Thursday 13th July
Repeat repeat - 6.30 walk - though this morning a f.............. very cold wind blowing in from south. Walked very fast to get warm
Jan's cooking dinner - so a trip to the barely stocked supermarket was required.
Then the obligatory coffee at The Olive - know everyone behind the counter now!!!
This afternoon we had booked in for the Colleen McCullough tour. I found this very interesting - her home is extremely opulent- decadent Florence Broadhurst wall paper, 24 carat chandeliers, glassware from all over the world ( a one of Waterford crystal world globe ) stained glass windows and doors, marble floors, and art work by many famous artists. Quite an amazing eclectic mix of incredibly beautiful pieces. I guess if you have written 24 books - and all earning big bickies you can afford the best. It was interesting being in her writing office - where she relied on a type writer- never owned a computer. Her research library was huge - as was the kitchen with 4 dishwashers, 5 freezers - you get the picture. At one time there was over 20 staff - she entertained a lot - and the gardens were lovely - so they were obviously needed.She entertained royalty, film producers, opera singers, and locals and all types of characters in between. Apparently she was very generous, but very private. Her home has only been opened to the public since her passing.
A very enjoyable afternoon.

Friday 14th July.
Yep - you guessed it - early morning walk. Wasn't as windy as yesterday - but pretty dam cold - southerly off the South Pole!
Jan and Ken were going to be treated to a tour of Kingston Heritage Site by "Puss" Anderson - Fiona's dad. He is passionate about the site having been the site manager in charge of all the restoration of the area for 40 years. I puddled around the house - then headed for Puss and Pats home for morning tea to meet up with the tourists. They had thoroughly enjoyed the tour - and now trying to remember all the dates and stories!! We then headed to two areas I had not been to - Bald Bay where the petrol is off loaded and stored. Then to Cascade Bay where the existing pier is being extended quite substantially - hopefully to make off loading freight easier ( locals say it's a total waste of money as it won't decrease the difficulty of getting freight off ship and on to wharf. Should have been spent on the roads - is the cry.
Saw the freighter out st sea waiting patiently to be able to get the freight off - far too windy and dangerous today ( as was yesterday). And while Cascade is being extended - they have to go to Kingston - which is much worse. Hopefully tomorrow we can see the process of off loading.
Off to make dinner - and light the fire. Bit chilly - 17 - and the fire looks so great.

Saturday 15th July
The southerly has abated - however the freighter still can't off load in to the "lighters" ( so named because by taking the freight from the ship they made it lighter!!!). Swell too dangerous.
Today is the funeral of a NI older citizen - and traditions are followed with funerals. A procession along Quality Row to the cemetery where a grave has been dug by community members, wreaths made from flowers donated by residents are laid, and prayers said by the local priest. This costs the deceased family nothing as all donated as per tradition. Sounds very community minded - as I am very aware of the costs of a funeral.
Lazy morning ( after my usual walk) and managed to find some newspapers for Ken - even if a few days old! Island time means " who needs outside news when you live on paradise "
Then Jan and Ken took me to lunch - as a kick start to my new life - lovely knowing I have these amazing people in my life who I could call on at any time. Lunch was at Hillis - one of my favourite restaurants on island.
We then said another farewell to Bob - Jan and Ken are friends of 40+ years of mine and met Bob 10 years ago - became great friends - so another ashes ceremony was appropriate- he is now firmly settled in to NI.
No dinner after the huge lunch.