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gary

First internet access in a week.
Gary doing a bit better today.Ate dinner last night.Crim (his mate took him to the cafe for a drink today in A wheelchair..we are testing how much we can do..looking at going home early next week.Gary got motion sick in the chair..so good to know how much he can handle..we have had fantastic support up there...some of garys nearest and dearest friends..doing there share of handholding and comforting..(apparently Dev has nice soft hands:-).
I ma sitting here typing with the door open it is very warm today..I fed the birds garys porridge in the morning and I am watching the starlings clean it up.
Sue popped up yesterday and gave us a much needed energy boost..was great to see her.
I am missing my children,but pleased to have time to just focus on Gaz..its been Big.I have been doing some writing ..little bits inbetween. Very peaceful here.xx

Day 4

Gary had a good nights sleep(so did i).things slowly kicking back into gear.amazing how quickly one adjusts to new environments.burwood is fantastic,gary is getting the best care .everyone likes working here and it has great vibes.great staff from orderlies who are super helpful and friendly,hospital aides who do whatever is needed with a smile and fantastic and competent nurses and drs.we are safe and cared for.in like the nurses home,it is quiet.we r missing the kids,but gd to have time to focus on gary recovery Good to have some space.thanks for all the support.kat
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Gary has been up on walking frame.
,walking very short distances,but doing so well.pain meDs changed today so we are hoping for a better night.it was a bit rough last night.he's napping well today.its been quite a peaceful day.lovely temperature.we had the doors open..fresh air and birds singing.there is a plover near us with three chicks.kat

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Day 1

Gary doing well.has been 4 xray today not fun. With the amount of metal now in his back new name is iron man .rod and screws from t6 to sacral area. Kat. gary says day very slow

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In recovery

Gary out of surgery.in recovery.surgeon pleased all gone according 2 plan.still waiting to see him.he went in at 9 and out at around 4.the orderlies keep telling me he had the best surgeons in the place.very friendly staff,thanks for all wishes and love keeping me going and gaz will love to c them in a few days.kat

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Test

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Samoa and Pencils:-)

Bathing pool fresh water springs in the sea

SAIPIPI

Reverend Kaleve Leifi 

Macca and Kathy

Aria finds a Piano much to everyones delight

FROM THE CHURCH LOOKING OUT

We took the Pencils to a Village on Savaii where we were staying.We have a friend who suggested this as it is his Village where he grew up. Hobart Sasa.
The Village is called Saipipi..it is beautiful.The minister welcomed us and as it was White Sunday the day before the children were out of school and on holiday. Good for us to be able to take photos and have a play.
The pencils were going to be sorted and distributed through the teachers in the school.
There was 170 children in the Village.
The rugby balls were a great success, as were Arihanas Piercings.The kids kept asking her to put her tongue out.
They wanted me to Say a BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GIFTS OF THE PENCILS AND PENS AND THAT THEY TRULY APPRECIATE IT.
People dont go hungry in Samoa as they grow fruit and taro and animals but money for anything else is in short supply and very precious.So stationary is a good thing.
Thank you to all the people who contributed it was great to be able to give and say that many people contributed to this.
xxKAT

TAPAS

Menu for Deborah's birthday

Queen Olives stuffed with almonds
Waitaki Pork Salami from farmers market roasted and sliced

Shrimp Cocktail

Soft boiled egg and fresh asparagus

Whitebait fritters with coriander and lemon wedges

sourdough crostini topped with Duck confit (from the Friday shop in Roslyn)
served with Grants Horny hawthorne sauce

Lamb kebabs marinated in chili and tamarind and a peanut dipping sauce

Pukekoe new potatoes roasted in Duck fat and sprinkled with Sumac and maldon sea salt

Fried plantain with salt and chili

fresh steamed greens from the garden

-broad bean tips and broccolini
















and last of all individual trifles with rhubarb and montery tart cherries

yum yum
Happy birthday Deborah

Just back from Beautiful Samoa.Savaii

We got back today..its nice to be home! More flowers and blossom out in the yard..grass actually growing now..its awesome...photos and updates in the next few days before gary and I head to Christchurch for his surgery and for everyone who needs to know ..more on that also..

Shag River

Shag river with Gary, Grant, Kip and Mango

Kip

Dads new "posie"

Dad dogs and the 'pinecone'