Of undercooked sausages, tugboats and turgidity

Too many days without blogging. I feel I have failed in some way neglecting an important aspect of my life. I think it’s a mixture of stress guilt about not completing one article and a very full programme over the last few days. Yesterday was a bit more relaxed (although less so the night). Landing in Auckland midday I got the bus into the centre and settled into an apartment with a harbour view (see above).

A walk into town to pick up some pre-ordered merino rollnecks from one of my favorite shops followed. I then bought a bottle of Pinot, toulouse sausage and bread from the delicatessen at the foot of Queen Street. I then settled down on the sofa to watch a pretty turgid match between the ABs and the Boks: bring back northern hemisphere rugby, at least the backs run the ball. Thence to bed and the final book in Jonathan Wylie’s fantasy trilogy Island and Empire (a good undemanding read).

The night was less peaceful as I rather rushed the sausage cooking in order to be sat down for the Haka. Morning saw the water the harbour calm (in contrast with my stomach) and I had the pleasure of watching two small tug boats deftly maneuver a much larger ship under the bridge and into dock. The sun is out, it is Sunday, I have a water view and (praise be to God) it is refreshingly cold and breezy and I plan an intensive writing session followed by a walk and hopefully (if the after effects of not cooking the sausage fully wear off) a meal with friends tonight. Expect more serious cogitations from tomorrow.