Sunday 9th August 2015

Hello friends and family.

Pair bonding after a day fishing.

While I was in Dunedin last Saturday we got some rain, so when Chris and Hiltrun came up on Sunday we were able to start planting. We planted tussocks on Monday and trees on Tuesday. It rained again on Tuesday afternoon which was perfect timing. All of the trees that we plant require watering. If we get rain this means less carrying of water cans and that means more energy for other tasks. Trust me, after swinging a chainsaw for a few hours, I am stuffed!

Shags at nesting sites in full breeding plumage.

Robyn and Doug came for dinner on Sunday night and we were able to discuss the sheep at Okahau point and other seasonal / farming stuff which I really enjoy – I am still missing Margaret and Rodney being next door. For farmers, spring is just around the corner and so we share plans for the next season. Exciting stuff!

New safety fence at the top of a cliff.

Contractors came on Monday to erect a fence and some signs for Ngai Tahu. It is a very fine fence that goes straight across the front of a penguin access gate – one that would be hard to miss. It blocks off 6 nesting sites. Thank goodness they built it now before nest site selection and egg laying.

Penguins relaxing after a day's fishing.

Robbie the builder phoned from Hampden and I took the camper to be measured to make sure that it will fit in the shed. The building pad is not well levelled and so that is a bit of a problem. I have to make some planning decisions soon – like where will the power supply go, what about drainage, and other such stuff!

Kaka-beak blooming in the front yard.

The cold front has meant choosing jobs to do that are out of the icy wind. Yesterday we cleared up two more houses and today hope to plant some trees.

Have a great week.

Rosalie