New Year’s Day | Blessed with sunshine, sea & friends

As the sun set on 2014, after an inclement day of weather in Wellington, New Zealand, we gathered at one of our neighbour’s homes, along with other lovely folk in the community that we are blessed to have in our lives, sharing this parenting journey.

Pizza and puddings was the perfect combination, with fireworks at midnight (for those with stamina – and children able to last the distance!). Hubby and our live-wire 9 year old lasted to see in the New Year; whilst the remainder of us in the family turned comfortably in our beds, listening to the sound of people counting down to midnight and fireworks echoing off the hills.

New Year’s Day we woke to sunshine (and the usually frequent Wellington wind). I was determined to get out for a run and shake off the champagne haze in my head. Hubby fixed me a double shot Latte and not long after I was out the door for a run. Everyone I passed was smiling that satisfied ‘New Year’s Day grin’ – that I interpreted as, ‘Yes! I’m out before midday on New Year’s Day – this is the way to start the year!’ and ‘It’s sunny! It’s sunny! The sun is out, so I must be out too!’ and ‘Hangover? What hangover? This smile can mask the worst of them!’.

I definitely felt that New Year’s Day determination of ‘making this a cracking first page of the next 365’ (helps that I have signed myself up for a half marathon in February to keep me motivated!).

My post run grin, whilst being swept by the strong on shore wind and watching the kite-surfers, definitely shows a hint of crazy!

It didn’t take me long, post run, to return to my senses though. A message from a friend, suggesting a rendezvous at the ‘Chocolate Fish Cafe’ in Shelly Bay, was just the inspiration I needed. The family picked me up from the beach (with a change of clothes – thank goodness!) and we headed off for lunch (and more coffee…).

After  lunch and a relaxed afternoon at home, flitting between the spa, the hammock, a good book and a little glass of bubbly (had to raise a glass to my dear folks in the UK!), we fitted in a quick visit to the local boat ramp at Dorrie Leslie Park for a quick kayak. It was incredibly calm, beautiful evening.

All that was left, before the sun set on the first day of the New Year, was to celebrate the calm, beautiful day that had been and hope for many more of the same. Our neighbour and her dear parents popped round for a couple of fine beverages (her Dad was very ‘game on’ in letting our youngest daughter give him a Christmas tattoo on his head!).

And, so it was, with the crazy Englishman and his family, that we finished up a marvellous first day of 2015.

Looking forward to many more and hope to see our family in the UK at some stage too. We adored this photo of my sister coming out of the clouds at the Lake District in the UK, taken by her talented other half – photographer Mike Hutton, of Mike Hutton Photography.

Wishing family and friends in the UK a jolly good start to 2015 and dear friends here in New Zealand a wonderful rest of the summer holidays too. Long may the summer last!
xxx

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