Well it has been some time since I have written and now it is JUly!! We ahd a visit to Melbourne in February to see Heidi and Alex and to coincide with Steve and Milly's Australia trip that was all lovely. The weather wasn't that great a nasty off shore wind blowing on to the beach most days. We waved Steve ad Milly off and returned to NZ. The summer weather was not very warm seemed to have a lot of rain which has continued and really not a lot of warm - thank goodness for unlimited firewood!! The animal population has increased we have Romeo the Ram and Max a long haired Chihuahua. Lara Barbara and Aunty appear to be "in lamb" as one says in the counrty first due about the end of this month.Now that we have the beautiful sheep shed Graham has built they are all keeping warm

Taking the dogs for a walk over to the cross creek landing with Fran and Rosie

Edwina

Edwina is a little ginger white and black cat probably about 1 year old. She was left here by daughter Meredith who failed to tell us she had been a wild cat.
Once we left for out trip to England she ran away to the Dairy Farm across the road.

After our return she was spied a couple of times but too elusive for us. Finally we trapped her in a possum cage and bought her home. Kept her inside for two weeks and when she finally escaped I threw my hand in the air and said ce la vie thinking at least she was neutered and not adding to the cat population.

That night she arrived home for food and the night games that she likes so she is now settled. The others continue to be mean to her and refuse to play with her.
I am hoping that Meredith will leave her here now as I fear to move her again will be too traumatic for her.

Tempus Fugit

Can hardly believe we are in 2012. Where does time go??
Last year was a special year for us Steve and Millie were married in France it was a memorable family time for us and we all enjoyed being together. Afterwards Gra and I travelled through France on our way back to London had a very interesting journey and ate some great food.
We had two stops in Beijing and Vancouver Island both were disasterous I have decided that I am not going to stay with people I don't know again .
In Beijing we were trapped with people who were terrified of being poisoned by the local food. We only managed to get away once to some real street food the rest of the time we were trapped in the upper floors of an apartment where there was a shortage of door cards!
Vancouver Island Gra went salmon fishing with Peter (that was the object of the visit ) and I was left with Willie who was very boring had no interest other than Peter and his accomplishments. Stuck in the burbs our only activity was shopping where I spent too much. We were both pleased to escape the harsh Dutch accents which were exacerbated by the Canadian drawl. Willie meant well fortunately I had books on my Kobo and my Ipod so I could escape to bed early.
We were both glad to get on the Ferry off the Island Canada is a stangely old fashioned place but very beautiful.
Ths picture is a beautiflul French Village where we stopped for morning coffee the nameof which escapes me

Today 9th May

As usual have left it a tad late today I planted more leeks and tried some carrot tape I wonder if it will come up. Put broad beans in one of my raised vege gardens and tomorrow I have some curly Kale to put in that should do us for the winter.
I had a lovely visit with Alex Brooke and Heidi she is surely a little trick does not seeem to miss a beat.
Struggling with the book club book Corrrections all too disfunctional for me.
Trying out Paradise duck breasts tonight

Scotty

Life in a small area is thwart with preferences which I took on board when we first arrived here. In Greytown we have a very upmarket butcher which has all sorts or gourmet and organic goodies. These come at a price of course, this was my butcher for the first 12 months here. I accepted that Scotty in Martinborough was evil and his meat was bad. I even agreed with this thinking back to a large chicken I purchased which had legs like a much larger creature. I was never going back.
As I got to talk with people that lived in Martinborough I learned that Scotty was revered and his meat was good. So being a fair minded person I decided to give him a trial. One main reason being that I am in Martinborough more than Greytown.
Scotty is a big meaty fellow with grey buzz cut hair around Christmas he sported a black eye. He has all the butcher banter an answer and a word for all his customers.
Friday nights are busy for him as the weekenders have arrived and are in town getting last minute supplies I have watched one of Scotty's young workers deal with an inordinate number of customers with the utmost speed. There are two of them and they in their own ways have fierce faces but have the manners of angels.
So this is Scotty's Meats at Martinborough and he has my custom now.
What is missing from here is a photo I will have to see if I can get one when I am next in town.

Back in Print

Hello world
It has been a long time since I have written here. Now winter approaches one has time for more indoor activities.
Already the garden is starting to look wintery. I have got most of my winter veg in and the Lavender garden is about to be created. We have rationalised the flower garden and two flower gardens are vanishing one to lawn outside the back door and one to a water feature in the front. The bush pond Jack Cherry's hole has been cleared and when Steve was here he and Graham rebuilt it - it is looking very good and has wonderful reflections.
Can't find photos of pond but here is Graham on new brick terrace which we enjoy.

It Been a long Time

Well I did go to India but somehow lost my steam writing about it . Even know as hear about the problems with the forthcoming Delhi games I can see and smell it all.
We are getting through the winter here I think I really like this season as it gives one an excuse to do more indoor activities. This will end with daylight saving on Saturday.
Have been getting my summer garden underway have planted out some of my lavenders the big busy ones that I love so heres hoping the wind will not blow them out of the ground.

We are preparing for Alex and Brookes' visit and of course our darling Heidi Still wondering if she will fit into the cot!

Lambs are all well and bouncing about we are about to dock them and attend to the boys!
Vege garden has been refenced and a berry house built so we should at least get some berries this summer. I am thinking about smoothies as I write this and that reminds me of the beautiful Mango Lassis'I had in India and I have planted a lime tree so I can make Fresh Lime Soda's if the summer ever comes.