Katie Holland
I heard the joyful sound of Mr Whippy on Wednesday night, which can only mean two things.
One, that I squealed and ran to the window only to be left disappointed when he didn't come down my street.
And secondly, that summer is well and truly on its way. Childhood summers meant being outside playing cricket or bullrush or bat-down with the neighbourhood kids after tea.
Suddenly, we'd hear Mr Whippy's Greensleeves and we'd drop the bats and ball and scatter, sprinting home where our parents would already be rummaging in pockets and down couches for coins (no Eftpos in those days).
Sure winter has its pros - rugby, coats and knee-high boots, cosy fires, red wine, electric blankets - but give me summer over winter any day. And not just because of the ice-cream. There's other reasons I love it:
- Women in sun dresses. Like cushions and duvet covers, I am unable to resist a pretty summer dress, no matter how many I already own. My collection, gathered over many years of cheap London shopping, ranges from size 10-16 - so no matter how many of those ice creams I eat, I'm good to go.
- Summer food. Fresh fish with salad, baby potatoes and butter. Scallops and snapper and crayfish gathered by the cousins. Onion dip. Juicy nectarines and peaches. Christmas ham and turkey stuffing sandwiches.
- Barbecues. Because it's my first full summer owning a deck and outdoor furniture. And because of cheese sizzlers.
- Impromptu after work drinks in the sun. Because why not?
- Everyone is happier. Let's face it, winter can be dreary and wet and cold and just a bit depressing and sometimes that makes people grumpy.
- Pens work. It's Journalism 101, but I always forget a pencil when rushing out to jobs. Try getting that important quote down with a pen with it's raining on your notepad after a tornado.
- Family. However much they can drive you crazy, Christmas and summer holidays are a special time for family. Beach walks with mum, bike rides with the kids, beers with dad and general chaos with the whole gang.
- Tans. I admit it, there's something about being brown that makes me feel 10 times healthier, more attractive and a good 5kg lighter.
- Exploring Rotorua. This year I am going to give mountain biking another shot if it kills me, which it probably will. I am going to explore more of the lakes and make best friends with boat owners. And I'm going to dust off my running shoes and discover more of the Redwoods.
- Inspiration. There's just something about summer that makes things seem more possible and risks worth taking. Quitting my job to backpack through Central America, leaving my sensible career and retraining in my 30s, and moving across the world for a bloke - all life-changing decisions made with the sun on my face. What's that old cliche about regretting the things you don't do?
What does summer mean to you? Any big plans for this one? And if you know Rotorua's Mr Whippy, send him my way.