Kia ora, made a quick unexpected trip to Dunedin last week because I had word that an aunt was sick.
Back to a bountiful garden, greens flourishing, tomatoes galore, and seven, yes seven, strawberries. Maybe the birds went away for a few days too?
Made a few decisions. I need to pack more intelligently is one important one. So I bought a new case that’s made of very light outer casing, the frame is strong but light as well. The difference is astounding. Make my reasonably modern cases look incredibly old-fashioned not to mention physically tough. Yes, they all have wheels and a handle but all need to be lifted in or out of vehicles, huffed up on racks, or lugged up steps. This new one has wheels that roll along beside you as you walk, but its the lightness of the whole that is so beguiling.
Packing properly is a whole new skill I have to learn. ‘Use your brains, Renée,’ I hear my mother say. She used to say to me, ‘Your brains will never save your feet, girl’ I was such a dreamer and she was always saying, ‘Come down to earth,’ or ‘Walking round with your head in the clouds won’t get the housework done.’ Well my brains are starting to save my feet, Mum, a bit late but like you also said, ‘It’s never too late.’
I slipped back into the pattern of days as though I’d never been away, like putting on an old but very comfortable jacket. Don’t get me wrong – its great to go away occasionally and I love Dunedin – and it was good to see my auntie’s face light up when I walked into the hospital room and to know when I left that she improved.
It was also very enjoyable visiting a friend in Warrington for the last couple of days. She had apricots on a tree she has espaliered to a trellis and they look so beautiful in the sun – tasted good too. Is there anything nicer than picking a ripe apricot, warm from the sun and then sitting in that same sun and eating it?
While I was sitting in the sun eating an apricot I thought of something – have you ever noticed that those who say New Zealanders shouldn’t worry about owning their own home always own their own home? And possibly a couple of spares they can rent out? Or an apartment or two?
Just saying, Renée
