It seems us New Zealanders have become more politically bent towards the left as Labour is once again in power, leaving the National Party literally seeing red as they swallowed the disappointing lack of votes.
Harbourside Walk
As you know, I love to walk and I enjoy it more when walking alongside the Squire. Often we aren’t alone in our early morning harbour walks. One such feathered encounter, cheekily tried to ignore us, we didn’t return the gesture and stood watching him/her for ages.
Spoke’tacular October
Before you read my cycling adventures beware this month has been fuelled by more coffee, not so rosy mood days, sunrays, a sprinkling of sugar and thank goodness, less gusty westerlies. Which means I managed to clock up more kilometres than I achieved in September.
Firstly, I joined in with other Frockers plus one non-Frocker and headed out for an enjoyable ride that amounted to 32 kms by the time I arrived home. Unlike the National Party, me, on the other hand, sent out a trail of dust and this time I wasn’t swallowing as much dust from my cycling companions. Happy to say, I have now acquired more confidence [safely] and quite comfortable riding my lovely green electric bike and hearing fewer moans and groans from my derrière, which all in all, makes for an enjoyable ride.
Feeling even braver I tested out part of the Tauranga [Wairoa Bridge] to Omokoroa Trail, wow, she is picturesque and apart from one steep hill she was a joy to experience. It was fair to say I was tired by the time I opened our front door. One day, during summer, I will complete the whole trail.
You never can tell, where that bike and I will venture too.
Playing with Dirt
As you know I have become slightly obsessed with reigniting my desire to garden, this time with the emphasis on vegetables. This “recreational pursuit” requires even more energy than cycling and is carried out at the local Otumoetai community gardens. To read more about our garden, head on over to this post – Gardening in October at Plot 44
A Mixture of Thoughts
I have been thinking.
Seriously that’s when life gets tricky.
Well, in this particular thought process I wondered how often I lump a day, a week or a year all together under just one label, whether it be a mad, bad, just ok or simply a sad episode. I do it, and quite often, then I got to thinking that not all of those “moments” can be classified under just one heading.
For example during life’s stressful times there are many moments when I have had a good old belly laugh, hugged a human or just smiled, even for a minute or two, I can class that moment as a happy one. Believe me, it also works to scream Stuff it, “Fuck it”, laugh, and then move on to remembering those pockets of happy moments. This is one practice I will hopefully carry on after this month.
On that happy note, there lies the end of October and another rainbow. Not as newsy as previous months though I am sure November will be more meatier, news wise. You never can tell what will happen from now till then.
Joining in with Su from Zimmerbitch for a review of my previous month going’s on – October.
Life at No. 22 
I think you got your priorities right, Suzanne! I can’t believe how fast time flies, with yet another month gone. I love those blossoms and that bike trail. I also love my own electric bike, but I haven’t been on it in over a month. Once we settle down for a few days, somewhere along the road in nature, I’ll be sure to grab it off the bike rack and take it for a spin. Happy spring, happy gardening, and happy thinking! 🙂
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Your bike looks fab. I may have to follow Jack’s example and investigate one for myself. I’m so over Auckland traffic, and our cycle ways are getting much better (not as good as Tauranga’s though). Wishing you a good November.
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Go you!! I completely agree, FTW is an essential attitude to get through some days. 🙂
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Congratulations on your long-distance ride. That’s quite an accomplishment (and also a great reminder for me to get my own bike out)! xx Donna
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Hi Donna, I hope you manage to get out on your bike before the snow arrives. A sledge ride instead. I think that could be more fun than a cycle ride?
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Suzanne, Well done with your cycling and gardening in October! Your feathered friend at the harbour looks like a cormorant with its beautiful green eyes. We have lots of cormorants in the harbour here. Have a beautiful November!
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Hi Natalie, the bird is a cormorant and here in NZ we call them a Kāruhiruhi. Quite a few of them around the Tauranga Harbour, they always are eager to be captured by a lens 🙂 Yes, you too have a wonderful November.
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Well done, great to just get out and experience nature.. 😉
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It is Lisa and I love our cycle trails.
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That snazzy bike has and will take you near and far. Is it safe to ride bikes on the roads you travel?
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It will and it does. 90 cent of my cycling is done on cycle trails with no car access. I limit cycling on the ride and cross main roads via pedestrian crossings. I’m very safety conscious.
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I don’t know how you have time to think with all that walking, bike-riding and gardening. I guess it happens regardless?
Your bike is the envy of all, Suzanne. Well done for getting your bottom in shape. 🙂 I hope you have good bike-riding and gardening weather in November.
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If I didn’t have exercise as an outlet I’m sure my stress levels would hit the roof.
I get out when I can and in fine weather I use my bike as our second vehicle. Not so sure about the perky bottom 😎 Hoping you too have a wonderful November.
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I meant bum of steel, but if multiple interpretations exist and it brings a smile to your face, then that is all I ask for.
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Well done on those long rides. You have some lovely scenic routes to cycle.
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Thanks April and we’re wishing you all the best with winter approaching.
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Thank you.
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Fabulous riding accomplishment! You are doing well and I always enjoy reading your posts 🙂
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Cheers Deb and I’m hoping to one day head over your way to enjoy your cycle trails. Hopefully before I get too old. I enjoy receiving your comments and great to see you both enjoying your family.
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Glad to see how you and NZ are doing. Have a great Summer. Best wishes from Kevin and me.
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Good to hear from you Sheila. We are faring much better than the rest of the world, for now. We are thinking of you both and everyone else we know over in Europe and the UK. Take care.
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I think I need to go back to a diary. I’m finding days blend with one another. The good, the bad and the ugly. Perhaps because we’re rarely still. Nice to be able to isolate those happy moments. Wishing you a beautiful November, Suzanne. 🙂 🙂
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A diary makes us more honest with our thoughts. Good that you’re still able to get out more. Feeling sad that Europe is being hit so hard with the virus. Have a wonderful November too Jo.
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Congrats on the bike achievement and the healthy looking Veggies. That rainbow is spectacular, well caught. What brand is your bike? Jack is seriously thinking of getting a motorised bike as his knees are no longer able to power him up hills, not that there’s many round here, but strong winds can have the same affect…
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I have a Sinch a NZ company. Great for windy days, though I still get a good workout as I use only it on Eco and using high gears. Having said that if I go too far I know I will get home. Yes, my knees are no longer like they used to be!! Too many half marathons.
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Thanks for info, Jack is doing his google research at the moment. Now I’m going for a walk to the beach. Good to get out after yesterday’s storm.
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Enjoy your walk and I’m sure Jack will find a cycle that suits him. Best to test drive a few 🙂
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