NZ trip Sunday 12 Dec 2010 Getting there

After a long walk through a forest of duty-free goods and wares, we got to the Gate 7 waiting area, and wait we did. About twenty minutes after the scheduled boarding time, we were called to line up and board. As we walked into the the cabin of the Qantas 737-800, I was pleasantly surprised to see only four seats across the plane. However, a short walk further on, the number across changed to six and the width diminished accordingly. The flight was uneventful. There were a few times when we had to put on our seat belts due to turbulence, but there was very little. Three and a quarter hours after take-off we landed in New Zealand, ten minutes early. Another journey through the delights of duty-free to pick up the suitcases. As we got to Customs, I had my boots checked and cleaned, as they were carrying soil from home.

We got picked up by Auntie Pat and Janice and headed south out of Auckland. There was a lot of roadwork going on. We dropped in at Pokeno for an ice cream and to see Theresa, who was selling her wooden and concrete wares at the market. We then drove on to Meremere, past the now decommissioned coal-fired power station. My father had worked on the construction of the station in the 1950's and then as a boiler attendant, until 1963. We drove past the house that I had lived in as a child and we are staying just down the street from that house. After settling in at No.18 Kohekohe Cres. (formerly St), Shelley and I had a short snooze as we were off to Huntly Macca's for Tom's birthday party. We caught up with all the family there.

I will send photos when I can get them smaller.

Getting ready to go to NZ

The end of the work year is nigh - one day to go but it would have been good to have a week without students and pracs to finish what needs to be done. Ah well - more things to do at the start of next year.
 

Blondie in yard before shearing

Last Sunday, we were lucky that the shearer could come around and that the rain held off from Saturday so that the rams were dry enough. The rams all went into the yard easily, which was wonderful for me. They all behave well for the shearer, even though it was the first time for the three young rams. Blondie and Socks look much different now.  Socks' black wool can now be seen in its true colour. The sun fades it to brown over the year. The weather has been good for them since. Wet but still warm. Socks would not have been happy with cold weather.

Socks and Blondie after shearing

The rain continues to fall, getting heavy at times. We have had over 30mm since this morning. The vegetables will be growing madly by the time we get back. The apple trees that I planted in the chook yard a few weeks ago have settled in and will grow well with this rain. The grass will need mowing again soon. Matthew or James will have to get some walking practice. No chance of fire restrictions for this year now. Let's hope it keeps raining over the summer and we miss out on fires.

I packed my suitcase with most of what I thought was needed - weight 13kg. This allows me 10 kg for what I have forgotten, such as gifts to take over to NZ. I won't worry too much, I can always buy what I need over there. I would much rather be dragging 15kg around than 23. Shelley has organised some NZ cash to take over. This will allow us time to get settled there without having to race around and get cash. I will try to finalise pre-trip things tomorrow. Setting up PINs that can be remembered, writing a few more Christmas cards, ringing up a few people, paying bills and packing.