New Zealand is absolutely beautiful! The trees and forests of NZ are unique as they evolved in isolation for millions of years. They claim that 80% of the fauna is found only in NZ. There are massive Kauri trees, black fern trees and silver fern trees, low-lying ferns, flaxes, hydranges, and the pohutukawa (trees with tiny crimson petals which bloom along the coast in the summer)------just to name a few.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Pohutukawa------the most gorgeous tree I've ever seen!
Update on Hair Situation
For the girls out there reading this blog, I must tell you about the hair situation. About 1/2 of the downtown TeKauwhata merchants know about my problem. After discovering that I could no longer use my trustworthy large barrel curling iron, I began investigating. The first stop was at the two Beauty Shops in town. I talked with the beauticians and their customers.
Another factor------I forgot to pack my styling gel. It was determined that there are no large barrel curling irons in NZ, only the small ones. In talking with Robin, beautician at one of the shops, it was thought that the best bet would be to purchase a NZ hairdryer and try to find a large round styling brush. The hunt began. The next stop was at the Pharmacy where I purchased a large round brush. Then across the street to Wests which sells about everything. There I bought a hair dryer. No curling irons in TeKauwhata.
Later that day I ran into a lady who was getting her hair cut at the first Beauty Shop I visited, and she asked how I was getting along.
The next day as I was walking down the street with Will, I got a big smile from a young lady who had sold me the brush and she said, "Looks good!" Will looked at me in bewilderment and asked, "How does she know you?"
I returned to talk with Robin about the details in using the brush/dryer combo and she demonstrated the technique and recommended I use mousse as well since I didn't have my gel.
It is still a struggle for me, but I am slowly making progress. Nothing is easy!
Another factor------I forgot to pack my styling gel. It was determined that there are no large barrel curling irons in NZ, only the small ones. In talking with Robin, beautician at one of the shops, it was thought that the best bet would be to purchase a NZ hairdryer and try to find a large round styling brush. The hunt began. The next stop was at the Pharmacy where I purchased a large round brush. Then across the street to Wests which sells about everything. There I bought a hair dryer. No curling irons in TeKauwhata.
Later that day I ran into a lady who was getting her hair cut at the first Beauty Shop I visited, and she asked how I was getting along.
The next day as I was walking down the street with Will, I got a big smile from a young lady who had sold me the brush and she said, "Looks good!" Will looked at me in bewilderment and asked, "How does she know you?"
I returned to talk with Robin about the details in using the brush/dryer combo and she demonstrated the technique and recommended I use mousse as well since I didn't have my gel.
It is still a struggle for me, but I am slowly making progress. Nothing is easy!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Kathy's friends and medical work in NZ
This won't surprise many of you but Kathy's efforts to be friendly has reached new heights!
1 On the wine tour she discovered the life history of all 16 , many who were from different countries.
2 She has told you about meeting Mary on the ferry and getting invited to her cottage.
3 When we were at breakfast at the backpackers lodge, I was reminded how much more of an extrovert Kathy is when at breakfast no one was talking to each other till Kathy came in and immediately engaged other people from Holland in conversation. Many people were from Europe and Australia and I think really appreciated her friendliness, but yet were like me and wouldn't start a conversation with people from other countries whom they didn't know. Kathy has trouble understanding foreigners so has to ask them to repeat themselves, but this doesn't deter her, like it would me. It's nice to have such a travel companion to ask all the questions!.
I have worked 4 days in NZ and it is getting much easier. The most difficult part is learning their drugs and what is covered at a cost of only $3 and what isn't. It just takes extra time to look up the most similar med that I would use. So far they don't seem to use as much narcotics. I can only write a narcotic prescription for 10 days at a time and they use the less potent codeine more often rather than the more potent oxycodone or hydrocodone.
Most surprising is that our patients have to drive 1 hr to get an x-ray so we don't get many. This does decrease utilization,but makes it more difficult to be sure your diagnosis and treatment are correct. They have a good ambulance service and the govt. pays for it without questions so it is used frequently. If you carry private insurance , you can get services and specialty care as quick as in US, but often will 2 to 5 mo. if you don't ---although it varies alot and is hard to generalize.
