Monday 30 April 2012
1 May - The end of Autumn
The first of May is here, supposedly the last month of autumn, and we have all had such a great month of weather, it is hard to belive that the cold is just around the corner. However the leaves on the ground have turned brown and the garden has taken on a more stark look. My fire is now a regular feature each night, and two furry friends are always close at hand, and only leave the fire when there is a hint of food around.
To summarise April for me, it has been a combination of aquainting myself with this gorgeous home, the surrounding area, and having lovely groups of visitors throughout the month to share in my new life. I have been to Chch about once a week, to visit famiy, take in a concert, and some shopping. I have also been discovering Rangiora, about 15 mins away on a back road, for the regular supermarket shop, and a wonderful second hand store, about the size of an airport hanger, full of treasures, where I bought my rimu table (acting as my desk) and my wheelbarrow. Trust me when you have this many leaves, you need a wheelbarrow.
I have met quite a number of locals, and am starting to learn the makeup of the Waipara area, from wine, olives, and all sorts of people growing and creating fabulous products, all to the point of seeking employment. This area is a little slower, the reality is that the earthquake has removed a lot of funding from most innovations, so I will need to look outside the square to get the income happening.
My next project is to get my b&b up and running. It is quite a small area compared to the local area, which has everthing from beautiful homsteads to lodges at $1000.00 per night. Additionally I am guessing there is not as much demand in winter, however it would be good if I could get some income from it just to keep the 'shopping kitty' alive. I was lucky enough to visit the Claremont Homestead yesterdy ($1000 per night), a typical NZ Luxury homestead, beautifully decorated, and gorgeous gardens. In fact the owner has already phoned me to help her in the kitchen this weekend, not sure if I can make this one, but will definitely be reporting on some antics from the scullery before long! Watch this space. It will just be casual, but I do love a bit of luxury. The drive up to Claremont is inland about 20 minutes from Amberley taking in the amazing Limestone Quarry, quite a breathtaking view, and I believe a wonderful walk which I will do, and post some photos, close up.
Today I joined the Hurunui Shooters Club, and visited the most spectacularly located little winery, Arden, tucked away in Waipara. There are a lot of things girls can do with their cameras, I was definitely the amateur with the 'point and shoot' and see what I acheived!
From starting this blog, I have to confess, our coldest day today, although the reading wants to tell me a big high of 12, let me tell you, with the wind chill factor, it is a lot colder than that!
Watch this space for further installments from 'The Duchess of Amberley'
Saturday 21 April 2012
Saturday morning in the Hurunui
When you are not working it is always interesting how your days pan out. It is definitely not like being on holiday, as there are always things to do, including looking for a job, however the weekend is the weekend.
This morning (Saturday)I rose bright and early to leave around 7am and head up to Anna's at Harwarden (about 40 minutes inland) and go with them to watch Oscar's (10) first rugby game of the new season.
Knowing it was going to be a lovely day, I left a little early to take some sunrise photos. I have decided I need a new camera with a wide angle lens, as the landscapes are stunning, but so hard to capture on a 'point and shoot'
Only a few kilometers up the road is the beginning of the Waipara wine country, as you can see they are in full bloom, and in most caes vintage has started. Where I took the above photo is Pegasus Bay, and with the possible threat of a frost, they had the wind turbines going, it was like magic. Then turning left and heading inland the drive is just stunning, the hills in the foreground all in different shades of autumn to the base of the Southern Alps. Yes it was cold, but my, the crisp air and the beauty were a great compromise.
Going through Waikari, a small settlement on route (where Anna used to live) the ducks looked like they were meeting to make plans for the opening season hideaway.
After getting to Anna's we all headed up to Waiua for the rugby, again heading inland for a further 30 - 40 minutes, and I just listened to Anna talking about her love of the mountains and the views, it captures everyone.
Many times they show on TV the 'grass roots' rugby of NZ, and here I was in the middle of it, the farming community with their families, take a plate, the St Johns man there to wipe the tears (as there were a few spills) and an array of very dirty 4wheel drives. I very proudly was sporting my red bands just like the locals.
I am pleased to say the day warmed up beautifully, and the layers were peeled off one at a time, which was essential as the local kids were now in tshirt and shorts, and I looked like the michelen man!
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Autumn Leaves Everywhere
I am going with the theory that the autumn leaves are best left on the ground to decomposit and mulch the ground. I need this to be true because I have just spent an hour and 1/2 pretending to rake leaves, a minor bit of weeding, and dead heading the odd rose, and looking out my window all I can see are leaves.
