reflecting

In the post-visitor quiet it is nice to reflect a little on what life brings, and sometimes takes away.

It has been a hectic few weeks, beginning back in April. Visitors arrived one after the other, overlapping, needing different types of attention, and somehow, mostly, slotting in.

It was made more chaotic than it needed to be when the weather wasn't warm, when a hot water cylinder element needed replacing, when paint didn't dry, when power went off and wasn't restored for four days. Pickle's illness was also very time consuming, with baths and lotions and trips to the vet all happening while people were coming and going.

During the past two months I have driven over 4,000 kilometres, and had to have the car seen to as well. I have seen new places, and returned to others I had already visited. I avoided the cities, and selected easily accessible rural accommodation.

It was like a railway station on the home front. Highlights for me include the evening when three guests returned "home" a day early, before another three had moved on. It was full house to say the least, and the power was off at the time. How awesome it was the way all of the visitors took it in their stride. Seven kiwis coping without a single complaint, cooking on gas and using candles to find their way about the house. Kiwis can do.

I know that New Zealanders are not the only people in the world with pioneering spirit and the "number 8 wire" approach, but when I see this in action I am proud to be a Kiwi. (This is not the best link, maybe I'll find a more accurate one somewhere else).

I was intrigued to find that there is a section in Wikipedia devoted to the New Zealand female stereotype. I guess it fits me at least 80% of the time. The rest of the time? Well that's my secret, shared by only a select few!

The big "up" was making new friends, really enjoying the company of visitors here for Legato. They have returned home, and my life is richer for knowing them.

A big "down" for the month was leaving my prescription sun glasses on a train. I miss them terribly. I am still cross with myself for doing that. I guess you can't get everything right all the time! Perhaps (in light of the stereotype) I need a more feminine pair?

The issues of femininity and independence were to the fore on more than one occassion. I am quite sure that there is a time and place for everything, and when the time is right I will discover the delights of being "feminine". But for now, if being independent is unladylike, and I am "una donna con le palle", then I am guilty as charged!

Today I am grateful for my interesting life.