Tag: housesitting

Fee Writes

Random

The Power of Persistence

The Surfer’s Lesson: Persistence Pays Off

I just got back from the beach, and wow, it was absolutely stunning down there! The salty breeze, the sound of the waves rolling in—it was one of those perfect moments that made you stop and soak it all in. Right now I’m housesitting at a beach house, so out on the balcony with my morning coffee, still feeling that fresh ocean air, I decided that I wanted to share something I saw today that really stuck with me.

While I was at the beach, I found myself watching a surfer—this guy was clearly determined. He kept paddling out, trying to catch a wave, but time and time again, he couldn’t seem to keep hold of any wave he caught. I’m guessing he was a beginner, as he should have been able to get some decent rides, but what stood out to me was his persistence. He didn’t get discouraged. He just kept going, paddling back out, trying again. And then—finally—he caught one! He rode that wave all the way in, and you could just tell it was a moment of triumph.

Watching him reminded me of my own surfing days. Fun fact: I used to surf all the time when I was younger! I must have been around 11 years old when I first started, maybe even younger. My sister had a surfboard—one of those classic, oversized longboards—and I would lug that thing across the sand, determined to get out on the water.

Back then, we didn’t have fancy ankle straps like surfers do today. If you wiped out and lost your board, well, you were in for a long swim! Sometimes, if you were lucky, another surfer would grab it and bring it back to you—one of those little acts of kindness that always meant a lot.

But the thing that really hit me today, watching that surfer, is how much persistence matters. Whether it’s surfing, golf, painting, music—anything really—the key is to just keep at it. You might wipe out a dozen times, but if you keep paddling back out, eventually, you’ll catch your wave. And when you do, it’ll be worth every single struggle that came before.

That guy on the beach today? He had a great ride. And it was a reminder to me (and maybe to you, too) to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

Fee Writes

Retirement Brain

Retirement Brain: When Every Day Feels The Same

Not that long ago, I woke up one morning with absolutely no idea what day it was. None. Zilch. I knew it was a weekday because kids were marching off to school like tiny, grumpy commuters. But beyond that? Total mystery.

This, my friends, is what happens when you cross the threshold into the so-called “retirement years.” (By the way, I despise that word—retirement sounds like you’re just waiting for someone to close the lid on you!) Life after a career isn’t about fading into oblivion; it’s about keeping the wheels turning. Learning, growing, doing stuff—that’s the real deal. But one of the unintended side effects? Time becomes a vague concept. Days blend together like a smoothie of confusion.

Usually, I always know when it’s Tuesday—because, like a responsible part-time worker, I head into an office. Plus, I live next to a preschool, which is basically an audio calendar. Monday to Friday: a symphony of tiny voices. Weekends? Silence. That’s my system. And it works… most of the time.

But my usual cues are missing when I’m house-sitting cats, especially in unfamiliar places. (Cats are terrible at reminding you what day it is, by the way. They live in their own time zone called “Feed Me Now O’Clock.”) I still work online, but my routine is out the window, and suddenly, Tuesday could be Thursday or even a rogue Monday. Who knows?

Here’s my pro tip: Keep a diary—not just for appointments but for daily adventures, big or small. Schedule fun, plan outings, and create things to look forward to—because having a reason to be present is what keeps life exciting. Otherwise, you might just wake up one day and realize you’ve been living in an endless loop of Tuesdays.

Stay curious, stay engaged, and, for the love of all things, be organised—write things down!

P.S. If you figure out what day it is, let me know.

Fee Writes

Random

Meet The Locals In The Neighbourhood.

As you know I like to have a bit of a ferret round the neighbourhood where I’m house-sitting.

And this one is no exception.

You can imagine how I reacted when I went for a walk around the block, literally around the block, and discovered I was in the Dead Centre of this area.

Not just one cemetery, but THREE … go figure. But then I discovered the three were specific for different religions. The size of each told of the popularity of that particular denomination.

The Presbyterians came out on top. Those press buttons, as we used to call them when I was a kid, sure had the biggest influence.

Next – the Methodists. They came in quite a close second, so I’m picking there may have been a bit of rivalry going on.

And bringing up the rear the Church of The Latter Day Saints. They did not do so well converting the locals.

cd_57f8822fcbcd0 — Love the closeness to the living

Now, these local residents go back quite some time and, although there appears more room, I’m picking that the resting places are now closed for business.

So who actually tweaked my interest?

There was one that had me a little puzzled.

As you may find it a little difficult to read – let me explain.

There appears to be three bodies here:

Rachel is one and she is the wife, sorry, beloved wife, of William Darragh who died in 1910 ages 84 – so far so good,
But, and here’s where the plot thickens (or deepens), the next one is William (no surname) husband of the above (assume Rachel) died 1928 aged 103.

So the first William is not buried here (?), but the 2nd William, who we shall assume is husband #2, is buried here.
Then there’s the last body – James. No idea what relation he is to any of the above but will assume he’s a son – died 1938 aged 74. Just don’t know which William sired him.
Confused? – God I love cemeteries!

And what’s a decent neighbourhood without a Gated Community?

Maybe some of these people were quite the renegades of their time – you know, the black sheep, the misfit etc… but in death they must conform!

All graves face the same way – not one is different.

Thank goodness I’ve opted to be cremated, then I hope that whoever disperses my ashes just throws them up in the air and leaves it to me to find my final resting place and face the way I want.

p.s. – and if you enjoyed this bizarre take on the neighbourhood, please give it a thumbs up or a laughing face in those emojis below … I do try to entertain.

Fee Writes

Random

All Things Come To An End

And house-sits are no exception. A bit of a quick post today.

Yesterday I moved out of the lovely home in Devonport road and went to stay with my fab friends overnight and, of course, their lovely dog, Scotty who I have got to know over the years.

But before I left I went to visit the neighbour who has a great B&B in a really old home that has been lovingly restored. Well, a few modern bits and bobs e.g. kitchen!!! It dates back to 1880 when it was built as a private home and the couple who own it now are only the 4th owners – not bad for an old shack.

Of course, I wanted to take a look around, as you do, and I have to say what a place to stay if you’re coming to these parts and want to be in the city. Pics below.
But, being two floors and on a different section, the view was different from the one I had been enjoying in my lovely house-sit. That’s where the featured image up there at the top came from. Yup the day was not the best, but it still is a stunning view!

So, “where to next?” I hear you ask. Yes, I’m off to another home oddly enough at the completely other end of the same road. This time it’s looking after Lily while “mum” is away in the U.K. A shorter stay, but still long enough to get used to the place.

More on Lily later. Right now – enjoy some of the images from the historic home named Taiparoro.

Fee Writes

Quick Post | Random

On The Move

Today is “Exit Day”. I’m off from the Papamoa Burbs and heading back to my digs for a week.

It’s been nice here … handy to Fashion Island, which I did visit a couple of times – handy to the motorway which meant easy access to work, the city, the Mount and anywhere else I fancied going.

What have I done here? Written a bit more of my book and done some sketches. Met the cool guys next door and spent a lovely evening on the wine with them.

And, apart from that and the odd outing, it’s been a fairly quiet 5 weeks, but then I didn’t expect much else.

I’ll leave you with the sketches: