Thursday, November 19th, still 5th Week of Locum Tenens in New Zealand
I can feel my diurnal clock getting confused. Why is it still light out at 830pm? Why are the days so long? Not trying to make anyone jealous- because frankly I would not mind going to bed at 7 pm right now. And I confess I get into bed before 8 pm occasionally, and feel like a 5 year old whose parents make you go to bed before it’s dark. But it’s TIME TO GO TO BED in Minnesota. I did not realize my winter hibernation factor was so imbedded. Fascinating.
Some fun New Zealand facts:
It’s true what they say about New Zealand men wearing short shorts and black ankle socks. Just sayin’. And New Zealanders talk very, very fast, and are so quick-witted it makes me feel slow! I have to ask them to say things again more slowly, which is a bit embarassing.
Here’s an interesting thing- in New Zealand if you are renewing your firearms license (like for hunting). and you are on even a low dose antianxiety or antdepressant, you must have a clearance letter from a doctor. So this guy comes into the clinic and asks for a letter. Hmmmmm. I asked him about his very mild anxiety (he’s like an accountant)- no concerns there. So I asked him about his childhood- was he a troubled adolescent? Did he kill cats? Nope. Happy childhood! Were his marriage and 2 young children all good? Yes! Etc., etc. So I stared at him trying to see into his eyes. All OK. I gave him a letter of approval. I did wonder what it would be like if we did that in the U.S. Interesting.
At sunset outside my patio door the birds start making wild noises. I feel like I’m in Jurassic Park. I mean these crazy moaning musical calls. It’s wild (get it)! Eerie.
I’m having a Thanksgiving Day Happy Hour next week on Thanksgiving evening, since no one here ever eats pumpkin pie. Hope some people come. Lots to be thankful for. Here they only eat meat pie, like steak and mushroom pie, or chicken brie cranberry pie, or chicken apricot pie…..just a few of the many I have tried at the Darfield Bakery. I’ve heard that a nearby town has a famous Pie Shop- the Sheffield Pie Shop. So I will be making my way there soon. Comfort food!
OK- I have to share a few more photos from last weekend. I left Hanmer Springs planning to stop here and there on the way home to Darfield. First stop was a winery in the Waipara Wine Valley. Purchased a nice box of Chardonnay and followed the wine expert’s lengthy advice for the best way home. Lots of winding roads and great scenery:
Very entertaining journey!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! For those who are alone or not with family and friends this Thanksgiving, the meaning is still there. If we are well enough and eat a good meal, that’s a lot to be thankful for. Especially if it’s pie.
Kia Ora,
Lynn