My garden is simply gorgeous. Henk (Dutch descent), the previous owner planned and excuted the garden beautifully. It is predominantly trees and shrubs, which, although requiring work is not a prissy flowery garden with exception of the roses. Whilst I love lots of flowers, I know they require a lot more work, so am most happy to keep the status quo. Having said that, they still have weeds in the SI - who'd of thought, I just assume they only blossomed with humidity!
To the untrained eye, this is just a stream running through the garden, but to the ardent forager this is dinner. The lovely green leaves coming out of the stream is watercress and loads of it. I have already picked some and added it to my leek and potato soup, and had on salmon, peppery and fresh! I recently had a fellow forager knock at the door and ask he might pick some to which I replied there is plenty, just dont take it all.
Wherever you look are the trees turning colour, it is lovely especially when the sun is peeking through.
well the afternoon sun is shadowed by cloud now and in reality that does mean it is a good time to light the fire. I think officially I will need to light it each night now as I refuse to turn on a heater, trying to keep the power bill down!
So from the office of the Duchess I will sign off for today.
My garden is simply gorgeous. Henk (Dutch descent), the previous owner planned and excuted the garden beautifully. It is predominantly trees and shrubs, which, although requiring work is not a prissy flowery garden with exception of the roses. Whilst I love lots of flowers, I know they require a lot more work, so am most happy to keep the status quo. Having said that, they still have weeds in the SI - who'd of thought, I just assume they only blossomed with humidity!
To the untrained eye, this is just a stream running through the garden, but to the ardent forager this is dinner. The lovely green leaves coming out of the stream is watercress and loads of it. I have already picked some and added it to my leek and potato soup, and had on salmon, peppery and fresh! I recently had a fellow forager knock at the door and ask he might pick some to which I replied there is plenty, just dont take it all.
Wherever you look are the trees turning colour, it is lovely especially when the sun is peeking through.
well the afternoon sun is shadowed by cloud now and in reality that does mean it is a good time to light the fire. I think officially I will need to light it each night now as I refuse to turn on a heater, trying to keep the power bill down!
So from the office of the Duchess I will sign off for today.
Wednesday 11 April 2012
My New Home
Having only visited the Old Vicarage on two occasions, both lasting about 1 hour each prior to moving here I needed to re-introduce myself to this grand old lady.
My key memory was how big it was and the chandeliers, oh the chandeliers! They have to go, but will require some planning as they are in EVERY ROOM AND THE HALL (OK so there is only 7) Let me take you on a tour, now that most things have been unpacked and put away in the limitless storage!
The Office
I have turned the front living room, which will be repainted and plastered by EQC later in the year to my office. I have bought a second hand Rimu table to be my desk, and placed it where I look out on to the front lawn, the view the last of the roses, the maple tree nearly all yellow now, and my walnut tree providing me with fruit on a daily basis to be dried and cherished.
The room is large and in which I have a day bed in the bay window, for when I am weary during the day, and need to retire with a good book, and soak up the winter sun. (Weekends of course, because I will be working!!)
The walls are currently bare except for my wall planner, which shows all the comings and goings for the year, play dates and fun dates, but no hot dates to report yet.
Jane’s old book case, Mum’s old bridge table and Aunt Ruth’s old writing desk, my old Kauri dress and hat stand make up the current furniture, and eclectic but warming selection of furniture for this room.
My Room (across the hall from the office)
A rather unfortunate shade of pink, flounced by some old fashioned rose curtains frame this room, however two windows with gorgeous views of the garden, and 3 large wardrobes, from floor to ceiling, made of rimu anchor the room, so minimal furniture required. Molly, Charlie and self spend cosy nights sleeping in our new home.
The Library (was the office)
The smallest of the rooms outside the bathroom area, although if in Auckland would be classed as a double bedroom with fireplace and wall to ceiling bookshelves. This room also needs work, and the fireplace has be decommissioned by EQC, so eventually will come out. I feel so posh having a library, which currently houses my books, mostly cooking, games, and photos which one day will be arranged properly and form a ‘rogues gallery’ down the hall. This room is like the old flat you could hammer, nail and pin anything on the walls and it would look better.
Queen Room
A primrose / soft yellow. This room was probably the most recently painted etc. so looks suitably warm and cosy to all guests, with warm pinks and burgundy furnishings / linen to balance the walls. This room also has 2 floor to ceiling wardrobes. I have now been here 3 weeks and no less than 6 friends have already stayed in this room.
