Home…

At this time of the year, it is dark when I leave home and dark when I return. I walk through the front door and without fail, exhale and relax. I am incredibly grateful for how this home came together from very humble beginnings and will never take for granted how lucky we have been, to be able to live like this during Luca’s childhood.

Those of you who know me well know I am a bit OCD; I like things tidy and minimal. Too much “stuff” makes me incredibly anxious. This year I am making a concerted effort to stay out of Luca’s room so as not to automatically tidy it; he is more of a maximalist and chaos does not faze him at all. Also, it’s his room and he needs to work out how to organise himself before he leaves home not after.

I know a lot of parents go through this; my friends and I share stories of the challenges! When the plates and glasses in the cupboard have diminished mysteriously, we insist he cleans up, change his sheets (actually put them on his bed!!!), put clean clothes away, dirty in the laundry basket, open windows etc. It is learning curve, closing the door and walking away saves my sanity and has got surprisingly easier with practice😂 I took these photos as I know one day I will look back on them fondly, will actually miss the mess and also so Luca knows when he reads this in a few years, he is deeply loved despite the nagging❤️

We have had some beautiful days, starting like this…

and turning to this…

If you look closer the two little “logs” in the distance, are actually Vincent and Jules napping together with very full bellies in the sunshine, they are very happy, easy boys to raise and love their large paddock to roam in. They, the sheep and ponies know what time I am due home at night and are waiting to greet me at the top gate, it is very sweet 🙂

While Rich and Luca were away, (they had an amazing time by all accounts, all 3 came back exhausted, but absolutely buzzing!), Pica, and I did a very early morning bush walk just as the sun was rising, (I had to convince her it was a good idea :)). It is my favourite time of the day; I was working a late shift so being able to do this before I went into work felt really good.

The fall colours mean fruit is ready to harvest and turn into tasty treats, the pigs and ponies enjoy the fallen ones.

My last shift as an Otology Nurse is done. There were tears. Over the last 6 years I have built up a patient load of well over 2000 and many of them I see 3 monthly or less, I know them, (often their families too), very well and I will miss them. It was difficult decision and a selfish one if I am honest, I need a change to be able to recharge, I love otology nursing however recognise it is time to move on, onwards and upwards 🙂

The Uni Open days were absolutory exhausting, overwhelming but incredibly productive, and Luca tells us very worth it, as has helped him make up his mind about path. Rich and I enjoyed sitting in the lecture theatres listening to all that is on offer, there is so much, it is very inspiring, Rich and I want to go there ourselves 🙂

Dunedin put on stunning weather for it, people come from all over the country and overseas for these days, it is nice for them to see it like this in all her glory ☀️

As of today, I have some time off before starting in my new position in June. Rich is heading back to Canada to see everyone, the timing works out well, we would love to all go but it is incredibly expensive and Luca does need to concentrate on school, this is a busy important term for him.

How gorgeous are these from my beautiful friends as I embark on a new journey….