Today, Good Friday, is the first day of the kids' 2 week break between school terms. Mikaylie had stayed with a friend last night and Brylie left for church camp this morning. Billy decided it would be a good day for a hike up Mt. Taranki. (He's been hiking there a couple of times.) The weather has been lovely the last couple of weeks, feeling more like summer than summer did. So off we went. Billy, Will, Graham, Nani and I drove the hour plus trip to the trail head that is basically on the opposite side of the mountain from where we live. The temperature in New Plymouth was 22C (71F) but by the time we got to the mountain the temp was 13C (55F). The mountain kind of has 2 peaks and with the kids in tow, we were aiming for the lower of the two. The climb begins in thick, lush forest with lots of ferns, mosses and fungi. That bit is very shaded and sheltered yet it wasn't long before we began to peel off layers of clothing. The next bit had more shrub-like foliage rather than tall trees and we were in and out of the sun. We reached Hooker Shelter where we ate our lunch on benches within while Billy wondered where the hookers were. The boys were doing FANTASTIC! Never complaining and keeping up rather well. Even Graham handled the uneven terrain like a pro, negotiating the steps, rocks and roots with little problem. Nani, on the other hand, was rather whiny, asking frequently to "go home". We went a little further past the shelter, on a trail winding through smaller shrub, over which we could usually easily see to the towns and farms below. Finally, Nani had had it so we turned back. Traversing downhill, however, Nani became a little antelope!
Will insisted on carrying the backpack. He is so very helpful but then he could have also been concerned for the safety of our lunch. We discussed different plants and even the symbiotic relationship between some plants we found. He told Billy about the plover birds that eat food scraps from the teeth of crocodiles!
Graham struggled a little more on the descent but has come a long way and has conquered many fears about uneven terrain and heights. He still never once complained. On the climb up, he was so endearing as he frequently cautioned me to hazards such as tall steps or roots that could trip. "Be careful, Mom," he'd say. So sweet and ever worried about my safety and happiness. He is the one daily asking me, "Mom, you want any water?" or "Can I do anything for you, Mom?".
Nani is a budding photographer and botanist, constantly begging for my camera to shoot pics of various plants. We thought we'd sketch some for fun and look up their names.
I must admit, I was NOT, initially, a willing participant of this little expedition. As the first day to sleep in on the holiday, I was quite content to remain snug in my bed til noon-ish. In addition to my laziness, I'm again, well, still battling with just a general sadness. I still frequently cry over the loss of our farm and basically, my former life. I don't want to move back. Let me say that again: I DON'T WANT TO MOVE BACK. But somehow, I'm still grieving the life we left. I do completely LOVE that Billy is home so much and that is the main reason I don't wish to move back to the states. Life is more relaxed here. Less rush rush. Laid back. But between being home nearly ALL THE TIME due to homeschooling, trying to carve out time for horses after Billy or Mikaylie get home, and feeling claustrophobic between all these neighbors, I've been really struggling. We fell back an hour too, so by the time someone is home to watch the kids I barely have time to get to the horses much less get anything done before dark. And THAT does NOT make for a good homeschool teacher, or mum for that matter. Though I've not been blogging regularly, I have been writing some to help me sort out my emotions and vent some anger and sorrow. It's just too raw and rambling to post now. Maybe someday I'll write a book.
I love to escape to where I graze the horses and that definitely helps things but sadly, Joe is not working out. After the broken nose, I realized I can't afford to be more seriously injured. I know dealing with horses carries a certain level of risk but I can still try to minimize that risk when I can. I am broken hearted. Joe is so beautiful and for the most part he is quite sweet. But his being green and that thoroughbred hotness, compounded with my growing fear of injury has made a poor combination. Karma, though, is going much better and hopefully, upon Brylie's return from camp, she will start riding her more.
The house is still for sale. It's been shown twice but neither were interested. We haven't found "the farm" yet anyway so all's good for now. There is one I'm very eager to view but it evidently has tenants at the moment so it's not available to be shown until next month. Hopefully by then we'll have a good lead on a buyer for our place.
Happy Easter!
Barb
