Greetings from lovely Sumner!

We had originally planned to pick up our campervan on Monday this week, but delayed it a few days to enjoy Christchurch. Once again, we've been incredibly fortunate to find a wonderful host family...Jeni and her kids, Tom & Isabella who are 15 and 13 respectively. They're a lovely and welcoming family and we've been having a great time with them. Their home is in what has got to be one of the prettiest suburbs of Christchurch and has views of the beach. It's up such a steep hill that unless you want a really challenging walk, you have to take a gondola to get there.

Other members of their family are 3 cats, all of whom love to be held and snuggled. We've had a few cool evenings and really enjoyed nice conversation, a cup of tea, a fire in the fireplace and a warm furry cat on our lap. (With 3 cats in the house, nearly everyone has their own.)

We've been able to help Jeni w/various 'handyman' stuff, some cooking & sewing and all those things that stack up in everyday life. We've also had some fun...Jeni has taken us hiking in the surrounding hills, to a local famers market and we've even had some time in the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch. Relaxing on the deck at her home has been a treat too.

All for now!