The drive back from Durango was nice: sunny, snowy, not much traffic. When we arrived home, however, we had to shovel about 8 inches of snow! The snow was fluffy, and with four people helping the driveway was finished quickly. Laura and Checkers saw friends on Monday (December 19) while Brian and I got stuff ready to go. On Tuesday, we took a shuttle to Denver International Airport, then went to San Francisco International airport, where we were met by Brian’s brother, his family and their mom, Grandma Pat. We shared a lovely meal and lots of conversation, took a few photographs, then Megan (Brian’s niece) gave us traditional Christmas Cookies! YUM! We brought them to New Zealand. 

Also at San Francisco Airport, we saw a historical display of Mechanical Slot Machines.

Then the long plane flight over the Pacific Ocean, landing in Auckland!
*****Written by Clare*****

12/17/2016, Durango Colorado

Part of the excuse we have for going to New Zealand is to celebrate our younger daughter’s graduation from college. We celebrated our older daughter’s graduation with a trip to three “Lands”, Iceland, England and Ireland. Checkers received her BS in chemistry with a math minor this morning, so we will go to another land.

Yesterday, me, Brian and Laura, our older daughter, drove to Durango from Denver to be here for the graduation. On the way, we were wondering out loud what Christmas will be like in the Southern Hemisphere. Would they bother with Christmas lights? We will be flying on the Solstace, so the daytimes will be at maximum. And so many of the carols would be odd. It will be fun to find out!

Last night, we all went to a concert called, “The Majesty of Christmas” at which Checker’s boyfriend was singing. We thought it was a short group of carols, but it turned out to be longer, with a lot of instrumental Christmas music as well. The performers were talented, and I think we were all glad to be reminded of some of the old songs. Most originated in Europe: England, Germany, Czechoslovakia etc., and many I had never heard before.

Here we are in front of the Clock Tower at Fort Lewis College, graduation day.

*****Written by Clare*****

Brian, Clare, Laura, and Checkers are off to New Zealand for the holidays this year. The trip will begin on December 20 with a flight to San Francisco, which connects to a rather long flight to Auckland arriving in the morning of December 22. The map shows many of the cities that we will be visiting. Of course, there are many interesting things to see and do there; Lord of the Rings/Hobbit filming locations, hot springs, volcanoes, beaches, mountains, glaciers, kayaking, caves, Maori villages, and just tramping around and thinking about the geologic circumstances of the places. Postings will begin around December 20-22 and continue until our departure on January 12.

*****Written by Brian*****