Sunday, 13 February 2005
Dundee: 12:39 PM, PST
Hahei: 14 Feb 9:39 AM, NZDT
"Happy Valentine's Day!" cried my wife from the far side of the international date line where, in fact, it is Valentine's Day. "Happy Valentine's Day to you," I responded, courtesy for once trumping pedentry. In the background was a genial noisy clatter of post-breakfast preparations as the gang got ready for an outing. "We were going to go to the grocery store in Whitianga, but it has turned into an all day excursion."
Dawn cut to the chase: I was directed to the living room, where under a pile of stuffed animals heaped in the bassinet they had hidden my Valentine's present. I returned to the phone with three white envelopes and one big red heart shaped box. Inside the box I found chocolates, Necco Sweethearts®, bobble-head animals, a beautiful picture of the three girls (frame from Joanne's Fabrics, photography by jegraymiller, Photoshop by me). There was also a keychain. A pig keychain. A keychain of a pig that pooped candy. I would be offended, except I was the one who bought Richard a pooping penguin for Christmas.
We talked for about five minutes. They got a touch of sunburn yesterday swimming. (Elizabeth loves to swim in the surf. Apparently there is an estuary where the swimming is best, but I'll have to wait for video and photos to get a sense of what's where). They are still not able to make my calling card work, but they aren't hesitating to use Becky's calling card. Works for me. Also, somehow they've found other things to do than plug in the notebook and go online. That's why I'm here, in my cubby at ShutIn Central, and they are at New Zealand's Playground, the Coramandel. Anyhow, no internet means no pictures or emails. Soon, I hope.
Emily came on the phone. She had nothing particular to say (unlike Dawn, who was fully of chatty details - when, recently, have I heard her so happy?) One of the big attractions of the trip for both of my girls is the time they get to spend with their little cousin, Aundine. Also, Emily told me last night that Derek has agreed to go zorbing and black water rafting with her, a promise she couldn't get from anyone else. So she's happy about that, at least: She thinks she's Miss Extreme. We'll see.