[zardell]

:uhoh

Yes, I know I should have done this post ages ago, but well, we've been a bit busy these last few weeks - you know, just the usual kind of things that us migrant types get up to like moving around the whole of the north island in search of our little piece of this New Zealand paradise....... :roll

Anyway - we've finally settled and are currently renting a lovely house in Whakatane (pronounced F*k-a-tarnie - oh how I loved telling THAT to my M.I.L !!) and things are finally falling into place.

And now it's time for me to be brutally honest.........I haven't wanted to post before now, not for any reason other than I have been feeling quite 'down' and (at times) really quite weepy - not exactly homesick, more like familiarity sick and really quite desperate to find the 'right place' to live.

However, I have had my hubby (God bless him) and our good North West Meet friends around me, as well as some newly made NZ friends and they have all supported and helped me in so many different ways, so that now I finally feel that I have turned the corner, so to speak and can get on with living my new life and enjoying it to the full.

New Zealand is an awesome (sorry Diny !! LOL) country and I feel very privileged to be here. Never (not even on one of my darkest, depressed, days) have I ever thought that coming here was the wrong thing to do, I just never realised how much I would miss the familiarity of the life I shared in the UK with my friends and family. Fortunately, they are all coming to visit so that is something to really look forward to......... :nice1

Our container arrived a few days ago and we still have loads and loads of unpacking to do, but I'm feeling happier and more at home with every box we unpack.

Oh - and on a final note - (and just in case you're wondering) would I do it all again?.........categorically yes. And am I glad I'm here?........you betcha !!

Julie

xx

[Andy-Dee]

About time J

Sorry to hear about the 'down' times but glad you're back to your old self and enjoying yourself.

Keep in touch!
A & D (North West Meet)

[marcia]

Great to have you back (online and back to yourself!) Julie - can't wait to come up and see your house by the sea!

By the way - I have found myself turning to the bottle every night since you moved - getting into a real wine drinker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D Well what can you do when they are on 'special' haven't found the right one yet so just have to keep trying them all!!!!!!!! :cheers

[wiki]

Oh - and on a final note - (and just in case you're wondering) would I do it all again?.........categorically yes. And am I glad I'm here?........you betcha !!

Julie

xxThat is utterly AWESOME to hear. I'm so sorry you've had to suffer on your way to finding your paradise - but at least it's had a payoff for you and your family.

Whakatane is beautiful - and I'm sure you and hubby will be a beautiful addition to it. Stay strong xxx

[Kim39]

About time you got your fingers round those keys lass, as its been a long time coming. Good on ya......hope to see ya this weekend. Will let you know how i go at quacks tomorrow.

Oh yeh, we got the visa:raebanana

Kim

[zardell]

By the way - I have found myself turning to the bottle every night since you moved - getting into a real wine drinker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D




Mmmmmm - I'll put your drinking habits down to the fact that you're missing me. ( NOT that I specialise in practising the benefits of drinking a good wine...... :laugh )


Julie

xx

[Moorf]

I've just got one word to say to you Julie.....


... PICS!!!!!

Oh, and welcome back - glad to hear you're enjoying it here, hope the emotions settle soon, I still feel what I call "reverse homesickness" where I don't wish I was back with family, I just wish they were all here!

Oh, and... PICS!!

[StevieD]

Julie and Playboy2, great to see you back online. After all the trials and tribulations of the last few months it is good to see you finally settling. We're not far behind you now - just had the mortgage redemption stuff through and the solicitor has the contract drawn up -- all the best for now.

Steve (a.k.a Playboy 1, international man of mystery - oh behave!) and Jan xx

[The Hodges]

Anyway - we've finally settled and are currently renting a lovely house in Whakatane (pronounced F*k-a-tarnie - oh how I loved telling THAT to my M.I.L !!) and things are finally falling into place.

Excellent. You'll have to tell her to spell it phonetically on any correspondence that she has to send to you. :laugh

And now it's time for me to be brutally honest.........I haven't wanted to post before now, not for any reason other than I have been feeling quite 'down' and (at times) really quite weepy - not exactly homesick, more like familiarity sick and really quite desperate to find the 'right place' to live.

