For those who have not read the earlier bits, I have just returned from my father's funeral in the States.

August  13

I got up my courage today and drove our car again I stayed on the left hand side which I think is the right way. But I sort of stayed in the middle just in case and I didn't hit any one.

Did I tell you how I didn't recognize our car when I got back - it looked so small. We've had more trouble with it too - the hand brake fell off but it’s been fixed now.

We have dozens of flowering rhododendron trees just about to burst into bloom. They are 20 feet or. so tall and the blooms are about a foot in diameter and all colours from red, pink, purple and white.

I picked some red and white camellias to put in a vase with some flowering cherry and apple blossoms. In two or three week s this place will be absolutely gorgeous. The weather is very warm today. We don't need any fires.

We think we will have three days at a ski resort living in a caravan at the end of the month. It'll be cold but we'll at least get our fill of snow. Our friends have rented the caravan and can't stay the whole two weeks so we're sort of subletting from them. It costs $8 a night which is pretty cheap. If we skied it could cost $30 or more so we only plan to toboggan on boxes and make snowmen.

I returned to find Andrea had written all over one of the 1iving room walls in felt-tipped pen - and it doesn't wash off so we shall have to paint before we move. They've also broken curtains and shades. Such rough kids.

August 21

At the moment we're at a swimming pool - heated indoor type in the middle of Chch. I'm watching as this pool is only 2' 6" all over and the kids are OK without anyone watching them closely. Phil is in with them. There are only six other people in the pool so it’s pretty nice. The kids will hopefully be able to start lessons here next time when they have lessons they fill it to 3’6”.

The children are pretty much back to normal. Stephanie didn't have mono (grandular fever) but a throat infection and the antibiotic is treating it.

Jonathan is right-handed according to the educational psychologist and his writing merely requires practice. She says he's a highly intelligent and very unusual child and teachers often find it difficult to cope with someone tike that so they are always trying to find a reason for their different-ness in order to make them conform to the status quo.

We went to the sea on Sat. p.m. and had a wonderful walk in the sun. There were lovely shells to be found - even though they are the common variety it is still exciting. We’re collecting drift wood for fire starting.

Sunday we all went to the Catholic Church. There was a choir from the Cathedral so we didn't get to sing which was a great disappointment for all. That’s the only reason Phil goes to church. He has a good voice.

Aug. 30
I expect N.Z. has made your news recently. The maritime unions are on strike to protest the American Nuclear Powered boat being in port here. It’s really an explosive situation and the government are determined and plan to have a show down.

Sept. 9
We had Thurs-Sun last away in the mountains. We left after my work at 2 p.m. and got to the trailer about 6. It was small but adequate. There were 4 berths and a couple beds from the table and chairs but it got very cold at night. We had sleeping bags and3 blankets each and kept 2 heaters on all night but I'll bet it got close to 0ºF. and the trailer had very thin walls.

Friday was clear and bright. We drove 20 miles up Lake Tekapo which is an unbelievable aqua color and with 13,000 ft now covered mountains all around. It was breath taking - just like in the travel brochures. We saw the reflection of the mountains on the lake. You'll have to come and see our slides. We went to the ski area but it would have cost us $50 a day to ski and rent equipment so we decided against it. We found a gentle slope and tobogganed for a few hours. It was hot sun despite all the snow so wasn't uncomfortable.

Then we went back down to the flat and had a wander by a rushing stream. That night I had occasion to get up in the early morning to trot across to the toilet and the sky was the prettiest night sky I've ever seen. The stars looked so close and so bright and so numerous. It was something to remember.

The next day we drove west to Mt. Cook the highest mountain. in N.Z. and it was really spectacular. All the mountains were so grand and imposing. Mt. Cook had frozen cliffs of 100's of ft jutting from the side that were blue - apparently ice does have a bluish tinge and that amount made it very obvious. We walked along the various mountain trails and even drove to a glacier but I was frightened by the drive and was too scared to get out and look. At one stage - was sure we were about to go over the abyss.

Sunday we drove along the lake shore and then stopped at several nice river bank areas for food and to explore. It was a nice break but I was glad to be home in my “warm" house and electric blanket. I like the mountains and yet I prefer rolling hills. I feel less frightened by them and the smaller ones seem more life-supporting.

Sept. 12
The daffodil season is here. There was an advert that you could pick all you could carry in your car for $3 as they have such an over supply. So we may go out picking later today. We've had rainy weather almost since I've returned.