On the Saturday  I took my pickers Kaki, Stella and Cedric  to Bicheno which is near where one of the bush fires decimated I think 15 houses. They had a fund raising day with lots of music and everyone donated lots of things which were raffled off. Fortunately the weather held off and there was no rain. It would have been prophetic if it had rained on the day they were trying to raise money and awareness for the plight of those hurt by the bushfire.

Wasn’t I lucky to be given the day off as I was becoming ratty. Fortunately Ann didn’t get overwhelmed as not so many people turned up what with all the functions going on and garage sales everywhere and a big market day in St. Helens. But I needed the break. It was good seeing humanity on another basis.

On returning to the farm there was bad news that night. My new man Cedric from France found that his grandfather died suddenly and he is now returning to France. He is a very interesting man and nice to be with a young well focused man.

What a coincidence in that his father’s name is Denis and his mother’s Ann so I guess we have something in common. I am sorry to see him go as I was learning lots from him (computer wise and had hoped to learn lots more) . Alas that’s the way passages of life go. It is never wise to take things for granted.

For us the season is almost at an end. Stella also leaves today for a quick tour of Tasmania with Down Under Under Tours and then off to Sydney. Although she cannot hear she has managed to become an invaluable member of our team and we will sorely miss her.

So we have abruptly been reduced to having only Kaki here and she too will leave at the middle of the month. Fortunately for us most of the stonefruit has been picked and the apples and pears are not too difficult. Still we are looking for replacements as we are now too long in the teeth to do everything anymore.

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From everyone at Eureka Farm thanks for your support and your friendships.