The Countdown Begins

Yep, Gabbie and I take off on Monday morning...early. We have to be at the airport at 6.00 am for our flight at 8.00 am. That's going to entail leaving home about 4.45 am to drop the car off at the long term parking company, then they will drop us off at the airport via courtesy coach. Actually the cost of having my car parked for the 10 days is only $107. Not bad, considering it would cost me $100 each way to get a cab.

The cats go to the cattery on Sunday afternoon and they are not going to be impressed...especially Mitzi. I had a job just giving her some flea treatment yesterday...you know, the one on the back of the neck. Bella is no trouble. She just sits there, I don't have to hold her. But Mitzi...talk about the cat from hell! Still, I'll manage.

Gabbie is staying with me Sunday night...considering she lives half-an-hour's drive away, I thought it was more expedient to do it that way. She is getting really excited, it's her first time out of the country and she's been counting down the days for the last month. I checked the temperature in Auckland...maximum daytime temperature 16 degrees C, minimum overnight 9 degrees C. We've been getting close to 30 degrees C here during the day, not sure what the overnight temp is but it's certainly warmer than 9 degrees.

So, today I guess I'd better sort out the winter woollies. I packed everything away a couple of months ago...it's been summer clothes since then.

I'm taking Harry's Christmas present over and wrapped it yesterday. It's a very large remote controlled tarantula...very life like, black, hairy and horrible. Harry will love it and his father will curse me. But can you imagine when I fill out the customs declaration...remote controlled tarantula. Actually I wonder what would happen if I left "remote controlled" off the card...great consternation I expect. I could probably create an international incident at Auckland airport...the possibilities are very tempting, but I'd better behave. Gabbie would not be impressed if I spoilt her holiday on the first day.

I pick up a hire car at the airport but Mum and Harold are still coming out to meet us and lead us back to their house. Apparently there's a new motorway been built and the route to their place has completely changed. I'm rather thankful they'll be there in that case.

I don't know if I'll get a chance to post while I'm away...my parents do have a computer but they're still on dial up as it's free in New Zealand. That would drive me nuts after broadband. I'll see how we go. My brother has a new you beaut computer with all the bells and whistles so I may get the chance when we're there.

If I get another chance to post before Monday, I will, otherwise this is it...