whew!

The boxes are slowly disappearing, and the dog is starting to feel a little more like part of the family than a rather unruly and intrusive visitor. We've renamed her 'Shadow' - she is mostly black, with a little white blaze on her chest and a few white bits on paws and muzzle. She is a soppy thing and just wants to be part of the family; we tied her up outside at Nanny and Grandpa's during Christmas dinner and she just cried. Then she chewed through the lead. Then she chased and caught a chicken. O the ignominy. O the disgrace! However, all the fowls were back in their hutch by nightfall although they disappeared into the trees for most of the day, and I think we are all forgiven. Just!
We are enjoying the weather - hot! Baking out the chill of Dunedin! We've met up with some old friends from Bible College, Mark and Anne Pavelka who have been working in South America, and had the Franks over for tea last night, who head back to Brazil in a couple of weeks.
Hannah is bearing up well with the inconvenience of a broken arm - she is very cross about not swimming! And it is hot and heavy and itchy. Apart from that, she is doing well. Zach was rather badly sunburnt on Sunday at the beach; I was distracted by the dog's antics. Shadow had a fabulous time chasing waves and seagulls, while Zach danced in and out of the water and the sun etched itself onto his back. (Yes, I know, I get yet another nomination for worst mother in the world.)
We've joined the Timaru library, so the girls are happy. The biggest job is setting up the library and study; it's hard to put up shelves when there are boxes in the way.
Mum and Dad are coming for New Year's Day - this will be their first visit to the new house.
A very happy New Year to all my devoted readers, some of whom I know are facing the same sorts of experiences as they move into new 'digs'. May God bless you richly.