Papamoa, Bay of Plenty ,New Zealand

We are home after 27 months.

There is a frost every day that it is not raining. The coldest weather we have ever had since living in the Bay! However, the frost brings glorious sunny weather and we can eat outside.

We are busy unpacking our furniture and household things as they have been stored in a shed on our orchard. The tenants in our house left several months ago so the lawns and fruit trees are overgrown. We have a big job ahead to sort the trees and gardens out. There are oranges, limes, and lemons to juice and lots of cakes, sauces and jams to make using them.

We have been to visit John's 95 year old mum who is now in care. She remembered us but has problems identifying whether it is day or night. It is wonderful to see her again.

This is our last posting on our travel blog but not our last travel adventure.
We are already planning another trip for 2010 to South Africa. John, his brother and nephews want to see the World Cup soccer matches in Cape Town so we can begin another adventure from there.

Thanks to those of you who have followed our travels, written to us, added information to our stories, helped us, had us at your place, and added us to your circle of friends! Of course we look forward to seeing some of you in our neck of the woods.
Ka kite ano.