Everyone in NZ seems to go off for summer vacations right around Christmas as it is the traditional "shut-down" period for factories. So we wait until second half of January to go camping. And this year was no different: we had the whole valley to ourselves. Whites and David's friend joined us for four nights without plumbing and electricity. Since the place was vacant we spread out over five campsites: adults and dogs in the main camp, girls around the corner, under the trees and the boys set up their two tents near the open playing field. There were 11 of us and it was easy to get several organized for a hike, a swim, a game of cricket or cards, so there was always something going on, even in the rain. One night the boys' two tents were drenched and everything got soaked. Luckily the sun came out next day and with a day long fire they managed to dry everything out. One day Susi and Steve made a Fijian "lovo'", cooking our meal on top of heated river rocks in a hole covered by leaves and earth. One evening we checked out the glowworms which are easily found right off the road. Was a spectacular view with hundreds in action and they seemed much brighter than the ones we have seen in caves. Our big adventure was the Hihi track which forced us to cross three streams that were in full rage from the days of rain. Then we climbed a hill that opened up to scenery that made you feel as if you were in Austria. Since we were followed by a herd of around 50 young bulls Matthew called it the "Sound of Moo-sic".

After 15 months of bare floor we finally had the lounge carpeting laid in January. We began looking for a new lounge suite in Dec. We had sold our old set in 1988. So we moved in our yard furniture until we got the new suite. Put in chandelier lights at one end and ceiling fan with lights at the other end.

David got his driver's license but has no need of a car, so he has only driven a few times on his own and once an awhile with family. He still prefers to walk into town.

I joined the NZ M.E. Society and the magazines are full of information. Basically, no one knows what causes it, it's hard to tell if you got it, and there is no cure. Its comforting knowing that I am not crazy and that many others have the same symptoms. In fact, I am not nearly as bad as most. I can still get a few things done. Eventually, you end up in bed most of the time too weak to do much. In F act the latest issue had many stories of people who had recovered after many years of suffering. The secret seems to be to rest as much as possible and let the body's immune system fight the virus. It's like having a permanent~ flu. But I don't like to rest.