G'day!

Hello, there. I'm happy to say we finally have a solution for our internet needs so we'll be much more reachable. I've been getting my news from the local paper, the Dominion Post, and Channel One and Channel 3, so I basically have no idea what is going on in the world beyond NZ, which, by the way, is pronounced "en-zed" and used as the short for New Zealand.

We're doing well here. Steve has started work. Tomorrow the girls and I will begin the house hunt. We have been acquainting ourselves with our new hometown by walking/scootering everywhere. We were tempted several times to catch a bus but then saw something new and interesting up ahead and decided to stay afoot to investigate.

The girls are amazing. They are so curious and happy. They're getting tons of exercise. I think soon they'll be little string beans like the rest of the Kiwi children here. With all the exercise they're eating constantly and being very adventurous in trying the new foods. Zoe is in heaven with all the meat, bread and dairy that is so abundant in the Kiwi diet - sausage rolls, meat pies, savory scones swirled with chunks of thick cut meaty bacon. Haley is loving the fruits and veg, wanting to sample the many varieties of apples, the big red grapes, and, of course, learning to eat kiwis like a Kiwi with a spoon.

I'm loving the little challenges that are presented to me - learning to order a coffee, deciding which brand of detergent to buy, asking for "take-away" rather than "take-out", remembering to look right, left, right at the crosswalk instead of left, right, left. I know at some point I'll have to get behind the wheel of a car, but for now I'm happy just to walk around the traffic to get the feel of it. It is very easy to get around here by foot, bus or train, and the things we need are easily acquired. While I generally do not think of myself as a city person, nor do I hope to become one, I think I could live in Wellington. It is clean and safe, and the children's play areas all have excellent little take-away coffee shops adjacent to them for Mommy's afternoon pick-me-up (or mid-morning, or after lunch, or, well, you see where I'm going with this.)

I'm exhausted so I'm going to go see what's on telly before I turn in. I've been watching an excellent little show here somewhat akin to "Cops" at home. The name escapes me, but it's basically a NZ immigration officer going around busting people who are in the country illegally, usually due to expired visas. He and the local police track someone down, usually after receiving an anonymous tip via email, then sort of surround their work or home like they're going to raid it. Then the immigration guy knocks on the door, and politely tells them that they've overstayed their welcome and they will be sent home. It's all very proper and gentle and it makes me giggle. The Kiwi sense of authority is more like that of your bachelor uncle who has been left minding the kids. Even the official signage at the Te Papa Museum requested that you not eat or drink in the museum by making a joke suggesting that the exhibits have been well fed so there's no need to bring your food or beverage past a certain point. I must remember to get a picture of that sign the next time I'm there.

Anyway, I've started to ramble, so I will close. I love you all. I miss you. I hope you know you can contact us by posting comments here on the blog or clicking email the author which is an option somewhere on here if you click around. Cheers!