January 3

Another busy day yesterday. Graham and Rosemary are ensuring that we see as much of this part of NZ as possible, while they're here.
Graham took us to lunch at a nearby high-end restaurant. Right on the Lakeshore, the menu contained breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. I had what is probably the most unusual breakfast I've ever eaten, at least so far. Picture focaccia, topped with a large piece of poached red snapper, followed by a piece of 'middle bacon' (look that one up), and a poached egg. It was really very good, each ingredient perfectly cooked. Then, to finish it all off after 30 minutes of just admiring the view, I had a warm brownie, with ice cream and strawberries on top.
We went home and all had a much-needed nap – all that food!!! Then off to Taupo for a concert by an NZ legend Dave Dobben – he's like the Gordon Lightfoot of Canada – I don't know who the American counterpart would be. Not Pete Segar, not Springsteen – but, you get the idea. He was preceded by a girl named "Gin" (Virginia), who's a young bouncy blonde singer with a voice similar to Bonnie Tyler (remember "Its a heartache?). The crowd was about 3500, in an outdoor amphitheatre, on the grass. Beautiful setting; and because the venue, as well as many others in the area, is under a liquor ban to limit bad behaviour, the crowd was well-controlled. Like at the kite festival, there were lots of kids, all rocking to the music. A lovely evening.
And now, Rosemary and Graham are off again on the last part of their holiday, driving around the eastern coast, including Gisborne and other small spots. Graham has family in many of the villages, and will introduce his new wife to them all.
Marg is already back at work, and after I do some housework, I'll go up to the store and see if they need any help today. I've been lending a hand for a few weeks, just because I like to keep busy. Dave and Colleen have been so good to us, and I like to give back a bit, and those who work there are good company.
We're here in Omori until Thursday, then taking the bus up to Auckland for 4 days, departing Auckland on Tuesday, arriving in Hawaii on Monday, leaving for Vancouver/Ottawa on Tuesday. Got that? That international date line sure messes with my mind.