Central Plateau, North Island

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

Thursday 19 March 2020

Where Have I Been???

Good morning all friends,
the truth is I have not been anywhere, and with Covid 19 already here in NZ, will not be going anywhere meantime. Flying south is out, as we would have to go through  one international airport on the way, and who knows which overseas traveller might have been there too.
We are well,  and hope to stay that way. The garden has finished the summer flurry of Hollyhocks, zinnias, gerbera, and more, and bulbs are sorted for planting soon.
We have a new addition to our household, a Lilac Abyssinian boy, 12 years old, gentle, loving, and very vocal. He left his home just up the street when his Mum and Dad were away , and roamed the street looking for his new home.  He decided we would fit his requirements!!!Then one morning when I went out to look for him, he was walking down with his Mum. She explained the LONG story ( I am saving that for a day with photos ) and said they were happy if he lived with us.
Hugh had 2 nights in hospital recently, with very high blood pressure and what has been diagnosed  as Atrial Fibrillation. So new medication, some side effects, but so far he has been a lot better and no more episodes. Scary when the Blood Pressure is almost off the scale.
Son-in-Law has had a significant birthday,  no party as there would be more than 50 attending, and son-in-law up North might be working from home if their office is closed.
I had to visit the Vodafone shop the other day, and the staff are not allowed to handle any customer's phone. This meant 3 lengthy phone calls trying to transfer data and an old phone number to a new Samsung phone when t he new Sim card was a different size. When the last lady said she couldn't do it on the phone and I had to  visit a store, I replied " THIS is a nightmare" and told her why. Bingo, today they will do it by phone and Joyce will have this wonderful new phone working perfectly ( I hope).
Quotation of the day, author unknown,
"  Let nature with the sunrise and sunset be your entertainment right now"
Greetings from Jean.

17 comments:

Out To Pasture said...

Yes, I was wondering why you weren't posting but was satisfied you were okay each time I saw you commenting. So sorry to learn of Hugh's dangerous high blood pressure. It's been a personal concern of mine as well. Hope he now has it under control. Siamese cats are so clever. Our family kept them as well. Ours were chocolate points. I often think of the song from Walt Disney's film, The Lady And The Tramp. "We are si-am-ese if' n you please and we are si-am-ese if' n you don't please". Thanks for the update, Jean. This pandemic has really put all countries in a spin. So glad my travelling days are over.

Barb said...

I'm glad you posted Jean. It's a worry that Hugh has A-fib but good that he has medication and is getting treatment. What fun to have a new kitty to entertain and "talk" to you! I agree - stay in your home and keep away from others who may have the virus. Bob and I are doing the same. I cancelled a trip with girlfriends the first week of April - none of us are going since all are 65 and older. Hope that new phone works soon! Stay well.

Jenny said...

Certainly scary times everywhere now. Sorry to read about Hugh's trip to hospital, and hopefully the condition will be well managed. Great news about your new cat, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing some photos soon. Keep well and keep on stitching!

The Furry Gnome said...

Hello, nice to hear from you! Thanks for your many comments on my blog!

Inger said...

How nice to see a post of yours. Good you have been in touch or I would have worried. I'm sorry about Hugh having scary problems, but so great that they are under control now.

It sounds like they are handling the corona virus crisis well in NZ. Here things have been slow and confusing from our President and his administration. Things are a bit better now, but much critical time was lost. I'm so glad I live in California, which is like a country of its own, with reasonable and smart people in charge.

Looking forward to reading and seeing the kitty story. I never heard of a Lilac Abyssinian, so that should be fun.

KB said...

I am so glad that Hugh has the a fib worked out. I have a friend who has had that but it's completely under control. I hope for the same for Hugh.

Enjoy your new kitty :)

I'm so glad that you posted. Stay safe and healthy.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Hello Friend! It's so good to see your post and catch up on your news. I so hope that Hugh continues to feel well, and the side effects from the meds are starting to subside a bit.

I look forward to seeing photos of your new boy - How lucky he was to have found you!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

It is so nice to see an update from you. I am glad you and your family are well, taking precautions with the virus threat. I hope Hugh's new medication takes care the A-fib. Enjoy the new furbaby! Good luck with the new phone. Take care and stay well. Have a great day!

Jenn Jilks said...

You take good care, Jean. What a time you have had. Terrific you have good healthcare. People are fighting to have testing done in the US. A whole ball team can get a test, but the rest of the chumps.

I shall look forward to your cat tail! xx

Susan Heather said...

Sorry to hear about Hugh but it is good that he has things sorted. Keep safe.

Tanya said...

Don't these cell phones just drive you crazy! We did a similar routine last month with very few results...

Please stay healthy, especially your husband! These are not great times to have health issues... I worry about my brother in California who is most dependent on medications.

Congratulations on a new feline family member... even if you have to share him!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

What a pleasure this morning to read your post with all the news; a real catch up kind of post.Sorry hubby has had issues but modern medicine is wonderful, isn't it. I caught on that the new addition is a cat...sounds lovely and special too that you have been chosen it seems.
We are isolating as much as possible which is no burden here with our many distractions. Hope you continue in good health, dear friend.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Things are certainly weird right now, but we will get through this. Glad to know you are OK, and I hope the new meds will help Hugh feel better. Stay well!!

Carol Mattingly said...

Oh Jean, thank goodness, you left us a note. I have been so concerned about you and Hugh and have prayed and prayed you guys were ok. I will continue to pray for Hugh as I know what issues with blood pressure can be like. I am happy you have a new family member that has found his way to your door. This virus is upending everything and everyone around the world. And the only thing I can hope is that we all come out of this alive and well (though I know that is not going to be the case). I had hoped for many years that I would never experience a pandemic in my lifetime. So sad to think that isn't going to be the case. I am working from home and have for two weeks. My asthma and age keep me at home. And if I didn't have both of those I still think I would be at home. Take care of you and Hugh and do not go anywhere. Let people bring you things and sanitize those things when you get them before exposing yourself. This is a silent enemy. The very worst kind.

Our photos said...

It's good to read You are alright overthere. In Holland we also have many problems with this virus. But we are still ok and keep on going, day by day.
All the best to You.

Sharon - IN said...

Hello Jean, I'm so glad you have taken the time to post a life update. I've been wondering how you are doing. Each time you left a note, I would go look at your blog, and there was nothing new until this post! So sorry Huge had to take a trip to the hospital, and hope the meds do the trick for him. Your garden sounds as lovely as ever. And now a new cat! Hope he stays enjoyable and not underfoot. We don't need the cuties tripping us! I look forward to your photos.

Allie said...

Oh my, so good of you to take in that poor kitty!!!! A few family members have a-fib, make sure Hugh gets magnesium as it can help. NOT the regular magnesium they sell in stores - that will cause diarrhea - I use magnesium glycinate.
Stay home. This is exploding in the states, and my area is one of the hot spots. They're opening a convention center to use as a hospital. My friend's 90+ mother was turned away from the hospital, suspected COVID and a blood clot in the lung, no beds in the hospital. I am praying for you guys.