June journeys

June wound up with a real mix of activity for the AthoTurnbull clan - summer fun in England, Germany and Italy. Sadness yet a celebration of life in Auckland. Stephen put in some work in Townsville. Bill's funeral was touching with a singing Anglican vicar (an ex Liverpool rock band singer), a contribution of Maori traditions, readings from Paulie & few friends and family, plus a nice eulogy from (Catholic) family friend Monsignor Bernard Kiely.

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June 19... study continues for Olivia and pals (including practicing clinical skills) In Oxford James is visited by Auntie Christa Powell and clan. And Nick & Elena enjoy the European sunshine (Nick also headed to meet Christa in Barcelona) .. it's actually warmer outside than inside this wintery Brisbane day
But sunshine quickly turns to a winter downpour and Stephen clears the gutters Wet and in 10 degree temperature. Yuk June 21 - Stephen & Paulie are Back in Auckland to support Margot and Bec Bill's funeral was lovely & with a Maori flavour care of friend Joanna who performed a karanga (calling the dead) as the casket was bought in. "Haere mai rā te āhuatanga i ō tātou mate tuatini, e haere mai!"
Tangi (funeral) traditions including a kawakawa leaf wreath Staying with Margot, all could still all enjoy a good laugh Stephen headed home on the 26th for work...and passed the baton on to Olivia , who just finished exams. Stephen was literally given car keys at Brisbane airport And the gals joined Margot, Bec and JJ at the chilly beach for a change of scene
Also chilly and out of firewood in Brisbane June 30 - Turnbull sibs meet at the airport as Pete is enroute to Wellington July 1 - Stephen headed to Townsvile for LiftUpp and his work. A morning walk up Castle Hill The Goat track was steeper than he recalled ...
... and he suffered sore muscles after jogging down and back to the hotel Planting the glade where Turnbull ashes lay. In NZ, Orakei gals Friday night Stephen was hosted by Kent & Jill Adams at their hilltop villa. The Royal Show is in town.
Meanwhile, on a break in Eppenbrunn Germany.... the men get manly Saturday the 2nd... Stephen delayed his return so all can land in Brisbane at the same time. Time killed on a walk... The bugs are big up north Along the strand.
In Auckland the Kiwi contingent vote in Aussie elections at the consulate Pea Brain Stephen can't find a voting station in Townsville CBD ... ... nor on the Strand... ... nor at the recently developed Jezzine Barracks at Kissing Point
Where fear of invasion even in the late 1800s lead to a fort development But now remembers indigenous who served And others who were allies (here remembering the the Coral Sea battles of WWII) 15 km later & walking back to head to the airport a school is spotted & Stephen votes.