We live amongst hidden hills

It's when you're greeted by a view like this on the final stretch home that your heart sings.

Okay, so we didn't get another day in the mid-twenties, but what we did get was a display of nature's beauty in our valley; one of clouds and mist, green fields and deep shady gullies. In many ways Kaituna is even more beautiful under this grey veil than when the harsh summer sun shines.

I love the way Mt Herbert and Mt Bradley disappear on days like these, only to reappear briefly then vanish again into the gloom. A sort of New Zealand Brigadoon if you like.

When we're at home in such conditions the mood changes - but not in a bad way. There's a want to hunker down, even on the milder days, the cloud acting like a big fluffy duvet, snuggling us up. I think it's contagious amongst the animals too - the livestock take to their shelters and the dogs are keen to come inside. Home becomes even more of a retreat from the outside world - just as it should be.