Introducing Harold P. Mantis

It seems like a long time now since the last blog entry but that could be down to the fact that life is just plodding on without the major exciting news we're hoping for. Glynn has had 3 interviews and I've had one. We've lots more lined up so we're naturally keeping everything crossed that things will turn out positive for us soon.

The good news is that we still love being here. The people are laid back, the sun has been shining almost every day (only 3 overcast/rainy days since we arrived!) In fact, it was raining yesterday when Liz and Allard took us to the open air Miranda thermal pools, and we got mega sunburnt. How do you figure that works?!!! I'm actually feeling very tender in all the areas my swimsuit didn't cover as a result and Glynn is just glowing pink, bless him.

We've had some fun over the weeks too, including meeting the dad and extended family of our friend Michelle from Christchurch. We were invited round to dinner and had a fab night. I don't think I've ever been to dinner at someone's house who I didn't know, so it was great that we all hit it off so well. Hope to see you all again, Steve, Steve and Sharlene!

We've also been out and about enjoying some special local events. A couple of weeks ago it was Auckland's anniversary day and there were fireworks by the harbour 3 nights in a row which we delightedly got to watch from our balcony. We went down to a big party area on one of the days with a fun fair, lots of street performers and live music. There was a fly-by of some military planes doing loop-the-loop and an aeronautical display team followed by a demonstration of tug-boat dancing. It might not sound exciting but it was pretty impressive manoeuvering and not something you get to see much of in Birmingham or Swindon!!

Last Wednesday was Waitangi Day, another public holiday although this time to commemorate the signing of NZ's founding treaty between the Maori and British settlers. We walked a very long way along the sea front to Okahu Bay to join the free party. It was heaving with locals dancing to live reggae bands and there were stalls and amusements in abundance. My favourite bit had to be Old McDonald's travelling farm which allowed the city kids a chance to feed and touch real farm animals. Glynn also bought me a giant cowboy hat from one stand although I'm not convinced that it really suits me. You be the judge.

Finally, I would like to introduce you all to the newest member of the Harris clan. A few days ago, Glynn spotted an unusual insect perching on our clothes horse on the balcony. On closer inspection, we discovered it was a tiny little praying mantis! We quickly fashioned him a new home from a jam jar and have christened him Harold. He's already shed his skin once and grown about a third bigger but he's still just a small thing and I can barely feel him when I hold him. Glynn won't touch him though, the scaredy-cat!

Harold also has a companion in the shape of Tom the caterpillar who we found in amongst our broccoli on Saturday. I don't think Tom will be around for long though as he's attached himself to a leaf and is undergoing metamorphosis! Maybe we'll have a wee butterfly in the next few days!!

Well, that's about it for the moment but I do have one request - please send us your emails and let us know what's going on in your life. We miss you all 'heaps' (that's how New Zealanders say 'loads') and love to hear your stories too. Leave a message on the blog if you need either of our private email addresses. Thanks everyone. Speak to you all again soon!

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