Adventures with Dale and Gilli

Of course we love having friends and family to stay and the ensuing adventures. The four of us had Monday lunch (Waitangi Weekend) at Murdoch James winery overlooking the river. Heading back to the farm, David's car emitted rather large quantities of steam. We stopped. Believe it or not, now one of us had a cell phone with us. Hardly mattered. Firstly cos Vodafone's coverage in the area was completely out, and secondly cos every second car stopped and offered to help. We phone the AA who said they'd have someone with us within the hour. We waited. And waited. And waited. byt he time the second photo was taken, we were playing guess what colour the next car is going to be.

Two hours later, a generous heart offered to take Gilli and I to the farm, 38ks out of his way. Of course we agreed and was sprited home to get the car to pick up David and Dale. By the time we got back, another 38 ks, they had gone. I phoned the AA, the truck had gone to Pirinoa!!! and not 3ks south of the Ponatahi school. This is now 3 hours after our original call. I phoned the Parkvale motors and D and D had just arrived. Then the tow truck arrived, no keys to the car. This meant we couldnt upload the car onto the truck. The driver agreed to wait for us to pick up the guys and keys and come back. 33Km to masterton, and 33 back again!. By 8pm four very tired and grumpy people arrived home not talking very much to one another. Gilli whipped up a gorgeous broiled beef with taties and sauteed leeks, and our spirits lifted and laughter and the good will of all around us seeped in again.