It finally happened!!

You know all those things that you put in the top of the closet because you 'might need them' sometime in the future?

Well, a year or so ago, when I bought new sheets and pillowcases, they came in these little cloth packages that matched the sheets. They were cute and looked like they could be useful. Sometime. In the future. So up they went to the top shelf of the hall closet.

Fast forward to yesterday. I noticed my hyacinth bulbs and tulip bulbs were trying to sprout and, in a panic, I looked up what to do on the internet. They recommended putting them in a cold place, like the back of the fridge so they would go back into dormancy.

Not having any paper bags, I knew plastic wouldn't do, so, looking through the closets, I was so happy to see them! I labelled them with a magic marker sharpie, dropped the bulbs in, used the little velcro closer and popped them into the fridge.

Hopefully, they will be OK there until time to plant.

Yay!

The things I learn

I saw this article on a New Zealand website about Mark Twain visiting here in 1895.  I can't imagine how hard the travelling would have been.

He even visited the town of Hawera, not far from my house.

"Charles Major, mayor of Hawera, and his wife, Julia, entertained Twain during an afternoon and evening at their home and in his memoirs, Seventy Years of life in New Zealand, said of Twain 'that he was supreme among all lecturers for his congenital modesty and love of his fellows, quiet and almost retiring, nothing monstrative.'

Next day Twain left for Whanganui where he rejoined his wife, daughter, agent and his wife to take a train to Wellington and on December, 13, 1895 they boarded a ship for Sydney."

Here's the link:  https://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/97588258/arthur-fryer-when-mark-twain-spent-a-night-in-hawera

rural living

Guess which house is ours?!!! I love rural living!

Calves are weird

These are some of the cute little faces that have been across the fence for a while. They totally threw my observations about cows out the window!

While their full grown counter-parts do not eat calendulas and spurge among a few other things, these little ones mowed them down like they were candy!

My new theory is that they are like human babies that eat anything the can find until they start to decide what they really like.  Hey, it's a theory.

Are you Canadian?

Since I got to New Zealand, I have been asked that question more times than I can count--'Are you Canadian?'

It's quite obvious by my accent that I am not originally from here but people don't ask where I'm from unless we have more than a 2 minute conversation. When they deduce that I am either American or Canadian, 4 out of 5 folks will opt for the Canadian question as opposed to asking if I am from the US.

Interestingly enough, my answer is usually followed by the other person leaning forward a bit and saying, quite apologetically, that Canadians are insulted if you call them Americans!

Personally, I don't have a problem with being confused with being Canadian since it's a pretty close call. But I can't, for the life of me, understand why there is a problem from the other side.

I googled 'Why do Canadians hate being called Americans?' but was quite overwhelmed with the over-a-MILLION results. Obviously, I'm not the first one to ask that question on the internet and there wasn't a definitive answer in the few articles I read.

I don't get it. If you are Canadian, can you please enlighten me, eh?

what cows leave behind

As I was typing the title, I realized that it could be taken differently than  what I mean, but that's ok. What I mean is that I have discovered two more plants that cows won't eat.  That brings the total to 4 including parsley and calendula. I haven't done any in-depth research to see if these 4 plants have anything in common to ward off being eaten by cows, but if I do, I will certainly let you know!

arrowhead

spurge (euphorbia)

The things I learn by living in the middle of cow pastures paddocks.

final part of Napier trip

Our little trip had an interesting last night. We had been out wandering around all day and it was getting dark when we started back to our room. We decided to have a leisurely fish and chips dinner from the park's restaurant, which was across the road from our room, adjacent to the conference room. That way, we could settle in early for our drive home the following day.

Since Kennedy Park is on a quiet side street, we were surprised to see a police car backed into one of the visitor's spaces just outside the gate. Hmmm. We turned into the entrance and it got spookier. There was a BIG guy with a bullet-proof vest standing at the automatic gate, looking inside each car that entered. We decided that somebody had to have been attacked by a gang or something!

As we crept along, we saw an ambulance backed into a parking space and lots of people walking around in uniforms. What was going on???

We looked down the street where we should turn to get to our room and it was filled with vested police wandering about talking to each other and, apparently, people who worked there. So we drove down to the next street and saw that the conference room entrance was also covered by official-looking people. Weird.

Since the restaurant was connected to the conference room, we concluded that fish and chips from there was probably not an option, so we went into the room to get a cup of coffee and make other plans, all the while very curious about the hub-bub outside.

Hubby decided that we were out of milk for our coffee so he could go to the office and ask what was happening. He got the milk but the receptionist wouldn't tell him anything. So he decided to see what the internet had to say (he's clever like that!) and paid $1 for 7 minutes of internet. Yes, you read that right, a dollar for seven minutes on the internet! [Note to self: buy laptop for next trip!]

He found out that the Israeli ambassador was making a speech there. Of course, since the city owned the recreational park, it made perfect sense that it was the venue for a visiting dignitary, but it certainly interrupted our dinner plans!

