Happy New Year

New Years Eve was spent at the home of Brent and Debbie Buckner.  Brent is the Director for Temporal Affairs.  We had a spectacular meal followed by several new cards games played with Rook cards.  Also at the party was Bruce and Patsy Brereton and Elder and Sister Pearson and 3 of their young adult children.   We lasted until midnight - a rare occasion these days - and then made the trip home.  We have to admit that this was probably one of the first times in a long time that we have stayed up past midnight.  It was interesting to realize that New Zealand is one of the first countries and Auckland is the first major city to ring in the New Year.

http://newyearseveblog.com/supercity-auckland-perfect-place-new-years-eve-celebration/

New Years Day we invited the senior couples to our apartment (flat) for an open house.  There are at least 12 senior couples who live in our apartment complex.  Several people came by and it was good to be able to just visit.  We each have different responsibilities within the Mission/Area Office so we do not get the chance to visit very often.  Several couples had traveled somewhere for the holidays. We were excited to learn about all the places we may want to go this next year.  Strawberries are now in season, therefore Susan made her Strawberry Roll recipe.  As always, it was a hit.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and even planned an excursion for the next day to the Gannet Colony on the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island.  Stay tuned to learn more about the Gannet Colony.