Clare and Marco Wairapapa Christmas 2019
Greetings everyone & Merry Christmas!
It’s a great time of the year to reflect on what we’ve been up to over the last 12 months!
This year has flown by and not sure if it’s because we are getting older or to do with our change of life style moving from Wellington to Greytown (South Wairarapa). Marco and I have been living in our new house for a year now and we’ve found time goes quick with commuting 1.5 hours one way, door to door and needing to be quite organised with our time!
We do love the change of a slower life style (must be getting older! Lol), the less traffic, less pollution, the clear stars at night, having a parade of cows as neighbours from our lounge, and the beautiful view of the Tararua mountains does make it all worth it to be here!
Joshua has completed his last year of college and final exams were in November. He is waiting to hear back on his results for NCEA level 2. This year Josh started working part time at a local supermarket doing 18 hours per week as well as going to school. He has found having a job is worth it for independence and great to have your own money with purchasing those special games, a new computer, smart watch, and just having your own bank account!
Joshua had his leavers ball in November and really enjoyed the night. He has made a good group of friends at Hutt Valley High School and they’ve shared great times together and will continue to do so. Next year Joshua is planning to work full time, however, he is considering completing NCEA level 3 with the aim of going to university.
We’ve had a few trips away starting which started in February where we went to a friend’s wedding in Nelson. In late May we met Marco’s brother and family (who travelled from Netherlands) in Bali. We had a full-on time, and enjoyed the culture, beaches, and spending seven days together.
In September we met good friends in Havelock North (in the Hawkes Bay district). We enjoyed a day of cruising around on e-bikes to the local vineyards and great restaurants, cafés and arts and crafts.
We went to the farmers market in Hastings before heading home which was a real treat as it’s a must do ! Throughout the year we’ve had friends visit on the weekends to enjoy the local vineyards and the picturesque biking excursions together in the Wairarapa.
We have found our neighbours to be quite special with helping with landscaping suggestions for our garden with what trees and scrubs to grow, plus the regular catch ups for dinners and various outings.
Marco has done well painting the outside of the house with a final coat, which he started 6 months ago and completed last weekend.
I’m really enjoying the cycling here and did a recent 50 Km Martinborough charity bike ride. I’m looking at doing more in the New Year and to try and get my fitness up on my bike!
Since June Marco has had a frozen shoulder and has had to have acupuncture treatment twice per week. It’s taken a toll on Marco; however, he has been told it will improve over time and last resort will be an operation on his shoulder to improve his flexibility.
We hope 2019 has been a good year for you, and we wish you a happy and enjoyable Christmas with peace, joy and a prosperous 2020!
Lots of Love Clare, Marco & Joshua xxoo