Twin Room
No photo as beds havent arrived yet.
The most neutral of the rooms, was originally the vicar’s reception / office as there is an outside door and small entrance, with that lovely mustardy coloured glass door – did I mention I see my home as a blank canvas for change, be it slowly and with matching income, but definitely some change is necessary
2 beds in here for the smaller of the visitors, which are extremely cosy with an eclectic mix of covers and duvets, but quite fun.
Le Toilette (this area needs a flash name)
Consists of the bathroom, shower, loo and laundry, 4 small wee rooms, which definitely need the decorators eye, but are clean and purposeful if a little too yellow!
The Grand Hall
Which commences at the Front Door (however most people come to the back door through the carport) and runs the length of the house with a grey floral worn carpet, and a runner covering the holes in the carpet. I liken my walking up and down the hallway (and not just because I keep forgetting what I went for in the first place) the amount of times I went up and down the office stairs at Millys, if for no other reason than the amount of times I cover the area, maybe I could get one of those travelators they have at airports.
The Living Room
And to the best room in the house, it is warm, sunny, happy, cosy and where one spends most of the time. It consists of the lounge area where Big Bertha, seating and tele reside alongside an enormous (almost semi commercial) fireplace, then at the other end of the room is the kitchen and dining table. Again quite dated colour wise and the lovely veneer cupboards, but perfectly acceptable for this year. This area leads out through sliding doors to a fabulously sunny deck on one side and the carport/garage on the other.
Across the lawn from the deck is a small studio, which started its life as a chook house, and then one of the priests converted it for his model railway. Most recently it was converted again for a photographic studio, small and cosy I am adapting it for the small visitors for drawing / playing etc.
The Loft
The most recent addition, is a self contained room above the garage, which will probably end up being a bed and breakfast, nothing in there at the moment, but watch this space.
Well that gives you some idea of my new home, which is slowly taking on my personality, I will introduce you to the garden and local area later.
My key memory was how big it was and the chandeliers, oh the chandeliers! They have to go, but will require some planning as they are in EVERY ROOM AND THE HALL (OK so there is only 7) Let me take you on a tour, now that most things have been unpacked and put away in the limitless storage!
The Office
I have turned the front living room, which will be repainted and plastered by EQC later in the year to my office. I have bought a second hand Rimu table to be my desk, and placed it where I look out on to the front lawn, the view the last of the roses, the maple tree nearly all yellow now, and my walnut tree providing me with fruit on a daily basis to be dried and cherished.
The room is large and in which I have a day bed in the bay window, for when I am weary during the day, and need to retire with a good book, and soak up the winter sun. (Weekends of course, because I will be working!!)
The walls are currently bare except for my wall planner, which shows all the comings and goings for the year, play dates and fun dates, but no hot dates to report yet.
Jane’s old book case, Mum’s old bridge table and Aunt Ruth’s old writing desk, my old Kauri dress and hat stand make up the current furniture, and eclectic but warming selection of furniture for this room.
My Room (across the hall from the office)
A rather unfortunate shade of pink, flounced by some old fashioned rose curtains frame this room, however two windows with gorgeous views of the garden, and 3 large wardrobes, from floor to ceiling, made of rimu anchor the room, so minimal furniture required. Molly, Charlie and self spend cosy nights sleeping in our new home.
The Library (was the office)
The smallest of the rooms outside the bathroom area, although if in Auckland would be classed as a double bedroom with fireplace and wall to ceiling bookshelves. This room also needs work, and the fireplace has be decommissioned by EQC, so eventually will come out. I feel so posh having a library, which currently houses my books, mostly cooking, games, and photos which one day will be arranged properly and form a ‘rogues gallery’ down the hall. This room is like the old flat you could hammer, nail and pin anything on the walls and it would look better.
Queen Room
A primrose / soft yellow. This room was probably the most recently painted etc. so looks suitably warm and cosy to all guests, with warm pinks and burgundy furnishings / linen to balance the walls. This room also has 2 floor to ceiling wardrobes. I have now been here 3 weeks and no less than 6 friends have already stayed in this room.
Twin Room
No photo as beds havent arrived yet.
The most neutral of the rooms, was originally the vicar’s reception / office as there is an outside door and small entrance, with that lovely mustardy coloured glass door – did I mention I see my home as a blank canvas for change, be it slowly and with matching income, but definitely some change is necessary
2 beds in here for the smaller of the visitors, which are extremely cosy with an eclectic mix of covers and duvets, but quite fun.
