John Returns Down Under

John visited Adelaide mid December to attend an EDN Conference and made the most of his short time to catch up with family and friends. Thanks to Wayne for the airport meet & greet and thanks to our dear friends Mike & Terry at Grange who not only offered their home but also a car for John to get around town on the many errands that I had set for him. Apparently there was only one occasion where he drove on the wrong side of the road but thankfully Mike screamed early enough to avert danger. The Lyons' opened their home and gave good ol' Aussie hospitality on the Saturday and a great time was had by all who attended. Thanks guys we really appreciate everything you did - including being polite enough to listen to our new found love of country music that John was so eager to share with y'all!

He also caught up with his work mates from Human Interest Partners. Talk about change - the 12 months he's been absent has seen - the change over of a director's position, numerous new staff, his original partner taking 12 months time out to travel Australia, and his original Office Manager and long time friend, Mara, choosing to move on, not to mention the birth of 2 babies! (well done Gillian and Lee) Thank you Mara for your wonderful contribution and friendship - enjoy your new venture.

John was able to have a short stopover in Auckland NZ, where he actually celebrated his birthday with our daughter Blake and her partner Jonno. He was most impressed with what he saw of Auckland and surrounding districts, including the country south which is where Jonno's family live and he had the pleasure of meeting Jonno's parents and his brother. Blake & Jonno have a boat and enjoy their fishing and took John out a couple of times to throw out a line - apparently the fish are plentiful so I look forward to many gourmet seafood meals on our upcoming visit!

' We are both going to New Zealand at Easter time as John has entered the Oxfam 100km Trailwalker event in Lake Taupo (North Island) so Blake gets to see more of her parents this year. Amazing really seeing we all live in different countries - in 2007 we saw Blake 3 times including her 2 visits to Houston and my visit to London. The world certainly is a small place!