Visitors

My computer is dying. It may, in fact, already be dead. It’s on life-support for sure, but can it still hear...? If anyone out there knows a thing or two about PowerBook G4 batteries (That’s right, I mean you!), do let me know what to do. The little guy only works when plugged in to the wall, and the battery won’t charge at all. This happened one day, no slow decline of power.

We’ve been busy. Chris got a job as a stacker at the packhouse, so we work together much of the time. I also go in without him for “re-pack”, which is as exciting and productive as it sounds. On top of that, we’ve had a string of delightful American visitors. These are the concrete reasons I haven’t kept up the blog, or maybe like B.F. Skinner, I am using irregularity to keep my followers hooked. (assuming I still have followers).



Lee and I hiked the Karangahake Gorge. We stumbled through old mining tunnels by the light of our cell phone, forded streams, hiked up mountains and over rickety swing bridges. I don’t think we would have been surprised to discover an ancient civilisation. It was brilliant. We came back with muddy pants and a sense of accomplishment. We were so distracted by the beauty and our chatting to realise just how far the hike would take us.



When Eric and Elena visited we had many fun family-style meals; the four of us and Wendy. I think the calm, regular routine of our evenings-in were my favourite part of their visit. The kitchen was full of the sweet sound of sizzling onions and the even rhythm of vegetables being chopped, while around the corner our charming pot-belly stove roared with a healthy fire. After dinner Elena, Wendy and I enjoyed “Shortland Street”, the local soap. Eric and Chris played chess—but I’m sure they watched in secret.



Ok. All caught up.