Mystery day out brings a welcome change
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, which is why it is called the present. A saying our daughter, Mary, often recites when I am distracted about stuff coming up reminding me to make the most of now.
Sometimes it’s fun looking forward to something unknown and our Rural Women’s branch occasionally stages a Mystery Trip for a change from meetings, motions and minutes.
Gathering at Collingwood recently, four car loads of ladies followed clues to seven destinations over the full fun day. First call was to a place familiar to us over the years as a function centre. We had met there for meetings, conferences and catering and now it is transformed into a wonderful childcare centre.
The ‘‘Kakariki Kids’’ performed a song for us, we sang Old McDonald for them and on the verse when Mr Mac had an ‘‘oink’’ here and ‘‘oink’’ there we produced a real little pig. ‘‘Peg’’ is an orphan who travelled with our members for the day keeping warm in her hottie-heated chilly bin. Bottle feeding her was a highlight for the kids.
Wandering through the excellent facility and sharing a healthy, delicious morning tea at low tables with happy children was a highlight for us.
From a place of events to a home of tents and a lovely visit to a generous friend who welcomed us into their beautiful and unusual home. Zoe, her Mongolian husband Nasa, and two sons live in a ger, the portable home of nomadic herders in Nasa’s native country. This one is slightly less traditional as it has windows, two doors and is built taller.
We learnt about Mongolian lifestyles, farming, traditions and even a discussion on history and Genghis Khan. Fascinating country and couple.
Dragging ourselves away from the warm ger we went from tents to scents and called to the Living Lights Candles. Such a creative place with gorgeous gifts. After lunch the itinerary took in two more galleries, one with quirky recycled statues and clever creatures and one with amazing paintings.
Golden Bay is an easy place to plan a mystery trip because so many interesting people and places reside here. Lots of ideas already for our next outing.
Our trip began with young people and the final destination was the other end of the age spectrum and great afternoon tea and time with residents at the rest home. Music together again finishing by holding hands with trusty friends and singing those memory-jogging inspiring words ‘‘we’ll take a cup of kindness now for the sake of Auld Lang Syne’’ .
And so all home again happy for this mysterious break from our routines.
Now back into spring on the farm where each day brings unknowns as well. Jock arrives at the house with his trailer carrying ewes requiring my assistance, lambs of various sizes and health status in his bike box needing attention and nutrition, or sometimes a calf to care for.
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but surprise presents in the present is enough for today.
Golden Bay is an easy place to plan a mystery trip because so many interesting people and places reside here. Lots of ideas already for our next outing.