Last Post Before Home

Tomorrow is our last day here in Kiwi land. A final picture blog will sum up this journey when we get home.

On Saturday it was Zoe's birthday. It was a good day. It started with some present opening and then Ian, Sally and Zoe set off as the party organisers at 'Butterfly Creek'. Half an hour later, mum, Emily and I followed behind.

No one thought that the weather could be as good as it was. we left a dull Glover Park and turned up at the party to baking heat. The party went well and the first drops of rain fell and turned into a downpour when we got back.

We spent the afternoon presenting, but it became obvious that leg stretching was in order. All of us drove off to 'Valentines' in Papuranga. At this restaurant you could eat as much as you wanted, including pud for a fiver. The choice was wide, including baby octopus and the quality was high. A good day ended well.

On Sunday it was 'Around the Bays' day and, despite dire predictions, it was hot and sunny. The family had made provisions to 'batten down the hatches', but suddenly Ian decided to take Emily to the zoo. For me it was a good opportunity to do the photo swap with Sally. Ian prepared tea and then mum and I set off for my final NZ photo shoot of Auckland City from Devonport. I stayed as long as I was allowed. A few minutes more would have bought real darkness.


Today we are doing last jobs around the house and getting ready to pack in the morning. We have had a final walk down to St Heliers shops and I hope to go to Sylvia Park to buy a new suitcase this evening.

Chimney Sweep

I forgot to mention the chimney sweep.
I love talking to real Kiwis. This gentleman who came to sweep the chimney was a real Kiwi of many generations. His story was that his something, something grandfather came to New Zealand in 1840. He came has a retired soldier to be a 'Fencible'. A Fencible was given a plot of land by the government and was expected to defend the Pakia against the Maori whenever necessary. His plot was in South Auckland. He was mentioned again in 1896 as being the oldest pensioner in New Zealand.
The chimney sweep was also proud of the fact that there was no Maori blood in his family line. I am told that this is something of a rarity.

The weather has suddenly changed. Summer is over. The mornings are darker and colder. Mum is in cardigans. I am wearing a top, but still in short sleeves, short and trainers with no socks.

I went down to St Heliers this morning for some turps. I took the precaution of taking a waterproof. The rain comes very suddenly and equally heavily. As I neared the town the rain was visibly moving up the sea front towards me. I thought that I would make it to shelter. On the corner just before crossing to the shops a silver coloured car pulled up in front of me. I was certain that it was Ian coming to the rescue. I started to get in. It was in fact a stranger waiting to pick up his wife. Sorry! sorry! Leg it. As soon as I had made my purchase the rain stopped, so with soggy short bottoms and a very wet coat I made my way back. By the time I reached home I was bone dry.

Sheets of rain are still coming. The workman are trying to set up the marquees for the 'Around the Bays' fun run/walk on Sunday.