Supper time!

It's been a stressful week: worrying about the people of Christchurch, my brother-in-law and his family and very good friends in particular and waiting to be able to talk to them.
Having the kids at home with colds, coming down with one myself and trying to maintain a sense of calm and control despite wanting to break down in tears any second of the day.
OH ("other half") getting ready for the start of the uni year AND his product launch! AND his birthday!

So, today, after a quiet and fruitful day the family is having a round of herbal teas: Peppermint for the boys and Chamomile variations for the girls! For some inexplicable reason I find that totally cute and worth treasuring.

And here's the cake, my version of Black Forest Gateau:

Mixed Feelings

In the last 12 hours I received three phone calls from my family checking we're alright after the earthquake.
My family operates on the principal that if we don't hear anything from you we assume you're doing fine! It's taken a major natural disaster for them to pick up the phone and call.
If the situation weren't soo damn scary, frightening and sad, it would be funny. But as it is, I feel sad, because in the case of a disaster hitting us, they wouldn't be able to get hold of us for ages. And would miss out on all the latest happenings in our lives.
I suppose writing here will give them a chance, but still, it's kind of second hand.

Despite the added pressure of being sick myself, I feel kind of relieved to have the kiddies at home because of colds. Feeling very clucky and wanting to keep them close. We've gone through emergency procedures, and checked on the medical emergency kit. So, doing what I can to be prepared.
And waiting for the Big One for Wellington.

Note to self:

watch the girls in 29 days.
And get the cages ready with clean dry hay.
All three had escaped, we think a feral cat might have pushed the run open, and spent I don't know how long in the open. And we have a resident wild rabbit, called Trevor/Trevorina.
BUT, eventually we caught them all and they're back under lock and key.
I don't really want to have babies from the wild, they don't put on as much meat, but I suppose I just will have to wait and see.
At least they are not in the wild anymore, I would feel absolutely atrocious contributing in this way to the rabbit plague.

Out for today, trying to cope with the helplessness following the latest big earthquake in Christchurch, fortunately all family and friends seem to fine for now.
And having sick kids at home, which is actually kind of a blessing: life goes on as far as they are concerned, food needs to be prepared and battles mediated. And boredom alleviated! Not to mention all the animals on the farm of course still want their share of food and attention.
As a friend said: "Surreal"!

All my best wishes for the people in Christchurch and their families.

Relief is....

...when the elbow brace arrives in the mail.
...when the kids are off to school, animals fed and a hot cuppa waiting.
...when an escapee rabbit is spotted AND caught.

Now the ultimate relief would be to walk into the kitchen and see it magically done.

A nightmare morning turning into a blissful evening.
 

Napier harbour view at night.