All accidents and even medical mistakes ,called misadventures, are covered by the govt. This decreases litigation costs immensely and seems to be well accepted. Most patients pay about $26 for an office visit, except children under 6 get free care. The patients are very friendly and don't pressure me for alot of meds or tests. They need to get their chronic meds refilled and be seen every 3 mo, even when they are doing well.Lab tests are easy to get. The doctor gets the patient from the waiting room and takes the BP, unlike at home. I like walking out to the waiting room, because sitting very long increases my low back pain.I have been lucky in that this is a quiet rural practice and is NOT very computerized. They don't dictate notes, so I have to write them. I haven't had to see as many patients as in my practice so the pace is slower.
I get to hear all their strange expressions and slang. Hot burn is heartburn. R's aren't emphasized. Eentensive care for intensive. The short e is an ay or long ee. A lady stated being sick on holiday is real sucky! The possum was throttled when he was caught by the neck in a trap. When the patient said she figured out her problem , she registered it. Men say lovely and spouses call each other love.
I see alot of dairy farmers who seem to be very successful in exporting much to India and China---only 15% stays at home. Fruit, timber and beef and dairy are their main exports which are rural products so they have a shortage of GP's in the rural areas. Since the country needs these products and there are alot of country people, the govt. supports rural GP's with this locums tenans program of which hired me.
I enjoy the long evenings and green rolling countryside and huge trees the most am looking forward to some great hikes even around this less mountainous area.
If your still with me, thanks for reading it all!!
Will
This won't surprise many of you but Kathy's efforts to be friendly has reached new heights!
1 On the wine tour she discovered the life history of all 16 , many who were from different countries.
2 She has told you about meeting Mary on the ferry and getting invited to her cottage.
3 When we were at breakfast at the backpackers lodge, I was reminded how much more of an extrovert Kathy is when at breakfast no one was talking to each other till Kathy came in and immediately engaged other people from Holland in conversation. Many people were from Europe and Australia and I think really appreciated her friendliness, but yet were like me and wouldn't start a conversation with people from other countries whom they didn't know. Kathy has trouble understanding foreigners so has to ask them to repeat themselves, but this doesn't deter her, like it would me. It's nice to have such a travel companion to ask all the questions!.
I have worked 4 days in NZ and it is getting much easier. The most difficult part is learning their drugs and what is covered at a cost of only $3 and what isn't. It just takes extra time to look up the most similar med that I would use. So far they don't seem to use as much narcotics. I can only write a narcotic prescription for 10 days at a time and they use the less potent codeine more often rather than the more potent oxycodone or hydrocodone.
Most surprising is that our patients have to drive 1 hr to get an x-ray so we don't get many. This does decrease utilization,but makes it more difficult to be sure your diagnosis and treatment are correct. They have a good ambulance service and the govt. pays for it without questions so it is used frequently. If you carry private insurance , you can get services and specialty care as quick as in US, but often will 2 to 5 mo. if you don't ---although it varies alot and is hard to generalize.
All accidents and even medical mistakes ,called misadventures, are covered by the govt. This decreases litigation costs immensely and seems to be well accepted. Most patients pay about $26 for an office visit, except children under 6 get free care. The patients are very friendly and don't pressure me for alot of meds or tests. They need to get their chronic meds refilled and be seen every 3 mo, even when they are doing well.Lab tests are easy to get. The doctor gets the patient from the waiting room and takes the BP, unlike at home. I like walking out to the waiting room, because sitting very long increases my low back pain.I have been lucky in that this is a quiet rural practice and is NOT very computerized. They don't dictate notes, so I have to write them. I haven't had to see as many patients as in my practice so the pace is slower.
