Justice

For those of you interested, the neighbour that attacked us had the book thrown at her. Victim Support and the Police both thought she'd get away scot-free. However, she was found guilty and fined on all 3 counts. She also got a 9 month suspended conviction. Taffy had to go to court as a witness and it sounds like he was pretty impressive.
She got what she deserved, but we have lost our home and country.

Wales, innit

Well, I'm in sunny Wales now with Taffy and Pops. I flew to Liverpool - 2 hour delay on a 1 hour flight - marvellous. Cost Taffy 10 pounds to park. Can't bear to convert that to kiwi dollars!
Taffy has bought us a car. He went 50% over budget, but that's the way things are here (expensive).
I have a cellphone and I'm so excited that I know people in this country - my contact list has family and friends, no colleagues!
Still haven't made much of an effort to get a job. You can't rush these things!

hot hot hot

Wow - I'm sure England hasn't been this hot since 1976 when we all got wickedly sunburnt. I had to go to the pub today to get out of the sun. Luckily England won their first game, so it's all good.

Back in Blighty

Well, we are back in England and so far I have mixed feelings. I love being back with my family and my baby niece is adorable.
However, it's going to be hard to get used to the sheer number of people. In spite of their reputation, people in the south are very friendly. World Cup fever is in the air and St. Georges Cross is flying from cars, homes, pubs etc.. Personally, I'd trade it all in to watch the rugby tests this weekend.
We are thinking of living in Poole and Taffy has sent his CV off. As the homemaker, I'll wait until we are settled before job seeking. I hope there will be non-IT opportunities here. We're a bit shocked by the price of everything and the amount of taxes, but we'll get used to it.
It's really hot and sunny here. I've already been shopping and bought 2 new outfits including shoes. That would have taken weeks in Wellington.
I've been to Sainsbury's every day and I'm amazed at the range of products avaliable. I feel a bit foreign in my own country at the moment - oh well, at least I speak the language!