Finally we have had some of the much-talked-about Blenheim sunshine! After two weeks of sub 15 degree weather (average about 10), rain, and biting south-westerlies, I finally succombed and bought some cold weather gear. Of course, no sooner had I snuggled into my new long-sleeved jumpers than the sun came out and what followed was two glorious days of 30 degree plus summer sunshine. Naturally we made the most of the change in fortune and on day one had a picnic in the grounds of Forrest Estate Winery, eating smoked chicken sandwiches and quaffing on the Forrest Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (v. nice), and on day two we headed over to Whites Beach for a fabulous day of fun in the sun next to a beautiful bay, surrounded by mountainous ranges covered in native bushland. After lunch we did a short bushwalk along a mountain stream to walk off the excesses of our picnic. Dad and Liam had a wee nap in the car while the gentle summer breeze rustled the leaves overhead and the sunlight dappled through the trees onto our picnic spot ... we had such a good time we didn't want the day to end!
On Thursday Mum kindly offered to look after Liam for the day and Zane and I headed off to do a whistle-stop tour of the wineries. It was a beautiful day, quite cold but sunny, and we managed to get a lot of wine-tasting in and had lunch at Hunters Winery. We also got some great ideas for future lunch/dinner destinations.
And last night Zane and I went to the movies (! - other mums reading this will be sooo jealous!) and watched Casino Royale ... highly recommended, quite violent but the new Bondy gets my seal of approval!!!!!! Hubba hubba.
Today we're off to Dave and Bev's farm in Canvastown for a bbq lunch. I think Bec and Andy are going as well. It's back to 12 degrees today so we will have to rug up.
Oh and exciting news ... I'm going to Wellington for a night with Zane ... and that's it!!! Liam will be safely tucked up at home with his Grandma. Liam has taken quite a shine to his Grandma and thinks she is the bees knees, so Mum says she is quite happy to look after him for a night. Oh the freedom! The possibilities! I'm so excited I don't think I'll know what to do with myself... we'll probably end up getting take-aways and having an early night!
So much has happened since I last blogged that I don't think I have mentioned all that we've been up to. Other highlights have been going to Sarah's daughter Lucina's 3rd b'day party on boxing day at a beautiful estate behind the Villa Maria winery, and a trip to Te Mahia Bay in the Kenepuru Sounds. Beautiful!
Ange x
