Xmas Greetings 2011 from Marie & Jay
Greetings from Rotorua as another year comes to an end and welcomes in the New Year 2012.
We have had quite a year so far, which I can honestly sum up as being first half was really great and the last half really bad!
The first half started with me (Marie) having 2 weeks of wonderful Spa & exercise regime at Queen Elizabeth (QE) Health & Spa Centre…I was a day patient. It was recommended by the Rheumatologist for my arthrititic joints. Can thoroughly recommend the treatment which started with gym work at 8am, physio, thermal pool, Aix massage, Hot Mud treatment, Hot wax on hands and feet, Occupational workshop, lectures and wonderful lunches…all free as per Health Dept., Bliss!
Then on Feb 22nd Jay and a “Walker” friend Denis, flew to Christchurch intending to stay the night downtown before venturing on a 10 day walk on the St. James Walkway out of Christchurch….but soon after they arrived, driving into town in Denis’ neice’s car, suddenly the “Big Earthquake” hit Christchurch…it gave her car a real jolt which they felt was a tyre blow-out, but when Jay opened the car door to inspect, the liquifaction made him realise that it was a big earthquake. They never made it to their accommodation in town where buildings had tumbled with loss of lives… they were lucky, but some were not.
The damage to buildings and loss of lives will ever be remembered on that day in February. Jay & Denis were able to complete their walk although a day or two later than planned.
In April we flew to South America to attend a nephew’s wedding in Argentina, which we will always remember for the wonderful hospitality firstly in Santiago, Chile, then Buenos Aires in Argentina,where we learned to dance “The Tango” and then experience the wonder of the Iguazu Falls on the Argentina & Brazil side. James Mahoney/Paula Velez wedding at Ascochinga near Cordoba was memorable especially the picturesque grounds where we all stayed.
At the beginning of July we stayed a couple of weeks with John, Marilyn and their 3 boys in Cairns, where we enjoyed spending time getting to know Connor (10yrs) Aidan (8 yrs) and Bryce (5 yrs). We all went camping for a couple of nights during the 2nd week of the boys’ school hols. Jay & John climbed the highest mountain in Cairns..all in all we had a great time together.
Then began the downer….Jay went into hospital here in Rotorua at the end of July to have a scheduled bowel operation which was to have been fairly simple, but ended up major, as it turned out to be cancer. Fortunately he was lucky, as it was all removed. Unfortunately his health took a downward spiral into Anxiety/Depression which takes a long time to get the chemical imbalance which occurs, back up to normal again.
He is improving, but it takes time…..
Then we all fly or drive back to Rotorua for Jay & my 50th wedding anniversary on Feb 3rd 2012.
Best Wishes to all for the New Year 2012.
Love, Marie & Jay