Out at last.

5.20am start with the D.O.G. She has been up to mischieve most of the day. Biting, jumping and generally ignoring all instructions. I keep reminding myself 'she is a pup.' Please say it will get easier.

Walked up to the local '1st Saturday of the month' market and bought some produce.
Had coffee, strolled back. Relaxed on the sofa most of the avo apart from the half an hour spent playing basketball with J.

Highlight of the day was taking the boat out (for the first time here) in Tairua estuary. All went very well (apart from getting soaked from the waist down) until we got the boat out and the engine decided not to lift up. It was about an inch off the road. I ran over to the local fishing club and the kindest of men helped us out. We have never met this guy and he stopped to help us rather than go home. He rang someone he knew (by now it was 8.45pm on a Saturday night) and he came down to help us. That's one of the reasons I love this place.

Tomorrow I will take a bottle of wine to the two guys that helped us.

During the quiet times today I've thought a lot about my parents. Thinking about what I might say to my father when I ring him next week after 10 years. Still not sure what to say.

The D.O.G. much more relaxed.

Feeling much more optimistic this evening.