Every Easter since we’ve been in New Zealand we’ve spent the holiday at Cape South in Hawkes Bay. Each year it’s brought us a much needed break. This year we decided to stay at home and I’m so glad we did.
The only problem with staying home is that there are always chores to be done but we pottered on with a few of the jobs that have lingered over the summer. We also found plenty of time to relax. Time seemed to pass quickly though. But it was time we savoured and did a lot of fun things.
Yesterday we took an important delivery. The bassets waited patiently.
And then they went bonkers. They are so in love with our neighbour and want to show him how much. I think our neighbour thinks the bassets are quite lovable too so it was a mutual admiration moment.
After the basset welcome it was down to work. This is what had to be unloaded.
But in the usual inventive kiwi style there was a tried and tested system for extracting the wood from this flat bed truck. It required the use of a readily available foot shovel.
In no time at all we had our logs unloaded. As you can tell I’m playing a crucial role in this operation (not!). It seems MT and the neighbours have the technique down to a fine at. Best I stand back and hold the camera.
It took an hour to load the truck and about 15 minutes to unload it. Enough time for me to brew up some coffee and dig out the Easter chocolates.
I suspect that I won’t get off so lightly stacking this pile of wood. Nor lugging the logs to the veranda in the dead of winter.
Yes, I feel sure that I’ll be getting to know this pile very well in due course. I love the way they just sit in in a pile. Ready to be put together in a nice orderly stack. But that’s for another day.
We bought our wood from our neighbours who we met after they had a fire on their land. Since then they’ve become our resident chicken experts, chicken sitters and neighbourhood watch patrol when we’re away. They are great company too with a wealth of travel tales and stories of everyday life to keep us amused. It was a no brainer to get our wood from them this year.
At the end of our holiday weekend I noticed the last of the sun on the hills.
It sums up a glorious weekend of rest, work and play. And all in the confines of our own retreat. Who needs to go away for Easter when you have this view to capture your heart?
You really do live in a perfect spot. I feel the same about where we live – really don’t feel the need to get away on holiday – but from time to time I do need a break from the chores – and I can only get that when I’m away. Love this last photo of the sun sinking down on the hills. So pleased you enjoyed a wonderful Easter and are well stocked up on wood for winter!
Hi Sarah and Ruta
That sunlight was amazing – it was like a beacon shining in celebration of the weekend!
JT
That final picture is spectacular. I love the way the light on the hills and the formation of the clouds draws the eye to the crown of the hill. I’m sure with a little squinting that there is a fortress up there.
Sounds like you had a lovely Easter break. I feel the same about this place though sometimes when I want a little sympathy I moan about the fact that I haven’t had a holiday for 15 years. It would just be so nice not to have all the chores to do. But I’m just about to go and sit by the pond with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunshine and the sounds of nature all around – bliss.
You are wonderful, I remember the days in the old house of getting in the wood for winter. Yet we could not afford that luxury of delivery so would have to load up our poor station wagon, spiders and all! I am sure that your lovely home that you designed so magically will keep you nice and warm this winter – me jealous – of course!!! xx