It’s the big views around our house that make me smile inside and out.  Having had a day in the smoke today it was a wonderful feeling to head down the lane and see the clouds peaking over the hill.  I know I had to move 12,000 miles away from family and friends to get this uplifting experience but I can’t imagine myself living anywhere else now.

Although we have heaps to do around the place all you need to do is lift your head and you get the reminder what coming to New Zealand was all about.

The clouds move quickly in this part of the world so every time you look at the view there is something different to see.

But here’s the view I love the most.  This is what the dream of becoming a Domestic Executive was all about.  A home in the country for this country mouse.

This is the view that drops my shoulders and makes the stress of work in town disappear.

It gets better as you drive along the lane.  These trees were a stroke of genius by our landscaper.

But it about this point I start to realise the enormity of our land management task.

But it’s pretty shortlived when you turn the corner and this springs into view.  I love my house – especially the turrets. MT needs the credit for their symmetry that makes the house so imposing.

With a quick glance back up the hill the country wraps itself around you and the thoughts and influences of the big city are long gone.

Then it’s only worries about bassets, thistles, chickens and what we’re having for dinner.  Or whether MT will ever realise where I’ve hidden his unironed shirts.  Oh the pressures of being a Domestic Executive.  Sigh!