December 2016
First of all let me introduce myself, I am Rastus, and I am now the solo feline resident of Wangapeka. People correctly call me the primary caretaker, which is true. I have an oversight far grander than all those two-legged humanoids bustling around. These days I’m back in the Main Hall after a very happy time with Jo down at Bellbird. Let me tell you how it happened…
It was like any other day I was enjoying my afternoon nap when two annoyingly friendly, large dogs interrupted it! Apparently they are here to stay along with the new co-managers, Alicia and Ian who’ve just arrived from Wellington with a lot of boxes!
I’m quite happy though back in the Main Hall, I am spoilt for sleeping spots, preferably laps but failing that, the new comfy arm chairs! That’s not the only improvement; Alicia has been busy sprucing up the rooms. I inspect the changes and approve of the new duvet covers, pillows and bed linen, (all donated), and much more comfortable for napping on when I want to get away from the Main Hall.
The improvement that seems to please the humans most is the new long-drop privacy. Locks on the doors and she has screened off part of the door. Can’t understand why as now I can’t see whose inside.
In contrast to Alicia’s over activity, her mate Ian is thankfully much quieter, spending a lot of his time in the office. He does venture out though, with an alarming sense of urgency on the day the earth moved, inspecting the main buildings for damage. Luckily we escaped unscathed.
You remember the tall leaning pine threatening the main accommodation block, well it has been chopped down and ever since the chain saw has been going (naturally when the courses aren’t on). Day after day Patrick and Irene are at it. I really appreciate all their hard work, making sure that I’ll be warm and cosy by the fire in winter. However, all this day time noise shows no respect for my own busy night shift of hunting. Irene’s obsession with the weed-eater has made me search for new hunting spots and I’ve really got to see how beautiful Spring is up here. The blossoms, rhodos in all their colourful magnificence and now the foxgloves and roses. Not forgetting the vege garden, but I have never figured a way to get in there. It makes me really appreciate all of Wangapeka’s natural beauty!
I don’t go down to Bellbird these days because of the ‘you know whats’ so, I haven’t got to see the driveway recently. But I know that Patrick is off in his tractor many times a week and gosh we have had some rain, not forgetting the quakes. But it can’t be too bad because Zoe and Brooke made it up for Irene’s birthday party and they’ve got a tiny car. It was good to see some familiar faces because there certainly have been some new ones around over the winter weekend retreats.
Of course I make sure to give all new arrivals a warm, feline welcome and they always look so happy when they leave so I guess I am playing an important role.
Looking forward to seeing some old friends though over the summer months.
That’s the update for now, I’m off to sharpen my claws on those nice new armchairs.
Rastus
