Freak Accident Averted

So, its very hot and windy today. I went outside to check what had blown over in the garden - not much as Mario had staked the tomatoes and fruit trees. It was so nice and warm I decided to stretch out on the back lawn and look at the clouds moving across the sky. Dozed off, as you do. My eyes were tired from frenetic quilt making. I woke up eventually and sat up just in time to see the garden seat (yes, its a substantial piece of outdoor furniture, a two-seater) hurtle from the top terrace and land inches away from where I had been sleeping. It must have been caught by a very strong gust. I always knew it was dangerous to spend too much time in the garden!
Lizzie

Nelson

Long time since last blog, so a fast forward is needed to our arrival home a month ago to New Zealand. We decided to settle in Nelson and already feel very pleased with this decision. It was the family connections, the hours of sunlight and proximity to stunning beaches and beautiful hills that helped us make up our minds. I've joined the energetic team at Nelson City Council, in a fund raising advisory job, at an interesting time with local body elections coming up next month.

So the flavour of my life has changed from being a leaver (from London, Kingston University, Europe generally) to being a joiner (family and friends at home,the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, the Council, the Italian Club...)

I work four days a week so I now have the luxury of spending Wednesdays at home helping set up the new-old house and garden. (The house was built in 1961, so we are about the same age!)But I also spend a lot of time just enjoying the view - every day the sea, clouds and sands offer a different variation, depending on the prevailing weather and light.

It all feels very comfortable. As I have been busy stocking the cupboards, getting the vegetables sorted in our garden and making new friends I've been thinking that our travel adventures were great for focussing our minds and clarifying what we value in life, and in particular, the NZ way of life.

Lizzie