I’ve borrowed these pics from the internet, just recent shots of Auckland in the last week. No sooner does one front go over the city, than it is chased by another. Last night it was thunder and lightening, which I find all very exciting when I’m snuggled up in a warm bed. It may not be very cold right now – compared to last year – but it’s got all the other symptoms of winter.

Sooooo, I’ve spent a LOT of time reading, and then reading, and sometimes watching the big screen, instead of exercising. I don’t feel too bad, though. It’s the best thing about this season, and I’m getting through a LOT of stories. As soon as I start to stiffen up, Spring will come and I’ll be beating the pavements again and peddling those wheels around – just wait.

Meantime, I’ve nipped up to Riverhead for my fortnightly catch up and coffee with good friend, Cathy. (Someone I’ve enjoyed the company of for decades now.)

There seems MORE to catch up on these days, than before. And oh the joy of actually having a good length of time to ramble on and stretch the time to suit ourselves.

I’m home now and contemplating the week ahead – aware of the three days at work coming up and the need to get everything useful done in these two. I LOVED the Outlander episode last night, and find myself totally gripped by the action as it winds up to the last episode (which will be viewed in two weeks). How lucky we are to have the show capture so much of the feeling and spirit of the books! Added bonus for me, was that my eldest niece has picked up the first book and found she loves it too. I’m sure her journey has just begun and there’s so much for her to discover – about the stories, about the series, about Scotland and it’s history, about our own family history.

I need to face the last of the papers and photos left over from Mum’s apartment. With weather outside my front window like this, it will be easier to do I’m sure:

We scattered my mother’s ashes up at Waikumete Cemetary a couple of weeks ago – a very rare time that my siblings and I were all together, along with three of their children. It could have gone so many ways, but instead was an occasion filled with more laughter than any other emotion, and for that I know my Mum would have been pleased.