New Zealand

If there is a single work to use describing New Zealand it would be fresh!

The milk, the yogurt, the air and especially the tap water sing of freshness. The people here are friendly, seemingly happy, and very much into their own lives in a very wholesome way.

Yesterday, Kamini (Dineli's mother) David and I did errands. To the bank to cash in American dollars for Kiwis, to the grocery for staples and food for dinner, and finally to the Two Dollar Store. (Yes, you read correctly - the Two Dollar Store.) Though Kamini and I purchased little, the shopping was fun, and because our pace is slow as we examine quality and value, we only managed tro cover half of each store. Lunch was in the 'mall,' which would be a real surprise to my shopping granddaughters. It is about 1/80 the size of Towson Town Center! I was craving something ordinary, but decided to go along with David and Kaminni to a Tai restaurant. To my delight it also carried hamburgers and BLTs with lots of additional toppings. D & K enjoyed a very spicy noodle and tofu dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed my BLT with mushrooms!

We returned from our expedition and K & I each took a two hour nap after which Dineli created a dinner of vegetables in a tomato sauce served over pasta shells with the flavors of each veggie distinctly its own. I ate more than I needed! Because the days are very long here with daylight extending till nearly 10:00 p.m. Kamine and I were able to take a pleasant walk to the bus stops so that we'd find our way when we wanted to sight see or shop.

House

As some of you already know, D & d's house is built into the side of a hill with the front deck overlooking Wellington, while the back of the house faces directly into the hillside. (The kitchen window opens into this hill with only a few feet of open space before one faces nothing but a wall of dirt and greenery. It's a charming house replete with D & d touches. There are five rooms plus laundry and "shed" that are utilize in the following fashion and listed as one enters the house and into a long hallways. David's office, bedroom, living room, which doubles comfortably for my bedroom, kitchen - nice large bright room blue and white replete with skylight, dog room. Since Sky sheds so they've simply declared one room as The Dog Room and it is here that he sleeps and naps. Or course Emma, who idolizes her big 'brother' joins him there. Shady Cat comes and goes through a pet door in the kitchen. Kitchen, bathroom, and "shed" will come later, hopefully with pics.

Houses in the area are each unique one from the other and many if not most are painted in striking, pleasant and often bright colors. The entire New Town area, which is where we 'live," is much like a bowl with houses on the hillsides New Town's town center - here called a CB - central business district.

Enough for now. I love your comments!

LOL,
B