Bentley's of Kaiapoi

Bentley's is a Bar and Bistro - its a nice modern place, warm and comfortable. Its in a horseshoe block of buildings all of which got hit badly by the earthquake in September. The block was destined to come down but since Tuesday its had a helping hand.

Good news today in the respect Lyttleton port is now operating for dispatch of fuel and containers of goods. It will be a slow process as only a small part of the port is in operation. There is little fuel in our small town and our supermarket shelves are bare, people are queuing for both. I will be getting some groceries tomorrow at one of the larger supermarket chains in Christchurch, I will probably have to que but I'm hoping for fuller shelves - Daughter E works for one of them and says they have way more supplies.

Helicopters have been coming and going non stop. They're delivering meals to Christchurch to areas where people can't get out. Local people in our small town are preparing the meals, helicopter seems to be the best way to get them delivered when they're still hot.

Mail service is meant to resume on Monday and some newspapers are preparing free daily editions.

We have offered our house and facilities to workmates of my hubbys - people are ever so grateful to come have a shower, use the washing machine, have a meal or two or three etc and have some time out.

Its going to take time.....

For the record: 145 confirmed dead so far and 200 still missing.