we climb to the top of a steep grassy hill and stop to catch our breath
looking back across the rolling green farmland, black cows dot the landscape

two energetic 7-month old German Shepherd puppies chase each other in great big circles around the flat green paddock

branches of ancient plum tree laden with ripe red plums
I pick one and sink my teeth into its succulent flesh

dull headache, limbs like lead, a scratchy throat
my body calls out for rest

my hamstring complains with a loud ache
holding me back as I stretch forward in janu sirsasana

thick fruity berry smoothie cold as ice
slips down my throat

salty flavours of roasted vegetables combine with feta cheese in a crusty pastry:
lunch at the Waipu cafe provides a savoury stop on our journey home

a full moon rises over the ocean
its light reflecting off the darkening expanse of water

the deserted beach surrenders to the steady fall of rain

trails of footprints - human (bare and shod) and all shapes of bird
create a map of morning traffic on the hard white sand

sparkling blue water meets long white beach as far as the eye can see
a seagull swoops low over the waves

two long legged variable oystercatchers scuttle along at the edge of the waves
then stop and dig their long red beaks into the soft wet sand

a long caterpillar of cars inches slowly south towards the city
we fly north along the free and open road
our holiday just beginning

the green green grass is spongy beneath my feet
the sky is blue above me

as I allow the flavours of leftover Christmas pudding to dance in my mouth
I ponder on my 'word' for 2012:
savour

it seems a little surreal that
as I stand here ironing creases out of cotton shirts
my sister is high above the clouds 
being propelled at high speed towards new zealand

wedding small stone for fiona & kaspa

despite the forecast being for stormy weather
most of auckland is enjoying glorious winter sunshine:
may the sun cast its blessings on you
today and every day

somewhere at the edge of my dream a voice calls out 'Mommy'
sleepily I call back,
and a few minutes later a warm body climbs in next to me

an orange and some chocolate chips
thrown in with the usual muffin makings
becomes a plate of half time fuel for the kids' street hockey game

a woman - grey hair, bright pink crocs and a red cardigan -
raking fresh grass cuttings into a neat pile,
looks up and greets me with a friendly smile