We went back to town and got fish and chips from a take-away place and headed back to the room. Apparently, the police and the ambulance were not necessary for the night and we headed out the next morning from the quiet of an off-season holiday park.

rules, schmooles

Rules are everywhere. That's just how the world rolls. I like rules.

Face it, you have to have rules or there would be total anarchy everywhere. Most rules are reasonable. Some are simply for your safety. Many are just common sense but folks, nevertheless, need them written down.

Of course, there will always be those who don't like rules.  A few weeks ago, here in New Zealand, a jerky kid was suspended because he did not comply with the rules of his school that said his hair has to be above his collar. He decided he didn't want to cut his hair.

Now any responsible parent would sit him down and say, 'Look, kid, that's life. It's full of rules. Harden up, son,  and cut your hair.'  But did his parents do that? Noooo. They decided that he didn't have to abide by rules. So he didn't cut his hair. He got suspended. They went to court.

How pathetic is that?

And to make things worse, the ignorant courts told him that the school was WRONG to suspend him.  Now what sort  of message does that send to every student at his school and those around the country?

Today, the school was told it has to pay the jerky kid's legal fees, about $24,000. What is this world coming to? rules http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11279953

 I do hope his irresponsible parents have given him a trust fund because I can't imagine him keeping a job for more than a few days. Those pesky rules will get in his way.

they come from all over

While I was looking for a past post, the number of  views for a different one caught my eye--4999! So, I  checked out the similar posts and found this!

Now, as you can see, I haven't blogged about rude kiwis for a very long time (since August 2011, by the looks of it). I have become quite content in our little house in the paddock and my attention is focused on other things. I have also come to the conclusion that it is the area we live in that is the problem of being rude and not the whole country.

For the record, I saved this last week and the 4999 is now 5015. Obviously, this topic is not isolated, as folks from all over the world end up on my blog from a google search. But, even thoug I am no longer blogging about this topic, it's still of interest to somebody.

'nuff said

It does your heart good!

New Zealanders can be proud of their generosity to a fellow Kiwi in his time of need.
3rd Degree (TV show) aired the plight of pensioner (retiree) Vernon Gardiner who was in a Filipino prison facing 20 years for a debt of less than $5000. He needed:

• NZ$4982 to repay Vernon’s debt
• NZ$2000 to pay Vernon’s overstaying fees and secure him a new passport
• NZ$1000 to contribute to his rent, pay for new clothes and set him up on another island

The television show put up the first $1000 and donations covered more than the rest of his needs.
Sarah Hall, from the tv show, took the money to the town of Virac and Vernon was soon a free man.

Good on ya, New Zealand!

• 
  
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Please note: None of the money you donated has been used to cover any costs incurred by 3rd Degree. And 3rd Degree did not pay Vernon for his story.

As more was raised than was needed to free Vernon Gardiner from prison, we are donating the remaining funds to two New Zealand charities, the New Zealand Red Cross and Make A Wish NZ.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Vernon-Gardiner-free-from-Filipino-jail/tabid/1771/articleID/294478/Default.aspx

It doesn't take long....

Just a few days after Christmas, there are 1834 listings on trademe (NZ version of ebay) under the category of 'unwanted gifts'. I hope none of the gift-givers decided to check on their gifts.

Kitty crack

For the second time, we got a free package of these treats in the mail last week. I don't know what they put in them, but I've never seen a cat actually beg for anything like ours does for these things.

It's truly like Grace is on crack and looking for another 'hit' any way she can get it. Hubby rationed them 3 at a time for her, but that didn't stop her following him around and meowing like there was no tomorrow. I had never seen her so aggressive, and she sure was his best buddy. Until she figured out that she wasn't getting any more. I've never seen anything like it.

The guy across the street had trouble feeding his cat anything else after he 'treated' his kitty to some of these things--she wouldn't eat for days, waiting for her fix.


I wonder how the makers of this kitty crack could use their power for good...? They certainly get a cat's attention.

The real story behind Curiosity photos

Tips from a cult

I don't usually watch or even listen to Dr Oz on tv. His followers remind me of a cult and it creeps me out.

But, today I had it on in the background and heard some shopping tips that were interesting.

Most of the information from his guest makes sense and was enlightening. But the one thing that caught my interest is the 'fact' that those who shop in a clock-wise movement spend less money. Hmmm.Who knew? (Besides, of course, the researchers who make a living finding out these things.)

Of course, we don't get the newest of any programs here, so I don't know when this show aired, but I found the 'facts' online at Dr Oz Fans dated April 2.
You can read the rest of the list by clicking this link.

http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-supermarket-secrets-end-cap-grocery-organic-food-tricks/

My name is Betty and I'm a cheapoholic

Yes, indeed, I am pathetic at spending money.  

This week, both of the grocery suppliers for chain stores had incredible deals on money off for gas petrol. If you spend $100, you get 15cents off a liter. If you spend $200, you get 25cents off. If you spend $300, you get 35cents off and if you spend $400, you get a whopping 50cents off a liter.

