17/3/2026 Top of the morning to ya

Happy St paddy’s day !  Drink Guinness,  it’s the law. 

A gorgeous day and first thing this morning I joined the swim club for a swim.  I thought I’d better check to see if I had to pay anything but nope,  it’s free, and to give them all credit not one of them commented on my snorkel mask or my use of it during my swim. Not that I would have cared if they’d laughed, it's made my swimming game so much better. There were all different people there today and all a lot older than me. They are all also significantly better swimmers than me too, but I am trying my best!  I swam for an hour which was pretty good going and I was pretty pleased with myself. I went  back to the unit wrapped in my towel, showered, changed into dry clothes and had some breakfast.  Once I’d eaten and cleared away I packed my bags ready for Morg to take with him tonight, and  hit the beach again for a serious dose of vitamin D and that was bloody awesome.  

My cunning plans to do some kayak trips aren’t going to work out how I wanted. I emailed the company that does the guided tours and they very rudely informed me I would be better suited to the Auckland harbour tour as that’s only an hour long, and the harbour is sheltered which makes for easier paddling. They truly have no idea of my capabilities, my stubbornness or the total efficiency of my burning rage to spur on my determination to do anything I decide I’m going to do, despite my limitations. I’m more than a bit pissed off about it. I have absolutely no desire to do the harbour tour, if I had wanted to do that I would have asked them about it in my email. I want to do the ones from St Heliers to Rangitoto Island and Browns Island. It’s so close to St Heliers beach and would only take an hour to get there.

However, It looks like I will need to try and find another kayak tour company to take me or get the ferry from Auckland which is ok, but it’s more of an achievement to have Kayaked there for my brain. That could be a bit of self sabotage creeping in there though. So much for the statement in their website about inclusivity. I bet if I identified as a goddamn cat they’d take me. I’d go back to plan A and go to  Waiheke Island on the jetski tour, but Morgan is less than keen on that idea, he did say he’d do it with me if I really wanted to do it that badly. He’s already done loads of things with me that he would really rather not have done so I think it will be best to find something else that’s fun and within my capabilities.  Also I’m not sure where I’d put my crutches on the jetski I don’t think they come with panniers. I am searching like a searchy thing but it’s not looking promising and it appears I will be limited to Ferry rides, ocean swims and lying on the beach. Jeez, what a life. 

I had another dip to cool down and then dried off in the sunshine. As I was doing so another of the parachute surfer went out with the boat. It was much breezier today and they were up as soon as they hit the water.  My brain is again wondering if I could perhaps manage it, with a bit of practice maybe. I’m considering talking to them about it tomorrow if they are about.  

Returning to the unit for another shower I message Morg and checked what he wanted to do for dinner. He’d had a shit day and wanted peanut butter and jam sandwiches which was all good with me.  I went to the shop and picked up some of his favourite snacks for him too, nice snacks always make things better.  When he arrived I made his sandwiches and we put on a film to watch. As we were watching it Cheryl knocked the door to apologise for not seeing me during my stay. Her back is really bad and she’s having trouble moving about bless her. The reason for her visit was to see if there was anything in particular I wanted in a hamper she’s putting together for me when I return.  They leave breakfast and milk with some nice cheese crackers and salami with the alcohol so I guess it was to check that there wasn’t anything I didn’t like.  She asked Morg what he liked to drink too

which was really kind. It was the first time they’d met, her first impressions were obviously good as she told him he was very good looking!!!  

He was obviously very flattered by the truthful comment from her. He is of course very handsome as we know!!  He gets that from me clearly (laughs hysterically) 

Once Cheryl had gone, we resumed the film and then Morg cleared away our food dishes before going home. He took my bags with him ready for me to move out tomorrow, leaving me with just the small rucksack. I’m getting quite efficient at this living out of a bag and moving around now. However I will be glad to get home and unpack and put the sturdy one away for a few weeks

I think my walking and swimming exercise has worn me out now because the tiredness is real! 

Much Love 

Mrs Leonard 

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