Life as we know it

Almost a month since Russ left us to fend for ourselves….we have been battling the changes and trying to get our feet moving forward.

The Kiwi kids are back at work, I am trying to get back into work (and yoga!) and George has returned to his Norwegian home and new job.  We had a frantic week before the celebration of Russ’s life, trying to get this just “how he would have liked it” a famous saying from the world of Russ….

And another week of gathering ourselves….not too many fun or happy times.

George and I holding each other up, balloons still hanging from the celebration for Russ’s birthday…must say looking a little weary.

And the week after was my birthday, and not in the mood for celebration, they boys and their girls joined us at Dad and Sandys house for dinner.

George sporting all the hats.  I was treated to a massage by the youngest offspring…a slightly bruising exercise when all the shoulder knots were attacked and made sure I had a cake from the “Cheesecake Shop”.  I was also spoiled with the mandatory chocolate scorched almonds and Speights!

Renovations have been ongoing at the Cottage at Waiwera, Dan has been putting in hours and making sure this is ticking along so I have a home for the summer….

A trip to Placemakers (hardware store) saw Floyd holding the fort in the drivers seat of the Ute while Dan collected supplies…. to keep the project rolling along.

The Kiwi spring has been terrible, with cold and lots and lots of Rain, we are still in winter clothes and as George says the weather here is Bi-Polar – every day is littered with Rain, wind, sunshine and sometimes hail!

My Pal Trudi has taken over her cottage at Waiwera, and we had the first Saturday night there enjoying familiar territory….and new sights.

These miniature donkeys visited our little patch of paradise on Sunday and created a pleasant distraction for the locals, Trudi and I included.

While I don’t feel like writing much these days, I will try and continue the stories and I’m sure there will be more adventures in the future, so the blog keeps alive: we have a wedding to look forward to in January and a catch up with lots of old faces. We are very blessed that we have a supportive crew around us and keep taking baby steps forwards….