Well we have left Wellington and are now on board the Interislander ferry to the South Island.Everyone says that the South Island is the most beautiful and I eagerly await this next part of this journey.

The trip, so far has been exquisite, we have seen so many wonderful and different things.The CoromandelPeninsula and Hahei were absolutely gorgeous.The scenic drives to Rotorura and Taupo and then to Wellington were amazing.

Obviously, for me, the highlight has been visiting with Teva and meeting my new family members, Jacqui, Kin and Theo.It felt so good being invited into, and participating in, their daily lives.We did some walking around Wellington, went swimming in the local pool, visited the local fresh market, went shopping, saw Teva's shoppe, went to the cinema (Princess Frog and Avatar), went to the zoo, walked on the beach and through the nature reserve, hung out with Elspeth and Francesco, cooked fine meals, did lots of washing (both clothes and dishes), read nighttime stories, polished finger nails, Debbie and I even got to baby-sit—and so much more.We did normal things, as a family.

Jacqui is a great woman and a wonderful Mum and the "proof is in the pudding" with the amazing Kin and the sweet little Theo.Kin is beautiful, inquisitive, eloquently verbal and very clear about what is right and wrong.The two weeks that we spent watching Theo grow were precious moments.He went from a floppy little baby to an alert, interactive and charming wee lad.His smiles, of course, melted me.And what can I say about Teva?I am impressed with my son.He is clearly living a life that he loves, he is clearly with a woman he adores and he is a fine man.The shoppe that he is managing is beautiful and embodies consciousness.He is really good at what he does and the people that work with him really like the way he is—everyone spoke with fondness and admiration about him.He is a caring father to his children.We spent two weeks with them and it was a joy.The lifestyle reminded me of when I was younger and the feeling of living a little closer to the Earth—it is a good reminder of how to live with more simplicity and consciousness.

Hi all, it's me Debbie.

For me the trip so far has also been wonderful. The first week traveling down to Wellington was magical with all ofNew Zealand's beauty and charm.And the 2 weeks we stayed at Teva's and Jacqui's was a true reminder of how one can live so simply. A wee small kitchen provided us delicious meals, the one bathroom was certainly adequate for all of us to shower and the beautiful smell of our clean clothes brought in from the line hanging outside smelling of New Zealand's winds and sunshine. Its time for me to try it in Florida.

A great big thank you to the Stewart/Moyes family for letting us be such a big part of their family. I loved getting to know each and everyone of them… baby Theo grow and Kin be such a joy was just beautiful!!!

And now on to our next destination… The South Island. I am ready to explore.

We do not have regular access to the internet so our blogs will be hit and miss for a while but we will add them when we do have access.