Hubby-free week

This week I had a visit from Gordon's mom, Christine. I guess she wanted to keep me company while Gordon was away at Interbase and she said that she needed a break from the shop for a couple of days. I survived my first night without Gordon with flying colors, I wasn't overly paranoid and I got some good sleep with my kitchen nightlight.

The visit went kinda well I think. We ended up going into town one day because she wanted to get a scrapbook for the wedding pictures that she had and ordered a while ago. We had a good time at Spotlight and I remembered to get a card for Gordon's grandma because her birthday is Tuesday. We also got to eat at the bagel shop I had gone to a couple weeks ago. I had a breakfast bagel and Christine just wanted a bagel with bacon and butter. The next day we spent part of it looking at the shops in Tirau. She's always wanted to look at the little shops to see what they had to offer. There is a craft shop that is a bit of a ways down the road from the main shop. It had cute little crafts, wall-hangings, clay figures, painted wooden boards for the garden and little wood animals. My favorite was all the mosaic tiles though. It was absolutely beautiful and I wish that I could try to do something like that. I wouldn't know where to start though and it would cost money that we don't have. There was this huge mosaic tile bird bath that I loved but then thought that it wouldn't be a good investment because then it would get all crummy and dirty because of the bird poo.

We did simple dinners and I treated Christine to a milkshake on her last day here. It was a nice visit and I felt good for having her input in what we watched at night. She doesn't get control of the remote at home very much. Luckily, Gordon's nice enough to pick-up on my cue that I would like to see something other than sports from time to time. It was a nice relaxing week but I didn't get too good of a sleep because of Gordon's absence. It was all fixed by Friday though. Friday I took a walk with one of my church friends and she was asking what the church could do to make me feel more welcomed and included with my transition with moving to New Zealand. It was very nice and I've been thinking of ideas.

Gordon did fantastic at Interbase Cricket. He helped to lead his team to victory over Auckland in the finals. He got 5 wickets and was called "the Destroyer of Auckland". Incidentally, he'll be leaving me in two weeks to play for the Air Force cricket team. His phenomenal performance made the Air Force recruit him for the team. I'm very proud that he's done such a good job and I'll just have to find something to do while he's playing Cricket. I have been having some good ideas about making extra money and volunteering in my community.

Gordon and I went to my first New Zealand birthday party. It entailed going to the Bulls RSA, which is for men in the armed forces who have served overseas, so there were lots of WWII vets there. It was a very laid back affair and we stayed for a hour and a half. I guess it would be like when everyone in my family would get together on Sunday and have an impromptu party, just with more alcohol this time.

Saturday was errand day so we went into Palmerston North and I was able to get a few things. We found a shelf unit on sale for the bedroom so I can get the rest of my clothes places somewhere other than in boxes. I also printed some pictures for our wall and got some nice frames to put them in. The walls going to look so great with my family and Gordon and me pictures up there. I've become such an avid fan of pictures because its one of the ways that I'm able to share my life with others. We also stopped at a gypsy fair and looked at all the crafts and goods they were selling. They had helicopters and planes made out of aluminum that were pretty neat as well as some mosaic mirrors. Gordon said that I could do those mosaics easily, he thinks that I can do anything.

Sunday was a very subdued affair. We went to church but I wasn't feeling so super so I had to sit-down a couple of times. There were some notices about helping out in the church. I'm going to look into it next week. There's two opportunities to work with children so I may try that. At the church they are trying to work on introducing new people and old people so everyone gets to know one another. It's very nice. We also did some gardening. Gordon finally fixed the bean poles and I planted some gladiolas and poppies into the side garden section that was ready. I noticed some buds the other day and am so excited to see what will come out. The poppies are baby plants so it will take a while for them to get to their full potential.

We received a booklet in the mail the other day that was showing adult classes that were being offered at the Feilding High School grounds. There are a couple that interested me. Three of my favorites were a one-day workshop about natural remedies using garden plants, a workshop on publishing a booklet, and a painting class. There was also a knitting class but I think the other three are more interesting. I've been debating whether I want to take them or not. It would be nice to try out my artist side to see what I can do. It mostly would be pictures of nature and abstract, my realistic side of drawing isn't super. The little publishing class is neat and I think that I really want to try it. I was thinking a little book full of my favorite family recipes or trying out a children's book. I have no idea what I could write about that children would find interesting but I can brainstorm. There is a worskhop in February and then one in April, I may choose the later one. Its so exciting! I really want to try it out and see what happens.

I've attached some of my scrapbook pages that I've done as well as the garden so I hope everyone enjoys it. There is an abundance of produce in my garden; I wish that I could share it with all of you. Everyone have a safe and warm week!