Well, here we are again back in the South Island! All year Kiwirail have been trying to get Liam back to Kaikōura and now they have him :) Looks like we'll be in the South for a few months yet too so it is a good chance to catch up with our friends down here and visit a few yet to be visited spots. We have a great place to park the bus in Kaikōura for the duration and get a few bonuses thrown in ... like the use of their hot tub :)
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| Enjoying the hot tub where we are staying |
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| Waving at the Prime Minister as the Coastal Pacific came through town for the first time since the earthquake |
While in Kāpiti, for the first two weeks of November, we sorted out the house so that we could rent out the upstairs and have the downstairs as a base. After unpacking what we had stored under the house and giving all the furniture that didn't sell in time for our departure in 2016, which then was shoved under the house, it was pretty evident that our largest possession was books! Thankfully we kept all the bookshelves Liam created so we could make a floor to ceiling home for them all :)
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| Even Rex enjoyed being back home |
It was great to have everything unpacked though and realise what a good job we did do in clearing out the clutter before we left - shoved stuff excluded here :). It was also great to get a few things, which we had purchased and wanted to keep, off the bus. Best of all was having my own washing machine and line to use at my whim :) While we love the travelling there is nothing like your own space to do whatever you like in.
Themselves loved heading back to Guides and Cubs along with seeing all their friends. Thankfully the weather was amazing so we had lots of opportunities to be out and about ... unlike the weather by the time we arrived in the south! They say rain is a good omen so I guess I'll focus on that ;)
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| Daniel getting his Silver Award from Cubs |
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| Hut building with friends in Kāpiti |
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| Riding the waves with Rex in Kāpiti |
Since coming to Kaikōura themselves have also lucked out in being about to look after two little Shetland ponies at the end of the road we are staying at. Jasmine heads down there most days (in between rain showers) to muck out, brush and walk Ruby and Lola (the ponies) while Daniel has been making the most of keeping their kid Georgie company (see photo). During the four days of solid rain and a few overcast and drizzly days on either side Jasmine has been crocheting up a storm. She has added to her bear collection and made lots for items for them to wear and share. She really is a creative whizz with the crochet now!
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| Jasmine with her handmade bears - (L - R) Lucy, Rosemary Lavender and Sapphire Primrose |
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| Fast asleep ... Georgie making the most of snuggles |
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| Jasmine with Ruby and Lola ... we can't believe our luck! |
Till next month
Arohanui
Y
