Three . . .

views of a Paua / Abalone.  Because the sea was so calm on Saturday the forester went for a snorkel and gathered some Paua.  We had them for lunch and they were very tender and delicious.  He took some over to the visitors and showed them how to get the paua out of the shell.  The women  had bought Paua jewellery so now they more about it.  I haven't heard what they thought when they ate them.  
We spent the afternoon sitting by the fire with our friend.  I was surprised by how his mobility has deteriorated in the month I was away.  To see the forester helping his friend to his feet was heart breaking but one is pleased to help and the other is accepting of being helped.  Acceptance is the word now.  He is slipping away bit by bit.
I will be off blip for the next week while we are taking these visitors on a tour of the Central North Island.  Today is a long drive to Taupo were we will be based.  On Thursday we take them to Auckland airport and they will fly home to New Mexico.  
I still haven't caught up with everyone but it will happen.