From Elaine Arriving in New Zealand

We arrived the other day without our luggage. We really didn't want to buy all new things. The good news was we did had the roll-on which had our medicines for 3 months. Now we can stay alive a bit longer. The luggage was found and delivered except Peter’s. They weren't sure where it was. We got a friendly email from a congregant who said “What a world! One day in Chicago, 2 days later in New Zealand and luggage in Belgium Congo. Peter wrote back and said, “I hope the person who gets the luggage enjoys my new tallit.” Good news, it did show up the next day.

 So far people have been very nice and welcoming.Speaking of  lost ting. Peter had meetings at the synagogue on Wed. and parked the car in front of the building not seeing a tow away zone between 4-6 pm. The President asked during the board meeting, “ Where did you park your car?” Peter told him and then with a blank face he said, “ I think it was towed.” Then the treasuer of the congregation drove Peter to the pound.  At the pound they asked Peter “What is the make of the car? What is the license plate number?" Now the blank face was Peter’s. They were nice enough to let him walk around until he located the car.  When the treasurer went to pay the fine, they discovered the registration was out of date. No problem they paid both fines and got a new registration.

 By the way do you know why you buy only 8 eggs in a carton? Because there is space in the refrigerator for only 8. BTW We better not get sick. One frozen chicken is $15.99 on sale. No chicken soup for us. Prices are very high. We decided to get what we needed and not think about the price. It is not the way I usually work but I guess we have to. Otherwise I won't enjoy this new life. Weather is very cold and they don't have central heating. We have room heaters in two rooms. We would wear sweaters. However, we didn't bring any. We have to find some sheep that aren’t being used for New Zealand lamb.

            We are having a great time. Tonight is Peter’s first service. They are having a potluck to welcome us.

 Shabbat Shalom

 Elaine