Roos and Views

We have just returned from a much needed break- we visited Oz to see Maureen and Stuart and had a wonderful time. Their home is beautiful and we were treated to yummy food, great wines (mainly NZ Marlboroughs!), a boat trip in the warmth and sunshine (very welcome after NZ's cold snap), meeting the local wildlife (thankfully no spiders or snakes!) and plenty of laughs. Many thanks to them both for their kindness and hospitality- we look forward to spending time with them again in December when they visit NZ.

Tom enjoyed golf with Stuart at Hope Island and Lynn and Maureen caught up on the news, and all before lunchtime. It was a joy to see kangaroos up close, along with the varied and colourful birds such as honey eaters, lorakeets and pelicans. Sadly we didn't see any koalas although, with all the gum trees around, there is a possibility they were watching us.

In the time we were away the house continued to grow and the floor for the next level is now being done. As you can see from the pictures, the rooms on the main level are well defined and the shape of the house is easily seen:

The roof should be on by the end of August................watch this space!

More to follow soon........................................................................................

A Whirlibird, Bubbling Earth and Timber Framework

What a month! We haven't stopped and life in NZ continues to be great fun.

The house is growing by the day and, as you can see from the pictures, the timber framework for the main level is in place and the garage roof is taking shape- the fabulous curves where the windows will be have been framed and the next floor will be added in the next couple of weeks. The views from the house continue to amaze us and the sunsets are spectacular! We haven't been there early enough to see the sunrise yet, but there will be plenty of time for that when we move in.

After 4 weeks in Tauranga, Ian left today for the rest of his elective on the ski slopes of South Island. It's been a pleasure spending time with him and meeting the the other medical students who are enjoying their time "down under" in NZ and places like the Cook Islands and Tonga. We have really enjoyed their energy and enthusiasm for adventure and fun.

Last weekend we went to "Maori in the City" in Auckland, a wonderful event showcasing all things Maori including arts and crafts, kai (food), dancing and music, all for free. We sampled it all ( and are now looking for a recipe for 'fry bread' which we will share with you when we find one) and were introduced to a whole new world of music which we loved. The music lovers amongst you should look out for House of Shem, 1814, and Tahuna Breaks.

Yesterday we went by whirlibird to White Island- the whole experience was, in Ian's words, mesmerising. The volcano crater lies below sea level and landing on the "moonscape" was a privilege indeed. Armed with gas masks, which we didn't wear except for the photo (!) we walked amidst steam vents, bubbling mud and eggshell thin earth to reach the crater- the bubbling yellow water in there has a pH of about -0.05, which is hard to imagine. Views of the volcano as we swooped overhead when we took off to leave were breathtaking, and seeing the whole of the Bay of Plenty from what felt like a glass bubble reminded us that we really do live in paradise.

Spring is fast approaching along with some much needed breaks. Next week Tom is going to Sydney to see Natalie play hockey for England. Good luck Natalie!! The week after we are going to Brisbane to see Maureen and Stuart, and at the end of August we are off to Tonga to swim with whales. Joan, Lynn's mum, arrives in late October having been given the all clear to travel to NZ, which is great news.

Thanks for your memories of NZ Sarah- we loved reading them and, needless to say, we look forward to the next chapter too. Pimmsy says sunrise just isn't the same without you!

More to follow soon.........................................and don't forget to click on the pics to see more detail. particularly the rather jaunty angle of Tom's hat!