After Christmas we still had only one homestay, Irene as the other, Leina was still away on her Ozzie trip. We left a friend in charge of Earl and Tabitha (human friend that is). and off we went to Matarangi. Penny drove and so sedately that I read most of my Christmas prezzie from Jem before I realised we were nearl there. Actually irene was carsick at the very top of the last hill. Having to pull into the side on a downward chicane meant that all the passing cars could beep us! Anyway we were soon there and so was everyone else! the youth Kayaked Viz:
There was a large number of Soulsbys there so too was Tent city!! We used the new track in the bush leading over the hill. really gorgeous walk with the occasional stunning view
Even walking back along the road was great
Not everyone kayaked though
Kaitlyn was into other water sports!
So did the twins. They decided (the night before) to make boats out of cardboard for the annual race. Viz
However, they were up against seasoned veteran kids who constructed with a bit more forethought, for example
the result was inevitable, most of these well built craft entirely of cardboard sailed the course twice! unbelievable. The twins lasted all of 30 secs.
Soon the numbers dwindled and Tent City was dismantled. Forgot to get a pic for Jem of our old tent but here I am with its components
Soon it was time for us to leave, early this year as we had to collect Leina from her Oz trip and get them back to language school on 5th Jan.
Of course that left us time to vivsit Duders park again. lovely place which we've photographed before for you. Lunchtime in the park!
The next thing was to pick up Pip and boyfriend Dr Rich from the airport and after an overnight take them into town to get Dr Rich in his medical school lodgings. We took thje time to have a great lunch at the maritime museum restaurant on the Quay
11th and 12th was moving Deborah and Leighton from Ellerslie house to a place in 3 Kings we returned to finish it all off on 16th and a celebration barbie. didnt take photos but discovered the delights of margueritas in the summer heat!
Return to Matarangi again on 31 Jan, leaving another friend to look after the place, garden watering, 2 cats and 2 homestays! here they are cooking tea!
Aren't we lucky!
While we had a week to ourselves the final weekend saw the arrival of David and Linda Soulsby followed closely byPip and the rest of the youth and finally Roger and family so tent city again!
Only Jemma's tent got used this time, ours is a bit of a challenge to erect!
A lot of the time was spent hanging around
Nice one of the siblings too!
Finally it was the time for the panoramic picture
Look Jemma there's your chair at the front waiting for you!!
Now back home with Pen back at school and me doing blogs and painting. such is life in the fast lane.
Reunion for 3 out for 4 Golden Girls (Oxfam 2007) A beautiful Winter's morning. Note freshly picked oranges in the bag beside containers full of home cooked bikkies.
