16/12/24

I was shoved in bubble wrap and put in a bag for this trip South. No amount of protesting did me any good. I guess this was because a few days ago, His Lordship put an empty case on me in the back seat, and she went nuts, saying I could have broken. Yes, I would not have been happy in dozens of pieces. He doesn't realize I am fragile. I wonder if he would growl if I put the suitcase on his head. I guess getting it up that high could be a mission. Oh well, it is tough to survive in this human world.

The humans called into Waimate to see three lots of people. All of them had recently been or were currently sick. One of them, the Mistress, mentioned to her son, "For goodness sake, feed your mother; she was skin and bone." Now I heard all this from the back seat, as the door was open, and they were yacking very near me. It was a flying visit this time, but hopefully, we will stay longer on the way back. 

The Mistress raided her Aunties Garden for flowers on her mother's grave. The Mistress likes to do this; I reckon she misses her Mum.  But this is okay, as she is a human, and this is what humans seem to do. Gnomes do not do this. When your life has finished, it is finished, and that is that. Humans get all tied up in their emotions. The Mistress says I have no heart. Of course not, silly, we are Gnomes. I cannot get my head around their feelings. I do try hard to understand

We, Gnomes, would instead leave the flowers in the garden and look after them or play under and around them. Big bushes are even more fun, like the vegetable garden at home. 

The drive South wasn't much fun in bubble wrap, as I could not see anything. So, I just listened to their conversation. At least I wasn't put into a box and posted back home like that friend in Waimate did to me. I am pleased I didn't leave the car at her place, as knowing the Mistress, she would have forgotten to take me with her. Who knows where I would have ended up. 

The Mistress had her friend and daughter pop in today. From my position on the table, I looked straight into her daughter's eye. She had such a kind face, and they all talked about me. How could they not, I say. I can be so charming just sitting and not saying anything. 

My prime position at our house-sitting 

My very innocent face was full of surprises. I may need to start running. 

These humans went out for a walk this afternoon so I could explore this place. I have noted a rather large and very fluffy cat waltzing past from time to time, and so far, she has not come too close. It appears she is not into His Lordship or any other male, for that matter. The owner she is used to but does have a strong dislike for any other male. 

I spotted a Gnome out in the conservatory, and there are a couple high up on the bookshelf. We have decided to all get together tonight while the humans sleep. 

The humans arrived back full of what they had found on their walk. She showed me the photos.

Apparently, someone had made this little village of Gnomes and their friends on a walkway; the Mistress had to make the screen much more prominent, as there were more gnomes up the back in each picture. Jeepers, they needed a paint, she decided. She would have loved to get to with her paintbrushes and spruce them up. I bet the children who pass through this walkway would love to see these.

Next, they came across an old Wagon with a sign explaining the meaning of this huge thing. 

Terry's Wagon

In the old days, fellas went to search for gold from Brooklands Village at age 14. Gosh, they were very young. Some of the men had shovels, and some didn't. Fancy riding in that thing. There is so much more comfort in a car. Those wagons and trailers carried all sorts of things. Not Gnomes, I hope. Far too uncomfortable, I feel.