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It was 48 years ago today (Easter Saturday!) that the late Mrs R and I tied the knot. My gran (who brought me up) said that she would pay for the wedding photographs as her wedding gift to us. When the proofs arrived they were all in black & white; when we asked gran about it she said "Eeh lad, have you any idea how much they wanted to charge me for colour?"

Re subject of death:

Myself, sister and brother had to decide on the advice of medics to allow the switch off life support of our mother, when she was in ITU with serious complications following major surgery. I've made some very big decisions in life, but that definitely was and has been the hardest.

I only managed to get halfway on the journey to my father before he died, but he was with family so not alone.

My Dad scooting along the Nerang River Today in my Tinny, lotsa fun by us both

I had a viral bronchial infection from Christmas on. . Lasted six weeks until I saw common sense (ie my wife did) and forced me to the doctor. Antibiotics.

Busy morning avoiding the cleaner and trying to find GF Bread.
Former successful, second Failure.
ATM U/S I refuse to use the non bank ones and get charged commission.

Force to Mrs IB

19c, seaweed is 21c - maybe not.

Just off to the eye specialist in Malaga Capital, not too bad as it is quite close to Pablo's so not in the centre.
I'm quite pleased with this bloke as all the repeat visits have been free after the first fee and he does SEEM interested.

Goodness knows when we will get back. Could well be a takeaway.

Morning all, beautiful blue sky day here, currently 17C, 24 forecast. Think I'll go for a nice walk.

Mrs. Hydro went to her cardiologist yesterday. He's happy with the way she's going. Unfortunately, although relatively young, he's now suffering from health problems and has sold his share in the practice, but will still be doing some work there. A pity, because he's a wonderful doctor and a very nice person. His consultations are never rushed, and he was the first specialist who sat and listened to Mrs H when she had complex problems. A replacement is taking over.

^ Hydromet, such a pity when good and trusted health-care professionals retire.

Snow bright white on the mountains today, chilly breeze, 12.8°C now with occasional sunshine.
Various errands today.
Prices, all NZ produce except the last item:
Butter $ 6.99 for 500g
Tomatoes $ 9.99/kg
Mushrooms $ 3.79 for a pack of 6, so about 60cents a mush
Medjool dates from California $ 39.99/kg

Morning all.

Blue sky, presently 12c with a high of 26c suggested this afternoon.

Mrs IB, as thought, has a UTI and has received antibiotics.

Seems she saw a senior general consultant, who took the time to read her notes, as the number of times she has had this problem since a catheter was left in after her Kidney stone op, a couple of years back, have been excessive.
He does not think that her treatment from urology department at CdS hospital has been correct and has put in his report on yesterday's visit to A&E, that the urology department should review the treatment she has received and sort the problem they have created out.

Of course today is Art Day and she is well enough to attend.

Glad to hear Mrs. Ibbie is on the mend-UTIs are miserable and very painful things. Had one over Christmas. Described to me once as trying to pee razor blades-yup.

Getting ready for my trip on Sunday. Packing will take about 15 minutes. One of the benefits of being ex-aircrew is the ability to sling things in a suitcase. Decided to do check-in rather than carry on, which I normally do, as the flight is full and by the time I get on all the overheads will be full. Can't be arsed to tangle with people over it. The old lady act doesn't get you far these days!

On our flight back from the UK week before, cabin staffer took our cases from our ancient hands, and loaded them into the overhead locker, helped wife off with her coat etc. This is why we fly BA.

We had a fantastic flight back from Male with BA. Truly exceptional from the staff. (Wrote in to BA too).

A very early start yesterday and 3 sectors later had me back in Luton. Line check completed

Karearea wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 30, 2023 12:59 am

Medjool dates from California $ 39.99/kg

Ouch----I just looked up the price here in California, I can get a 2 lb bag, (almost 1 KG) for US $15.49, when converted works out to be about NZ $25...

Karearea wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 30, 2023 12:59 am

^ Hydromet, such a pity when good and trusted health-care professionals retire.

Snow bright white on the mountains today, chilly breeze, 12.8°C now with occasional sunshine.
Various errands today.
Prices, all NZ produce except the last item:
Butter $ 6.99 for 500g
Tomatoes $ 9.99/kg
Mushrooms $ 3.79 for a pack of 6, so about 60cents a mush
Medjool dates from California $ 39.99/kg

How can you afford to eat at those prices?
Even with the exchange rate taken in to consideration those are high.

PP

PHXPhlyer wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 30, 2023 5:04 pm

How can you afford to eat at those prices?
Even with the exchange rate taken in to consideration those are high.

PP

Ya, food prices have risen sharply here in recent months, was definitely borne in upon me when I noticed that two tomatoes, seven dates and six mushrooms had cost me $12.24.

I'll make the most of 'em

£1 = $NZ 1.98, I don't think food prices are much different in the UK.

Perfect blue sky morning here, currently 14C, 25C max forecast. Going for a bushwalk.

Twas a bit cool overnight with a temp of 9c when I awoke from my slumber, seems like winter is on the way.

Shopped today also. C$ 1 = NZ$1.18
Butter, same price/kg (on offer, normally 35% more),
toms 15% cheaper
mushrooms have just increased to about the same.
Dates, cheaper than California (I suspect selling off Xmas stock)

Stupidly cheap things here include ground beef, C$3.49 a lb; potatoes C$2.99 for 10 lb (they don't call us Spud Isle for nuthin'! - in fact two weeks ago you could drive to participating farmers and fill your car trunk for free, pick 'em yourself).
Next week is Easter, and like all holidays there will be great stuff cheap, typically prime rib steaks at C$7.88 a lb and lobster about C$12 each (cheaper from a fisherman selling from his roadside truck; very common).

Had a most pleasant walk, plenty of finches and wrens out enjoying the day. Met a couple walking in the other direction, chatted briefly, asked where they were heading to. Turns out they were going in the wrong direction. Explained to them where they were. If they turned around they would only have added 3km to their walk, but instead, they kept going. When I had nearly completed my walk and was on the track exit - bear in mind, I walk fairly slowly with my crook knee, and stop a lot to take photos - I met them again. They had exited the track, and walked for 2 hours by road to get back to the track. At least they seemed to know which direction they had to head. they were navigating by Google Maps, which may be fine for roads, but isn't much chop for these bush tracks
I'm half expecting to hear the SAR helicopter around tonight - a regular occurrence around here.

Morning, all. Slightly cloudy, 21° forecast. Guests for lunch, so have to get to gym and back in a hurry.