New Zealand

Rick's brother Paul & wife Andrea, and Rachael live in beautful Takapuna in Auckland.  We were thoroghly spoiled by their generosity and hospitality. 

Paul & Andrea

John in charge of the BBQ

We were also able to catch up with my brother John and his wife Tania and Anna-Louise and Anton.  It was lovely to share a BBQ lunch together and learn some ROSS family history.  So many skeletons in the closet!  Thanks John.



Tania, Michelle, Anton, Anna-Louise, Tom Sarah & John



On Monday morning, 13 December, we headed south through Hamilton to Cambridge to visit my Grandma and introduce Tom & Sarah to their Great Grandma Ross.  What an amazing lady she is. Grandma is 96, she will be 97 in February 2011.  We talked for some time then went for a stroll to the lake which is actually an extinct shield volcano. Afterwards took her to lunch at the Albert for a pub lunch.  The portions were enormous!  Grandma then showed us where the cemetary is.  I had never been there, so had not ever seen where Grandad was buried over 20 years ago.  We had trouble finding the grave, it wasn't where Grandma thought it was, so that was a confusing time for her until we found it for her.  It was just so nice to spend some time with her. 

Me and my Grandma, I never thought I'd get to see her again!

Grandma insisting she is 'quite sturdy' walking with Sarah

Tom with his serve of spare ribs!!



Grandad Ross's gravesite, found amongst the Retuned Servicemen.



The cross country jaunt around the grave yard was tiring for her so we left her to rest and took the kids out to Waignaro Springs which is about 23 km outside of Ngaruawahia, a small town north of Hamilton.  This is a place of memories for me, my family came quite a few times when we lived here.  The place has not changed much in over 30 years except to add a huge TV outside, paint the swimming pools a very bright blue and take away the diving log which have been replaced by some slides.  We had a great time relaxing in the hot water. 

Men at war with Tom the victor!

Not really a hug, ulterior motives!!

Back to Hamilton, to Temple View actually where we stayed overnight.  We were in time to see the Christmas lights being turned on for the night.  Carols and the lights are a nightly thing every year at Christmas time.  It was very spectacular.

Tuesday morning found us at the Temple which was really nice.  There was a group from the Cook Is, so we joined them.  Temple View is outside of Hamilton surrounded by farmlands.  It is very peaceful and beautiful.

I was able to spend some more time with Grandma in the afternoon before heading back to Auckland.  Words cannot describe how wonderful it was to see her once more.  She is very eloquent and has a quick wit.  She doesn't miss much although she certainly has aged since I last saw her 6 years ago, and her hearing has dimmed a little.  I just loved visiting Grandma.





Wednesday, 15 December 2010.  Happy Anniversay Rick!  26 years!

Wednesday turned out to be a very long day.  It began by packing and repacking our luggage.  We were all heavy, but distributed our things thanks to the extra suitcase we replaced Sarah's with. After farewelling the Auckland Bennallack's we were picked up by the Airport shuttle about 3pm. The van had a breakdown on the way to the airport and we had to transfer to another along with the other passengers picked up, but we arrived in good enough time to check in.  Our lugguge is alot!!  And yes it cost us again to San Francisco and again on the Denver leg.  We paid for it in Auckland in NZ $ which actually saved some since the NZ$ is doing very poorly against the Aussie Dollar.  We finally boarded and the long flight began!  Wow!  we are actually going!  It sure has been excellent to rest in New Zealand.  I certainly recommend a visit to this beautiful country to anyone.  Its well worth the effort.