New Zealand, 1981
This is a letter my Mom wrote home to my Dad and eldest siblings, but obviously never ended up sending, while on a trip to New Zealand with my brother Brian and I back in October of 1981--I was just 7 and my brother 8. It in her beautiful flowing script I have always admired, and is still in the spiral bound notebook she brought along to journal in. It has brought back very fond memories... This portion of our trip, we were in Auckland staying at the home of some family friends.
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Dear Ken, Kenny, and Evie,
We're all sitting here on a quiet Sunday morning reflecting on the wonderful things we've seen and done. Vic and Karyn are still asleep and Brian and Sharon are working on school assignments (with great joy).
We couldn't have come at a better time. The Queen of England and Prince Phillip are here on an eight day visit. We went to town to see her on Friday, take her famous walk down Queen Street to the Brittania docked at Quay Street Piers. It was truly a thrill for us. Brian and Sharon waved New Zealand flags with gusto, and your lucky Sharon got a smile and a hand pat from the Prince (she nearly fainted when we told her who it was).
We've walked to One Tree Hill and the children had a terrific time at the playground. There was equipment there that they've never played on before.
They seem to like the food here, too. They think the mil and butter is the best they've ever tasted. They aren't keen on all the vegetables everyone eats here but they are at least polite about it. I don't know if I can buy enough french bread to keep Brian happy nor enough tea to fill them up. Their daily trips to the dairy for bread and milk should keep them from becoming too roly-poly.
They are having no trouble meeting all these people. I'm sure it must be because they're heard so much about them from you and me, Ken. They are quick to lavish affection on everyone.
If I have any complaints it's only that they have energy they don't know what to do with. I'm sure part of it is due tot he fact there is no television in the morning to occupy them and of course they are so excited all the time. One good thing, though, is there is no argument at bedtime. They are alseep before I turn off the lights.
We have a lot to do yet but I don't worry about how they'll adjust. So far all differences between lifestyles here and at home are taken in stride.
I hope your (sic) all managing well as I am worried about how you can live without me (haha).
I'll be writing more later.
(here the pen changes from blue to black, and continues on the same page...)
Oct. 19
Helen came and picked us up today. We took a drive on the way to the house up to Half Moon Bat in Pakaranga. The homes are all new and beautiful but still priced below our market. We stopped at a modern shopping mall that was every bit the same as ous and the area has all new parks and school. It reminded me of Federal Way.
We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting while the children played.
They asked us to come and spend the next couple of days with then, which i am hesitant about as Helen is soooo pregnant, but she insisted as she things that if we waited until we came back from the farm, it may be too late. So we were off.
We'd like to know how things are at home so please let us know.
With Love,
Ma
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***********************
Dear Ken, Kenny, and Evie,
We're all sitting here on a quiet Sunday morning reflecting on the wonderful things we've seen and done. Vic and Karyn are still asleep and Brian and Sharon are working on school assignments (with great joy).
We couldn't have come at a better time. The Queen of England and Prince Phillip are here on an eight day visit. We went to town to see her on Friday, take her famous walk down Queen Street to the Brittania docked at Quay Street Piers. It was truly a thrill for us. Brian and Sharon waved New Zealand flags with gusto, and your lucky Sharon got a smile and a hand pat from the Prince (she nearly fainted when we told her who it was).
We've walked to One Tree Hill and the children had a terrific time at the playground. There was equipment there that they've never played on before.
They seem to like the food here, too. They think the mil and butter is the best they've ever tasted. They aren't keen on all the vegetables everyone eats here but they are at least polite about it. I don't know if I can buy enough french bread to keep Brian happy nor enough tea to fill them up. Their daily trips to the dairy for bread and milk should keep them from becoming too roly-poly.
They are having no trouble meeting all these people. I'm sure it must be because they're heard so much about them from you and me, Ken. They are quick to lavish affection on everyone.
If I have any complaints it's only that they have energy they don't know what to do with. I'm sure part of it is due tot he fact there is no television in the morning to occupy them and of course they are so excited all the time. One good thing, though, is there is no argument at bedtime. They are alseep before I turn off the lights.
We have a lot to do yet but I don't worry about how they'll adjust. So far all differences between lifestyles here and at home are taken in stride.
I hope your (sic) all managing well as I am worried about how you can live without me (haha).
I'll be writing more later.
(here the pen changes from blue to black, and continues on the same page...)
Oct. 19
Helen came and picked us up today. We took a drive on the way to the house up to Half Moon Bat in Pakaranga. The homes are all new and beautiful but still priced below our market. We stopped at a modern shopping mall that was every bit the same as ous and the area has all new parks and school. It reminded me of Federal Way.
We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting while the children played.
They asked us to come and spend the next couple of days with then, which i am hesitant about as Helen is soooo pregnant, but she insisted as she things that if we waited until we came back from the farm, it may be too late. So we were off.
We'd like to know how things are at home so please let us know.
With Love,
Ma
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