Blown Away in 2007

Perhaps it is because the water goes down the plug-hole the other way.

Or is it because the heavenly bodies in the night sky are unfamiliar ?

Whatever the influences, the inclination is to do little more

than enjoy the welcome comfort and company of family.

I've been sunburned and frostbitten, melted and shivered

but ever glad to be here.

Lazy days of eating and sleeping have come all too easy

when the winter weather refuses to budge

and Wellington lives up to its blustery reputation

as the world's windiest city.

Christmas and New Year have been refreshingly understated and uncommercial.

Santa handed out cookies in Cuba Mall while a brass band played traditional carols

with idiosyncratic Kiwi gusto.

Sunshine glinted on the odd silver bauble but fairylights were few

- except that is in the Nisbet household where they

twinkled and tinkled their magic through the darkess in Lyall Bay.

The sparkle in the smiley voices of shop assistants made their good wishes

feel genuine - even salve the inevitable pain in the wallet.

" Enjoy your day " as they say, wherever you are.

PS Belated birthday wishes to young Mikey, 8 on 1st January.

See you soon when the Ark is relaunched for Sydney.

Watch out for a new address.