed. So sit down and have another cup of coffee. Carol

Leeanne said...

Lovely post, I enjoyed the photo's of the snow covered mountains, so homely feeling to me.

Julie Fukuda said...

You really have had a big roller coaster ride with ups and downs. I hope now that Hugh is on the mend things will begin to settle a bit.

KB said...

I love the pic of Ginger Boy, he is a big boy. Greetings from Auckland.

Karen said...

Just popping in to say hi Jean. I am not online much these days. I am sorry for your loss(es). Good to hear that Hugh is doing better. Lovely pics, love the snow covered mountains.

Jenn Jilks said...

I'm so glad you made it to the funeral!
We had mostly OK flight attendants, they don't always go out of their way. One who chewed me out for having too large a bag and another who was amazingly wonderful with us, as well as a disabled older man in an electric wheelchair.
I'm sorry for your losses, how wonderful to have closure, though.
I'm still process my 800 photos, whittled them down to 600. You know how it is!!!
Pretty tired, too! TTL xx

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Jean! My goodness, but you have been through a lot lately. I'm sorry that you lost another friend so quickly after another. My two best girlfriends ever have both died, but I carry them always in my heart. I smiled to see your photos taken from the plane. I am always trying to do that! New Zealand is such a beautiful county. I'm glad that Hugh is home and doing better, even if it is with restrictions. This time will pass quickly. Take care of you! Hugs!

Michaele said...

So glad you were treated well and had a good flight. You just don't need any more to bear when you are carrying sorrows. Nice views of places I have never heard of.

Barb said...

You've had such a busy time and some sadness, too. It also sounds as though these memories from wonderful friendships have lifted you up. Good Luck with keeping Hugh on the straight and narrow with his Dr's orders! Stay well.

Allie-oops Designs said...

Oh sweetheart you've had such a stressful time - so sorry to hear of your losses, but so encouraged to hear about Hugh. You all remain in my prayers.