Top House

This morning we again visited with my sister and she was still looking okay and her voice was stronger.  Yesterday we decided to leave her in peace to get stronger.  It must be draining for her to have visitor after visitor.  Although only a short visit it was worthwhile and I am further along the path to acceptance than I was.  We stayed with my oldest nephew and had some quality conversations in the evenings.
We decided to drive home up the Kaikoura coast which is a scenic drive but today was grey and overcast.  Next was through wine growing country and the extensive vineyards around Blenheim.  Due to major road reconstruction after the heavy rain in August we had to take an alternate route up the long and straight Wairau Valley.  I don't remember driving it before.  It was interesting seeing the different farms and more grapes and also forestry.  The blip is Top House with a lovely crop of yellow broom that I like but the forester still considers a weed.  (from the net)   Discovered in 1842 by surveryor John Cotterell, the Tophouse Pass (now Wairau Pass) became the main inland route between Nelson and Canterbury. Hotels and accommodation houses were built along the route to service sheep drovers and other travellers.
I am exhausted now and should sleep well.  The forester is cooking an omelette topped with smoked salmon.