Not a gallon, a liter. That's almost $2 off per gallon.

We got our 50cents off, but we almost didn't. 

'Why?' you may ask. Well, because I've always been cheap and it's just a part of me to spend as little as possible on any given item.

See, I usually spend just over $400 every two weeks a fortnight on groceries, so it shouldn't have been a problem at all to get the maximum cents-off. But I decided to go to the local store and went shopping at 7pm (they close at 8), neither of which I usually do. To my dismay, they were more than a bit low on meat.

Not a worry. We can do this. So, in addition to the rest of my regular shopping, I have the thought in my head that I should pick up some 'extra' things to be sure I get to my quota of $400. 

I'm looking at everything as I slowly roll down the aisles even though there's not a lot of comparative shopping to be done and I am happily trying different pastas and some frozen meats that I usually don't buy. I'm taking my time and deciding of the family will like some new stuff. 

Then I catch myself. 

I am still looking for the lowest prices.

I start giggling to myself because my brain knows that I need to spend money but my penny-pinching heart won't let me do it without a fight. 

In the end, I just passed the $400 mark.

The cheapness is strong in this one.

Praying is a dangerous thing!

(Blue-you, Red-God)

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

But -- you called ME!

Called you?

No, I didn't call you.

I'm praying.

Our Father who art in Heaven.

There -- you did it again!

 Did what?

Called ME.

You said,

"Our Father Who art in Heaven."

Well, here I am...

What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. 

I was, you know, just saying my prayers before I go to bed.

I always say the Lord's Prayer.

It makes me feel good,

kind of like fulfilling a duty.

Well, all right.

Go on.

Okay, Hallowed be Thy name. 

Hold it right there.

What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "Hallowed be Thy name"?

It means, it means . . . Good grief, 

I don't know what it means.

How in the world should I know?

It's just a part of the prayer.

By the way, what does it mean?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense. 

I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.

Thanks.

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy Will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.

I just think it would be kind of neat if you got

control of everything down here like you have up

there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;
but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know.
And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read ?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I'm just as good as some of the rest

of those people at church!

Excuse ME!
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done.
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example .
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we're getting somewhere.

We'll work together -- You and ME.
I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread.
You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember, you called ME -- and here I am.
It's too late to stop now.
Keep praying.  ( pause .... )
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME. 
Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me.
I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --
what about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest.
But, it's quite a load carrying around all that

bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.
You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are -- 
well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I'll forgive you;
and the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, You know, You're right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right, all right . . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.
But, you're not through with your prayer, are you?

Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good!  I'll do that.
Just don't put yourself in a place
where you know you'll be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer...
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory --
What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.
I want to please you now.
I've really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you.
I can see now how great that would be.
So, tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
YOU  just did.

Who'da thunk?

There's so much in this huge world to see that I will never see with my own eyes. Who'da thought 40 years ago that I would be able to visit Siberia or see inside a cell or into outer space?! I am grateful for those that bother to share their world with me.

That's why I like to share my photos with those that will never make it to NZ. And for those that set up memes to help me share them without any fuss, a big thank you.

Of course, I find some of the places I visit in the blog world a bit like the old-maid teacher who has lost all reason to smile. I am probably old enough to be most of those blog owners' Mom and I don't appreciate being treated like I can't get out of the rain.

Some meme hosts demand (they say they don't demand, but you know they do) that you only link to their meme if you join them. Excuse me, but the internet is not some place you can censor and tell me how to write my blog. My photos are interesting, IMHO, and I will share them with whomever I want. I will link to whomever I want. And, it's not you.

Then there are those that won't allow you to right click anywhere on the page, even on the link you want to share. I understand the reason for it, but let's face it: If you put it on the internet,  there are no guarantees on what happens to it. And it's a long road to sue somebody for stealing it, so if you don't want to worry, don't post it.

Also, I'm sorry, but I am not going to type out the whole link just to have it be misspelled by one letter and have to do it again. And, what do you think you're accomplishing? I haven't tried, but I bet I can steal your stuff without right clicking and I'm not even a geek. I don't link to your memes, either.

For those that understand how the internet works and the possibilities it presents, I thank you for your spot in cyberspace where I can interact with others without being treated like I need help with my homework.

And for those that actually encourage you to use their posters and photos by telling you they are free to download, you are top of the list in my book!

I guess anywhere you go where there are people you will find both extremes. If you find a place without the sourpusses, let me know.

How many....?

I was bored earlier today and so decided to do a search for 'jpg' to see how many pictures I have stored on the computer and my external hard drive--the one that Hubby bought specifically for storage for my shots.

I knew I had a lot...yes, A LOT...of them.  I mean, if you moved from KS to NZ, I think you'd have a lot of photos, too!

I was truly gobsmacked when the search was finished. The result?

 52,070! 

How many do you have?!

Pretty cool

I never knew this would happen...