However, I have had my hubby (God bless him) and our good North West Meet friends around me, as well as some newly made NZ friends and they have all supported and helped me in so many different ways, so that now I finally feel that I have turned the corner, so to speak and can get on with living my new life and enjoying it to the full.

New Zealand is an awesome (sorry Diny !! LOL) country and I feel very privileged to be here. Never (not even on one of my darkest, depressed, days) have I ever thought that coming here was the wrong thing to do, I just never realised how much I would miss the familiarity of the life I shared in the UK with my friends and family. Fortunately, they are all coming to visit so that is something to really look forward to......... :nice1

Our container arrived a few days ago and we still have loads and loads of unpacking to do, but I'm feeling happier and more at home with every box we unpack.

Oh - and on a final note - (and just in case you're wondering) would I do it all again?.........categorically yes. And am I glad I'm here?........you betcha !!


Excellent. It is good to read a post with such a positive ending. I'm glad that you are making such a go of it. As you say, a house is just a house, but home is what you make it and it is amazing what a few familiar bits and bobs can do to make you feel more comfortable.

Well done and hopefully see you on the forum again soon. :nice1

[Singel]

Ohhhhhh.................. Whakatane is one of our favourite place :nice1

Julie, so glad that you are happily settling down there. Are you going to be a lady of leisure? ;)

Have you been to Fred's fish n chips? The shop is located opp a supermarket, I think is Countdown. We have been there once and we love it.
:cheers

[pinkpiggy]

Julie

Glad to hear you and Steve are settling in and good to have you back on line. You have been missed. :clap :clap

[Smiler]

Julie

Good to see you are back with us and writing such a great post. :nice1

I'm with Moorf on the reverse homesickness, just want them here, not there.

I Hope that you settle in more with each box that's unpacked and start to feel completely at home, it does take a while so don't beat yourself up over it.

Welcome Back! :raebanana:raebanana

P.S. Yes please PICS!!!!!!

[gil]

Hi Julie HUGE cyber hugs {{{{{{{{{ H-U-G}}}}}}}}} so glad to hear you've settled. And isn't the box thang fun!!:D
Hope to be able to see you soon,
Love
Gil
xx

[sizzlingbadger]

Great to hear you've found your place in NZ :raebanana There are always ups and downs with any move but it's good to hear that now you feel that as a family you've done the right thing.

Good Luck, looking forward to more posts and as Moorf and Smiler have said Pics please :D

[Babette & Andy]

Welcome 'back' Julie,

You couldn't have described it any better - not homesick, but missing the familiarity - I so know what you mean. We've been here 10mths now (hasn't that gone fast!!) and I still have that feeling quite frequently.
Glad to see that the move to your current location suits you better than PN. Will PM again soon. Are you guys going to the Taupo meet? Would be lovely to see you there.
Hugs to the both of you and - hang in there :nice1
Babette

[KD17]

Glad you've found your little piece of paradise, looking forward to seeing it in the not too distant future.



Keith & Debby

[zardell]

Hi Guys.

Thanks ever so much for all your kind words...its much appreciated.

And if any of you find yourselves going to Fred Fish 'n Chip shop, I have to say, an experience not to be missed, then give us a shout and I'll put the kettle (ooops sorry - the jug) on. Might even make you a couple of slices of bread and butter for a butty too!!!

Julie

xx

[jubjub]

Nice to see you back, hubby just loves Whakatane, not that we have ever been ,he just likes saying it! (strange man)

Its good to hear that you have found somewhere to settle, and now you have all your stuff too!

Oh, and I agree Moorf, PICS!

[Kim39]

Hey Sal,i luv saying Whakapapa too, in fact anything with a "fhak" in it:laugh

Kim

[katandbob]

Never (not even on one of my darkest, depressed, days) have I ever thought that coming here was the wrong thing to do, I just never realised how much I would miss the familiarity of the life I shared in the UK with my friends and family.

You hit it on the head - this is exactly how I am feeling now the rush of the finding a home/job etc is over, I am hitting the wine alot too - but have stopped buying it now that Rachel etc have gone - if its not there I cant drink it! :o


I'm feeling happier and more at home with every box we unpack.
Maybe if I had more furniture I'd feel the same - but it really was unrealistic to spend money on crap furniture so we didnt bother - now half a dozen radiators, copper piping and a gas boiler........ now I sure wish I'd packed them!

