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haere ra homeland


Its hard to say good bye to all your family and friends when the next seven months are simply unknown and the next time I will see them again an uncertainty.

Today I have a flight booked to Singapore via Melbourne and no formal itinerary – I’ve been meaning to make a plan but the comforts of home and the entertainment of my nephew and nieces has been more than enough to distract me over the past couple of months.
I have neglected to blog much during this time as I wanted to spend time with my family and enjoying their company. And I have been fortunate to achieve this thanks to my sisters Stephanie and Fiona and their other halves sharing so kindly and Mum being generous with her time as well.

The highlights of my visit to the South have been
with the bride Megan at her wedding
  • Chris & Jodie's wedding catching up with several friends from school and abroad and finally travelling through  Southern Lakes district home to Gore with my old school chum.
  • My besty from school & London days Megan and Kyles wedding where I was fortunate to be a bridesmaid, and made my best attempts not to embarrass Moo with my speech. We had a fabulous relaxed day in a cold howling winds in the gardens at the Hideaway in Winton and enjoyed delicious food and bubbles with friends. The Parents table (being the parents of the bridal party) were the most raucous – knowing they didn’t have babies to wake up to the next morning. And a good time was had by all. Not to mention the Bride looked stunning! Thanks again to the Hewlett's for inviting me to share their  weekend of celebrations. It was very special to me.
  • Attempting to make sandcastles in Riverton right at the bottom of the South Island with my nephew Josh and sister Stephanie when Summer sprung. Including Lunch with my favourite Aunt and Uncle overlooking the seaside from their dinner table.
  • Visits to Invercargill to get my travel shots brightened by my nieces giving me cuddles and reading books.
  • A few days in Dunedin visiting old haunts and spending some QT with my Hana.
  • Sophie’s Date afternoon on her last day of school including a visit to the Tuataras the closest living thing to a dinosaur (and spotting Sophie’s mate for birth – Harold), ladies afternoon tea, a twirl around the Museum including learning about Anne Frank and baking Christmas shaped cookies.
  • A night on the tiles in Gore with Carmel – who knew we could keep going til 3am and not be kicked out of every pub!
  • Eating regularly with my girlfriends from school. Seeing their growing lovely families and enjoying friendships that don't fade with time and distance.  
  • Nellie natters of an evening. Over a cheeky vino and experimental cooking….or some of Nellie's finest vegie patch delights, whilst admiring her lush floral gardens. Mum your the best!
  • And now finally farewelling my girlfriends in Auckland. Thanks to Nikki and Shane for their hospitality. I hope to be home in December to celebrate your nuptials! May the employment gods be on our side!


Riverton Beach to themselves - Josh & Stephanie
Falling in love again with my 3 favourite people;
Sophie Sausage, Monkey Emily and Josh the Dino

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