From the Garretts of Manoy Street!This year was dominated by four journeys to the south. We spent an enjoyable Christmas 2006 and saw in 2007 with Betty’s Mum and Margaret and John in Te Anau. It was good to catch up with friends at the Tuatapere Sports on a fine New Years Day. Mum, a diabetic, was having increasing problems with circulation and when she damaged her toes they did not heal. The specialist shocked us all by saying that amputation was the probable outcome. At the end of February we travelled back to Te Anau, staying en route with the Spicers at Owaka and visiting cousin Alyse at Wyndham. We stayed seven weeks giving Margaret and John the chance for a break. Mum endured the pain from her foot bravely and hoped for a more favourable diagnosis. However in May we made a quick trip to Invercargill with Trish helping with the driving and the family were there to see Mum through her big op, leg amputated above th
e knee. She amazed everyone with her quick recovery, the way she handled her wheelchair and her attempts to manage an artificial leg. She is now in Cargill Home where her Aunt Muriel aged 98 is also a resident. She misses her independent life in her own spacious home with that marvellous view of the Fiordland mountains and Margaret and John popping in every day.In October Malcolm had a big party for his 70th. Emails went out nationally and internationally. Numbers for catering and accommodation fluctuated. Liz, Ward and two grandsons came from USA. Barbara, Nick and Donna, Greg, Claire, Emma and Megan flew in from Australia. John, Lorraine, Isaac and Ben drove up from Invercargill; also Phil Burt and Rae. Rob came from Outram, Philip from Christchurch also Neil and Helene Campbell. Combined with our relations and friends from the local area we had a total of forty-five. Trish and Dave’s house p
rovided more than the necessary space for party goers and everyone had a great time. Dave looked every inch the Laird of Balnagown in his kilt. Timo played Happy Birthday on his cornet and two local women provided music for easy listening and dancing enthusiasts. Fresh Golden Bay scallops caught and cooked by Alec made a popular entrée, and the main course of a large pig on a spit yielded pork aplenty. Herman went to bed with the head.Betty gave Malcolm TWO tickets for a helicopter flight to Awaroa Lodge including dinner. We went on a fine day and enjoyed a good look at Motueka from above, and the bush, mountains and bays of Abel Tasman.
Our day to day life in Motueka continues to include gardening, reading, sport on TV, a minimum of housework, and visiting and being visited by family. Malcolm’s brother Dugald from Fiji has just spent a week here.
We are both involved in Probus, and St Vincent de Paul. Malcolm is Chairman of the Parish Council, Convenor of U3A, and in Seniornet, Museum Trust and Night Shelter. Betty is still Club Captain at Tasman Golf club. Playing and catering and committee work keep her busy there.
Some of our grandchildren are adults! Damien and Jac have announced their engagement. Emma graduated MA in Forensic Science and works at a lab in Wellington, and Victoria has just celebrated her 21st. Jacob is a mechanic. Sam after graduating from his agriculture course at Lincoln is back in Tuatapere doing shearing and farm work. Isaac shocked his Verdon College teachers by opting for a season at the meat works instead of University. Ben still has a couple of years there to consider his future. In Golden Bay Marian has been furthering her own education by passing a paper i
n avian medicine and surgery. Brenton has a passion for electronics but can be persuaded to play hockey. Katie plays netball and does tap dancing and drama. Timo plays soccer and learns the cornet. Areta has had one term at school and like the rest of her family is an avid reader.We plan to be home for the summer so call in if you are passing through; book in if you would like to stay a while.
