It looks pretty normal in the picture (you can't see the broken windows covered with duct tape, and you can't hear the street noise), but trust me; it is like living in a run down motel; and it feels colder inside than outside.  June 1 is the official start to winter.  It is strange knowing that it is after Memorial weekend and the sun is setting at 5:00.  I am bundled in my scarf and warm down coat, and the locals are still in shorts and running barefoot.  I'm going to miss my summer fruits (berries), but will try the winter veges here.  Came home and put on the heat pump in the lounge, climbed the step ladder to turn on the hall heat pump, put on the space heaters in the bedroom and dining area, and turned on the electric blanket (locals use hot water bottles).  Warmed my clothes on the space heaters (the clothes get really cold in the spare bedrooms), and once comfy, saw that Rich was watching Mr. Ed on the Maori channel.  Had a pretty good work week.  Still anxious about what is happening with my practice at Pres.  Enjoyed my office work here except for when I had to get a special authority (prior auth) for Seretide (Advair) and spent too much time on the phone.  I hope someone shows this post to Eunice.  Rich saw 5 patients today, so felt more useful.  He's also been working on a journal club presentation.  He goes to out of town clinics 4 times in June (much to my displeasure), so will be busier then.  The outlying hospitals have full clinic schedules and also run more efficiently.
Just started our 3 day weekend.  Monday is the Queen's Birthday.  There is a Jazz Festival in town and I bought tickets to a concert tomorrow night featuring Bob Mintzer.  Read on line that he grew up in New Rochelle and was in Rich's year at NRHS.  Sunday, we are invited for tea (dinner/evening meal) at Vanja's house.  She is the doc that works at Amesbury Health Centre for Murray on Thursdays.  Next weekend we'll be in Rotorua for the GP meeting.  Time to plan more exploring adventures.  Would like to take a train ride across the southern alps, and take a bus tour up to Cape Reinga.  Will see what we can organize.  Watch Rx (ask me on the phone about his call name here) and Kaylee herding telepathically from the fence: