Into 2009

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2008 has been one of those years where things have got better gradually as the year has progressed. Now we are in 2009 we can no longer say that we left England last year, and we are into our second summer in NZ.

I have been on holiday all week, but Nicky and Claire were working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, New Years Day, the weather was glorious, hot and fine and sunny. Nicky and I went to the beach at Uretiti; Claire stayed at home for some peace and quiet after the bustle of Whitcoulls. Friday was warm and wet but we had a good day at home together.

On Tuesday I had met Rachel, my niece, in town on her return from her trip to the Bay of Islands. We went off to Kelly Tarlton's Antartic Encounter and Underwater World which was very good, even though it was busy. After seeing the penguins, rays and sharks we drove to Mission Bay, bought pies, and had lunch in the sun on the beach. I then took Rachel to One Tree hill for a bit of a walk, good views of Auckland, and an ice cream.

Rachel departed for Christchurch by air on Wednesday. Claire and I took her to the airport for the afternoon flight after a quick trip to the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitakere Ranges. It was the first time we had been to the domestic part of the airport, and it was good to see what it was like.

The weekend has been much as usual, though Claire has worked both days. Nicky and I went to see the film Australia yesterday and were un-impressed, but the seats were comfortable. Today Nicky has been off to see Ruth and Mary, and invited June (Matata Street neighbour) and Dawn and Barrie (our landpersons) for tea.

It is back to normal work routine this week, though there are no trains for two weeks so we will see how good the rail buses are.

Happy New Year to all of you,

Rick, Nicky and Claire

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