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Thursday, December 3, 2020

Family Time

After a horror trip over the Napier-Taupo Road on Tuesday we were pleased to arrive at our destination.  It may well have been the first day of summer, but the weather gods weren’t listening.  Strong winds, rain, swirling clouds and low temperatures combined with 150kms or so of hilly roads made for a rather trying trip.  We are staying at the Hawkes Bay Golf Club for several nights, and we were made very welcome when we went to pay our fees.  In fact we were advised that the club restaurant is open on the next few nights when twilight golf is in session and we would be welcome to dine there as well.  We just might have to try it out before we leave.

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Well manicured golf links

A visit to see my elder sister Kathleen was top of the list.  She is facing an operation just prior to Christmas so I certainly wanted to catch up with her.  Kathleen is in good spirits and “just wants in over and done” as she says.  People say that we are looking more and more alike as we are getting older, and I have to admit that is true.  Can you see the purple bruise still on my left jaw?  At least the swelling has subsided.

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Jenny and Kathleen

Imagine my delight when I found some gorgeous freshly picked cherries for sale on a road side stall when w were driving back to camp.  Of course I had to buy some, and lovely juicy peaches as well.  Robin doesn’t really care for cherries, as I do, so I guess I’ll just have to eat them all myself!  Don’t you just love summer fruit, and this area is known as the “Fruit Bowl of New Zealand”.

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I love cherries!

In the evening we met up with my niece Lisa and her two children for a catch-up and evening meal at Breakers, a casual family style restaurant chain.   Plenty of burgers on the menu, but not really my food of choice,  so I decided on fish, and Robin enjoyed his lamb shank.

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Niece Lisa, Adam, Kate, Jenny and Robin

In the evening the sky turned a glorious shade – such a wonderful sunset.  A wonderful finish to a great day.

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Such a pretty sight

11 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I hope your face is feeling better now and so nice that you got to see some of your family.
I hate traveling in the motorhome in bad windy weather and we have been through that and heavy rain at times. Usually we try to time our travel days around the weather if we can by checking the outlook in advance, but sometimes it just can't be helped can it.

Maria said...

It isn't pleasant driving with the van on a rain and windy day...
Lovely to have caught up with your sis before her hospital stay.
That bruise does look nasty !
Pleased you enjoyed an evening out with family too.

Julierose said...

That bruise looks nasty--hope the hurting has abated for you...

Nice that you folks can get together--not so here. Anyone over 65 is directed to stay home--except for necessary (masked and gloved) grocery runs or med appointments...

I went to the grocery early this morning (6:30) and only about 6 others were there--all following the rules thank heavens...I stocked up well--hoping it will last through Christmas...
I even scored a roasting chicken (hard to find these days).

Enjoy the rest of your journey--take care-- no more falling now ;)))
Hugs, from across the world, :() Julierose

Tired Teacher 2 said...

What a gorgeous sunset! My sister and I look alike, too. I hope your sister’s surgery goes well and that she has a complete recovery.

Janice said...

Yes, you girls are looking alike. It was good you were able to catch up with family. We are starting to get cherries here too. Yummo.

Michelle Ridgway said...

I didn't like the sound of that wild and winding trip. Glad you arrived safely. You do look like your sister...a lovely photo. Wishing her a speedy recovery. Nice to catch up with family.....LOVE cherries and those look delish!

Gretchen Weaver said...

So nice you were able to visit with your sister. I'm envious when I see you Kiwi's visiting with no face masks and next to each other. Summer is my favorite season, I love all the fresh fruits, especially sweet cherries! Hope you're finding time for some stitching, stay safe and no more falls!

Jackie said...

Lovely sunset!

Cherries and peaches, yummy.

God bless.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

As always, it takes me a while to read all your posts, Jenny. I do enjoy them very much. And your travel ones include very interesting bits and photos. Loved the photo of you stitching away in your cozy camper. You do look very much like your sister and I do hope she fares well with the surgery. Also sorry to see your face; these accidents are so easily done. And now when older the skin takes on these colours very easily it seems. I know Tony is always sporting reds and purples on arms and legs after mere bumps.

FlourishingPalms said...

Yes, you and your sister do favor one another, though your purple jaw is your distinguishing feature! :-) That fall must have been quite wicked! I'm so sorry for you, and hope, at least, that it isn't hurting anymore. I'm happy for you to get to be out and about to spend time with family. Those opportunities are in very short supply in the rest of the world.

Karen S said...

I am glad you have arrived safely. Looks like a lovely time catching up with various family members.