Le Toilette (this area needs a flash name)
Consists of the bathroom, shower, loo and laundry, 4 small wee rooms, which definitely need the decorators eye, but are clean and purposeful if a little too yellow!
The Grand Hall
Which commences at the Front Door (however most people come to the back door through the carport) and runs the length of the house with a grey floral worn carpet, and a runner covering the holes in the carpet. I liken my walking up and down the hallway (and not just because I keep forgetting what I went for in the first place) the amount of times I went up and down the office stairs at Millys, if for no other reason than the amount of times I cover the area, maybe I could get one of those travelators they have at airports.
The Living Room
And to the best room in the house, it is warm, sunny, happy, cosy and where one spends most of the time. It consists of the lounge area where Big Bertha, seating and tele reside alongside an enormous (almost semi commercial) fireplace, then at the other end of the room is the kitchen and dining table. Again quite dated colour wise and the lovely veneer cupboards, but perfectly acceptable for this year. This area leads out through sliding doors to a fabulously sunny deck on one side and the carport/garage on the other.
Across the lawn from the deck is a small studio, which started its life as a chook house, and then one of the priests converted it for his model railway. Most recently it was converted again for a photographic studio, small and cosy I am adapting it for the small visitors for drawing / playing etc.
The Loft
The most recent addition, is a self contained room above the garage, which will probably end up being a bed and breakfast, nothing in there at the moment, but watch this space.
Well that gives you some idea of my new home, which is slowly taking on my personality, I will introduce you to the garden and local area later.
The Giant Leapt - view from the other side
3 weeks since I arrived in Amberley.
Over that period a raft of experience has been undertaken.
The first week including arrival date I was quite wobbly…. Taking the form of mentally ‘what have I done’ and a rather explicit version of said comment over the period of a week to the physical….just reflecting the mental adjustment (everything ached).
As expected the family have been outstanding in particular Susan (my cousin) and her husband Michael, they have been up and down, stayed a couple of nights, just for company, helped stack 4 cords of wood, do the garden, the lawns, unpack, give advise, provide meals, and the list goes on, Christian from their very core.
But hardly a day has gone by where there has not been a visitor, generally family, always said I was exceptionally lucky to have a great family, and the past 3 weeks have only cemented my blessings.
Likewise the phone has rung constantly with my terrific Auckland friends calling on a daily basis to check out my progress and asking for updates of which room was attacked today and how does it look?
It has taken a little while but I have just started my morning walks again, although an exercise circuit is yet to be discovered. I have noticed a little local gym, which needs further investigation. I proudly announced to the world leaving Auckland would automatically start my road to an Elle McPherson type body as no more daily baking from Millys which mostly I didn’t resist. However the food that has come through my door, nobody arrives without some treat or morsel, and I had to find out how my oven coped with the famous Whiskey Cake (very well if a little hot), practice my egg free chocolate mini cakes for egg free Jackson, almond/hazelnut crumble for the gluten free family members, so as you can see the baking is back in full swing.
Over that period a raft of experience has been undertaken.
The first week including arrival date I was quite wobbly…. Taking the form of mentally ‘what have I done’ and a rather explicit version of said comment over the period of a week to the physical….just reflecting the mental adjustment (everything ached).
As expected the family have been outstanding in particular Susan (my cousin) and her husband Michael, they have been up and down, stayed a couple of nights, just for company, helped stack 4 cords of wood, do the garden, the lawns, unpack, give advise, provide meals, and the list goes on, Christian from their very core.
But hardly a day has gone by where there has not been a visitor, generally family, always said I was exceptionally lucky to have a great family, and the past 3 weeks have only cemented my blessings.
Likewise the phone has rung constantly with my terrific Auckland friends calling on a daily basis to check out my progress and asking for updates of which room was attacked today and how does it look?
It has taken a little while but I have just started my morning walks again, although an exercise circuit is yet to be discovered. I have noticed a little local gym, which needs further investigation. I proudly announced to the world leaving Auckland would automatically start my road to an Elle McPherson type body as no more daily baking from Millys which mostly I didn’t resist. However the food that has come through my door, nobody arrives without some treat or morsel, and I had to find out how my oven coped with the famous Whiskey Cake (very well if a little hot), practice my egg free chocolate mini cakes for egg free Jackson, almond/hazelnut crumble for the gluten free family members, so as you can see the baking is back in full swing.
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