##SecretSantaAoNZ I like to cook straight from the garden. I'm learning the ukelele this year. I read or listen to audio books while I cross stitch ( nearly finished a 3 year project) I build model cars and bake for charity. I enjoy life, lots of things on my list I want to do. I don't run.

Pierced ears. Necklaces, bracelets and rings. Not too fussed about materials used. My favorite pieces are my shell necklaces. I love that jewellery has a personal story to tell.

I collect cookbooks, nice scented candles, indoor plants, art, shoes, wine (I try), small interesting pottery bowls, and good empty cardboard boxes (you never know when you need an empty box)

blues and greens of various cool shades. Here's how I think about colour tones ..I am making bags and cushions from curtain samples picked up at the op shop

Favorite foods ethnic cuisines for the exploration of flavors. I have a dedicated drawer in my kitchen with mainly Japanese and Thai ingredients at the moment. Whittaker hazelnut or brandy snap chocolate and red liquorice Morale boosters. No dietary concerns Don't like mushrooms unless in soup.

#SecretSantaAoNZ All signed up.

Today was look after me day and it started with an xray. ...Plant shopping, ...Mammogram, ...coffee, a slice of plum frangipani tart, ...a wander through the art gallery ...bookshop browsing, ...a manicure and pedi and finished with a couple of bargains. Best use of a day off work.

Promoting the good things

I have a referral to public system and a referral to the private system for different conditions. To my suprise, the public system has already sent me an x-ray appointment for Monday.

Breakfast Eggs Benedict this morning. I only make it maybe once or twice a year now. The costs to make are getting up there. It makes me appreciate eggs Benedict from a café more. Especially when they have a good hollandaise.

Tomatoes are in and the fruit mix is soaking in rum, ready for Xmas cake making tomorrow I'm nailing the labour weekend tasks.

Our own ‘war on woke’ is well underway The latest Gender Attitudes Survey makes depressing reading for those concerned about gender equality. The view that equality has gone too far is strongest among men aged 18-34.

Sharing my bright spot in a crazy work day. I snapped this picture at lunch time. I have 3 tuis that have taken up residence in my 1/4 acre suburban garden and on occasion 2 wood pigeons too. When we moved here there were no trees. Ps. This ornamental cherry tree was self seeded.

Great day in the outdoors.

I support the women and children of Gaza. I don't support the men in suits who tell us they know better. They don't speak for me. #nzpol

The project this weekend make a start on the curtain samples I picked up from2nd hand shop. First attempts 2 cushions....(not great at sewing) but as these will be gifts I think I will be forgiven for any wonky lines. 🇳🇿🧵🧶

Grumpy chihuahua.

Last week I had a nice long weekend out of town with my sister and her cute kids. I was home only one day and awoke sick with a lurgy. Good news: The weekend is here soon. It's not covid. I can wfh Bad news: I think I'm allergic to children. It happens every time I visit. I suck as a patient

Popped home at lunch. To my delight, my suburan garden had a visitor. Managed to get a quick photo which was an added bonus.

Sunday funday, donut making #gbb

I used teams to record a meeting today, and the transcript had written "snotty virus escapes..." No one sneezed, and we were not discussing anything to do with health. I have no idea what that is meant to say.

Op shop travels today with friends. I now am now adding felting to my list of hobbies and I found some curtain fabric samples perfect for sewing patchwork cushions. Not sure where I'm going to find the time but I had fun shopping.

