First impressions

Well here we are - we moved in a week ago and already feel right at home. A few more photos and random first impressions.

• Three immediate neighbors came to welcome us in the first 24 hours - one with a large bunch of flowers from their garden! The next day we were invited to one of the homes for drinks with all three couples. Lovely people and many laughs - especially as a few more drinks went down. (We stuck to lemon, lime and bitters!)
• The environment is simply beautiful - lake, estuary walkway and beach (see below).
• It obviously a friendly, sharing community - (see below).
• We have unpacked and settled in remarkably quickly. Only a few more boxes to empty.
• There is still some "giving away and downsizing" to do now that we see what fits where. But that's all fine.
• We are in for a busy time of entertaining all the family and friends who are keen to visit.
• We feel enormously blessed and grateful.
  
  
   Moving in day. L-R Janet, Gwenyth, Peter, Anthea, Nicky
  
  
  
   Outdoor furniture completed by Matt-in-the-hat! (My hat, he wants you to know!)
  
  
  
   Walking round the lake - things on offer…
  
  
  
  A thoughtful gesture on someone's adjacent lawn.
  
  
  
  This "for sale" bike has been locked to the railing on the estuary walkway for two days at least.
  
  
  
   Orewa Beach
  
  
  
   A wooden seat on the estuary walkway - dedicated to a child who died aged 5 yrs
  
  
  
  Another view of the lake down the walkway from  the house.
  
  
  
   Lounge with flowers from neighbors.
  
  
  
  Dining room end of living area.