Bubbles is home!
After 8 long months missing, my cat Bubbles has been found and is home again safe and sound. We are beyond excited and happy to have our lovely boy home again. Thank you for all the support over the past months, it was greatly appreciated during such a difficult time. It was so distressing not knowing where he was or what happened to him.
I know some of you will be looking forward to having a visit from Bubbles as he does his rounds in the neighbourhood, but for those of you who don't enjoy his visits, please give him a squirt with your garden hose as he really hates that and it just may deter him from coming back, or if you have a water pistol, keep it loaded and in a handy location for quick easy access to squirt him. You never know, you may actually enjoy it! Feel free to contact me and I can supply you with the water pistol if you like this option. I know he can be a nuisance and I understand your concerns, but please remember he's not just a cat to us, he's family. Please be patient as we are not here long term and will be leaving the neighbourhood once our house is built.
Bubbles will be locked in over night and we'll do our best to keep him home during the day when we are home.
And finally, for those of you with missing pets, please, never give up hope.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.