Te Awamutu

Monday morning we woke to a steady, soaking rain, that continued all morning. There were no complaints, though, as the rain was definitely needed.

Monday was Bryan's first day back to work after his week of vacation, which was sad! He worked the afternoon shift, which began at 2:30.

Peter, John, Lee and I left about 1:00 pm, for a visit to Te Awamutu. First stop was the rose gardens. They were beautiful! All roses in full bloom, and bonus, it's wasn't raining there! After a stroll through the gardens and over to the war memorial, we spent some time browsing the shops there. And, Lee was a big lotto winner!! He got 3 of 6 numbers, AND the mega number, and won $23!! So we visited a lotto shop where he collected his winnings, and bought another lottery ticket - wish us luck! Maybe this Saturday he'll have 4 out of 6!!
After visiting town, we went over to Vimala's for coffee and treats, and had a wonderful visit with her.

We headed home about 5, dropped John off at his house and came home to fix dinner. Peter made a wonderful dish - Impossible Pie. It was delicious, and we ate it all! I've got the recipe, so I'll post it. I think that everyone would enjoy it.

Bryan got home just after midnight, and had a horrible first day back to work - all of the nurses on his shift had called in sick! The poor nurse who had begun work at 7 that morning stayed and worked with Bryan till the 11:00 shift came on. Tonight they were full-staffed, thank heavens!

Tomorrow Bryan works the night shift (midnight), so we're going to do some touring around and maybe go to Cambridge for lunch. I haven't had my lamb salad yet! We'll get home in time for Bryan to get a nap before work, and the rest of us are going to Jo's for dinner tomorrow night, too. Truly a fabulous vacation!

The rose gardens

Beautiful fountain at the gardens.

More gardens
Te Awamutu Centennial rose

Rose-lined walkway at the war memorial

Maori/European sculpture. The figures on the left of the sculpture were Maori and the figures on the right represent Europeans. The figures seen here are Maori as this is only the left side of the sculpture.

Marigold display at the war memorial garden.