In Glentunnel, NZ with adorable Tilly 
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Well keep an eye out at the end of the year for sits in Norway or make a search and it will come up. It’s a long was to travel but more than worth it IF you are lucky to see the lights. This time out of the 14 nights I only saw the lights 3 times because there were heavy snow clouds most nights so visiblity in the skiees was zero. So who knows end of this year 
it could be you !!!
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@Maggie - the ‘real’ lights are on my list. When I lived in St Paul, Minnesota we occasionally would get a glimpse of a pale version. I remember early one morning seeing a pale green display across the northern sky. My Irish Wolfhound just didn’t get it even though I tried to get him to watch!.
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Particularly anxious and needy cat knocked over HO’s giant bottle of vodka that was ill-placed on top of the fridge. I was in another room.
The vodka shattered the top of the Crock Pot and a glass, sending shards everywhere. Also triggered the gas to turn on (stovetop). I had to find the maintenance man and he turned off the gas. Apparently the vodka did something.
And I’m on a super duper work deadline…
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Oh no!! A Sitters nightmare!! I hope both you and the cat are OK and the hosts are understanding!! 
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Well I think The Northern Territories or Alaska would be closer to you is you’re based in the States. Do see a few sits for Alaska & Nova Scotia so there’s always the chance you’ll get to see them but it’s still always a privilege if you do. As i mentioned to someone else or the 14 nights I was there I unfortunately only got 3 nights in which the lights were visible as the sky was constantly bound by snow clouds which shut out any and all chances of seeing any lights. Shame because the Carrington sun activity rating was off the chart and there should have been some amazing lights.
Haha yes the animals like your Wolfshound probably think , What on earth is he/she trying to get me to do….I just want treats !!!
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How do I get to the end of this thread with one click?
@Colin @Smiley Hi again - are either of you members of Kiwi Housesitters and if so, how do you rate them? Would love any opinions you might have on them. We missed out on a housesit in Auckland because it must have been listed overnight (daytime UK) and was “reviewing” by the time I saw it this morning. There’s nothing else that fits our dates in Auckland after our current sit finishes and we’re getting a little concerned! Best wishes from a wet and very windy Auckland!
Hi @KiwiSwede - Yes, we are both members of Kiwi sitters, I like them as a good alternative to THS. We got 4 back to back sits to cover our stay in NZ - 2 came from THS and 2 from Kiwi. There tends not to be as many pics and the original listings on Kiwi do not have as much info but you can always get that after showing interest. There are lots of listings on Kiwi and the membership is not too expensive so on the whole I would recommend it. We have a referral code but ask @Smiley for hers first as we will not be renewing our membership and I am not sure if smiley will so it will be more beneficial for her to give you hers. If she says she isn’t renewing I will send you ours
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Thanks Colin - where is your next port of call after NZ? We’re off back to Sweden in late March.
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Yes I am and also aussiehousesitters, although I haven’t yet secured a sit through them yet. I likely will be renewing my Kiwihousesitters’ membership so dm me if you wish for a referral code.
Thanks @Colin
Grab the blue arrow to the right and drag it down.
Oh my! It sounds like Rube Goldberg! I hope you got it all straightened out without too much pain and that you made your work deadline.
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Well I am nearing the end of a sit that started last year 
here in Uruguay. I am just a few meters from a pristine natural public coastline with dunes, tall grasses and gorgeous waters.
I have rescued a rather large toad from one of the dogs or maybe I rescued her from being sprayed in the face 
, my kitty I discovered is not very social so I have played with her with a long feather duster.
The house keeper comes twice a week and she is an amazing woman, extremely diverse and intelligent and we have had some intense dialog mixed in with spontaneous dancing in the courtyard. She is also an experienced, professional cook and has prepared me some very interesting, traditionally cultural dishes. I have been well fed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my pups and have had great fun playing in the dirt, (gardening). The trumpet vines are extraordinary and the hummingbirds (pica Flores)
are exquisite bright emerald green.
My circle of friends, my connection to this new land continues to expand.
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How fabulous @Amparo 
… what is the dish you are preparing in the photo out of curiosity? Looks yummy 
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Sam…they were delicious!
croquettes (croqueta)
They are made with mashed potatoes seasoned with salt pepper oregano
These had small bits of tuna but can be made veggie, cheese which these had Parmesan!
The coating was made with a mixture of grounds I suspect was a mix of flax and oatmeal, a beaten egg and oregano.
Served with salad
She cooks I eat
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@Amparo hahaha that’s definitely the best way! 
I must try these, the cheese ones sound scrummy! 
Thank you for sharing 
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I am learning and making notes for my own culinary adventures.
X be well my friend
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I will keep an eye out for your new cook book then! 