I just got a rough quote for a new multifuel burner!! - $4000 :uhoh

Any way, Hope that we can visit you someday - it was Robs first choice area - but we couldnt see any work for him (maybe its there?) but for now I am enjoyng being a landowner/horse owner and free education for Jason...and theres so much to explore down here - even if the weathers a few degrees cooler - it was supposed to rain today but so far it hasnt arrived.

speak to you soon :nice1

Kat


:

Yes, I know I should have done this post ages ago, but well, we've been a bit busy these last few weeks - you know, just the usual kind of things that us migrant types get up to like moving around the whole of the north island in search of our little piece of this New Zealand paradise.......

Anyway - we've finally settled and are currently renting a lovely house in Whakatane (pronounced F*k-a-tarnie - oh how I loved telling THAT to my M.I.L !!) and things are finally falling into place.

And now it's time for me to be brutally honest.........I haven't wanted to post before now, not for any reason other than I have been feeling quite 'down' and (at times) really quite weepy - not exactly homesick, more like familiarity sick and really quite desperate to find the 'right place' to live.

However, I have had my hubby (God bless him) and our good North West Meet friends around me, as well as some newly made NZ friends and they have all supported and helped me in so many different ways, so that now I finally feel that I have turned the corner, so to speak and can get on with living my new life and enjoying it to the full.

New Zealand is an awesome (sorry Diny !! LOL) country and I feel very privileged to be here. Never (not even on one of my darkest, depressed, days) have I ever thought that coming here was the wrong thing to do, I just never realised how much I would miss the familiarity of the life I shared in the UK with my friends and family. Fortunately, they are all coming to visit so that is something to really look forward to.........

Our container arrived a few days ago and we still have loads and loads of unpacking to do, but I'm feeling happier and more at home with every box we unpack.

Oh - and on a final note - (and just in case you're wondering) would I do it all again?.........categorically yes. And am I glad I'm here?........you betcha !!

Julie

xx

[zardell]

[Hope that we can visit you someday - it was Robs first choice area - but we couldnt see any work for him (maybe its there?)
Kat


Come up and visit anytime Kat.........and tell Rob there have been jobs advertised locally for welders........ :uhoh Don't know what the hourly rate is though.

Julie

xx

[zardell]

If this works, I'll try and post some more piccies (PC's and I don't always get on well together !! )

I don't know how to title each picture, but I've tried to show you all ;

1) Our house

2) The rear view from our living room windows.

3) Our back garden.

Julie

xx

Oh well - I cocked that up !!.......LOL. It says that my pictures are too big, but doesnt tell me how to make 'em smaller !!
Sorry........ :o

[katandbob]

Julie if you have Microsoft Picture Mgr - you can export the pics to another file and reduce the size to a compatable size for Email or websites.... Thats what I do

cheers

Kat...........ps saving for holiday in Nth island is on the to do list :laugh Wish we could afford a flight to Taupo - we could have gate crashed someones tent - just bring our sleeping bags :laugh If this works, I'll try and post some more piccies (PC's and I don't always get on well together !! )

I don't know how to title each picture, but I've tried to show you all ;

1) Our house

2) The rear view from our living room windows.

3) Our back garden.

Julie

xx

Oh well - I cocked that up !!.......LOL. It says that my pictures are too big, but doesnt tell me how to make 'em smaller !!
Sorry........ :o

[zardell]

Julie if you have Microsoft Picture Mgr - you can export the pics to another file and reduce the size to a compatable size for Email or websites.... Thats what I do





Eh ??? !!!

:confused:

Julie

xx

[Kim39]

Come on Jules get with the technology. Have a look in your programs and you should be able to see whether you have Picture Manager. Failing that email me them and i'll downsize them and post them for you.

Kim

[Cardiff Irons]

If this works, I'll try and post some more piccies (PC's and I don't always get on well together !! )

I don't know how to title each picture, but I've tried to show you all ;

1) Our house

2) The rear view from our living room windows.

