Ringing in the New Year

We're enjoying a "fruitful" summer here in New Zealand with fresh plums and apricots and berries of all kinds. After a nice 2-hour hike on our favorite track, I dragged John berry picking at a farm this afternoon, and our favorites so far are Boysenberries and Loganberries... the Marionberries, Tayberries, Gooseberries, Kataka and Currents were a bit strange, but the Raspberries are good, of course. I'm afraid we both ate a few too many while picking, but managed to bring a few home. I've frozen some whole and cooked some down for future use.
This week is the Nelson Jazz Festival which we have enjoyed at a couple different venues. Tomorrow, we will go to yet another concert at another park, this time with a food basket. I suppose we would blend into the crowd better if we also pack a bottle of wine.
Right now, we hope to leave on an extended holiday early next week. With John's teaching job beginning in February, we figure it's now or never for exploration of the South Island. Ironically, there have been reports of snow in the higher elevations, so we'll make sure to take warm clothes along. So much for that global warming!
Love, Sue