view from scottish residence
our retreat on the yorkshire moors
libby- our 1st grandchild
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April 7th- August 21st 2006
How 4 ½ months flew past. Our initial concerns of routines, boredom and generally feeling unsettled were soon dispatched. We spent the first few weeks orientating ourselves, sorting out zebedee, putting our few worldly goods together, but most importantly spending time with our loved ones- Rog’s mother, son, sister and her family, and cousins; my 2 daughters with their partners and our first granddaughter. Somebody has to be at the end of a list, so please friends don’t take it personally because all of you are very much wanted, particularly those who keep in close contact by internet.
When the honeymoon stage had to end, I managed to find a Nurse Practitioner post in Yorkshire. Westcliffe Medical Practice in Shipley (just outside Bradford) were brave enough to let me join their fantastic team as a locum. Rog also found work in the area at one of his cousins homes, so for 3 months we rented a caravan on the edge of the moors for 4 days a week, returning to Lincolnshire and the family for the other 3. That time was an unexpectedly happy one- we both enjoyed our jobs and at weekends were able to continue close relationships with friends and family. Of course we were also able to put some pennies together to pay for flights to NZ! And then I met Ghislaine- a fellow Nurse Practitioner—what a super friend, I was so privileged to work with her.
Midway through, we took a break, whilst Jem and Barbara drove us up to Scotland, a favourite haunt of theirs. Another of Rog’s cousins kindly lent us their cottage on the west coast overlooking a stunningly colourful bay. So cosy, we all felt at home there. As usual we giggled for most of the 4 day trip. Jem with his usual enthusiasm went over the top in showing us his beloved country. Best of all was watching the salmon leaping upstream over huge waterfalls to get back to their spawning areas. Amazing stuff- I shall feel guilty every time I eat salmon. What memories.
Whilst all this activity was going on, behind the scenes, plans and paperwork were being completed. We are just young enough (!) to be accepted by the New Zealand government who are short of both experienced nurses and builders. After CXR’s and a job offer from a nursing agency in NZ, we heard that our years work visa’s had been granted. So the next stage in “Langstaffs on tour“ was on; last minute preparations (including putting zebedee into storage) and the never ending sadness of departures. Aaaaaaaaagh- why do we keep doing this?!! New Zealand here we come.
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