Sue in New Zealand

It felt like time to update how things are feeling in New Zealand. Life certainly seems to have had a different rhythm in the past few weeks. It could simply be that winter is here, the days are shorter and the temperature is cooler, even occasionally quite cold. It feels as though an initial stage is passed. We have decided to move from the cottage, and have found a furnished home a little closer into the city. And that is perhaps the point; this new property feels more like a home. For nearly four months now we have been living comfortably enough, but in our domestic environment there has been an element of making do, of putting up with. Since it was restored, the cottage has never been used as a home, only as an extension to the nearby hotel. As the winter has closed in, and tramping in wilder areas become more limited, home comforts have assumed a greater importance. Living in an older property, without insulation and with no open fire, stove or range...the original was removed..., and relying on expensive electric heaters has tested our resistance, especially when almost all of our personal home comforts are in store in England. I realise that living with limited natural light and warmth from the sun in my home is difficult, and I am beginning to understand more clearly my passion for the open fire and for bonfires through the winter months. The winter sun is pretty warm here, and, when trapped in sheltered corners outside or through windows inside, is beautiful. Some of the winter sunsets have been breathtaking, and there is a magic in the morning mists streaking their way over the plains as the sun rises. Sorry my photography has not been up to capturing such moments!

The regional daily newspaper has a supplement today on the winter solstice, suggesting that the psyche here might benefit from celebrating such a thing. And only last evening Rupert was remarking that in the middle of the darker, colder days at home we have Christmas, with its potential to bring warmth, comfort, and, at the very least, a holiday from work. In the southern hemisphere, there is one holiday for Queen's birthday in June, one for Labour day in October, but otherwise it's heads down until Christmas in mid-summer.

Those who know us well will be amused, even intrigued, to know that we have joined a choir. The intention is to do it just for fun, so watch this space! Rupert has done a bush navigation course with the mountain safety group, where he got rather wet and muddy, and he plans a snow skills course in early July on Mount Ruapehu. That same weekend I shall be down at the bottom of the mountain by Lake Taupo enjoying thermal springs and a weekend of yoga! My gardening activities are extending a little; I am garden-sitting for someone for the next couple of months or so. She hopes to return to a spring garden full of colour, ready for her daughter's wedding celebrations. Wish me luck! I have not yet developed my drawing skills beyond what we do in the class each week, and am waiting to find a more extended course in maori language and culture. All of these activities, with yoga at the centre, are opening doors and providing a broad base of contacts for me, and, as I get to know a wider spectrum of people, hopefully offering some insights into this country and its people.

Having no obvious identity in the community, especially when we are renting a home, is quite a challenge for me, and has not always felt so comfortable of late. It is very safe when one is defined by such things as one's job or domestic role, but safe is not always so enlightening; so I will continue, somewhat in free-fall, and taking as my motto: 'Sois fort, prends courage!'

Happy summer/winter solstice, wherever you may be!