It's strange to be back in Alex with no family but the drive from Airport Rd in feels so familiar, it's like coming home. Lynette's, where I'm staying is just down the road from the house in Fir Close but I don't dwell on it. Time with Tui and Lionel has been and gone, that part of my life in two boxes under the sod in Clyde cemetery.
Lynette and I go for a bike ride to the airport. Feels like the same routine, just a little different and Lynette is a faster pedaller. I go to visit Maxine in her shop, Matau, and she poses with her latest art work, a tiger she painted during lockdown. She has been busy sourcing old stuff and the inside is attractive, luring people through the door to browse, pick up and buy. Debbie's ice cream, Nom Nom, is next. As good as ever, especially old friends.
The weather heats up. Some would say, like the summers of old, but climate change makes me nervous and I wish for cooler temperatures. The lake is cooling but the nights are warm so sleeping with one sheet. I start to feel itchy again and realise I've got scabies, round 2. I'm sure it's from Sharyn and when I look at her wearing my hat on Christmas Day, I know. So I contact Bertie to send me some permethrin left over in the cupboard. I could do without the drama but at least Lynette is cool about it.
The week passes with visits, chutney making and general wind down. Lots of jigsaws, like days of old, but I can't get Lynette to go out. She's a little stuck and bored. I do my best to make things happen and go to Wanaka, visiting Cromwell friends on the way.
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