A very busy, but oh so enjoyable August

On the last day of August, I reflect on the many things that have happened.Simon had a lovely birthday on the 1st August, playing golf and then dining at our favourite restaurant , Ashiyana's with Udo and the Battison family Doug, Maree and their sons, Harris 9and Lewis 6 years of age( Doug and Udo are two of my delightful work colleagues and several of Simon's Fiji golfing partners )Then Simon actually flew out to Australia to be with his Mum. She was so thrilled to have him home for a few weeks and her health improved remarkably. I was very busy with work AND I decided to make tomato relish in Fiji ! a challenge , but it turned out quite edible and everyone wants the recipe, so it must be OK. It is peak tomato season here and the mangoes are just starting. The sugar cane season is in full swing and if you strike sugar cane train you have to wait for a long time as they are sooooo long !
I also was invited by 2 of my students who are sisters, to attend a Methodist Church service. It was 2 hours long and 95 % in Fijian,and their singing voices were stunning. It brought back many childhood memories of the Wesley hymns. It was quite emotional as I thought of my gorgeous Dad who was a strong Methodist devotee.
Simon is back now and we have just enjoyed having Peter Conyers, a golfing mate, over here for a week. I needed to visit Suva, so dropped them at The Pearl Resort and Golf course for one night and picked them up the next day on our return to Nadi.
They squeezed in 5 games of golf in the week, which included one game at the new 36 million dollar course at the Intercontinental Hotel in Natadola, about half an hour away from here. This weekend we welcome Christopher across here for 2 weeks.
Our 29 Certificate 3 students graduated on Friday 28th August. Kerryn was able to return from Australia to share in the celebrations and work with me for the week leading up to the Graduation. What a very memorable evening it was for everyone.
The weather is still delightful at 27 or 28 each day... what a wonderful place to live and work... soon I will need to make a decision about 2010... mmmmm....