It's a six hour drive but first I have to pack the car. And before that address the thorny issue of care for Lionel. In the end, it's not that difficult. I put him on a waiting list for Ranui, the rest home Tui went when she needed care, and where Lionel goes once a week for Enliven. Where oldies make chutney, play games and socialise. Apparently Lionel has been dropping off to sleep lately. I feel reassured by the fact we can defer Lionel's admission if we're not ready. Hopefully we'll get him through summer at home. But Nick needs some certainty and I hope this will give her an option if she gets to the end of her tether.
With the car loaded, though not as packed to the gunnels as usual, no trees this time, I take off. I've done this drive many times and have routine stops: the Omarama public toilets, the layby on the shores of Lake Pukaki looking towards Mt Aoraki, the loos at Geraldine. Today, when I stop at the lake, I hear the engine burbling. The temperature guage is halfway between H and C but the front panel of the car feels hot. I imagine I can smell heat so I lift the hood. Waves wet my trousers as I wade into the lake with empty ginger beer bottles. As I'm limping back over the stones a helpful Wellingtonian heads toward me to see if I need help. A problem shared.... he tactfully offers useful advice on topping up the radiator without opening the radiator cap. Auntie Cora desparately needs a drink.
I don't panic but keep topping up all the way to Christchurch. It's a pain but the alternative is worse. I delay dinner to check out progress with the floor. Not much but there's a pile of wood in each bedroom and mine has started. I thought more would be down but, no matter. Kahu and I water the newly planted trees. Only one is wilting.
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