Ahi Ka

There are very definite rewards for getting up at stupid o’clock, not once but twice, in one week. 

It’s Matariki/Māori New Year and getting up before dawn to see the stars of Matariki is becoming more popular.

The view from work on Monday morning after being up at Tangi Te Keo/Mt Victoria.

Gathering around the fire on the foreshore this morning with the extended whānau of Hikoikoi where we weave. 

The words around the amazing fire pit are the names of the 9 stars of the Matariki cluster.

First

I got my first COVID jab this week. Originally I thought I was in Group 4 aka Everybody Else and would have to wait until well into the second half of the year. Turns out my doctor thinks differently. A couple of weeks ago I got my Group 3 call up as I apparently have ‘underlying health issues’, well that’s the only thing on the list that makes sense. And this time I got a lollipop!

Camping

I’ve been away and the builders have been in. New windows and wall insulation have gone in which is very exciting. 

The work continues though (plastering and painting) and sleeping in all that isn’t the best idea. So, my camping setup has joined the Tetris in the living room. 

Tetris Returns

The next phase of building work starts this week with more new windows going in. That means home Tetris is back with the contents of bedrooms being packed and stacked. Thank goodness for fabulous new cupboards!

Flashness

A new rubbish collection system is being rolled out where I live and it reached a milestone this week. On Tuesday I got home to my new bins, big for recycling and little for rubbish.

Apart from being brand new and a bit flash they also have a super flash little lid latch, a small insurance against flying rubbish in a Wellington ‘breeze’. 

Small Reward

For some reason this last week has felt odd. Nothing I can put my finger on, just odd and a bit exhausting. So a fluro bandaid for my first ever flu jab feels like a little flash of happiness. 

In Storage

More windows have arrived, this time for the bedrooms and have taken over the garage. Installation starts in a few weeks and should be way quicker than the last lot.