Rangiwahia – Gaining New Appreciation for the Early Settlers

On Sunday, August 1, Ben and Darlene took us to the Wellington market. Fantastic fruit and veg! We bought some of Pic's Really Good Peanut Butter (which is just ground peanuts) and a huge bag of kiwi fruit.

The road to Rangiwahia was designed by Dr. Suess. It perches atop steep sloped sheep-covered hills and winds and turns enough to confuse a compass. The sheep appear to lean against the hillside and graze in a semi-reclined state.

We have found ourselves in the quaint little community of Rangiwahia. Our cottage is directly across from the fire hall on Maungawharariki Road; where every Wednesday evening at 7:30 sharp, they test the sirens.

We run the risk of being invaded by possums. However, with enough skins, we could apparently run a very decent side business. A torch is recommended should one find themselves out past 6 o’clock, as it becomes utterly impossible to navigate without one. Rosemary, mint and chives grow rampant in the backyard, despite winter temperatures and dreariness.

Kristine has taken to drinking instant coffee, preparing hoki-fish and keeping the fire fully stoked. She is also in the business of drying laundry, a seemingly endless task without the luxury of electric clothes dryer. Joseph awakes early in the morning to start the fire, making it tolerable for Kristine to awake and prepare piping porridge, the breakfast of champions.

The residents of Rangiwahia have been more than generous. They constantly ask how we are settling in and offer any extra house furnishings they have. Clarissa, the primary teacher, arranged for us to borrow a car. Tonight, we had our first driving experience on the left hand side as we threaded the streets of Palmerston North. We were very excited to see shops and restaurants like Pompeii Pizza, where we devoured a Colossus!!! Rrrorrrrwww!