I get to hear all their strange expressions and slang. Hot burn is heartburn. R's aren't emphasized. Eentensive care for intensive. The short e is an ay or long ee. A lady stated being sick on holiday is real sucky! The possum was throttled when he was caught by the neck in a trap. When the patient said she figured out her problem , she registered it. Men say lovely and spouses call each other love.
I see alot of dairy farmers who seem to be very successful in exporting much to India and China---only 15% stays at home. Fruit, timber and beef and dairy are their main exports which are rural products so they have a shortage of GP's in the rural areas. Since the country needs these products and there are alot of country people, the govt. supports rural GP's with this locums tenans program of which hired me.
I enjoy the long evenings and green rolling countryside and huge trees the most am looking forward to some great hikes even around this less mountainous area.
If your still with me, thanks for reading it all!!
Will
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Flat Amongst the Olive Trees
We were told that we would be living in a motel with a kitchenette for the first two weeks in TeKauwhata. I envisioned a very small, dark room with a mini-kitchen located in the downtown area. Much to our surprise we were booked at Jonio's Olive Grove Estates. It is absolutely beautiful here. We have a flat---------nice size kitchen which is well stocked, a livingroom with tv and stereo system, bedroom with comfortable bed, and a bath. We share our surroundings with several cows and roosters amongst the olive trees.
We were given a bottle of olive oil made from the olives on site------"These olives produce a complex, soft, smooth and delicate fresh flavour with a slight peppery finish. Enjoy"-------sounds more like a wine! I must say it was very delicious when mixed with balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.
Tuesday evening we were invited to Dr. Knight's home. (It is a two man practice and the other doctor is on vacation. In two weeks we will be in Dr. Knight's house while he is on vacation. Remember me telling you that we would be on a kiwi farm?) Dr. Knight, Jeff, and his wife, Ann (nurse who works three days at the clinic) do indeed live amongst the kiwi. I had never seen kiwi trees--------they grow on an arbor-like structure with the fruit hanging down. (Later, I will include a picture.) It was a lovely evening. Ann prepared a delicious meal of sirloin steak, gravy, roasted pumpkin and onions, boiled potatoes, and salad. They served a local wine. For dessert we had an apple crisp and cheese. Observation: the meat is so tender, the cows are grass fed and that may be the reason.
Sunday evening we ate at the local pub. The special on the chalkboard said, "Pavlova" which I was told to indulge in when in NZ. (I have a picture of this decadent dessert. ) Here is a little additional info-------"If New Zealand has a national dessert it is pavlova, traditionally eaten at Christmas barbecues. It is a giant egg-white meringue, smothered in whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit. The dessert was originally made in honour of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who visited New Zealand more than a century ago. It is an unbeatable way to consume a large amount of sugar in one sitting." We shared a huge piece and loved every bite.
Last evening Will and I went trekking. There is a trail that runs from one end of the island to the other. We got on one section near TeKauwhata and enjoyed the countryside.
Ann connected me up with a friend of hers (Joy) who loves to go trekking. Joy invited me to go to Mt. William and hike in the rainforest. We left today at 9:00 and returned at 3:00. It was the best day!
The blog has become my journal. Before I left Loveland, a friend told me to put in lots of pictures and not many words. Recently, I got a email requesting pictures. I will try to learn how to add pics. People have found that it is easiest to write us a quick email to respond to the blog and tell us about what they are doing. Please keep in touch. Email address is reents.w@gmail.com
We were given a bottle of olive oil made from the olives on site------"These olives produce a complex, soft, smooth and delicate fresh flavour with a slight peppery finish. Enjoy"-------sounds more like a wine! I must say it was very delicious when mixed with balsamic vinegar as an appetizer.
Tuesday evening we were invited to Dr. Knight's home. (It is a two man practice and the other doctor is on vacation. In two weeks we will be in Dr. Knight's house while he is on vacation. Remember me telling you that we would be on a kiwi farm?) Dr. Knight, Jeff, and his wife, Ann (nurse who works three days at the clinic) do indeed live amongst the kiwi. I had never seen kiwi trees--------they grow on an arbor-like structure with the fruit hanging down. (Later, I will include a picture.) It was a lovely evening. Ann prepared a delicious meal of sirloin steak, gravy, roasted pumpkin and onions, boiled potatoes, and salad. They served a local wine. For dessert we had an apple crisp and cheese. Observation: the meat is so tender, the cows are grass fed and that may be the reason.
