Dh's Big Adventure
Susan Bundlie
<<We also have 11 acres of bush and a stream and a waterfall, and are only
10 minutes drive from the best surf spot in New Zealand and I wouldn't live
anywhere else ever again!>>
Many years ago my husband dragged me out to the airport because a new
airline was having a drawing with a free trip to New Zealand as the grand
prize. We had to dress in costume, which I was not in the mood to do--I
think we put on a couple of tropical shirts and some kind of hat. The
³catch² was that the winner had to be prepared to leave in a few days and
there would be no layovers.
Lo and behold, I won! Because of a strike of some kind we were able to delay
the trip long enough to get everything in order, and then we were off to
parts unknown with our 22-month-old in tow.
We absolutely adored New Zealand and many times over the years have even
talked about emigrating. The people were wonderful, the land was gorgeous
and everything just seemed sweet and gentle. So many times since I have told
the story of leaving money outside overnight in a wooden box *in the open*
and finding it replaced with milk in the morning. I wonder if that¹s still
possible.
We also saw the best parade EVER in New Zealand. It was in a smallish town
and there were many, many ³floats² all done with love by hand. No fancy,
high-tech lights or expensive effects--just lots of families dressed up,
singing and dancing. Wonderful.
My dh may have a chance to be there again soon. He¹s quitting his job
(sh-h-h-h-h--they don¹t know quite yet) and taking a three-month trip by
himself to Australia with a possible stop-over in NZ. After years and years
of working at a job he¹s always been very stressed-out about, this is his
chance (³children² are 19 and almost-22) to unwind, ³find himself² and try
to plan the future. I can¹t go with him, and I don¹t even think I would if I
could--it¹s something he needs to do alone. I¹m so happy for him while at
the same time so SAD at the thought of not being with him (this will be our
first long separation in 37 years!).
Susan
10 minutes drive from the best surf spot in New Zealand and I wouldn't live
anywhere else ever again!>>
Many years ago my husband dragged me out to the airport because a new
airline was having a drawing with a free trip to New Zealand as the grand
prize. We had to dress in costume, which I was not in the mood to do--I
think we put on a couple of tropical shirts and some kind of hat. The
³catch² was that the winner had to be prepared to leave in a few days and
there would be no layovers.
Lo and behold, I won! Because of a strike of some kind we were able to delay
the trip long enough to get everything in order, and then we were off to
parts unknown with our 22-month-old in tow.
We absolutely adored New Zealand and many times over the years have even
talked about emigrating. The people were wonderful, the land was gorgeous
and everything just seemed sweet and gentle. So many times since I have told
the story of leaving money outside overnight in a wooden box *in the open*
and finding it replaced with milk in the morning. I wonder if that¹s still
possible.
We also saw the best parade EVER in New Zealand. It was in a smallish town
and there were many, many ³floats² all done with love by hand. No fancy,
high-tech lights or expensive effects--just lots of families dressed up,
singing and dancing. Wonderful.
My dh may have a chance to be there again soon. He¹s quitting his job
(sh-h-h-h-h--they don¹t know quite yet) and taking a three-month trip by
himself to Australia with a possible stop-over in NZ. After years and years
of working at a job he¹s always been very stressed-out about, this is his
chance (³children² are 19 and almost-22) to unwind, ³find himself² and try
to plan the future. I can¹t go with him, and I don¹t even think I would if I
could--it¹s something he needs to do alone. I¹m so happy for him while at
the same time so SAD at the thought of not being with him (this will be our
first long separation in 37 years!).
Susan
Carol & Mac
What a wonderful story, Susan. Wish I could win a trip to America to
meet you all - and to meet up with a couple of old friends.
I'm afraid that it is far less common to put money out for milk these
days. Most people buy tokens and use those instead, as these are far
less attractive to the young kids who found it a good money making
racket! I missed our local street parade this year at New Year, as we
were out of town. (Well, we don't actually live in town, but you know
what I mean!) In the bigger cities they have the expensive floats and
fancy effects, but we country folk stick to the simple still <g>
I hope you dh has a great trip and manages to get himself sorted out -
even if I do think a three month trip to NZ with a stop over in Aussie
would be a better bet <beg> It will be hard for you being left behind -
thank goodness for e-mail and phones, huh?
Carol
meet you all - and to meet up with a couple of old friends.
I'm afraid that it is far less common to put money out for milk these
days. Most people buy tokens and use those instead, as these are far
less attractive to the young kids who found it a good money making
racket! I missed our local street parade this year at New Year, as we
were out of town. (Well, we don't actually live in town, but you know
what I mean!) In the bigger cities they have the expensive floats and
fancy effects, but we country folk stick to the simple still <g>
I hope you dh has a great trip and manages to get himself sorted out -
even if I do think a three month trip to NZ with a stop over in Aussie
would be a better bet <beg> It will be hard for you being left behind -
thank goodness for e-mail and phones, huh?
Carol