For all the scientific explanations and cultural interpretations I like to think of a rainbow is a smile from the sky. An optimistic sign of better things to come.  We are past the shortest day this year and there is a noticeable difference in the days lengthening.... We’re still waterlogged and squelch around under foot but today I found raindrops I liked today. It was like finding a thread of gold amongst a bale of straw. There was something magical about the way the drops of water just sat perched on a lone leaf... One of the things that charmed me about New Zealand before we came to live here was the seasonal nature of food. It seems my fantasy of a fine upstanding country that would not be plagued by globalisation has been broken with the sight of strawberries in the... Thinking warm thoughts it almost a full time occupation – it’s cheaper than heating and keeps me distracted from fretting about the cold. We’ve had some glorious days this week with warm sunshine which has been such a joy making it bearable to cope... Knowing that it’s cold outside and venturing out takes a leap of faith – and a full Biggles style possum hat, thermal gloves, four layers of clothing and a fleece. Pity the bassets only have their one fur coat to keep their extremities warm. With the... 