I'm not in Kansas anymore

Sitting in the Auckland airport watching the rain and clouds and realizing that it will be at least a year before I see desert again. Coming in to Auckland there was nothing but green hills and trees. Although it was cool with grey skies upon arrival, it has now progressed to a steady rain that will likely follow me to Christchurch in an hour when I head there on my next flight. The red-eye from LAX was uneventful with plenty of sleep and a row of empty seats for sleeping pleasure. Still can't believe that the plan that seemed so far in the future is now here and I actually start working on Monday. Imagine my excitement when I read in the paper that the swine flu has overrun the local clinics here. So I get to deal with mass hysteria again on this side of the world. The kids are having a great time at Hume Lake, Felicia is happily preparing the house for our departure, and we will all be together again in a week or so.