We’re well into the heart of Winter now – every day has a glimpse of four seasons, but mostly the rainy one. Rain, wind, gusts, sunshine, and dark when you go to work and return. I don’t mind winter – it’s when I curl up and get caught up with my stories, or watch movies, all without the guilt that I should be outside enjoying the sunshine.

Today marks an important event. I went for my walk this morning, taking along my pet plait for the last time of the long hair. Then at 9:30 dug out the details of my hairdresser who I haven’t spoken to in a few years, and let her go at me with her scissors. I love the result.

Before (above) and After (below)

It was getting arduous untangling the knots every time I washed that long hair. And you know, being a photoshopper – I can always photoshop my plait back on if I need to for a meme, right?

So, my present job is going well – getting to grips with responding promptly and appropriately to PhD and MPhil students at the University. Trying to sound as if I know what I’m talking about. And I’m writing a bit more each week of my children’s story, which I hope to get published and do some illustrations for. Watch this space.

I’ve bought air tickets to visit cousins and relatives in Pennsylvania in October, and plan to spend some time there and down in Jacksonville, Florida. Hopefully it won’t be too much of a shock to the system to go from our cool Spring to the tail end of their Fall. I can’t wait.

I’ll finish this short excerpt off with a glimpse of the city of Auckland across the harbour from this morning’s walk. Until later. . .