Summer holidays began with throwing everything in the car and driving over the hill to the wonder Wairarapa. We were so blessed to have Brentwood Farm to stay on for 6 days while John and Astrid and family were down south visiting family. What a pleasure. A beautiful, but not too precious home, a gorgeous rambling garden and orchard - we got to eat the last of the plums and apricots, there's an orange, lemon and grapefruit trees; and old fashion rambling roses. All set in around the farm house. There is also a swimming pool, rabbit, guinea pig and dogs and cats galore. If you go a little further into the farm yard you can visit the hens, the Captain Cooker pig, the donkey and horses. Then if you're really wanting a challenge you can go and check out milking in the milking shed (about 500 dairy cows). It is awesome and the walks and views and skies are wonderful and great for the soul.
Needless to say we had a wonderful break and came back feeling totally refreshed. We went over there on Christmas eve and were there for Christmas day. I didnt realise how tired I was until Christmas day, having not being wonderfully organised having to glaze the ham and prepare the meal. I was delighted when Raffaele - our good Italian friend turned up. His passion for cooking and ability to create his own cheeses and bread always inspire me and I love hanging out with him as I always learn something. Then just as Im feeling overwhelmed with food preparation etc. Selina rings to say that her and Jess are unable to come. I feel a combination of disappointment and relief - disappointed as I was looking forward to spending time with them and relief because I could relax a bit more - Christmas lunch was not going to be such a big deal - which kind of suited me with the state I was in. So we sat down - the four of us - Allan, Andy, Raffaele and myself. Our meal was good and we had a relaxed afternoon. I even managed a walk up the hill to view the sea.