For nearly two weeks I’ve been house sitting, dog sitting, cat sitting in Hamilton.

This shaggy face above is my fur-nephew Norman (a Shih Tzu who seems happy with everything and anything that goes on).

This weekend we took him out walking both days – on Saturday we walked along the Waikato River and then on Sunday we walked through Hamilton Gardens.  I took my camera and the kids took the lead and ran Normie til he was pooped.  And Ken and I talked the entire way.

The riverfront was a bit mucky after the rains however it was a gorgeous afternoon and there were people and dogs everywhere.  And really well behaved dogs too.
The kids had great control of Normie who wagged his busy tail the whole time despite the fact that we didn’t let him off the lead.  He’s not my dog and I would have been devastated if anything had gone wrong.  I can’t wait to get my own dog so much so that I have begun researching breeders!

Sunday was a little more grey of sky.  The temperature is noticably warmer and the gardens were full of signs of spring.

I’m already starting to think about plans for Christmas and New Year.
I know its not even September yet but I have flights to consider … or do I try and talk Mom in to finally coming north for a bit?  If I am going away, how long will I go for?  Will I spend New Year diving?

I like making plans (sort of like I enjoy making lists) but I also don’t want to pay too much for flights and I’d like the choice to go diving rather than finding out that the boat is already full up.

Ken has a much more laid back approach to these sorts of things than I do – he’s almost as laid back as Brian the cat.  Who spends 20% of his life eating and the other 80% sleeping.  Yes Ken and Brian are VERY similar!

Are you making plans for Christmas and or New Year yet?   Do you know what you would like to do these summer holidays?