Sunday evening we ate at the local pub. The special on the chalkboard said, "Pavlova" which I was told to indulge in when in NZ. (I have a picture of this decadent dessert. ) Here is a little additional info-------"If New Zealand has a national dessert it is pavlova, traditionally eaten at Christmas barbecues. It is a giant egg-white meringue, smothered in whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit. The dessert was originally made in honour of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who visited New Zealand more than a century ago. It is an unbeatable way to consume a large amount of sugar in one sitting." We shared a huge piece and loved every bite.
Last evening Will and I went trekking. There is a trail that runs from one end of the island to the other. We got on one section near TeKauwhata and enjoyed the countryside.
Ann connected me up with a friend of hers (Joy) who loves to go trekking. Joy invited me to go to Mt. William and hike in the rainforest. We left today at 9:00 and returned at 3:00. It was the best day!
The blog has become my journal. Before I left Loveland, a friend told me to put in lots of pictures and not many words. Recently, I got a email requesting pictures. I will try to learn how to add pics. People have found that it is easiest to write us a quick email to respond to the blog and tell us about what they are doing. Please keep in touch. Email address is reents.w@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Big Problem-----------Hair Care Devices Have Let Me Down!
Attention, all men---------skip this blog!
Ladies, I have a big problem. Before leaving the states I bought a convertor and adapter for my curling irons and hair dryer. My hair is thick and straight as an arrow! I had gotten use to using a large curling iron for body and a small one for the bangs. Today the American made hair care devices failed me. I spent the afternoon trying to solve the problem to no avail. I visited the two beauty shops in town and the pharmacy and an appliance/variety store. There were no curling irons to be found. The gals at the beauty shop said that they hadn't seen any of those big curling irons like the one I described. I did see a hair dryer at the appliance/variety store so I could purchase it and buy one of those big brushes that I saw at the pharmacy. (Tracie Peterman Bleckie has been telling me for ages to use the hair brush/hair dryer combo, but I never got very good at it.) I will have to think on this problem and will keep you posted.
Ladies, I have a big problem. Before leaving the states I bought a convertor and adapter for my curling irons and hair dryer. My hair is thick and straight as an arrow! I had gotten use to using a large curling iron for body and a small one for the bangs. Today the American made hair care devices failed me. I spent the afternoon trying to solve the problem to no avail. I visited the two beauty shops in town and the pharmacy and an appliance/variety store. There were no curling irons to be found. The gals at the beauty shop said that they hadn't seen any of those big curling irons like the one I described. I did see a hair dryer at the appliance/variety store so I could purchase it and buy one of those big brushes that I saw at the pharmacy. (Tracie Peterman Bleckie has been telling me for ages to use the hair brush/hair dryer combo, but I never got very good at it.) I will have to think on this problem and will keep you posted.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Driving in New Zealand
I asked Will what I ought to say about our driving experiences--------driving on the left side of the road and having the driver's seat on the opposite side of the car. He replied, "Nothing! Wait until we have something to tell." I am hoping that this will be the only blog about driving! Will has done a great job., aside from turning on the window shield wipers numerous times instead of the turn signals.
Last night I took the wheel and found myself turning on the window shield wipers just as many times as Will!
I am learning to drive as I will be taking Will to work as we have wonderful accomodations in TeKauwhata---------we are living at Jonio's Olive Grove Estates amongst the olive trees. It is beautiful!
Last night I took the wheel and found myself turning on the window shield wipers just as many times as Will!
I am learning to drive as I will be taking Will to work as we have wonderful accomodations in TeKauwhata---------we are living at Jonio's Olive Grove Estates amongst the olive trees. It is beautiful!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)