Wonderful experience, the native bush and wildlife right on your door step is great. Enjoyed the birdsong, stars and what a moon scape Thanks for the fire,nothing like being outside with an open fire. Great company, we will be back for sure. Sent from my iPad On 15 Oct 2017, at 2:48 pm, Margaret Bradfield wrote: Good afternoon, feel almost that time has moved a bit fast - realising it is a month since the visit and birthday and I have not written to say big thank you for the putting things in place for the celebration and for making it all possible. I think you would have been pleased that so many made the big effort and came, only Marnies two Barry and Jackie, plus Susan of Eleanor's did not come. Matt. and Christina would have definitely been here but for sickness. They came over last week and were so sorry not to have been here. Thank you for the funding and all that was involved to make it a success. Of course after the birthday there was a few trips to Omakau for us picking up stuff and bringing more back for storing in the strong room, for Ian's business lots and lots of records that he needs to keep for some years to come. The packers did it all much quicker that the quote was for, which was all good. David and I could not imagine why they were going to take so long - we had three households (and a chap told us that our house alone was the equivalent of 3 households) only two chaps, and that was all packed within 2 1/2 days. So we were not surprised when it was a whole lot quicker for them. Last night was the first night in the new house - so tomorrow will be Ian's first start from there. Will be interesting to find out how long on the train!! Life is the usual for this time of the year, more calves to feed the usual pet lambs and getting paddocks ready for the sowing of the next crop. We hope to plant all the potatoes this week, then probably the peas also. Tomatoes some time after Labour week end, we are now buying our plants all grown in Christchurch on root stock - had better results this way. I was cross with myself I had a Fruit cake to send back with you - too late!! Well your Dad was happy I got a great photo of all the grandchildren - and on the whole it was very good. Funny to see Clara again - it must be a while - and hearing of all the goings on for her - best soldier etc - kind of thought she would be changed - big and muscular sort of look - and there she was looking just lovely no show of muscles - perhaps hidden. Any way thank you for making it possible - blessings...