Entering Part Deux

New Years Eve brought with it a clear night where I could finally take in the starry sky and see the Southern Cross. Neighbors set off their "crackers" and we all toasted the New Year.

The first day of 2007, Alison & Bruce took me on an amazing 8 hour drive across country with stops in Thames and to various other reserves, estuaries, and campgrounds around the top (Southern) part of New Zealand. The Vedders and I decided to chance the threatening weather and stayed ahead of it for most of the way so we were able to take brisk short walks until the rolling thunder in the distance finally brought the storms. A few more miles of driving took us into "dry land" again, and we made pit stops at 3 of the campsites they frequent so I could see what a camping vacation might look like. The sights were amazing, beautiful, green, and vast BUT I must say that Yosemite, and Big Sur hold their competition well. The Mercer family though would surely approve for their next annual family camping destination. (Because you have to pass through Mercer County to get there!)

As I was occupying the backseat for the entire 8 hour drive, and the Vedders were acting as my tour guide/host family, there was a moment of brief tension for me and Bruce after our first stop for lunch at Graham County in Thames, and old Mining town (famous for it's 25 pubs that used to line the main drag in the pioneer days - for them the early 1800's).

Anyway, we'd piled back in the car after a mudflat-side picnic and Alison went to the "loo". Bruce started the engine and decided to pull the car out to pick up Ali instead of make her walk the 50yards and I, well I was either looking at the scenery or something else but suddenly found myself being scolded to "put your belt on, the car won't start if you aren't buckled in!" I clicked it and said, "done" and a hot flash of seething despise arose.

Suddenly, this being treated as a "daughter" had worn thin and I secretly resented the half scolding my NZ Dad gave me when we were going 50yards at 5 mph. I mean, didn't he remember that I am -gulp- an adult? Not only that, I have not once forgotten to buckle my belt and every time so far I have gotten the same scolding if I am not clicking quick enough on the draw. If Bruce doesn't hear "click" in 2 seconds flat it's the old "car won't start if. . ." routine for me. Grrr.

Well, it was my first mini melt down and it was a silent one, and it's been well over 10 days so I think that is pretty good considering. Just thought I'd share a slice of life over here.

Today brought a full day of Sunshine and yard work. Tomorrow, Ali is back to work, and I'll do some laundry, hit the bank to exchange a few bills, and pack up for part 2 of my kiwi experience. I'll be staying in Christchurch, Canterbury- South Island next for an equestrian farm stay until Jan. 8th. I have a feeling email and Internet may be spotty and I promised my darn boss I'd check in so any net time may be used up for that . . . but I'll post/email if I can. Thanks for your emails, chats, prayers, and comments. They really keep me going!

Well, keep me in your prayers for GOOD weather and nice people in the South Island (and that I can stay on the horses). 1 day to go, and I can't wait!

Giddyup.