Lest we forget

22nd February and unbelievably it is 6 years since the fateful earthquake which changed lives here in Christchurch for ever. As thousands of us stood together near the new earthquake memorial marble wall, with the names of the 185 people who died that day, we all shared the sadness of the past, the concerns of the present with the fires on the hills, and most importantly the hope and the togetherness for the future.

How sad to think that Adam, Mark and David's school friend and soccer teammate, could not be there to share this moment with his family and friends. One of the so few people who were so unlucky to be in the wrong place at the time of the quake.

As we stood and listened to this marvelous young Lyttleton singer giving such a brilliant rendering of the beautiful , originally Maori song, Now is the Hour, the tears flowed and total strangers comforted one another, sharing in each other's grief and giving each other strength without a word.  After all, that is what life is about, isn't it ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utlNPdnkcDc

As the river was strewn with flowers, a single rose floated past me. What a wonderful ceremony to remind us of those we lost, the people who were injured, those who came from all over the world to assist us, and those who are continuing to rebuild this fantastic city.

It was great to walk through the city after the service and to see the traffic cones looking so pretty with their sunflowers in them for this commemoration day. Last time I was here, every single cone in the city had at least one flower in it, but now there are fewer than before, but it is still lovely to see.

My weekend jaunt to the Farmers' market at Riccarton House, still remains a highlight most weekends. Such a lot of wonderful tasters, a brilliant atmosphere, fresh produce and a magnificent setting all contribute to this frequent experience. Funnily enough, the lovely first Airbnb ers who stayed with me till today very kindly bought me a lovely chutney from Grannies Goodies!!!

Yes, Airbnb is now part of my new retired life!! I thought I would never get my first guest, but since I got a review as a guest, I have had people here. If they are all like my first guests, it is going to be a fabulous thing to do!! Sam and James, from Cwmbran in Wales, were my very first guests and we got on so well. They came to the first rugby match of the season between the Crusaders and the Brumbies. Bit close for comfort, but thankfully the very new Crusaders team snuck in!!

This was an exhausting experience for Sam and James, so an early morning spa was needed to relax ready for their trip around the South Island!

Now I have Zoe from Northern England here for 5 days. I am really looking forward to sharing the house, meals, spas, etc, with her. Then Peter is back for the weekend. Wow. It is great.

Next week I have a couple of afternoons of excursions with Japanese groups from the Polytechnic, Ara Institute (new name). Should be fun going to a primary school again and also to some sightseeing places.

I am thrilled to say that my tennis lessons continue. I have thought about playing some real games, but am keen to ensure that my knees do not get twisted and damaged again. I will have to be patient about joining a club, looking forward to October and tennis nearly every day hopefully.