3) Our back garden.

Julie

xx
Lovely pics Julie. Obviously it was dark/snowing/foggy so you can't quite make out the detail, but come on everyone, use some imagination!!!

[zardell]

Lovely pics Julie. Obviously it was dark/snowing/foggy so you can't quite make out the detail, but come on everyone, use some imagination!!!



:laugh :laugh :laugh

Hang on.....I'm about to have another go, but don't hold your breath !!

Julie

xx

[zardell]

I give up...... :exit

[Mexican in NZ]

I give up...... :exit
:laugh :laugh hahahaha oh julie you really got the muscles of my tummy and cheecks sore of so much laughing!
Ok i can help..i guess :laugh
1)Look go to the pic you want and click with the right side bottom of the mouse and it will give you some options.. choose edit with left click.
2) if it opens the paint program then choose the option of image and it gives you options choose stretch/skew and in the first 2 spaces just put 60 or 40% in both spaces and then click ok
3) go to file and click save as put a name and remember it then u can upload them here...a bit complicated my way to explain isn't it?? hahaha oh well i hope it helped u!
Take care,
Adriana

[zardell]

:laugh :laugh hahahaha oh julie you really got the muscles of my tummy and cheecks sore of so much laughing!
Ok i can help..i guess :laugh
1)Look go to the pic you want and click with the right side bottom of the mouse and it will give you some options.. choose edit with left click.
2) if it opens the paint program then choose the option of image and it gives you options choose stretch/skew and in the first 2 spaces just put 60 or 40% in both spaces and then click ok
3) go to file and click save as put a name and remember it then u can upload them here...a bit complicated my way to explain isn't it?? hahaha oh well i hope it helped u!
Take care,
Adriana



Now, who's having a laugh ?? !!!!

:roll

Julie

xx

[willsken]

Now I know you can email pics. Send them to me and I'll post them for you. :roll

[zardell]

Hey up..........lets see if this works.

If it does, it's all thanks to a very good I.T teacher I know - if it doesn't work, sorry Nic I'm useless !! LOL









http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/zardell/Picture510.jpg

[jubjub]

:nice1 :clap You did it...

Looks a nice house.

[willsken]

:clap :clap :clap :clap

[zardell]

Nah - there should have been 4 pics on that last post........think I need extra tuition !!

Julie

xx



http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/zardell/Picture508.jpg

[zardell]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/zardell/Picture479.jpg

This is my last attempt.......getting tired now !!

[willsken]

Wow, hadn't seen the last one. I can imagine you sitting there with your cuppa of a morning!! :D

[zardell]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/zardell/Picture488-1.jpg

This is REALLY my last attempt..........

Julie

xx

[zardell]

Wow, hadn't seen the last one. I can imagine you sitting there with your cuppa of a morning!! :D



Yeah.........thats the deck off our bedroom overlooking the back garden.......I did title 'em all, but the titles got lost somewhere along the line..........no surprise there then.......LOL

J
xxxxxxxxx

[zardell]

Oh and Nic........empty your inbox.

Julie

xx

[willsken]

:nice1 kk

[Trigirl]

oh wow! julie it looks completely amazing. you lucky thing!

[StevieD]

Julie, fab house. Reminds me of something but I just can't put my finger on it.....

[Ana&Steve]

Your house is BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm green :D
Ana
PS: I sympathize with the computer aggravation, I've never been solid with em (I think they hate me :o )

[zardell]

PS: I sympathize with the computer aggravation, I've never been solid with em (I think they hate me :o )


Ana, I KNOW they hate me !!

Julie

xx

[Mexican in NZ]

Julie dooby dooo!!! where are u ???!!
hahahaha :laugh You did it :clap
At least we all had a great time here it was completely worth it..your house is beautiful i feel like stoping by on our way to welly:p
Again lovely house Julie
U take care and rest a bit..you need it afer all the struggle of posting the pics with invisible titles :p
xoxo,
Adriana

[zardell]

i feel like stoping by on our way to welly:p


Adriana



Adriana - I'll put the jug on.

Julie

xx

[katandbob]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t168/zardell/Picture488-1.jpg

This is REALLY my last attempt..........

