We have moved into our new 'home' away from home. Ray and Janet are our hosts. They departed this morning to do some traveling and it was their idea to have us house-sit. They are yet another example of the good fortune we've had since the accident.
It's very comfortable here as long as we keep the wood-burners going. It's winter and this place has no furnace but that's typical for this area. The home is large and the rooms are spacious. The property also includes a separate 2-bedroom flat for visitors. This is a farm of sorts and they left behind instructions for caring for the livestock ... eight sheep. Fortunately, they won't require much attention during the short time we'll be here.
We're situated on a ridge in the middle of a valley. They have thirteen beautiful acres here. The views are marvelous even though it's normally cloudy this time of year. On clear days you can see mountains on the South Island off in the distance. If the opportunity presents itself, we'll take and post some pictures, although I'm sure a picture can't do justice to the views I'm seeing with my own eyes.
Ray is a retired engineer and loves to tinker with a variety of toys, or as he refers to them, 'assets'. When we visited last week, he proudly gave me a tour so I could inspect the assets. I saw his portable sawmill, a 40s-era Dodge military jeep, various earth-moving vehicles and assorted other assets.
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I have been reading through your blog and enjoying your comments. Well done. All you need now is a beer in one hand and the TV remote control in the other watching the rugby test on Saturday (As Robert and I will be) and you might even qualify as a proper Kiwi. All the very best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJohn (Nelson).
PS I have passed on the blog site address to Robert.
Thank you my friend.
ReplyDeleteTo Joe, Sarah, Dave and most of all Luann...
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with your family and the horrible things you have had to endure on your "Vacation". I think the reference to Luann's physical and mental toughness must be the reasons your family seems to be healing in all capacities, when so many could not. Please let me know if there is anything we can do back in the states (or at ALHS) to help in any way... It would be an honor to be able to give back to a woman who is so kind to me!
Megan, Mike and IJ (ALHS)
It is a privilege to join your blog as a friend. You will be pleased to be in your new 'home'. I look forward to following your family's progress. How are you coping with Wellington's southerly breezes? Best Wishes. Robert
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the many visits during my stay in Nelson. I really appreciated having some good company.
The Wellington area seems mostly wet and cold this time of year but we're hanging in there.
Sounds like a fabulous residence.. in fact one that I would very much enjoy living at!! I'd love to see pictures so I can appreciate it to some extent, maybe not to the same extent you can!
ReplyDeleteAunt LuAnn, it was refreshing to be able to hear your voice today! I'm sorry I did not speak up too much during the conversation with everyone, but this whole incident has put me in a rather weird place! I'm sure our entire family thought I was in a bad mood, but really I was just anxious to hear from you and maybe even a little scared! For much of the conversation I was crying, so had I spoken up, I doubt you would have understood much!
I'm anxiously awaiting your return to the states where it is a much more reasonable trip to visit with you. (Even though at the time there was nothing stopping me from getting to New Zealand.. until the price of the ticket!)
As always, I am glad to hear things are getting better and better by the day!
Uncle Joe, Aunt LuAnn, Sarah, and Dave (you can pass it on), I love you all very much and am thinking about your recovery constantly! I miss you and can't wait to see you all!
Love,
Amanda
How wonderful that you have a lovely place to stay. I am going make a wild guess that the sheep are NOT being kept for cheese making, or adventures in milking would likely have been part of the blog. Please include pictures of the flock if you are able to take some.
ReplyDelete