As much as I loved the big trip offshore, it's fantastic to be back in the city of sails (or city of triangles). As the old cliche says, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and, after encountering people everywhere I turned in the UK and France, it's a joy to come home to "lil ole New Zild" with its 41D2 million people, and, in particular, to the Queen City. I can look up and enjoy clear, blue sky rather than myriad vapour trails (I was utterly amazed at the multitude of aircraft that criss-crossed Europe's sky). Having seen what the Brits call a great beach, I swear, this summer, I won't take for granted the lovely, uncrowded beaches right on Auckland's doorstep. In fact, this month you can start your summer off with a beach stroll to help a good cause. We've had the Big Day out, Girls' Day Out, Boys and Toys, Big Gay Out, you name it - everyone seems to have had their own days out, except for the little people. So here's their chance. The Big Toddle is a walking fundraiser for that most deserving of institutions, Barnardos. The Big Toddle has caught on overseas, where the organisation says it is successful on many fronts. A series of events through November, it brings children and parents outdoors for activities in the fresh air. It allows people to make new contacts, encourages children's love of physical activity, and raises much-needed money for Barnardos nationwide. It's all about children having fun while they help others - two great reasons that, last year, persuaded 7000 children (and their big people) to take part, and I imagine will convince even more this year. Summers seem to me to start later each year. I remember Novembers being really warm when I was a kid but, in contrast, last year, I was still wearing woollen jumpers until a few days before Christmas, which seemed entirely wrong. The payback is that summers now stretch into April and May, which also seems odd, but, hey, I'm not complaining. I'm just pleased to be back in my mother country and loving it for all it has to offer. Not in the least a decent coffee. Finding one of those during our trip proved to be a mission. Once again, I appreciate a new the size of our lovely city - not too big, not too small. I love that it has lots of variety, and lots that stays the same. It's so nice to be home, it really is.
As much as I loved the big trip offshore, it's fantastic to be back in the city of sails (or city of triangles). As the old cliche says, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and, after encountering people everywhere I turned in the UK and France, it's a joy to
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