Looking at the Aotea Island booking this morning Susannah notices that I’ve messed up our ferry tickets and I have just booked for one car and driver, no passenger. Well spotted! This could have been a disaster! I hastily call to fix it and luckily the issue is remedied with no drama. Thank goodness. I blame my chemo brain which has returned, or perhaps never really went away.

We had planned a group trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island today but again the travel Gods are not on our side. We can get ferry tickets to the Island but there is only one seat available for the return trip. We change tack and decide to go to Tawharanui Beach instead. We convoy with me, Susannah, Lz and B in one car, and Mum, Sister C, Sister K, and H in the other. Half way there Lz takes over driving our vehicle – the Canadians have to practice driving on the left in NZ conditions before they head South in their rental vehicle. She does great except for one right turn off the highway where she nearly pulls out in front of oncoming traffic. All 3 of us cry STOP! in unison and near death is avoided. It’s a wee bit scary but best to learn now while there are other people also paying attention.

At Tawharanui we introduce Lz and B to body boarding. The waves are small and gentle so a great day for them to learn without fear.

K spends some time just standing in the shallows taking photos and manages to capture each of us with the same goofy grins as we ride to shore. It’s a great day out and now Lz and B understand what Susannah and I like to do for fun in summer. They’ve also had a nice opportunity to spend time with and get to know my family.

On the way home B drives. We arrive safely and order fish and chips for the 8 of us. After dinner Susannah and I take the opportunity to talk about out Aotea Island plans and announce the other reason for planning a party the following weekend.

We are getting married!

We are eloping to Aotea Island where we will hold a private ceremony on the beach. We’ll then celebrate with family at the party after we get back. We were not sure how everyone would react to our news but they all exclaim happily in unison. It is a moment of joy shared by everyone that brings tears to my eyes but also leaves me grinning.

It’s wonderful to have something positive to look forward to.