Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Slow Progress

Slow progress, everything  is happening at a snail pace on the house.

Late Feb the house was finally down and in its foundations... very exciting.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - VANDALISM

A crime has been committed here at Down Wattle Lane!

A disgraceful act of vandalism!

Scene of the Crime:

There is only 1 suspect... Whiskers the ram, not only does he have the horns to destroy the gate, but after the destructive act, he was found wandering outside his paddock walking around the house... feeling proud of himself I am sure.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Sailing Past Arapawa Island

You might have heard me before go on about our Arapawa Sheep... well tonight is no different and I'm sailing on the Interislander Ferry where we've just sailed past Arapawa Island.

One of the theories as to how the Arapawa Sheep came to know Arapawa Island as there home, was that Captain Jame Cook mentioned in his diaries that sheep, goats, pigs were left on the island in the Marlborough

Sounds as a future food source for sailers. 

Whatever the reason... they have been here for longer than most of us, and they have adapted to survive life on an island, so surely they are Kiwiest of sheep?

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Wool...Wool...Wool

We have so much wool. Instead of doing everything by hand, this time I have used the professionals which I have had our Arapawa Wool scoured, carded, and made into rovings for spinning yarn, and also batts for felting and other craft uses.

Once the house if done and winter has arrived, I now have plenty of supplies ready to craft with... I'm very keen to knit a beanie and slippers.

Arapawa Wool Products

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Kitchen Has Arrived

3rd times the charm. The last 2 kitchens we have installed were from Nice Kitchens in Henderson Auckland. Simple styling but well built at exceptional value.

Well when it came to looking at our 3rd kitchen, and now being based in Christchurch we thought we had better look at a local supplier. Even for a Bunning's kitchen we were looking at $4500. Well pricing up the same kitchen with Nice Kitchens came in at $2400 including freight! So we ordered our 3rd Nice Kitchen and today, 2 weeks later, our kitchen arrived at the truck depot in Christchurch.

Now the only difference this time the Nice Kitchen came flat pack. The last 2 Kitchens were assembled. FYI the bunnings was also kitset.

So what does a flat pack kitset kitchen look like...

There are no instructions and this will truly test my DIY skills... but I cant wait to start and hope to knock it out in a couple of days! Fortunately most parts are labeled.

Although it took me a wee while to work out what Sted means Haha... can you figure it out?

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Parkinson's & Moody Me

This post is a little personal but I feel I need to address, as not to upset those I love down the track, as my illness progresses.

Along with the usual challenges of Parkinson's I've started to notice that there has been an unintentional change in my personality/character and overall mood.

I whole heartedly apologies to anyone close to whom I might have come across cold, harsh, and just rude to. It's not me and I never wish to offend anyone.

I didn't realize my inner demons were showing outwards until a couple of people recently asked if they have upset me. 

For the record it's generally very hard to upset me, unless you are a complete idiot, but 2021 I am working hard to stay positive and I need to work harder to show that.

I do find that I do go a little into my own world which I am happy in and I can become obsessive with somethings. Sometimes I might need pulling out, but more often than not, I need to be left to myself to work through. But I will return.

If you want to learn a little more about Parkinson's to understand a little more... have a read of the below:

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and results in such symptoms as tremors, slowness, stiffness, loss of balance and difficulty with speech and writing.

While it can’t be cured, its motor symptoms can be managed.

But sometimes the very medications that help control Parkinson’s physical symptoms can unmask — or even cause — behavioral, emotional or psychological problems.

Anxiety and depression

The most common symptoms experienced by people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are anxiety and depression.

The patient is understandably anxious, fearful about how their lives will change in general and how functional impairment caused by the disease will manifest itself.

Depression, apathy and withdrawal from things a person previously enjoyed are another frequent symptom.

Anxiety and depression occur in about 40 percent to 50 percent of Parkinson’s patients at one time or another over the course of the disease.

Personality changes

Family members, friends and caregivers may notice changes in personality brought on by neurological changes in the brain because of Parkinson’s disease.

