Thanksgiving may be a North American tradition, but it feels like a familiar acquaintance from the past. One we should get to know better. The notion of pulling together family and friends, celebrating togetherness around wholesome food, and doing nothing more than stopping to give thanks. That feels like the perfect picture for a Christmas … More Thanksgiving

It felt harder this time. After having our freedom and waving our flag as the victorious underdog. Before we were thrust back into battle. We’ve been released again this week. Well sort of. But as our honourable pink haired microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles says; “this is a tricky virus”. The weather didn’t help. The onset of … More Sequels are Never the Same

The North Island got the memo. The South Island got the memo too. The past two weeks have apparently set records for NZ Ski across its three South Island ski fields. Kiwis are throwing themselves off bridges and hiring campervans. For families unlike ours these are new experiences. Time will tell what’s around the corner … More Domestic Travel

We don’t have Covid-19. Yet…. Ruby and I headed up for the test, taking our place in the long line of cars. It was only when we stopped and took our place, realising that we’d be stuck in the car for hours to come, that I noticed the empty red light on my petrol gauge. … More Testing Times

Sophie turned to me before leaving for school today, holding her scooter at the ready and sharing an excited smile. “Mum, Mum. Today’s the day I can hug my friends again”. Our pavements are no-longer decorated with yellow crosses to mark mandatory social distance. The sign in registers are diminishing too. We’ve been subject to … More Nama Kotahi # Number One

It’s a week of beginnings and ends. The beginning of our ‘new normal’ in Level 2 (it’s everyone’s new cliché) and calling to a close our home-schooling experiment. It’s confusing. I was excited to buy a real book from a bookstore this afternoon, and yet I feel like I’ve been through some kind of Orwellian … More Staying Put