Restful in Auckland

We had planned on going to church on Boxing Day. We had been told of a couple of churches, and chose the nearest one after me having a look at the website. I was wrong. They didn't have a Boxing Day service. Never mind, I thought. We were early. We chose another church way across the other side of town, but near where we were going later that day. And, their service started at 10:15am, so we had more time to get there. Unfortunately, after wandering around the school where they meet, we concluded that they mustn't be having a boxing day service either! On the way we had passed a sign for a church with a similar name to the one we were looking for, so we back tracked and had a look, thinking that perhaps they had changed premises, but it wasn't the one we were looking for. By this time, it was getting too late to catch a morning service, so we gave up and went to visit the family whose house we were going to look after while they went on holiday. A lovely family, with a large house - certainly a contrast from the caravan (I mean that the house is a contrast from the caravan, not the "lovely family" bit!).

Monday saw us move across town to the house. The first thing we did was empty the caravan contents into the house. There was a pile of washing to be done, and the caravan was, after 6 weeks on the road with 5 people, in need of a good clean and tidy. The next few days merged into one another - I was feeling tired - I felt like I was getting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back again, so had plenty of rest. Esther wasn't 100% either and got lots of rest. Carolyn soldiered on and did a magnificently thorough job on the inside of the caravan, and of putting up with us sickies. What a wonderfully diligent, capable, and compassionate wife I am blessed with!

By Thursday I was feeling better, and spent a large chunk of time outside with my togs on cleaning the outside of the caravan. Towards evening we all drove to Maraetai beach - we were staying a few minutes from the road to Maraetai Bay and enjoyed the pleasant rural drive. The women stayed in the car, and James and I went straight into the water. It was meal time, so the girls hunted down some fish and chips, while James and I headed for the wharf and I helped James overcome his fear and jump off the wharf into the water. It was about 2m off the water, which is quite a bit when you're 9 and can't swim very well. Once he had done it once, it was hard to stop him! I was jumping in too, as were a number of other people. Lots of fun.

Friday we went to see my nephew and his Mum and partner and had a lovely time talking and catching up. It was just supposed to be for morning tea but we ended up talking until after noon. By the time we got home after a stop at an educational shop it was mid afternoon. Carolyn then went off to the library, and I dozed on the couch reading a book.

Despite having the luxury of a large house to use, for which we are very grateful, both Carolyn and I don't feel like we are missing out on anything important by being in a caravan. If anything, the family feels a bit less cohesive because we have so much more room to spread out. Having said that, being able to have a good, readily accessible hot shower is certainly convenient (for some more than others!)

Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, and thanks for the comments!