The Muddy Rut

My Dear Princess and Dear Fellow,

When I was at secondary school there was a cross-country running track we used to run called, "The Muddy Rut". 

The name is descriptive. It was indeed a track that would attempt to suck off your trainers AND socks, it was so muddy. Nevertheless, I used to kind of like it. Of course, if no teachers were supervising we wouldn't bother. We'd just tramp through mud for 45 minutes then amble back to school. But if teachers WERE placed at strategic points, we would have to run it. 

It was fine. I didn't mind. I'd get back to school, covered in mud and tired but feeling strangely good. Back in the warmth, and with everything over I would feel a sense of well-being and content. 

I mention this, because I am experiencing a similar feeling today. I think it's because I'm nearing the end of my contract with Kainga Ora and I'm feeling sanguine and peaceful about it. 

I've also had a nice day. OrkneyCaro and G-Man came for a brief visit and we listened to 90's music while we chatted. It was like slipping back to those days in Edinburgh. For a short time.

Then they were off to another engagement. Caro wanted to go for a drive afterward to do some small chores. We went together and it turned into a lovely day out. She drove us up to Waikenae and had a nice lunch together. 

Well, I did. Caro didn't really like hers. So I had TWO lunches. 

Burp.

After the activity of last night, today was just calm and peaceful. When we got back, I sat in the garden with the birds and the cats and felt very lucky. And a sense of warmth and well-being settled on me. 

The birds flitted from branch to branch, Caro puttered in her garden and our boys nibbled on the grass. The Muddy Rut has been run and there was nothing left for me to do but enjoy the moment. 

S.