One thing that worries me about living where we do is the prospect of forest fires. My first experience of this was soon after we moved in. I looked out the kitchen window today and saw this down the valley. My heart suddenly jumped into my mouth as I tried to... Today was hooky Friday. After a mad cleaning frenzy this morning I headed off to the coast to meet up with some friends. We met in Mana which is just up the road from Pauatahanui (pronounced power-tan-oo-ee). This is a charming spot close to Wellington and over... I swear Spring arrived today. It was warmer and there were snatches of blue sky to be seen. As soon as I was released from my coaching calls the bassets and I were out for a brisk walk across in the Kaitoke forest. There is nothing better for clearing the head.... I’ve been holed up in my office most of the day but did make a dash with the dogs for our daily constitutional when the clouds lifted and it looked reasonably clear looking down the valleys. We got to the end of the drive before the heavens opened on me again.... It’s a case of water water everywhere right now. It’s been raining solidly for more than 24 hours and the cold southerly wind is making life at least 5 degrees more uncomfortable. The Met Office was recommending 5 layers of clothing to feel... 