It has been a hot summer here in the Southern Hemisphere. On Christmas day it was 34ºC where we celebrated, and mid-30's heat has become somewhat usual for me. I know those reading in Australia are suffering through weather a good 10ºC warmer than us here, and those around the other side of the world are most likely cold.
I returned to Maitland St with sand in my pockets and ears, the salty water curling my hair into ringlets, with a suitcase full of unnecessary clothing and also blueberries, avocados, and some rhubarb from my grandparents garden. I have been spring cleaning the past few days (I know, it's not seasonally accurate to call it spring cleaning) which has meant, mainly, clearing out my wardrobe, many loads of washing, and decluttering. Just before you think I'm completely boring I should probably mention this was punctuated by a evening with two beautiful ladies, H and S, watching some Black Books and Becoming Jane, drinking merlot and limeade. S picked us up and dropped us off in her red refurbished mini - think Mr. Bean's car. Such a treat to ride in!
For the past six years summer has been a time of change - I have moved every summer to a different abode. This summer I'm not moving anywhere and I'm so grateful to be staying still, putting down roots (literally, in the garden), focussing my energies for the year ahead.
1. Saying goodbye to the family was made better by this welcome back to Dunedin - in the past I've written about how it often rains upon returning to Dunedin - but this was a very beautiful exception.
2. Hanging washing by the light of the setting sun.
3. A grapefruit from my Grandad's tree was a bit too old to eat, so I squeezed the juice and added it to my ginger beer - delicious.
4. Another gingerbeer addition - the last of the Waihi beach blueberries frozen into iceblocks, inspired by L.
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day 7/365
today I'm grateful for holidays with family, with friends, time away from usual daily routines. Oh, it's so refreshing!
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title from come in please - edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros
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