13/3/2026 a less discombobulated day

This morning the usual sense of impending doom, whilst still most definitely present, didn't feel quite so heavy. Maybe I am coming out of the fug I've been in since Simon's birthday last week. I hope so, I really need to focus and start preparing myself and building up my resilience for going home, which in so many ways I am dreading. It's been so nice to not have to deal with assholes and paperwork even though I’m fully aware I've been running away. Hopefully I'm stronger now to deal with whatever curve ball life decides to throw at me next when I get back. 

There was heavy rain all night and when I drew the bedroom curtains there was a beautiful clear blue sky beckoning me. I'm trying very hard to be sensible, so after some breakfast I returned to my bee study stuff and put my recovery time to good use which will be as good for my bees as for me. 

After a few hours, and my brain overloaded with all things bee, I decided it was time to get some exercise in, drench myself in vitamin D and go hunt down some coffee.  My intention was to just go down the Kohi beach and grab a brew there, but when I got there I was feeling better than expected and decided to push on and see how far I got, before I got tired and needed to go back. I was really chuffed to have made it to St Heliers and spent an hour just soaking up the sun and watching the birds skim across the water. 

As  I sat there a couple came and sat close to me, and I couldn't help but over hear their conversation. I concluded from it that they were on a date because he said to her that as it was their third date how did she think it was going and could she see a future for them. Her response was brutal!  She said to him well i’m glad you've brought it up because it's actually not working for me. You haven't put enough effort into making the dates pleasant for me.  Then proceeded to berate him for what seemed like forever to me, so must have felt a lot longer to him!. I was starting to feel a bit sorry for him and he looked like a kicked puppy. Clearly walks along the beach front in the sunshine and sampling  the best pies in New Zealand are not her idea of a good time. I think he probably had a lucky escape. It had gotten a bit awkward to continue sitting there so I decided it was definitely time to leave. 

I walked up to the coffee shop via the charity shop and found a long pink cardigan and baby pink linen shirt, both brand new with the tags on. I took the time to try them on,and was pleased that they both fitted. For the grand total of  $20 I have a new cardi and shirt. The shirt I may fiddle about with and see what I can do with it, but it's fine as it is for now. The coffee shop was empty, which is a first. I ordered my coffee and Josh persuaded me to try the hot cross buns. I mean my arm was practically twisted up behind my back. I went outside, took a seat and the coffee was brought out with my hot cross bun by the owner. While I was eating the delicious bun, which was as good as predicted, I messaged Morg to see if he fancied one for dessert and he quickly agreed. Within two minutes he was walking up the street towards me, he'd just finished work when I messaged and had come down to pick me up to take me home. He went in to get himself a coffee so gave him my card to get our cross buns for dessert.  He put his order in and came and joined me with the hot cross buns in a box. Josh bought his coffee out and with it a big box containing a custard filled hot cross bun for him, courtesy of the owner. They seem  like him as this is a regular occurrence.

After we'd finished our coffees we walked down the street to the truck, which was conveniently parked outside the 4 Square. We nipped in to pick up food for dinner, much as I'd like to live on cake alone, it just aint possible. Well it is, but it's not exactly what you'd call healthy is it? He dropped me off then went home to shower and change before coming back down a couple of hours later.  His company brings me joy, it really does, and I know I am very lucky to have him, it will however make going home that much harder. 

No sunset of note tonight and a relatively boring day for you to read about sorry, but not every day is interesting even in beautiful New Zealand.

Much Love

Mrs Leonard

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