Clever Jack has managed, medical mystery, to trap fluid behind both ear drums which amplifies sound and noise, and my melodic voice, to the point of being very painful. The treatment is a decongestant which kept him awake all night the first night and he takes a much reduced dosage which also lowers its effectiveness. A short hike to a higher lookout point yesterday with some serious yawning and gum chewing while on top,m seemed to improve it marginally. WE may be visiting this tiny knoll daily for several days. The possibility of an appointment with an ENT, because we are outside the system and not an emergency puts the appointment in August. Maybe we can return for the visit...ha!The lump in my breast that was "fine needle aspirated" proved to be negative. It was a routine mammogram that turned into a closer examination necessitating some tissue samples and lab work which fortunately was all good. I was touched when I found out that the Branch members, who knew about the examination were praying for me. Knowing that friends and Branch members were praying for me was strengthening and add to that the blessing of having their prayers answered. It was a memorable, tender moment for me. I will not forget it. It sounds like we have lived at the clinic the past week, which is not true but just doing what is necessary to stay healthy. We loved attending the "graduation ceremonies" for the handicapped patrons who come to the fair grounds weekly to ride horses. You would have thought we were at the Academy Awards for the significance it held in their lives. Each patron was given a certificate with a ribbon attached, which becomes a treasure and source of pride for them. We are blessed to know these precious people and rub shoulders with the fabulous volunteers who appear weekly to groom the horses, walk the horses with a mount astride around the paddock then, when the day is over, return the horses to the paddock where they stay for a week. It continues to be one of the favorite things that couple missionaries participate in and we know why.Weeds are disguising themselves as carrots in our carrot bed! We weeded for a few minutes then Jack attacked them the next day. All is well. Have I commented before on the value that is placed on tomatoes as a sort of status symbol because some sort of "plastic tunnel", or hot house, is required to grow them in? If you grow tomatoes in Southland (the big district that includes the bottom 1/3 of the south island) you have a plastic tunnel. We will be the recipient of the abundance of tomatoes 'cause we don't have a hot house! Can't wait. Ate broad beans (never had them before) from the neighbors garden yesterday. They look like a lima beans but cook and taste like a pea, once you remove the battleship gray outer skin around the bean. (The fresh bean is a pinkish color which turns to battleship gray when cooked.) The inside of the pod has the most exquisite system of fibers to cushion and protect each bean. I should have been a biology teacher! Sorry.We miss the farmers markets on the north island that were full of fresh vegges and fruit. We attended the one here in Gore Saturday and saved heaps of money. We bought nothing. Too early for the vegges and several tables were marketing meat products from a variety of the local dairy, sheep and antelope farmers. The variety will improve, we have heard.We sang Christmas songs for Sacrament Meeting today as you probably did, also. I think the season will be like watching something through a thick fog. Summer just doesn't cut it for Christmas Spirit! It will probably be our most meaningful Christmas as we ponder the Savior and his life. We are looking forward to a break from the hustle of the commercialism of the season.Our Branch continues to be a spiritual feast for us. It was wonderful to hear and share our testimonies with them. They are good people and wonderful Saints.We love you and pray for all of you...Enjoy this special time of year. Remember, HE is the reason for the season!Love, Dixie

Auds, I see the picture titles underlined but dit you actually see the photos? Or do I have to re-send them...sorry. I may be home before I figure this out. Did you know you are the guinea pigs? I sure do love you. Mom


statue of the Romney ram in Gore.jpg

A Romney Ram at auction which sells for up to 4 thousand dollars.jpg

A school crossing in Gore.jpg

the broad bean in its cushioned habbitat..jpg

Farmer Jack.jpg

The wee knoll where Jack was popping his ears.jpg