Jim & Karen

Back to normal is the plan now that Michelle, Phil, Fern & Esme have returned to the UK. It will seem very quiet for a while, as having a toddler and a baby in the house 24hrs a day is not something that lends itself to a restful existence.

Their last full day in Christchurch included sitting on Sumner Beach eating Ice Cream which just shows how mild and sunny the weather has been. After a quiet last day getting packed up and playing with the kids, we took them all to the airport to see them off. As the first part of the journey was a domestic flight we were able to go almost to the gate with them. All bit tearful saying goodbye, but we saw them safely on their way.

In order to give us something to take our minds off the departure Karen had arranged a “Pot-Luck” late housewarming party with some of her workmates for the next evening. I had hoped to take the day off to give her a hand in the preparation but had to go to work as people were off. Getting cleaned up kept Karen busy and the evening went very well. We had about 17 people in the house, Karen made a chilli and everybody turned up well laden with food and drink. It went very well, everybody liked the house and it was getting pretty late when the last visitor left.

The day that Michelle started her journey back to the UK was six months to the day since we had first arrived here in January. The time has certainly passed very quickly with both of us being surprised when we realised the significance of the day. One thing that has helped the time to fly has been the fact that both Julie and Michelle have visited and that has broken up the time nicely. I even had to get the car tax renewed today which just shows how ”normal” things are getting.

Sunday was a lovely sunny day so we went to Riccarton Market. While we were there we bought “another” Lemon Bush. I am going to start getting the Veg Patch ready turned over soon as, even though it has just turned midwinter here, the weather is so mild that I will soon be able to start planting things.