Life begins at 40......

Well that's what I've heard so I'll see now that I am in that age group.  Somehow though I think it was coined for those (this generation or previous) who began families in their late teens or early 20's, meaning that their little bundles were grown and about to fly the nest by the time the parents were 40.  I had a nice relaxed day with my little bundles (and the larger one too) - lunch out and then chocolate biscuits with a DVD in the evening.  Don't feel any different although Liam reminds me at every chance that any event is because I'm in my 40's now.  A good friend told me that since she turned forty she was less prone to worrying about what others think and just gets on with life.  I'm holding her to that - and she's been told too ;)

The past two weeks have flown by as we have been busy going about life.  The weather here has been amazing. There have been some heavy rains over night that is for sure but the days - in general- have been great!  Bearing in mind that it could begin raining for days on end at any stage we are currently living our lives by the old saying 'Make hay while the sun shines'!  We have had a mixture of inside and outside activities - Kiwi House, Museum, swimming, selling cupcakes for SPCA-  however one of the highlights would have to be a drive around Lake Kaniere and up to Hokitika Gorge one sunny Saturday.  We stopped for walks, swings and picnics on the way which made for a relaxed and enjoyable family day.  The kids are so much better at walking here - must be all the bush and birds to keep them interested - and it makes life much easier ;)

Our picnic spot up at the gorge where miromiro (tomtit) joined us.

One of the nice things about being at home with the kids, aside from making our own timetable, is that we are able to do many (actually most) of the things that previously were on our 'One Day' list.  I'm sure you all have it...... you're eating lunch and the topic goes to making something/doing something and the request goes out to actually perform the aforementioned activity.  The standard reply in our house was 'Sure, one day we can'.  Usually the 'one day' never eventuated.  Lately though Jasmine has been able to have time to knit (a skill given to her by Nanny Beth), Daniel has begun to make recipes and sew things (something he wanted to do before but we never had enough focused time for) and I have finally painted the kid's wee chairs and our coffee table (which were all purchased over 2 years ago with the intention of doing up)!  Even though our days are busier they somehow feel better and I don't feel like a taxi driver anymore - waiting for the next pick up or drop off ;)

Kids with their cupcakes ready to sell at Daddy's work to raise funds for SPCA.

Each morning we listen to the bird call on National Radio (at 7am) and the kids are now getting quite good at recognizing a few of them.  This combined with so many native birds to be seen and/or heard has prompted many discussions about birds in general and so while looking in a book we came across a bird pudding recipe.  Now I have got to say a this point that the previously mentioned book is one that I have had since a child and I have never used that bird pudding recipe, despite intending to on many occasions.  So I feel very proud of myself at having ended a 32 year period of procrastination on that particular issue.  Anyway we collected all the ingredients and set to work; creating seedy puddings which once set we put out for the birds approval.  After 2 days of waiting without the slightest interest shown the tauhou (waxeyes) arrived!!  And man did they arrive.  Considering their size the can saw get through food and they have almost finished the first pudding.  So nice to watch from the window and a good source of entertainment watching their comings and goings (including a few flights in the window). Liam has since informed me we shouldn't be feeding the wild birds .... so I did have a guilty pang.  That is until I remembered that he started it by throwing bread out to the birds! So for now I'll just enjoy them visiting, even if it is due to being enticed.

Tauhou having a feast



I'll sign off for now. Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and warm

Arohanui Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz