It’s been a while since I posted, not since mid October in fact. We’ve been away, a long way away. We’ve been to New Zealand to visit Tom, he’s been living and working there for the last couple of years.
My goodness New Zealand is a beautiful country. 
Lake Wanaka
Sadly, whilst we were away, my brother passed away; when I heard the news, I felt every one of those many, many miles away from my family.
I was comforted to be able to be home for his funeral, which took place yesterday.
Since we’ve been home, the the Whakaari (White Mountain) volcano has erupted, with devastating consequences I’m thinking of the families of those who died and those that face life changing injuries.
I’ve much I’d like to tell you about our time in New Zealand, but for the moment, I’ll just leave this quiet, reflective post here.
Uphilldowndale 
December 13, 2019 at 10:04 pm
That’s a beautiful and thought-provoking photo. It makes me think how every step we take in life moves us further down a path fewer people are following. Every experience makes us more and more unique in a way that narrows down our situation to a place only we inhabit. Sad in a way, but beautiful if there is someone else there with you. Or three of you and a stump! What is that, a dog?
December 14, 2019 at 12:38 am
How sad that your visit should be clouded by grief.
December 14, 2019 at 12:09 pm
That’s the one country I’ve always wanted to visit but I don’t like flying/travelling. My sympathies. xx
December 14, 2019 at 6:41 pm
I’ve experienced the death of a family member when I was far distant — I remember a sense of unreality, until I was able to be with family again. I’m glad you were able to be there for the funeral, and I’m especially glad you were able to make such a wonderful trip. I’ll never make it to New Zealand, but it’s the one place in the world I’d love to visit.
December 15, 2019 at 3:02 am
My condolences. 🌷
December 17, 2019 at 12:53 am
Sorry that death should occur when you were far from your family. It has no manners death, it just crashes in and leaves those left alive to pick up the pieces.
December 18, 2019 at 8:05 pm
So very true Charles.
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January 5, 2020 at 10:53 am
Yes, isn’t NZ beautiful. We spent six weeks there in October and November, including a visit to White Island. And we saw THAT tree, at Wanaka. For interest, in case you haven’t seen it, here’s my post about ‘Wanaka Willy’ https://newzealandplatypus.wordpress.com/2019/11/23/new-zealands-most-photographed-tree/