Home again..frosty days are here again!

Dear all,

Well we are safely back in Timaru and have actually been home a week lastnight. It seems hard to believe really. The biggest adjustment was to the climatic conditions. Life without frosts would be nice.

We both had a fair bit of 'jet lag' but I guess it is just a good thing to blame when motivation tends to wane. Sadly, when we got home we were made aware that a close friend of the family was very ill. David knew her very well and so as her health deteriorated David decided to visit Timaru.. unfortunately Ann passed away before he could see her. He delivered a lovely eulogy for her at her funeral.This sad time, combined with a course in Christchurch and a 2 day PD appraisal process on Thursday and Friday made it a very long and tiring week. The bonus was having David home but the circumstances were very sad.Last night we began to relax and felt that gradually things were returning to normal.

We enjoyed the rugby and I watched the netball which was exciting.

We really did enjoy our trip. It was nice seeing Brian and Healla and family again. Ash has his birthday on Tuesday and Brian has his big 50 celebrations next weekend.On our last night in Denmark we went to Tivoli gardens..an old-fashioned and beautiful amusement park. We listened to some fantastic music while there. We are now trying to find the time to double check all our photos. It seems that we do not have our first few days..Dubai and Istanbul which is very sad. I guess one just has to hold the memories of the sand in our heads.

Today was to be ghastly according to the weather forecasters but it turned out very beautiful..sunny and clear so it was good to open up the house and let the warmth of the sun in. Ash took David to the Chch plane very early this am and was back by lunchtime.Yesterday we went to Waimate for a late morning tea and lunch. Both mum and dad looked really good. Fit and healthy. Mum seems to have really enjoyed her trip away.

Lovely to hear form Matt. Congratulations to Jayne on gaining her Bsc..a big achievement and one to be very proud of. I hope Olivia that you are feeling better now. Hi to everyone else..would love to read your news as you post it. I trust everyone is well and happy. I know my wee dogs are very happy to have us home. They love to sit in front of the fire or on day like today they 'sunbathe'. Time to go.

Love Barbara and Ash