It's been too long since my last post.  Finally, Bob and I are living in the same place fulltime.  Even though it is temporary, it's nice to have our own space not living in someone else's house. Many changes...now living by the lake in Austin - thankfully not by Clear Lake anymore.  Amazingly Hurricane Ike passed over knocking out power to 2 million subscribers with very casualties but much property damage.  Accommodated a couple of my friends from the Houston area.  Life is slowly returning to normal there, although power is not fully restored yet.  The universities, workplaces and schools are all opening next week.

Divina has moved to Washington State - so Rich is solo for the first time in four years.  I don't think he likes rooming with two other bachelors.  Anthony is full swing into his studies and working late nights to support himself.  

I'll be happy to get my first paycheck in my new teaching job which I am loving, though still adjusting to the school district.   The great thing about small town living is the sense of community you experience.  Having grown up in a small town it's like coming home.   The wildlife here ranges from Blue Heron (nesting) on the cliffs above the lake to Jack Rabbits and Foxes running across the fields.  Deer are everywhere - laying on the golf courses, ambling across the road and turning to look at you as if to say "I'm crossing the road, slow down."  Unfortunately, there are families of skunks evident - but we haven't seen any lately hanging around our building site.

Our house is well underway and we should be able to move into it before the end of the year.  The walls have been textured ready for paint.   Next week the kitchen cabinets arrive.  The stone will be next to be installed to the exterior downstairs and to the two storey columns.

Recently, I've reconnected with my whanau from New Zealand who have transplanted themselves in Australia.  There's relatives living in Melbourne, Sydney and the Brisbane.