Forgive me for digressing, but when this spectacular sky appeared the other evening it inspired me to put down my knitting needles (I knew I’d work it into the conversation somehow) and think about all the things I’m grateful for, and all the things I love about living here in New Zealand. Because I’ve tried this returning home caper once before, unsuccessfully (I fled after a year) I’m now more mindful of what makes me happy. Making lists works for me. Before we left Los Angeles I wrote down all the things I would miss about the place so that nostalgia wouldn’t confuse me as it did last time. Fortunately I have David with whom to reminisce, and to appreciate our new surroundings. Seeing this place through his eyes has helped me settle in. Occasionally he points out something that seems weird to him, but it’s usually followed by, “in a good way”. 

 

so here’s the beginning of my list:

 

• skies like this, promising a fine day tomorrow, and enough rain to keep the garden and the farmers happy

• everyone saying “thank you, driver” when they get off the bus

• Maori TV

• cafes serving tea in a teapot, and fantastically good coffee

• radio NZ and Kiwi FM (who can’t love a commercial radio station with a regular spot for a poet?)

• friendly neighbours who invited us over for kumara soup when we arrived back from an icy, stormy weekend on the West Coast and leave bags of feijoas on our doorstep

• all the knitters I have met so far

• sheep grazing in a city park

• phone cards that make it affordable to call London and NY (where my son and daughter live) 

• friends in Los Angeles who stay in touch

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