falling apart

Don't be disturbed by the title! All is well, my ankle's doing amazingly well even though I didn't have time to "take the cure" here in a Rotorua spa. I think I have a thistle or splinter in my thumb, or maybe that's just a blister from horse reins. Other than some residual bruising from saddle, this ole gal is in good shape. A cold was travelling among the kids on the Kiwi Experience tour bus, so if I arrive home with it, you'll know from whence it came.

Some of my possessions not doing as well! Combination of age, overuse/weight stress, and the salt air in some cases. A partial list:

• One broken elastic bracelet
• Two broken pairs of sunglasses
• Front button on Levis cords fell off - not actually a button but grommet thing? No idea how to sew it back on. Thank god I brought a belt.
• One broken strap on stuff bag
• Broken zipper on my favourite small pouch, one reason I did not bring a camera on my epic horse trek

Then there's the disappearing act that is my baggage. Not unusual when doing hostels, which can be a bit chaotic. So far I've only lost some soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, and a container of Manuka honey. (*update: it showed up again way in bottom of bag - woohoo!) The woven flax flower Letitia gave me is looking a little squished, but still intact.