Hi there,

Hope you are keeping well. The picture is of boots the dog. He spends most of his days on the arm chair. He is remarkably cute and behaves like a gentle giant.

Not much has been happening here, the hostel is still busy and we are full almost every night. My routine involves getting up at 8-9am to start work at 10am, when all the guests check out. I usually finish at 11.30am and then we all have coffee from the cafe accross the road. Mocha is still my favourite type of coffee. My good bed-making skills have gained a reputation in the hostel and we have acquired the name of 'helpers from heaven'. (Strange but true).

The living is easy and very enjoyable. I spend most afternoons reading. I often go for a run in the early evenings because its too hot during the day. My resting heart rate is 40 beats per min now, I don't think it's reflective of my fitness but of the total absence of stress. My diet is good, I'm eating plenty of fruit and veg and I don't even drink much alcohol. (stranger still....). I'm living the 'good life' and loving it.

We went into Christchurch a few days ago and on the way back we stopped off to walk along the Onawe peninsula. Onawe is only a few miles away from Akaroa. It's an amazing place because you can see grahically the effects of the volcanic activity, not only in the colours of yellow and orange in the rock formations, but in the patterns of the rock themselves. I think they are beautiful. Here's the education bit.....

Onawe means 'covered by scars'. Its a just name, not only has the land been scarred by the formations of time, it also carries a scar for its people as well. In the 1800's there was a great tribal massacre where over 1000 men, women and children perished by a warring tribe from the North island. I have just read a book called, 'Walk with me to Onawe' which gave me a historical account.

I also went to a local agricultural show at the weekend where I watched the horses, cows, sheep, dogs and sheep shearing. (yes sheep shearing). The fastest time to shear a sheep was 33 secs. Not bad eh? I loved watching the terrier race because it was so comical to watch, all these jack-russels and alike running accross the main ring not knowing what to do and fighting with each other! It was a fun activity and very entertaining, (don't worry, no dogs were harmed).

Yesterday evening, I went out riding with Cath and rode her horse, Lockie, a big 16.2 bay. He was nice and sweet natured. I thought I would like like a pea on a drum, but apparently I didn't. When I went for a trot, I felt like I could write a letter before I came back down again. He was huge. Unfortunely, there are no pictures of me riding him, although I have some of Lockie. (bless his socks). I must be mellowing in my middle years.....

Well, that's it for now. I hope you are all working well with your new year resolutions. Take care as always.

Love Annie. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx