191. Doing the Rounds

Christchurch

Mother had mentioned a list, when the family visited, that she would appreciate us looking at. One thing that she had mentioned was that her down pipes were blocked. Uncle Kelvin has a brilliant drain clearing attachment for a water blaster which is a hose with a brass end that blasts water backwards from its tip so that it pulls itself up a pipe blasting debris backwards as it goes. Ideal for blocked down pipes on gutters. Also a great excuse to visit the Aunt and Uncle as the last time I had seen them was when they stayed with us in Warden House in Holyport a couple of years ago.

As it happens, They have bought the large beautiful home in Fendalton that our friends Johannes and Jo lived in prior to developing the old Bridge Club that I mentioned yesterday. I think that it might be a Sir Miles Warren design as it is a classic nineteen eighties contemporary home. Lovely to see it furnished with their familiar possessions, paintings etc. It was great to catch up with them and everything the extended family is up to.

Next it was over to brother Douglas and Anna-Maries. I had been deputised to deliver hand made cards by the children, and written post cards. A responsibility and burden that I took seriously. AM was suitably impressed. She particularly liked Audrey's card with a portrait of Dexter the dog. The cards were of a high enough standard for the fridge door which was empty of competing artwork. I also remembered to collect the boat keys.

Up the hill to visit Antony and Georgina next. Their children Ben and Lucy are particular favourites of Fyfe and Audrey and we originally met the family at Playcenter. Only Antony was home so a cup of tea and a chat, no awkward silences ensued. That is to say, Antony (and Georgina) always have a fresh outlook and being so well read and informed have me running to keep up in conversation. Later, lovely Georgina blew in on her way through. So lovely to see them both and looking forward to spending a lot of time with them in the future.

Further up the hill again to say hi to Brenton and Martine and the boys. Another Playcenter family. It is my continuous quoting of Brenton that makes me so interesting* as he is a progressive thinker and a huge advocate of the change that is happening in Christchurch, post quake. They are a lot of fun and have such an easy manner that one would think their life blessed. Ethan, their elder son is another special friend of Fyfe's and his open enthusiasm, shared by his younger brother Isaac that Fyfe was returning at the end of the year was quite heart warming. We sat in their lounge, their new cat on my lap, and I felt that it was good to be back.

*this fact is not up for question or debate thank you very much