Life at No.22, Monthly Updates, The Changing Seasons

What’s been happening? – Autumn 2023

Suzanne

The beginning of Autumn fooled us locals into believing we would be less drenched than in summer. Little did the weather gods know that April Fools is only for a day.

Of course, the sun arrived after what seemed an eternity, sticking around for nearly a week. I made it a big deal, bordering on celebrating it. It’s the cliche – the small things in life.

There’s always the library to visit during the rainy days
Waikaereao estuary at low tide.
Doesn’t really matter – the rain – when you’re a surfer. Early morning walk.

Basketball

Last year’s tournament photo shot – we have another in early June

Twice a week, I’m still heading off to play with my team, S.W.I.S.H. (Senior Women into Shooting Hoops) and loving the mental and physical challenge. Some weeks, it can be very frustrating when the training tips I’ve learnt aren’t implemented by me in a game. Happily, I have improved my shooting of hoops since my first day and let’s admit it is effortless to achieve shooting hoops when no arms are flinging themselves in your face like a willow branch in a gale-force wind. More important than being on the court is the friendship and chats over coffee and sometimes a chocolate biscuit.

Mount Maunganui Half Marathon

Then there is the clocking up of kms to complete the 1200km challenge over a year. With that in mind, I entered another half marathon at the end of August. Let’s see if I can clock up 10 of them in my sixties as I did in my fifties. Not sure how realistic that is, but what the heck; my favourite catchphrase is “Never Say Never”.

No! Nuh! Nein! To Change, they shout.

The protestors doing their thing

There have been a few protests with loud gnashing of teeth from a few outraged locals about a proposal to build a new stadium in a local park near us. The most vocal are those who will be affected most by this change. One of those clubs is the Squires Croquet Group. I can understand why the fiesty “thwack” brigade and other clubs affected by this change have become so outraged when another venue hasn’t been organised for them if this development goes ahead. Other stadiums and halls are also in for the chop, which would mean years before another alternative becomes viable. Change is terrific when well-thought plans are actioned, and if they are not, then those that hate change will have more fodder to chew on and become the loudest voice in the crowd, and nothing will be changed for the good of the whole community.

The red circle indicates where the Tauranga Domain is situated – we live to the right of the Domain – media image.

It’s been years of changes and new developments that have stirred Tauranga residents’ emotions and lives. Hopefully, the Squire and I are still living here to enjoy the new look of Tauranga and not just to view the cranes from a distance.

In the meantime, there are always magnificent Autumn sunrises.

That beauty there starts a day with a million and one positive possibilities – until proven otherwise.

Linking to WBOYC – What’s been on your calendar?

Also to The Challenging Seasons

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

25 thoughts on “What’s been happening? – Autumn 2023”

  2. You live in such a gorgeous place! Seniors Shooting Hoops is amazing. Basketball was the only team sport I ever enjoyed, though at 5’2”, I wasn’t much good at it. It is distressing when decisions are made that adversely affect people with no plan for an alternative. Enjoyed your post!

    Michelle

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Michelle. Well, being 5’2″is no barrier to being a good basketball player as we have one in our team and she gives me a run for my money (so to speak). She still has the good moves. The Bay of Plenty has gorgeous beaches and a temperate climate, but, don’t quote me on the weather as she is too unpredictable.

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  3. I love your attitude Suz, never say never!! Also liked the beach shots and sunrise. Great to have you join us for WBOYC, all the best with your training for the half marathon 🙂

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  4. I don’t tend to see our Autumn sunrises but our sunsets are amazing at the moment. And I’m very impressed at your basketballing… but of course you’re a runner as well. I can’t even imagine playing basketball anymore and having to actually run / trot around a court!

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    1. Yes, your Queensland sunsets are beautiful. I’m not a runner just a fast walker when playing and training. I will use it until I lose it 🙂

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    1. I’ve done a few half marathons, and they still challenge me enough to repeat the performance. The beach is a happy place, and where the next event is being held. All good fun. I keep telling myself 😎

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  13. HI Suzanne, it is so lovely to have you link up with us at WBOYC. I love the idea of S.W.I.S.H. and as for the half marathon – yes you can do it. I have one on the 4th June that I’ve been training for. Take care and I certainly could spend hours in the library from your photo – it looks huge and perfect for a rainy day. x

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    1. Hi Sue, my pleasure. I am not the best participate with link ups, I start out with all the best intentions and then get way laid. I enjoy the mental and physical challenge with both basketball and becoming fitter.
      Have fun on your half marathon in June and your cruise.

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