May 2026 – Life in Eureka

Thinking about what life could be like in the future can feel worrying. Many countries are preparing for a difficult economic outlook, with higher prices and job losses. Because of this, thousands of people with disabilities, D/deaf people, and others might face even more challenges, especially if there are cuts to support workers and funding for access.

Many people with disabilities, D/deaf people, and seniors will probably have a hard time managing daily expenses and finding ways to save money.

We do not know exactly what the future will bring. Sometimes, it feels as uncertain as the futures shown in movies like Blade Runner or the Terminator series.

I can feel the music’s vibration and try to hear the voices through my hearing aid, but it is hard without Bluetooth. The YouTube video ‘This Sound Feels Like Heaven | Gregorian Chants That Heal the Soul’ has Gregorian chant music that is great for meditation, prayer, relaxing, deep sleep, and spiritual practices. Many people use these chants for reflection, reading, or inspiration. As I listened, I looked out the window and watched sunlight fill my home office. Relaxing music helps me unwind, especially since I have multiple disabilities, including chronic pain and cervical spine issues that were finally diagnosed in 2014-2015. We live in the countryside outside Hamilton, which has given us a break and lets us enjoy life on our property. There are many garden projects, our dogs keep me company, and we have a house with a large barn, double garage, and a separate double carport on a one-hectare property. I named it Cluain na mBláth and Cluain na gCrann.

The Ministers in Parliament are struggling with their finances, rules, inflation, taxes, and funding. This makes things harder for us, while they benefit from our taxes and profits. Budget Day is this Thursday, and we have no idea what they plan to do.

Now the sunshine is fading, and night is slowly falling as the temperature drops. It is time to start the fire for heating, and I will soon prepare the dogs’ meals because my partner will be home soon.

Autumn is here in Waikato. The leaves are changing colour, and as you walk through fields, along footpaths, by the roadside, or in the park, you can hear the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet.

Mushrooms pop up among the fallen leaves, but you have to be careful. Some are poisonous, while others are safe to eat.

Raking up the leaves can feel like a chore or something fun. Some people burn them in a bonfire, while others add them to compost to make new soil.

This morning, I went to the Oak Eatery Cafe in Morrinsville to meet with a Neurodiverse Support Group. From the cafe, I watched children playing in the playground nearby while parents, walkers, seniors, and other customers enjoyed the sunshine and walked through the leaves. One young child with mild autism was full of energy, running around, climbing a rope structure shaped like a hut, and walking across the platform bridge. The child’s mother looked tired as she tried to keep up.

A woman named Pamlea, whose real name is not Pamlea, asked me about using sign language to help autistic children and teenagers communicate. She said there was an NZSL class, but found it too hard for nonverbal young people. She was not criticising the class; she was just trying to understand. I suggested she talk to one of the NZSL teachers or teacher aides to see if they understand the needs of neurodiverse children and youth.

Out back, children played in the playground and loved the sound of leaves crunching under their feet and the feel of the leaves. Their faces were full of laughter and smiles. Adults enjoyed drinks like coffee, tea, or milkshakes with their meals and chatted with friends and colleagues.

It was a lovely morning at the Oak Eatery Cafe in Morrinsville. You might want to visit and try their menu while enjoying the area around the new housing estates.

Here is the link for you to look up… https://www.oakeatery.co.nz/