Today I wake up to a cat curled up snugly next to me, tightly pressed against my hot water bottle. Hobo (my new best mate) was not too impressed with me and this early morning wake up, with an unfortunate return of a headache for me. Really not sure whether it’s a lack of coffee or a lack of water but I opt for more coffee, knowing full well that it’s not the best choice of the two. It really should be water, painkillers and then the coffee!!

My new best mate follows me outside and down the muddy farm track, over the paddocks to the chickens, then all the way back to the cottage. Was he silent at all? No, he most certainly was not! He miaowed and talked the whole way. Having no cat language skills, I just walked and he did all the talking!! Back in the cottage, for some reason he can’t sit still, going to and from the kitchen, then coming to sit on my lap and then onto my laptop, causing all sorts of keyboard issues and generally wanting attention. Still unsettled, he runs outside and then immediately darts back in again, looking horrified and complaining loudly that he’s now wet. Although he will obviously never be a kayaking cat, I have to say I find Hobo very entertaining.

I wanted to have some time off from driving today. A day of just doing things that were not about hiking, climbing or paddling, but more about laptops, putting together some brain storming ideas; internet and phone stuff, trying to put some thoughts into action. All the stuff that I’ve managed to put off so far; the ideas and suggestions from others I always say I’m going to get around to but somehow never do, probably because that kind of stuff all takes time and brain space. However, as today is the exact opposite of yesterday (being windy and overcast with crazy heavy rain showers) I accept that it is, indeed, going to be an inside day for me.

By 4pm I have done lots and feel satisfied with my email and phone calls, so I pull on my boots, raincoat and layer-up for a welcome hike outside on the farm into the stormy late afternoon weather. As someone said to me recently as I headed out into a similar storm: "There’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s just your bad selection of clothing!" But, wrapped up properly against the elements this time, I enjoy the walk, the wind and even the cold rain. I seem to notice the crazy trees today. Everywhere I look, they have that West Coast windblown "right-angled" lean, which says it all about these winds. I look out to the ocean where the storm clouds are building; turbulent blue and black on the horizon. I pick up the pace in order to get back indoors before the next heavy downpour, laughing at myself as I slip down a muddy section and very nearly land in a huge big puddle!! But luck was with me today and I managed to stay upright for a change!

Chickens fed and locked away, Hobo safely indoors asleep on my lap, slow-cooked tomato casserole for supper and now, I’m curled up beside my big, warm fire. I’m even beginning to think that Mother Nature is doing me a favour, but at the same time a little afraid this comfortable winter farm life may become too addictive to leave.

My smiles today:
Hobo with his continued chatter.
Going for a farm walk.
Brainstorms and ideas.
A really inspiring email from a wonderful friend.
Thank you again to the Kaihoka Lakes farm. I love your cottage.
Nestling on top of huge sand dunes, protected from the storms and the winds.
Thank you for my donations, they really help.

My thoughts today:
Take time to do what makes your soul happy and great things will happen.

Goodnight from Red. Ma Te Wa.