Home Again

It's a good feeling to set foot back in your hometown in the late evening after 3 years away. In the morning I am woken by my sister Sarah's family standing at the bedroom door  -four-year old Hugo, and a new one since the last visit, Estelle, who is one. You know you're the popular long-lost Uncle when out of the blue a four-year-old pre-approves the privilege to wipe their bottom after the toilet later in the day. Flattered as I am though, I politely hand those honours back to mum.

Hugo and Estelle

Tuesday I finally get to see my parents again when they arrive back from Melbourne, after surprising my brother on the weekend for the award ceremony for his associate music diploma. He spent almost two years preparing for it, having to perform some very complex classical pieces on the piano, and the family are all proud of him.

Waterskiing

Wednesday and Thursday are spent catching up two of my oldest friends; Pete and his wife Gin, and Sharon. On Friday I drive to Temuka to see Uncle Herb, now in his 90s. In the 30 years I have been alive it seems from my viewpoint he and the house haven't changed a bit. Sadly his wife (Aunty Berry to me) died earlier this year but in good spirits we discuss clearing the miles of wool left behind unknitted after her passing, the obligatory and fascinating chat about the war, and an extended tour of garden and shed. It's always a privilege to visit, and I hope and expect many more - Herb's mother lived to 110.

The weekend I drive to Charteris Bay, Banks Peninsula near Christchurch. Sarah and her Husband have a holiday house there on the water and with my parents and my younger sister Katie we spend the weekend barbequing, waterskiing and kayaking. I begin to wonder why I ever left New Zealand when summer can be like this.

Uncle Herb

On Sunday evening Sharon, Pete and Gin, Dan Harding (another Christchurch friend of many years) and both Sharon's and Pete's parents all arrive at my folk's place for further barbequing and catching up. Monday I pretend to sort through my old stuff stored at Mum and Dad's and make little inroad - it will have to be a job for next time.

Barbequing