Look out Auckland...more Aussies are coming!

The number of Aussies in Auckland is set to rise next month, when some very dear friends come to stay.
They’re our first visitors so far this year. (Let’s face it: We’re obviously not very popular).
Anyway, I am sure they can’t wait to push a few trundlers, eat their own weight in in Pinkys and Perky Nanas, and help us sample a few more wines and beers.
In other news, my hand is mending very nicely, according to the specialist, but it’s still in a clunky cast. I’ve become very adept at one-handed typing, even managing to meet my work deadlines and (occasionally) update the blog.
Housework has been a challenge though (okay, it’s always a challenge), so I was thrilled to get a call from the ACC to say I qualified for some home help.
The ACC is New Zealand’s injury cover, and basically covers most of the costs of any injury which occurs here – medical costs, transport, even childcare if required. The trade-off is that you’re not allowed to sue, hence ruling out the ridiculous litigation cases we see in other countries.
Anyway, this means I’m getting 1 ½ hours help a week while my hand heals because I’m not able to do some basic household tasks.
My helper arrived on Monday and was wonderful, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom and changing a couple of beds.
Granted, it would have been nice to have the help a few weeks ago, when I was home alone, less mobile, and in considerable pain. (It can take up to a month for them to decide what you can claim).
But I’m certainly not complaining.
How wonderful it must be for the elderly to know they will get the care they need in the event of a fall or accident.
Sadly, the cover only applies for injury, not illness. So if, for example, I was incapacitated from pneumonia, as I was late last year, I’d be on my own. But since I’m incapacitated because of my own clumsiness, it's okay.
Maybe that’s why Aucklanders have that disconcerting habit of walking onto the street without looking for oncoming cars! They must be after a bit of physio or perhaps some home help. Either that, or they are barking mad!
Speaking of barking, I wish the budget ran to a long weekend in Queenstown, as they’re enjoying a winter festival down there.
Highlights include a mardi-gras, concerts, ski-ing, and of course, the Speight’s Dog Derby, which involves farmers sliding down an icy mountain on their bums, with their faithful dogs at their heel. Or bum. As you do.
(I'd be watching out for the yellow snow though!)
Afterwards, the shepherds and their hounds move to the Village Green for a barking contest. Apparently, if the dogs won’t oblige, the owners are allowed to get down on all fours and bark for them.
Barking I tell you!

H. and C. are enjoying their new responsibilities in the kitchen. Here they are making Shepherd's Pie

C. cooks, while H. - erm, actually I have no idea what she is doing!

The kids and Husband discovered a Mexican place while I was away recently, and have been dying to show me. So we went.

C. digging into nachos.

Eating out is thirsty work!

The offending hand

No wedding rings. (Sob). And I can't even do: Two for the Gabba!

We're here!

The Princess and the Little Man (watching telly) at Qantas Club...our last taste of Brisbane for a while


Yes, we've arrived safe and well. The flight was delightful (not) with me stuck with the two ruggies, while Husband played ‘gentlemen’ behind us.
Highlights were:
The Princess breaking a glass in Qantas Club (however, she wasn't alone. A lady nearby, enjoying a champagne breakfast (no, it wasn't me!) managed to do the same thing).
Kids fighting over the window seat.
Kids unable to see the TV due to glare, therefore arguing and bickering constantly - mostly over the window seat.
Kids wanting to go to the loo urgently, just when we were trapped by our meals.
Both kids bawling as we approached NZ because of ear pain.
We made it through customs in one piece, and M, Husband's new boss was there to meet us. Harmonie got off to a good start by calling him a ‘funny man’. The Little Man was so tired he fell asleep on the way to our apartment. "I'm not tired, it's just the wind hurts my eyes," he insisted. The apartment is quite roomy, and right in the city, but unremarkable apart from that. Comfy beds which is the main thing.
We dumped our stuff, and dragged our complaining kids to the bank so we could open an account and get access to our money. One minute late we were, and the bank was closed. So was the ATM. The next one refused to give us any. Finally, third time lucky, we got some funds – so we’d get to eat after all!
Despite repeated attempts on both computers, we're unable to connect to the net in our room. Staff can't explain why, so we'll have only sporadic access as we'll have to physically go to reception to get onto the net.
First night was delightful, with both kids bawling because they wanted McDonalds and we refused. The Little Man claimed it was the worst day of his life!
We found a nice Japanese restaurant. C. complained that there was nothing there he would eat, then polished off two pieces of salmon sushi, some fish, miso soup, and boiled rice. The Princess ate only boiled rice, but at least it was something other than junk food.
It was lovely food and very cheap compared to home.
The city is really noisy – the apartment doesn’t have extra glazing like we’re used to in Oz. Seem to be a lot of drunks and druggies around too, so we fit in well (only joking Mum)! C. narrowly avoided walking into some spew outside a theatre, and it was only 6 pm at night!
Opened our bank account this morning. Staff were really nice and relaxed, and gave the kids two elephant money boxes, which impressed them no end. People seem to be kind to the kids. One real estate agent even gave them lollies!
We’re finding it slow to do anything here – everyone seems to be laidback and relaxed. whereas we’re in a massive rush to get everything done. K. starts work on Monday and will be on a flight and overnight trip to Christchurch the next day.
We can’t get access to our funds until Friday, so we can’t buy a car until then either. We’ll probably hire one, as we’re due to check out some rentals this afternoon.
Walked to the harbour and wandered around the city for a while this morning. I don’t mind the walking, but I’m over the carrying – Her Highness insists on being “luppied” every five minutes, because her legs aren’t used to walking. Or so she says!
The kids are anxious to start school, and to be honest, I’m quite anxious for them to start. Two kids in a city apartment aren’t really a good recipe for peace and harmony. Or C. and H. for that matter!