From the editor April 2017

Well, we’re finally, here.

The big move to our new Pukekohe home was exhausting but went ahead relatively smoothly even though I can’t remember a time when I was so tired.

Now, a few weeks later, the interior is taking shape except I keep forgetting where I’ve put this and that! I’m also waiting on new furniture – very exciting.

But, then there’s the boxes! I’ve recycled heaps of cartons but also have a mountain of lidded plastic containers. I’ll keep some for storage but what to do with the rest?

More exciting has been discovering the wide range of shops and eateries. Although Pukekohe is well known to me through work, and because my daughter has lived here for five years, nevertheless I am enjoying more time to explore.

The local Farmers has furnished me with new coffee cups, Laundry 4 U has kept my washing, and drying up to date (returned so neatly folded, too) while Bed, Bath & Beyond gets a pat on the back for finding me a weighted, free-standing toilet roll holder – with a magazine rack!

A cavity slider in the en suite, means the logical place for a wall-mounted holder didn’t work so I’m thrilled with this option.

I have no induction-suitable pots either and haven’t yet sorted the new oven so we have eaten out a lot. I’ve been impressed by specials at Ginger Indian Restaurant – the $15 entree platter for two was enough to satisfy us entirely.

Also impressive is the admirable wine list at Monarch Cafe and the community support this business gives to schools and sports clubs.

I just love the way Poco Loco has been extended and I’m delighted it is now open for lunch at the weekends, and I must commend The Longkeeper for keeping us full and happy on several occasions (great value, too!).

Finally, although not in Pukekohe, we have popped into the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club several nights on our way home from work, thus avoiding the motorway crush. It offers a comprehensive menu with a fab veggie buffet to complement every restaurant meal.

Good, old fashioned tucker with a splash of pizzazz and at value plus prices – I just had to become a member while man about the house joined Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, so we have a foot in both camps.

But, enough of what I’ve been up to. In this latest Rural Living there’s plenty of reading, prizes, recipes and advice. But, importantly, I must say a big thanks to AS Wilcox.

The Pukekohe-based company not only sponsored our Christmas colouring competition, with support from several local retailers, but has been feeding us some great information on potatoes, including those yum perlas.

Last month Rural Living’s marketing manager put her cooking skills to work and made the Thai Chicken Perlas Potato Curry (see page 34 March edition) and was impressed at how easy it was to prepare – “not too spicy for little ones and just the ticket when needing a quick meal!”

And with that, it’s time to grab a cuppa and spend some time with this month’s Rural Living – enjoy!