On 29 January, two weeks after arriving back to our island world we were on our way back from the ritual Friday night Volunteer drinkies at Deco Stop Lodge’s Happy hour when Louise fell off her bike at low speed. She broke her wrist badly (see photo left) and after inspection at the Medical Centre and X-rays the following day, we were flown home, courtesy of the VSA Travel/Medical Insurer. The first week back in Christchurch was dominated by time spent in Christchurch Hospital, the second by us keeping a low profile while she with the wounded wing rested.

We saw our kids but the need for rest meant we did not announce our stay to friends so it was a strange stay, being there but in some ways, being anonymous visitors.

We finally arrived back here to our Santo home of 16 February. Louise is physically restricted in her range of activities but is diligently, if not enthusiastically, working on the Poultry Unit business plan.

For me, there was a sense of unsettlement which took a week to shake off and get nuts back on the brain.