the journey of discovery continues

The end of May, the temperature is in decline, but as with most of the South, generally the days are gorgeous. Last weekend my friend Cobi visited, and knowing she loves the arts and a Sunday drive, we headed inland to the Iron Ridge Quarry Scupture Park, where Raymond Herber has extensively landscaped an old limestone quarry to display his work. It is a spectacular location which looks down over the Waipara Valley. It is a collectiion of scupltures, humorous mechanical contraptions, native gardens, which are all bought together quite magically.

Like so many artists, he is quiet and unassuming, happy to chat about his plans, obviously a great place for a party, and he plans to develop for weddings, quite a spiritual place, will be just perfect. His sister welcomed us, and then plied us with tea and cake....another terrible Sunday in the Hurunui!

I have met some lovely locals, John and Jan Field-Dodgson have been kind and supportive. They have an olive grove, just out of town, which is producing Mt Grey Olive Oil, and Jan is also making lovely soaps, which a number of the local accommodation establishments use. They have a stand at the Amberley Farmers market each Saturday morning, always a good time to catch up. We have discussed me working with them a wee bit, to promote their oils, which I will be putting into place after Queens birthday. As it would happen, John's father was choir master at Christs College in Christchurch and best friends with David & Mary.

Robert and Dorothy Brown are the managers of the Claremont Homestead, where I have been lucky enough to do a little work in the last couple of weeks. Again, terrific people, who have taken on this Homestead heading into their early 70s, something to be admired. The week has continued with my wonderful cousin Susan spending a day in the garden (with some help from me),Paul and Anna for dinner (utilising Paul's handyman skills at the same time) and a big day yesterday with 6 children and parents for lunch! Then last night my first trip to the new AMI stadium to watch the Crusaders v the Blues with Paul, Oscar and Jackson, great night but bloody cold, we got down to -2, no wonder the Aucklanders couldn't play. However both Richie and Dan made the cold all the worth while - I must admit, I was thinking how much colder will it be when I come to watch the ABs mid June???? All for now folks Duchess of Amberley