Central Otago

These images are all from up at Spooks work. The first is Lloyd Ferguson's house. He is the gentleman farmer that lives round the corner. Funnily enough, he is the one neighbour who is neighbourly. The next is the Upper Clutha on his river run and the third is his running path.

The wind blew as if it were in Scotland last night, and it rained to match. It really looked like home this morning with the rain driving in at an angle. That went on all morning and then the sun broke through to a lovely warm afternoon. The real cold has gone and the house is about 9 degrees when we get up. That is a big difference from 3 degrees.

I went to work this morning, wearing a Clean Act t-shirt and some make-up. Mary is selling the business and had a couple from Oz over to look around. They are planning to move here soon, so Sarsha and I tried to look worth buying. Sarsha wore her's with the pizzazz of the beautiful 25yr old Aussie that she is. A cream turtle neck underneath and pulled back into a figure hugging shape with a wee knot at the back. I wore mine as befits the 45yr old that I am, with a worn and torn long-sleeved pink top underneath and in a traditional loose and shapeless t-shirt style. We never actually met the Aussies so have to do it all again on Monday, when they will be 'observing' us. We have to make sure we look happy at our work.

We cleaned a wee Bach today - this is how Wanaka living used to be. It was lovely. Wooden with verandah. Open plan living, dining, kitchen area and 3 double rooms and bathroom. Also had a one car garage converted into a sleepout with 8 beds, shower/toilet and laundry. Very small and compact with a terrific wood burner. (The Bach). I'd rather have that any day, than the big shiny house we vacuumed out next. The fancy show home that is seen in some of my pictures of the view over to Sticky Woods. Wanaka wasn't always so expensive!!!

Finn had a great trip up to Lake Tekapo and The Observatory. He saw Jupitor through the telescope and could show us the Southern Cross and all sorts of other constellations. They luxuriated in hot tubs and went skating. He absolutely loved it. It is very special up there.

I enjoyed my glass of red at The Turner Household when I dropped Sam off. And then it was good to have us all back together for our family viewing schedule. We watch Shortland Street 5 nights a week and shout at the TV as the soap characters metamorphosize from good characters into bad and viceversa. We have begun to think that we know them personally, and we all have our own favourites. It is a bit sad, but we love it. The only sporting activity we can do together without anyone falling out! And when they announce the lotto numbers we all repeat the numbers in our best Kiwi accent. We are quite good at it now. I was listening on the radio today and heard a lady say something about a 'flesh of light'. I knew that she meant 'flash', but wondered what she would say if she had bare flesh on show. Would that be 'fleesh'? I am still struggling with Finns rugby mate who is called Alice when they shout for the ball. I looked for the girl but he is a sturdy we lad called Ellis. Apparently Alice in Wonderland is still called Alice.

grateful for:

flaaat vowel sounds.

adaptable children.