Sunday, 10 January: We had morning tea with Andrew, Tracy, and Mia Lorrey. It was good to see them and all the progress they have made on the renovations to their home. Mia is a delightful toddler, and keeps her parents on their toes. From there we went to the Auckland Botanic Gardens to see both the flowers and the special sculpture exhibit on at the moment. As usual, some of the sculptures were very interesting, and some just left me wondering why anyone would have put so much effort into the thing that appeared to be the finished product! A late afternoon rest and a delicious barbecue supper rounded out a delightful weekend. Tomorrow we head to Tauranga.

Monday, 11 January: This morning we took our car back to the rental agency to get a new Warrant of Fitness. They gave us another car for a couple of hours, and we took a short drive. We found ourselves in Otahuhu, a place we had never been before. It is a community of Pacific Islanders, Maori, and Indians (from India). The shops reflect this population and are filled with the colorful clothing favored by the residents. We enjoyed our walk up and down the main street looking at the variety available. It is not a place on any tourist itinerary, but certainly reflects the face of a great deal of the Auckland area today.  

Once the car was ready, we picked up a few groceries for a picnic lunch and got on the road. One of our favorite places is the Karangahake Gorge Reserve, and we stopped there for a late lunch. We arrived in Tauranga around 4:30 PM. Buzz walked into our friend Audrey's home and said, "Hi, Mum, we're home!" And that is just how we feel about being here. Buzz always says that if Audrey were 10 years younger and he were 10 years older, he'd run off with her. I am lucky it didn't work out that way! 

Tuesday, 12 January:  After a quiet morning of doing laundry and reading, we drove into the city and met Audrey's friend Molly at the Tauranga Fish Market where we had what we believe is the best fish and chips in New Zealand for lunch. Four pieces of fish and a scoop of chips fed the four of us for about US$12.50. After lunch we went to the Cargo Shed, a converted shed on the waterfront which now houses the offerings of about twenty craftspeople and crafts groups selling fine crafts of all kinds. It is like a miniature Sunapee Craft Fair that is ongoing. Tauranga is a cruise ship port; so there are often "cruisers" in the shop. We bought a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket for dinner. Buzz and I were a bit shocked at the NZ$15.99 price tag for one chicken, but it was very good.

Wednesday, 13 January: Audrey had an appointment this morning; so we dropped her off and set out to check out the thrift shops and antique stores.Buzz got a few woodworking magazines, and I finished fitting out our chilly bag (picnic cooler to you Americans) for the many picnics that we will have. In the evening we met Audrey's friends Pru and Max Murray and their grandson, Harry, for dinner at the RSA (Returned Servicemen's Association like the VFW at home) restaurant. It was a huge and delicious buffet, and now we can't eat much for the next few days!

Thursday, 14 January: We had a lazy morning and then went to have lunch with another of Audrey's friends. Margie is a wonderful hostess and a bundle of energy with a great sense of humor. Margie's maternal family is Maori, and we gained new insights into Maori culture today. We stayed until after 4. All of these friends of Audrey's are, as she is, in their eighties and some near ninety, and are delightful company. Tomorrow, we leave for Ohope and our reunion with Cathy and Max Black.

Friday, 15 January: The 100Km drive from Tauranga to Ohope took three and a half hours! We stopped in the usual places: thrift shops and beaches. We had never been to the beach at Papamoa before. It is known as the Florida of NZ: lots of gated communities where people go when they retire. The beach is lovely and we had a nice walk. Then we went on to Thornton's Beach for our picnic lunch before arriving at Ohope. We spent the rest of the afternon and evening catching up with Cathy and Max. Even though we Skype with them from home, there is nothing like being together in person.  

Saturday, 16 January: A day for reading, conversation and a walk on the beach. We met the Black's daughter Anna and her husband Mark on the west end of the beach where their four boys were spending the afternoon surfing. We watched for a while, collected some shells, and then we all gathered for supper of fish and chips on the deck. During dinner we reminisced about our days living here, and the trips we have taken with Cathy and Max over the years. Once again, I am reminded of the good fortune we have in our lives.