Marliese in LARGE tree nearby

 UV rates are very high here. Apparently the 2^nd highest in the world! Don't know where the highest is. Yesterday it was rated at 14! Then it says to reschedule your outdoor activities, and seek shade between 11 and 4 pm. Jer went golfing with Michael and Shiela, (he did put on sun block) and had a very good time. He came home and said 'I LOVE New Zealand'!!! He had shot a 91! AND....he played the entire game with only 1 (ONE) ball!! Both games that he has played here, he has played with only one ball. The girls decided to just hang out around here, and give Charlotte a rest day. She got in quite a few naps, as did Kristin. Marliese decided to water the vegie gardens in our yard (and today it's pouring rain) - to ensure us getting a few more tomatoes before we leave. I got to sit and stitch on my grandmother's flower garden – outside in the very warm shade.

cabbage trees

Andrew and Bella took Jer and I  to see Granny for happy hour. She is turning 93 this Sunday, and lives in this amazing retirement home. Bella's family's tradition (for as long as),  has been that as many of Granny's family as possible, go to her place for 5:00 happy hour. And then they go home to make 'tea' (which is what they call supper here). Yesterday, ten of us made it to her apartment. She was very happy to see us, though she is not doing very well right now. She is on two lots of antibiotics because she has a very bad chest infection.

Andrew and Bella joined us for supper at our home. Chicken divan, and.....PAVLOVA!!!! It is soooooo good. Felt great to be visiting in our home with Mr and Mrs Friesen!!!!

the walking path

Heading out for our walk

Well, today we've had 'torrential downpours and gale force winds' most of the day. Rain all day today, but still 20 C. We watched 'Whale Rider' this morning. A good NZ movie, and it takes place among the Maori (native) people here. Sort of neat to see some of the things in the movie, and then to realize that we've seen them here in NZ. Mid afternoon Jer and I decided to head out for a walk – rain or not!!! We walked a good hour along an old railroad track, that has been asphalted into a walking and biking path. We came back slightly wet (we were wearing rain gear), but felt refreshed. As I write, it is still pouring. Andrew and Bella have gone for a two day honeymoom out to the Marlbourough Sounds somewhere!