[sarahw]

I'm sat here on our patio, its August - supposed to be winter! - its warmer outside than in - glorious blue skies & I'm overlooking the inlet, a body of water surrounded by beautiful hills & mountains in the background. People are kayaking on the flattest water, and the sun is glinting off people's windows down below & across the inlet. The cars looking like tiny stars driving round the other side of the inlet & there are tiny whisps of smoke coming from people's chimneys. There are seaguls flying above in the clear blue sky.

Am I on holiday or just dreaming??? I pinch myself - no - this is Saturday - Ian's indoors doing DIY & I've just finished studying out here - have had to put sunblock on & I've been here 40 mins & can already feel myself starting to burn. I'm contemplating opening a bottle of wine with lunch & eating outdoors.

If this is what life's going to be like living here then bring it on!!! Words cannot describe the poles apart our old life & new life are - if anyone is undecided about moving over then hopefully this'll sway you! We're 7 months in & still can't believe how lucky we are.

[Kenny]

Don't just contemplate the wine Sarah, go for it.

I may even open one myself.

I was going to put a coat of varnish on the floor but hey! you can't waste weather like this.

[sarahw]

:cheers I'll drink to that Kenny! The floor can wait for tomorrow (or another week!)

[jubjub]

I have to say I have felt a bit like that since I arrived, as I have not got a job, as long as the house is clean and tidy, tea cooked (most nights!), and the dog walked, I can do what I like, so I frequently go exploring of an afternoon, or chill out on the deck with the laptop and wireless connection! I have turned into the research queen, I dont go anywhere without my a-z.

Wish I could have the wine, but bump wont let me.. :( Have one for me Sarah.

[Mildred]

I'm sat here on our patio, its August - supposed to be winter! - its warmer outside than in - glorious blue skies & I'm overlooking the inlet, a body of water surrounded by beautiful hills & mountains in the background. People are kayaking on the flattest water, and the sun is glinting off people's windows down below & across the inlet. The cars looking like tiny stars driving round the other side of the inlet & there are tiny whisps of smoke coming from people's chimneys. There are seaguls flying above in the clear blue sky.


I want to be there NOW :cool

[sarahw]

Shall do Jubjub! :cheers Sounds like you're having a lot of fun too!

Frances - hate to tell you this but its another day like yesterday today! Ian's just about to go out on his mountain bike. Hopefully it won't be too long before you're here! :nice1

[Moorf]

We went to Hanmer Springs for the weekend... "take lots of warm clothes" we were told (it's in the mountains, so we did take LOTS of warm clothes).

We arrive, suitably attired for the mountain blast - but as we walk down Hanmer high street we have to STRIP down to our tee-shirts as it's so bloomin' HOT!!! Unreal! :eek It was baking....

And then, waking in Hanmer to blue skies and sun on Sunday, we make the trip back to Chch to be greeted with rain :wah :roll:

But, a lovely trip :nice1

[adamsat]

Hanmer is great isn't it - we're plaiing to go back for a weekend soon.

The weather over here does seem very localised - not a sniff of rain anywhere near us