Settling In........

Finally, after 27 hrs. (we think) in airports - we were delayed 31/2 hrs. in LAX which caused us to miss our connection in Auckland, which delayed our arrival in Christchurch by 5 hrs!!!! We flew into Christchurch to a dusting of snow in the outlying areas, to green pastures full of sheep and new lambs running and jumping in the brisk air. We were warmly greeted by Phil from the shuttle service and Cathy, our landlord. It felt like a homecoming for us. Its nice to return to a place we love and have fond memories of.

Our first 2 nights were cold here so we huddled under lap-blankets and surfed through the T.V. Didn't take long as we have only 4 channels, well, 6 if you count Canterbury (promotional) & shopping channels, blessedly not any cable news channels, we left the states to get away from those!

We were up early on Friday morning(time difference) & enjoyed a breakfast of protein bars, hot coffee and tea from our luggage. First order of business was groceries, and a list of 100 other things to do. We are just 3 blocks from our previous neighborhood, so stopped by the Metro and Strawberry Fare and Johnson's grocery to say "hello" and give hugs. Everyone wanted hugs and then "what do you think of your new president?" We just turned the question around and ask them, "what do you think?" good 'ole Kiwi candor, they describe him as a little "dodgy" or translated, they are as unsure of him as we are. We enjoyed a Metro latte and picked up a bottle of homemade salad dressing from Fran, then jumped on the shuttle bus to the grocery. You know me, I love a good grocery store, and the one we shop at is no exception. It is a new Countdown with everything in it. We shopped for staples at the more affordable Pak N Save, more of a warehouse feeling, then shopped at the new Countdown. After 3 trips and filling our "eco" bags to the brim we have a fully stocked kitchen.

On Saturday we tackled "homemaking" Joyce style and while walking to the bus, we noticed a "yard sale" sign in the window of the Salvation Army so we stopped in- eureka! I found a "made in NZ" teapot (they cost dear when new) and a small plastic trash bin for the bath. Both purchases for $3. We then walked to the Salvation Army thrift shop and found a plastic laundry basket and glass Pyrex cooking dish, both for $4. Score! We loaded our treasures into the laundry basket and stopped by a local clothing shop with a big box of "free" clothes hangers. We loaded up and hauled everything home. We are feeling settled.

Our apt. overlooks Hagley Park. We are actually on the 3rd floor and the compound is fully secured with entry to all outside doors and lifts by key fob. We face West looking at the Avon and Hagley. We are separated from the park by a very busy street, but the bedroom is in the back of the apt and is very quiet. We also have a comfy king bed -small bath, really small, a den with a single bed foldout (for mom) a galley kitchen with microwave, cook top, full oven, dishwasher, fridge and a "lounge" or sitting room, a dining table and we have 3 - yes 3 - recliners!!!! Sometimes it feels like the "little shop of recliners", a horror story to be sure (cover your eyes Kim and Betsy!).

We are very happy here in our 700 sq. feet. I'll try to send pictures when I figure this email place out! Our routine is just getting started but we are settling in nicely. More later. Happy and Healthy.
J & J