On yet another perfect summer’s afternoon I walked through Churchill Park, entering it from the east. From the top of the hill I looked back to this view of the Tamaki estuary shining in the sun. I then walked west, all the way over to St Helier’s bay. From the top of Cliff Road, I could see “with a lift of the heart” the glittering waters of the Hauraki Gulf, from the beaches of the bays all the way to the harbour bridge in the distance. Fitting to use an Anita Brookner quote today – she died last week.

I have been exploring the area around where Jim and I have our Auckland bolt-hole and where we hope to retire if and when we can afford to. It is on the coast, along the Tamaki estuary and there are numerous bush and beach walks in the immediate vicinity. It is another perfect summer’s day today so I walked along the beach right to the end of the Glendowie spit, which you can only do when the tide is out, as it was this morning. From the beach I got this splendid view of Brown’s Island, which is the nearest island in the Hauraki Gulf to this part of the coast. One day we’ll kayak out there on the outgoing tide, fish for our dinner and then paddle back in with the incoming tide to assist us. It’s a lovely dream!

It is a perfect summer’s day in Auckland today and I took a walk around the Orakei basin. It’s the kind of day on which I remember my mother saying “Look at the sun shining on the water” when I was a young child. For the first time I was aware that on certain days when the sun was shining and the sea was not too ruffled by wind, the water took on a shimmery, glinting appearance and watching it made your heart lift. Since then I have noticed how few days there are like this, despite the lingering feeling that all the days of my childhood were shiny and bright.

At the end of a long summer’s day in Auckland, it’s wonderful to go for a walk and enjoy the cooling air. There are many beauty spots to choose from – beaches are ideal. Nowhere is cooler than at the water’s edge and one gets views of boats with billowing sails and islands in the distance. Everyone is out – walking, jogging, cycling, sailing or foraging for pipi. There is plenty to look at and room for all on the wide shore when the tide is out.

It’s the same computer and similar work but a different work space, courtesy of my daughter. This is my desk while I’m in Auckland and it’s lovely. I have a view of beautiful big trees and the ever-changing sky. I’ve observed Auckland’s famed four seasons in one day: bright sunshine, strong wind bringing in the clouds, the blue sky becoming grey, a smattering of rain on the window, and then sunshine again. It’s certainly not boring. And when I feel like a break I step out into the mild air and can take a walk at any time of the day. How lucky am I?

Happy New Year. The first day of 2016 is windy and rainy here in Auckland. But up till now we’ve enjoyed sparkling days. This photo was taken from the walkway near Takapuna beach on one such day last week – blue skies and sea contrasting wonderfully with the clouds and blooming pohutukawa. We love being home no matter what the weather’s like and the golden days will return. Hope 2016 is a great year for all of you.