Chicken update – and another busy weekend.

Miranda’s days might be numbered. What’s the point of a chicken that won’t lay any more eggs – however cute she might be? Meanwhile her two little white friends managed 3 eggs between them today so they obviously don’t want to lose her and hope we might not notice the difference between Miranda’s whoppers and their little offerings. No chance!

We drove up to Auckland on Saturday to see an old friend from Botswana, Gayle and her family. They’ve been a great source of help and advice since we got here, but this was the first time we’ve actually seen each other. Even more exciting, our best friend from Botswana, DarylAnne, was visiting from Australia. It didn’t matter that we hadn’t seen each other for nearly 10 years, the years rolled away in minutes, and we had such a lovely time together, shopping, eating, reminiscing – all in the rain of course!


Whilst Chris pottered around with the ladies Richard and the girls explored some of Auckland's beaches, collecting shells and generally chilling out.

While we were enjoying ourselves, so was Gimmick, the ginger cat. He’d clearly been out hunting in our absence and decided to welcome us home with the gift of a baby rabbit. Unfortunately it was both dead and in the shower – but I’m sure the thought was nice! Richard, never a cat lover at the best of times, now refers to him as the Bunny Murderer.

We had a lovely potter round Hamilton Gardens this afternoon, between the showers – a huge complex of beautifully laid out lakes and gardens. It will take many more weekends to visit them all and we haven’t sampled the tea rooms yet, so we’re definitely due another visit. Of particular interest was the 'Grasses of New Zealand' area where about 12 different types are laid out - just what I'll need to practice on with my sit-on lawn mower....

So, back to school for the girls tomorrow. It being the summer term, that means in regulation stripy shorts and red sandals. If the sun doesn’t come out they’re gonna freeeeeze! Oh well!! I think they’re looking forwards to spending time with people their own age and making more new friends – and I’m looking forwards to a quiet house. I’m hoping to sneak a photo of them, but think I’ve got even less chance than last term in their kilts!

Lamb update - not only have the neighbours sheep been shorn but we think that the lambs have been separated from the ewes today as there is an inordinate amount of 'baa-ing' coming from the garden next door........