I flew to Christchurch for the long weekend (Melbourne Cup). It is the first time I have been back since my mother's death in May. Canterbury has had a long hard winter, with a major earthquake to complicate matters. The airport terminal is still under construction, but will be ready for the Rugby World Cup in October next year. I drove up to Amberley with my brother. Sporodically there are buildings derelict with caved in roofs from the earthquake. I stayed with my father (88 and living alone) and helped him out with a few things. He is coping very well, and mostly needs help with things because of his deafness. Years using chain saws and other agricultural machinery with no ear protection has taken its toll.
