March Memoirs at A Deer Cottage: Celebrations, Reflections, and New Beginnings

As the crisp winds of March bid farewell to the last few days of summer, our corner of Kaukapakapa at A Deer Cottage in Auckland, New Zealand, witnessed a tapestry of moments, each weaving its own tale of celebration, remembrance, and new beginnings. With the arrival of autumn, this month brought forth a myriad of emotions, from the joyous marking of milestones to the solemn acknowledgment of loss. Join us as we recount the chapters of March, where life's intricacies painted the canvas of our days. If you wish to find out more about A Deer Cottage or to book your stay click here

March opened its doors with a significant milestone as our youngest son stepped into the realm of adulthood, celebrating his 21st year amidst laughter and love. Yet, alongside this jubilation, the month also carried the weight of remembrance, marking the anniversary of our dear friend and neighbour's passing. Amidst the somber reflections, we found solace in honouring his memory, cherishing the bond that transcends the boundaries of time.

Venturing beyond the confines of our tranquil abode, March beckoned us to Ohakea, where we rejoiced in the farewell of a friend bidding adieu to a storied career with the New Zealand Defence Force. While down in Ohakea we had the opportunity to catch up with our son, in a gesture echoing the spirit of Aotearoa, we presented our son with a beautifully carved Māori Taiaha, carved by Te Kani's cousin, a testament to heritage and friendship intertwining in the fabric of our lives.

Back at A Deer Cottage, amidst the chores of maintenance and renewal, I took to repainting our roadside sign, a beacon welcoming travellers to our sanctuary of serenity. Meanwhile, Te Kani found himself immersed in the vibrancy of the Tūrangawaewae Royal Regatta, serving alongside his brother a whānau tradition of looking after the Māori King—a testament to our connection with the rich tapestry of culture that defines our land. While Te Kani spent the day inside the marque I had a fabulous time enjoying the sun, rich Māori traditions and culture, and the company of my beautiful sister in law.

Embracing the spirit of curiosity and growth, March saw Te Kani and I embarking on a new journey, delving into learning the Japanese language and culture through weekly lessons. As cherry blossoms bloomed in distant lands, we are nurturing our own blossoming understanding, fostering connections beyond borders, especially with our gorgeous daughter in law, and our little grand daughter, where Japan is their home. Te Kani is grasping the pronunciation of the Japanese language easily as both the Māori and Japanese language share the same vowels. As you can see below Te Kani has more than one talent!

As the sun sets on March, casting hues of amber across the landscape of Kaukapakapa and the magnificent Kaipara Harbour, we reflect on the tapestry of experiences woven throughout the month. From the joy of familial milestones to the poignancy of remembrance, each moment has left its imprint on our hearts, enriching the story of A Deer Cottage. As we eagerly anticipate the dawn of April, we carry forward the lessons learned, embracing the beauty of each passing season with open arms and grateful hearts. Join us on this journey of discovery, where every day unfolds a new chapter in the tale of A Deer Cottage.