Beautiful day to spend in the garden with my eager helper. Frankie will be keen to help and I am sure she will find new treasures to bring inside when im not looking🐕🇳🇿

Such sad news. We lost our big dog Jack today. It was so very sudden and not something we expected. He was 9 years old. My heart is breaking. Frankie, the chihuahua keeps looking for him and barks at us to let Jack inside. We will all miss him.#Aotearoapets 🐶🐕🇳🇿

Wow. You nailed it! I am so appreciative of the effort you have gone to. You found things that represent who I am. I absolutely love the model and the waterbottle. I'll post a picture when they are done. I can't wait to try the recipes for the good bitches baking. #MWSecretSantaAoNz

The anticipation is real. It's mid winter christmas eve! I have removed the courier package to reveal not one but 2 gifts and a card. I love the personal xmas touches and the smiley face 😃. Im not going to open at midnight but will enjoy those posting late in the night. #MWSecretSantaAoNz

Talking Heads have re-released Psycho Killer with an awesome new video How appropriate on #MuskVTrumpDay youtu.be/CJ54eImz88w?...

I am so glad May is nearly over. I spent much of it recovering from some virus, even missed my birthday. June means I get a do-over starting with Secret santa opening day! And then I'm booking dinner for me and my lovely man. (better late than never) #MWSecretSantaAoNz

#MWSSCostume. I've changed my profile picture ready for opening day.

#MWSecretSantaAoNz My gift has arrived. It's a bit of a wait till opening day. I have time to do some decorations. Proof of life below.

I have been trying to educate myself. Political noise has been no more than click bait or sound bites around the recent changes to the legislation. www.facebook.com/share/v/1Adz... #nzpolitics #payparity

##MWSecretSantaAoNz I've been a bit crook this past week. I missed my birthday, cancelled plans, missed celebrations. Good news shopping for my secret Santa came, it is just some personal touches and I reckon I can post later this week! I've decided not to turn a year older this year.

##MWSecretSantaAoNz I missed an important part. I don't really have any dislikes. And im always open to trying new things. No allergies. No intolerance. I am a bit of a sweet tooth. Enjoy a Wine and appreciate a good coffee but ok with instant too.

I like to disconnect and build miniature cars, I have a x stitch on the go, bake for charity, I sometimes garden (don't like weeding) and this year I'm learning the ukelele and also have a Dremel set up in my shed to muck around with.

#MWSecretSantaAoNz I have 2 chihuahuas Georgie and Frankie (both girls) a beta fish called Picasso and a canary we inherited when my m in-law passed recently. Oh i nearly forgot Jack the husky/german shepherd who thinks he's a chihuahua.

I'm one of those people that has 10 days off. It's like christmas came early!

I thought I'd make my own chocolate easter eggs this year. Except I bought only 1 set of molds so it's taken all weekend. They will be tasty but definitely not the cheapest option.

#MWSecretSantaAoNZ So much thought goes into the gifting I have a few favorites. Pot plant cuttings, a keru sticker I received, a crochet hat and some japanese goodies as well as the joy of new pocket friends. I read garden cook build car models 2chihuahuas x stitch. I'm learning the ukelele.

Whoomp! (There It Is) Sign up on our app secretsanta.nz for Mid Winter Secret Santa #MWSecretSanta is officially open The Elves and I are here to help you out! Feed #MWSecretSantaAoNZ pls like & pin Secret Santa Starter Pack go.bsky.app/6amUyKW Easy read rules in Alt Text or secretsanta.nz/rules

Shhh. I ordered a t tex suit for work on April fools day.

Exciting (informal) announcement: We are bringing Aotearoa Secret Santa back (again) this time to Bluesky, it seems we are destined to resurrect & breathe life back into the much loved game Mid Winter will coincide with my 50th Birthday, so we are making that Opening Weekend More details soon...

I recently finished building this 1070 Ford Torino. It was a holiday project

Tough start to the new year. Tomorrow my m in-law is moving into respite care. My lovely man has a lot on his shoulders at the moment and is feeling the responsibility. I think it will be an emotional day.

Frankie says Happy New Year everyone.

Reflecting on 2024. I started out with adventures but became more reclusive as the year went on. Turns out I didn't sail though menopause like I thought Thanks to medical wonders I have my mojo back. Look out 2025 not just surviving but ready to kick butt!

I'm learning how to play the ukelele. It's all gobbedy gook at the moment, but if i can keep at it I might be able to play something recognizable by next christmas.