2010

As Laura and I have been enjoying the holiday break, you all will have noticed that we haven't incorporated agrizeal into our enjoyment.

I won't offer you much this time since I am nodding off....just trying to stay awake to watch the new year come in. Just a short note on how Laura and I have been spending our break.

The wintry weather has nothing on us down under! We have been having sunny and 70's for a few weeks now, interrupted only occasionally by a brief island shower that disappears as soon as it begins and leaves things fresh and slightly humid.

After one such shower, Laura and I decided that a little exercise was long overdue. We jumped in the honda and headed South. The road through Cambridge, past Lake Kairapiro led us to our destination of choice. Mount Maungatautari reserve.

I won't explain here, but basically it is an entire mountain that the Dept. of Conservation has fenced

in with a pest proof fence so tight that even mice can't get in. We hiked several trails that led us

through the bush, over a rocky outcropping where we had our lunch, and finally to the top of a tall

peak.

Today we decided for a more vacation oriented destination. We drove the hour and a half to

Tongariro in the Bay of Plenty. First we hiked "the Mount" as the locals say. Basically an old

volcano cone sticking out of the sea. Then we hit the beach. Now I'm not much of a beach person,

but I would say that the expanse of white sand, surf and seashells would rival any beach I've been to!

Absolutely beautiful!

Anyhow, we are back at home reading, and relaxing in our first New Years Eve together.

Since we are among the first to see the sun rise on a new day, we are also among the first to usher

in the New Year! So as you wake up, you can begin your celebration early.... after all, it's 2010

somewhere!

We wish you all a safe, happy and fulfilling 2010

Happy New Year everyone!