My People are Back!

So, no longer am I alone on the homestead. My parents have returned, as has the cat (he kept leaving mysteriously and then re-appearing at 4am, once bringing a dead bird as a present). They had a fabulous time away, but are happy to be home, and I've been happy to have them. People to feed! And talk to! Its pretty amazing, let me tell you. Plus, they can admire all the hard work I've done in the garden. Well, the small changes, anyway. Actually, in terms of failed garden projects (oops!) I think I killed the water lily while trying to transplant it. Still, in the larger scheme of things I think I've nurtured more plants than I've killed, so that's something!

Unfortunately, while my parents brought the rain back with them. From an area that has a bit of drought no less; now that's impressive (or maybe my parents just attract rain... Can I blame them for the recent flooding in the Nelson area?). The past two days were full of constant intermittent rain; in other words, it would rain for a bit, then get sunny, then just when you thought it might clear up it would rain again. I decided to revolt against the changeable weather and spend most of my time inside, which I did. Of course, then I got a little stir crazy... it was a no-win situation, except that I have almost finished all my grad school applications, made a dress, read a bit and caught up with my parents. Rain is a good excuse to spend some time inside.

Today, luckily, the weather actually did clear up the way its been threatening to do, and some gardening actually got done. So did some listening to and dancing to ukulele music, since its that time of year when the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra visit Nelson! More precisely, they come and play their annual gig at Neudorf vineyards, where everyone brings food, drinks wine and its all quite merry. I biked there and back from our place while the five other group members piled in the car; I think my elbows were more comfortable, but it took them less than 45 minutes to get home. It was a lovely time out; the strumming of ukuleles filled the air, charming small attention-loving children danced for the crowd, and we enjoyed wine and a range of picnic foods. Still, the event has gotten bigger, and this year they moved it to 6pm from around 3 (in an attempt to sell more wine, I'm guessing), and the crowd didn't seem quite so happy-go-lucky or interactive. When I saw the ukulele orchestra a few years ago, I ended up climbing a tree and remember a much more relaxed feel to the whole afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, I enjoyed it, I got to dance with some kids, but it wasn't as much something to write home about as in the past(and yet here I am...). Still, an enjoyable outing from the farm!

I was planning on putting some pictures up, mainly of the delightful garden produce coming in, but the camera's dead. I'll get around to it soon, though! And now that the rain's been and gone the garden's productivity will probably get even more crazy, so watch this space!