The Good Life…
There was an English show when I was growing up called The Good Life, it was about a couple who started a wee farm in their suburban backyard, I loved it. The above scene reminds me of them; we have not got a lot of land but make the most of every square inch. I love the way the UK farmers do it on a small scale, and very much try to replicate it with a Kiwi tilt adding a few things I learned in Canada and others places I have lived.
Vincent and Jules are so happy in their big paddock and enjoy a good scratch, coming when we call or they catch a glimpse of us, they are growing very fast, but still in the toddler stage where everything goes in the mouth to see if its edible 😂
The weather as we go into the Fall is showing signs of settling down. I took this shot walking back to the house after feeding the chooks the other day, lush, blue and peaceful. Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief to see the sun for consecutive days. ☀
Luca and friends enjoyed Chinese New Years at the Chinese Gardens, (a Dunedin treasure), I was sent these photos after the event. The fireworks were absolutely spectacular as this shot captures. They had a lot of fun, hanging out at Danielle’s after, playing mahjong and eating Coca-Cola chicken. Rich has since tried to replicate this, I thought it was great, but he is not satisfied, so will try again, I am happy to taste test his samples 🙂
Hot pot has also been on the menu at Danielle’s, delicious, Luca said it was amazing!
The change in weather has meant it has been so hot that even swimming has happened!
29C the hottest day so far, so bizarre!
Someone took these photos of Luca and his crew recently. I LOVE them so much, such wonderful ones to be able look back on later, these kids fill my heart with joy, it is such an exciting time for them all as they head off on their own paths❤️
Luca went on his last school camp to the Catlins recently. It is an incredibly beautiful area, located on the lower east coast of the South Island (I did a post a few years ago on our time in the Caitlins). He, amongst other things, kayaked, abseiled, hiked and climbed loving every moment of it, arriving home exhausted but happy.
He is sitting his car learners license exam next week – yikes. I know this is a life skill he needs, but it still makes me anxious that he will be on the road, not because of him, (he is highly cautious), it’s the other drivers that concern me. NZ has a reputation as aggressive drivers that they definitely live up to😟
Rich and I have been searching high and low for nests, we knew the girls were laying somewhere hidden despite getting regular eggs in the chook house. By chance as I was sorting out the barn area for Sophie and Secret, I found a nest in the hay! Over the summer the girls don’t eat much hay, so I guess it was the perfect spot, especially given all the wet weather. We have also discovered they are laying in the little house we first had the piglets in and are now laying in the big pig house right where the boys sleep! So surprised they aren’t eating them but appears not!
Rich has taken to pickling them we have so many 😂
The welcoming committee as I come out of the door first thing in the morning is very consistent. The Barred Rock are talkative girls, chatting away constantly to whoever will listen. They have formed a relationship with Vincent and Jules which allows them to share the boys feed bowls, (before heading off to their own), it is pretty funny to watch mealtime.
We put up the net fence to discourage them from congregating on the deck, they would quite happily move into the house if we let them, we would no doubt find eggs in our beds if we did😂
Happy March everyone! xx