Attached is a small article I have sent to VSA for possible inclusion in one of their publications. It charts the process of getting sewer rods ordered and delivered from the UK – quite an exercise! Sewer Rods Delivered
We continue to maintain good health but Arawa is pretty sodden- we haven’t had more than 1or 2 days without a torrential downpour for some months now. A major plus is that it helps keep the temperature reasonable but humidity is very high. We are pretty well isolated from the rest of the world – a local chief died in Buka on Wednesday and they haven’t yet been able to transport his body back – it appears to be coming back by boat to-day!
We finally managed to find some plain flour in a shop yesterday – there has been none in town for a few weeks now. Any bread we could get tasted awful. Rosie has become a dab hand breadmaker but without flour even she couldn’t produce bread. The rumour is that sugar is the next commodity we wre going to run out of . Why someone can’t plan this all a little better I don’t know! (” Hey we are completely out of flour/chicken/ sugar/rice,etc- we better order some more from Rabaul so that we can get a delivery in the next boat in a month’s time!”)
Dave is off to Kimbe on Monday and will be away for just over a week – so the next posting is likely to be delayed -but it might have some interesting new perspectives on Papua New Guinea!
It is very sad news about the Earthquake in Christchurch and plane crash at the Glaciers. Our thoughts and prayers with those involved.
I spotted this interesting hibiscus recently – where the stamen normally is there is another small flower!
TAKE CARE AND BEST WISHES!
Daveandrosie's Blog 
Hi Guys,
That sounds so typical. Well done on a successful outcome. Love reading your blog. Keep up the good work.
Lotsalove,
Anne & Glenn
HI Rosie and Dave,
Great to read up on your adventures – moving sounds like another chapter! i was talking to Mary C the other day and she was telling me about the library. Please get in touch when you come back here and let me know what kind of books you need and where to send them – or email me. our “Young Vinnies” might like it a s a project
love
Jan
Hi Dave and Rosie
We are enjoying your fascinating blogs and reports and photos. Things are certainly done (or not done) differently in Bougainville!!
So you think your sodden, we have had rediculous rain here in Whakatane too. Sick of the bog – bring back the drought! Hope the Riddicks arrived safely – we haven’t heard.
Best Wishes
John & Sue
well done Dave. Those rods look quite impressive. Sorry John and Sue unless you have been to Arawa i really don’t think we in NZ know what rain is like. Sounds like it was when we first arrive last year. We heard from Murray he got stuck and the Riddicks had long trip down!!
take care
Laine
It’s holidays, have finally read your blog, apart from art and craft in Arawa which I couldn’t get to come up.
Man, what a lot of patience and perseverance needed to achieve anything.
Had to laugh Rosie at you getting your pawpaw.
You’ll be pleased to have your break coming up -bet the thought of that keeps you going!
Love, Sue and Eric
Sorry about the connection problem on Arts and crafts in Arawa- working on it. Something new to challenge the neurons! Check back in a day or two