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How did this happen. How can it be Feb already and where have the last 3 months gone? November disappeared and than it was Dec and we were planning for Christmas. Karl and Fiona came with Lucy and Tristan on 19th Dec so there were a few days before it got too busy. Anna and Gareth and Malachy came on Christmas day having stayed in Blenheim overnight and had Christmas breakfast with Mum and Dad. We all had a lovely few days. Gareth went home with Karl and Fiona and we kept Lucy with Anna and Malachy for a few more days. great fun. Then we were into the usual early Jan bookings guests etc. Not as busy as other years but busy enough !!!!!!!!!! Today we are waiting for news from Anna...

Today we are getting new carpet put down in our house. Fortunately this does not include the office and reception area so I have somewhere to sit. Its been a big job as everything has to come up off the floor and out of the wardrobes. Stuff had to be packed so shelves could be moved etc. We had planed to stay in a unit but you’ve guessed it, the motels are full and there is nowhere to stay.It is 3;45 an the lounge is nearly finished. Then there is just our bedroom to go. We will get the furniture in from the conservatory and reassemble our bed. The boxes can stay in the bath for unpacking over the next few days. Having the weekend in Christchurch next weekend -will be great to catch up with everyone can’t wait!!!!

Every year we have a visit from a Qualmark assessor to check out our motels and make sure we are still operating at a 4 plus level. Today was the day. Somehow it always feels like an impending visit to the principlal’s office. This morning was a Basil Faulty morning, the computer crashed the photo copier died and one of our cleaning staff called in sick. However by 1.30 pm we were all under control and are very pleased to say we are well into the 4 plus score and have achieved gold for our sustainability practices. There are a few more travelers around and the motels are full tonight! We will be able to clean at a slower pace tomorrow but I will be going to bed early tonight

This time last week we were getting ourselves organized for a break in Wellington. Our friend Julie Brawley had a costume accepted for the Wearable Arts competition and we attended the awards night with them. So many clever creations and the winners just stunning. My favorites are the childrens’ section and the illumination section. Wellington was really into the spirit of the occasion with street decorations and many special displays in shop windows. We were able to use Clare’s apartment on the Terrace. Short lift ride down to Lampton Quay close to the cafes and restaurants. We did a bit of window shopping, borrowed the car for a drive out to Eastbourne had a Turkish meal and a Mexican meal both very good...

Another month has passed and again we are saying “Where did the time go?” Nelson has had a lot of rain but it is fine today. We had a team of school hockey players week before last and it rained every day they were here. Last week wasn’t much better so today we will get out for a walk. Last Sunday we went out for lunch with Doris and Ian. They live just over the road but we have to make a date to see each other. They are well and seem to be keeping busy with various activities. Gilbey has made himself some raised gardens and is going to grow some vegs this year. Things seem to be ok in Blenheim at the moment. I will go over for another visit soon. We are going to the wearable Arts in Wellington 26/09/08 so it will have to be after that. Other family member seem to be all well...

I’m in Blenheim. Dad went into the hospice on Sunday to give Mum a break. I came on Monday to provide some company. Yesterday we went to the movies. Saw Miss Pettigrew lives for a Day. We enjoyed it so much we are going back today to see Mama Mia!!!! I will drive home on Thursday afternoon.

I have looked at the date of my last entry and realised I’m not a very reliable blogger either. However here is a quick update. July seems to have gone past fast. here we are at Olympic Games opening day. Highlights of the month were for John attendance at the Motel Association conference in Hastings. He enjoyed the venue, the speakers, the social activities and coming home after six days away. I took a quick trip to Blenheim before John went away. All ok there. Mum and Dad are enjoying their refurbished lounge – I took the recovered dining chairs over with me. 30th July not really a highlight but memorable as one of the biggest storms in Nelson for many years. We didn’t suffer damage but many were not so lucky...

We are home again after a quick trip to Christchurch for the weekend. The purpose of the visit was to attend Tristan’s christening on Sunday and the family gathering that followed. There were several bonus activities as well. We all went to a chinese restaurant for dinner on Saturday evening before we went to Noela’s 60th birthday party. Fabulous evening of music and dancing. John and I took Lucy and Tristan home to their beds about 9.00pm. They were really good (and tired) and settled easily. We stayed with my sister Deb. Always good to spend time with her. Christening service was part of the normal morning service. Tim has been with us for a few days as he is Tristan’s Godfather. We will put some photos on soon. Another extra bonus was an extra day in Christchurch...

Now that I have realised that a blog is a bit like keeping a diary that is shared with family and friends I have made a page to do just that.

Today I have been re-orientating myself to life in Nelson and life at the Arrow Motel after a very pleasant break in Australia. John and I returned last night at 10.15pm. I have to say the most noticeable feature immediately was the cold as when we left the local temp was 28oC,

We left NZ on 5th June via Sydney to Coolangatta. We then transferred to the Mantra-on-Salt resort where preparations for the Host Accommodation conference were well underway. John had a Board meeting to attend the first afternoon so I set out for a walk...