The changes can be varied. Examples include:

• A person who was always conscientious becomes careless
• A previously easy-going person becomes rigid and stubborn
• An outgoing social butterfly turns into a stay-at-home introvert

Impulsive or compulsive behaviors

Some Parkinson’s patients act impulsively, unable to control the desire to do certain things. This behavior can range from innocuous-seeming excessive Internet use to:

• Hoarding
• Charity donations
• Gambling
• Excessive eating or drinking
• Compulsive sexual preoccupations

These symptoms are typically caused by certain medications used for treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. They may occur in up to 15 percent of patients who receive such medications. But they are most likely to occur in people who were predisposed to these conditions before diagnosis.

These behaviors can be quite destructive if, for example, a spouse is distressed by a loved one’s new obsession with pornography or neighbors become alarmed at the patient’s insistence on fixing their fences even after completing all the work.

Hallucinations

Parkinson’s patients can experience hallucinations that range from mild to severe, pleasant to frightening. Sometimes, patients describe the sensation of feeling a presence near them or of seeing something passing on the periphery of their vision. Others may be delighted by a vision of little children or flowers.

Sometimes the hallucinations are dark or upsetting. The patient may become alarmed at the sight of bugs on the floor, at sensing a stranger’s presence in the house or believing someone is stealing from them.

Parkinson’s patients have reported seeing human faces in clouds or a person in a coat that is hanging on a rack.

PS... I've not had any hallucinations yet, but I have some crazy dreams, so crazy I won't go back to sleep.

Down Wattle Lane v2 - Up

Finally we are now working on the foundations. Exciting the house is progressing.

Smith's Cranes & Construction who moved the house are doing the work. Highly recommended and they have all the toys to get the job done. 

Step 1 - Raise the house... up she goes...

Step 2 - Foundation holes - 46 or so.

Step 3 - Wait for council inspection.........

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Shifting The Poles

When we purchased the property, the previous owner who still owns the property next door advised that the power poles located on the boundary of the property were to be relocated into our property by 5 metres within an existing easement for the power lines to feed a future subdivision. 

We were ok with this when we purchased, and this week Mainpower have been at work relocating the lines. The linesman are super professional and very pleasant to talk too. The guys were rather impressive, working in the 36 degrees heat in full safety gear.

Some trees had to come down, so we also took the opportunity to remove a few extra trees to open up the view to Mt Gray and the ridge line.  

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - My Family & Friends

One of the many reasons we have moved to Christchurch is to spend more time with family and reconnecting.

My biggest reconnect is with Gary. Our life Down Wattle Lane v1 was living 5 nights apart each week while our dream reconnect is to be back together 7 nights a week. We are still working on this, but over Christmas Gary spent 3 weeks with me in our little cabin. Apart from stepping on each others toes, all went well. Gary had lined up 2 job interviews while down here, and he got 2 job offers! I was so proud, I nearly cried... nearly! A huge relief. Gary will become a Cantabarian this 12th Feb.

Reconnecting with my immediate family has had it ups and downs, but overall it has been great. I really enjoy the time spent although I wish I was able to spend more time with all. The house has been consuming my life and time. I just need to get it finished asap.

Spending time with my cousins has been awesome. BBQ's and helping out with projects around the farm.

We have also tracked down some old family friends.

Reconnecting is incredibly rewarding.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Dear Blog

 Dear Blog

I'm writing to you to apologies for neglecting you and for not posting any posts over the last few weeks. Sorry.

Since my last post we have had Christmas and hosted a family lunch in our newly painted living room.

We also went hard shopping during the Christmas/Boxing Day/New Year sales. We now have an oven, rangehood, laundry tub, door handles, curtains, flooring vinyl and carpet, and buckets load of paint! As always purchasing at bargain prices.

We had a quiet new years, but gladly welcome 2021 and all that it brings. I'm not one for new years resolutions, but 2021 I need more positivity in my life. So let's forget 2020 and look forward in a positive light.

"You do not find a happy life... You Make It!"

I will post more frequently of our summer adventures, until then, thankyou blog for your understanding.

Much Love

Ricky