Julie

xx

Wow Julie thats a fantastic house, I like the way the roof slopes? (first pic what bit is that?) - a pit like a japanese roof

How many bedrooms has it got? - next we want inside shots :D :nice1

Kat

[zardell]

Hi Kat.

Its 4 beds. The first piccie is of the front of the house to the left of Scooby Doo.

Not sure about piccies of the inside. Don't think I could take the stress of any more piccie posting !!! :laugh

Julie

xx

[StevieD]

Julie, get posting, living amongst all that foliage must leave you totally chilled out man!

[Debbie]

, I still feel what I call "reverse homesickness" where I don't wish I was back with family, I just wish they were all here!



O' THANK YOU SO MUCH

I did wonder if I was going slightly mad. I haven't been the most cheerfull bunny since Xmas. I been driving OH a bit mad as I couldn't put my finger on it. I don't miss the UK and I like NZ just fine. OH and kids have realy taken to living here with out any problems but I have struggled. I think you've got it about right, I wish my family were all here. I wake up in the morning and see this great view out of my kitchen window or sit drinking wine and watching comets from my deck and I want to share that with family. I thought that my mum and dad now wanting to move over would help with this but now I feel off about my brother being left in the UK on his own.
O'well first step is to get him over for a visit and then find him a nice Kiwi girl....I feel a plan coming together.
Debbie

[willsken]

O' THANK YOU SO MUCH

I did wonder if I was going slightly mad. I haven't been the most cheerfull bunny since Xmas. I been driving OH a bit mad as I couldn't put my finger on it. I don't miss the UK and I like NZ just fine. OH and kids have realy taken to living here with out any problems but I have struggled. I think you've got it about right, I wish my family were all here. I wake up in the morning and see this great view out of my kitchen window or sit drinking wine and watching comets from my deck and I want to share that with family. I thought that my mum and dad now wanting to move over would help with this but now I feel off about my brother being left in the UK on his own.
O'well first step is to get him over for a visit and then find him a nice Kiwi girl....I feel a plan coming together.
Debbie

Know the feeling well. I really couldn't be happier... except if they all came to live here to! :)

[Andy-Dee]

Hi Julie
Love the house - totally gorgeous. Hope we can meet up soon.
Take Care
D

[pinkpiggy]

Hi Julie

That's one gorgeous home you have there. I'm so jealous. Photos of the inside would be great, go on, you know you want to. :exit

[Kim39]

Good on ya Jules you managed it. Know i'm a little late on this, but we have just returned from the Taupo meet.

Kim

[zardell]

Hi Julie

That's one gorgeous home you have there. I'm so jealous.


No need to be jealous........it's only rented........


Julie

xx

[zardell]

Good on ya Jules you managed it. Know i'm a little late on this, but we have just returned from the Taupo meet.

Kim


And I believe a good time was had by all. Sorry we missed it, but maybe next time.

Julie

xx

[Babette & Andy]

Good to hear from you Julie. Was hoping you & Steve would make it down to Taupo - maybe next year? Keep us posted on your experiences.

Hugs
Babette

[H & Rick]

Julie, great to hear you have finally found your perfect place and the house looks great. :nice1

[Kim39]

Just to let you all that Julie and Steve are alive and well up in Whakatane. Went over yesterday and was well impressed with their rental, to a point quite jealous as you can see this is their back garden...............

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/Brierley1964/TriptoJulies021.jpg

They took us off into Ohope, and i have decided should the lotto come along then this is the place i am heading too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/Brierley1964/TriptoJulies012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/Brierley1964/TriptoJulies011.jpg

Once we got back to their place Julie knocked up a quick picnic and we headed off down to the Park where there was a FREE( ok $2 donation) Blues gig taking place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/Brierley1964/TriptoJulies023.jpg

As i say they are alive and well and enjoying what Whakatane and surrounding area's have to offer. Thanks for a nice day out up in your neck of the woods lass. Next time the dog and cat are in kennels and the beers will be drunk.

Kim

[zardell]

Glad you enjoyed it Kim......... we did too and like you say :cheers to the next time.

Julie

xx

PS

I'll make sure we get some egg mayonnaise next time too !!.........LOL