I have known Patsy since 1980. In fact, she and her friend Margaret visited us in the States a few years ago. However, I had never met her new husband, Maurice. We had a delightful time making and renewing acquaintances. Patrick and Maurice, being avid gardeners, had quite a time together. That evening, we had a wonderful meal with them and Margaret and her husband Maury. We also had an evening of candid discussions. (Patrick and I are at opposite ends of the centralist political spectrum.) While in N.Z. all my friends wanted to know what I thought of George Bush. I bit my tongue quite a bit while Patrick elaborated on his virtues. I mention this fact because it tells a little about the Kiwis. They tend to be worldly knowledgeable. When you dine at a Kiwi home, you should expect to have conversations about subjects other than sports and the latest movie. The better read you are, the better.

While on this trip I tried to maintain my daily practices of yoga and Tai Chi. The poem that follows talks about my early morning Tai Chi experience in the enclosed yard.