We have had a hectic and extremely enjoyable few weeks.
Sarah and Robert were here for just over 2 weeks and managed to pack in the activities including skydiving (Tom decided not to do a second one!), a sea plane from Lake Rotorua over Mount Tarawera, jetboating, thermal pools, a hangi and a few days in Raratonga (Cook Islands). It was great fun having them here and the time passed all too quickly. The electric blankets proved to be very welcome as the weather wasn't always well behaved for them- thankfully there were some lovely, sunny days mixed in with the rain and overall it wasn't too bad for mid-winter. The house seemed very empty when they left and we look forward to them returning soon to spend time in the new house when it is finished, IN THE SUMMER, when Rob can wear his shorts every day!!
Two days after Sarah and Robert left, 4 medical students from Newcastle arrived. One of them, Ian, is spending a month working in the Emergency Department at Tauranga and the other three are now experiencing healthcare in Tonga. Their energy is infectious and we spent a busy weekend showing Ian our little piece of paradise including more jetboating and a climb up the Mount, followed by the best fish and chips in the world!
Despite several days of storms and torrential rain, the house build is progressing well as the photos below demonstrate. Today the concrete floor on the main level was poured and the garage will be built in the coming days (somewhere dry for the builders to shelter). The steelwork arrives for the main frame this week and our fabulous staircase which leads down to the pool (if we can afford it!) has been made. What do you think to the builders' bums eh?
More to follow soon..............................................
....and don't forget to click on the individual photos to blow them up.
