If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would be sitting in the library cafe with pots of tea because, as you know, we can’t live in our house at the moment (see here and here).
If we were having coffee….or even a cup of tea….you would ask how I am…and I would say to be honest I am having ups and downs. As long as I focus on the present I am fine, but as soon as imagine scenarios that may not materialise, then I am not so good. You say it is all understandable and I say yes.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea… I would say that as much as I love to eat out, having to, and not even being on holiday, is not so much fun. Two nights of decent but still pub food had us wanting something else, so we ate at Avida tapas place near the hotel. I say it was also good to eat a large salad and get some greens. You agree. I say at least we have enjoyed hotel breakfasts for three days, and you laugh.


If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I tell you that at least I managed to get to Pilates on Wednesday and enjoyed a lovely sandwich for lunch at Squirrel. You say that must have helped lift the mood, and I say yes.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would tell you we have now moved into a very small flat, but at least there is a washing machine, even though I haven’t worked out how the tumble dryer functions. I say I am already frustrated with the electric hob, and you laugh.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would say I am just so mentally exhausted. You say, let me take you out for dinner and a glass of wine, and I say thank you, that would be lovely.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com
Sounds like you are weathering the storm, but you will prevail…
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Stay positive 😊
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“… as much as I love to eat out, having to, and not even being on holiday, is not so much fun”is a very telling sentence. You are living in a dramatic situation of the kind NOT needed prior to your departure abroad. I hope your home will be safe whilst you are away.
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Thanks Anne – just keeping going one day at a time!
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My oh my, I can only imagine how stressful it must be for you. I am a homebody, and to have my home in peril would be a nightmare for me. So glad you found a snug little apartment where you can at least cook your own meals and do your laundry. If I lived nearby, you and your husband would be invited over for a pasta meal and wine. Plenty of wine. 😉
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I know this sounds strange, but being able to do the laundry has helped to calm me down a tiny tiny bit 🙂 Thank you Laurie – pasta and wine would be lovely!
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I have enough herbs in my garden for an herbed pasta.
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It must be very emotional. When do you leave for overseas? Being away with this going on is scary. I hope you get some news soon.
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I am surprised I haven’t yet burst into floods of tears….have been on the edge many times though! We fly next Friday morning.
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Gosh that’s close. I do hope you have good news by then. Are you allowed back home to get clothes etc?
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Yes we are allowed in at least to get things. Will need all my summer stuff!
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I would say to you that you are doing very well to continue your posts under the circumstances.
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They help….
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HI, Barbara – I wish that I was there to take you out for wine and dinner. You deserve it! I am continuing to send my thoughts and prayers your way.
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Thank you!
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Ups and downs are definitely understandable. Glad you have a flat now – having your own space even if it’s small will, I hope, Be more relaxing (and the wine will also help with that)!
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I have been sending good wishes your way! Glad you are at least out of the hotel, but sorry that you have to cook over electric heat. Take care of yourself!
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Thank you!
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Yes, I would treat you to dinner, and we would have dessert first, because you have surely had a week my friend.
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Thank you!
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Never mind having coffee or tea – I think you deserve to go straight for the wine and chocolate dessert. I would definitely have you for dinner and go all out with regional specialities. Forgoing that I am sending a virtual hug. Did you know that hugging for 20+ seconds can release Serotonin and that helps give you a mental boost? Take care and if tears come, well they come. The emotional exhaustion is real and I am glad you can acknowledge it here. Bernie
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Thank you so much Bernie – I am still living on adrenaline a bit! We have heard that at least the slip should be cleared by the end of today (Saturday) and the council at least think the house is safe. No water or gas yet but baby steps!
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I hope you’ve left behind the stress of having your life suddenly turned upside down and are enjoying a fabulous trip to Europe (and taking lots of pictures of flowers for the next Six on Saturday).
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