From the editor February 2018

One nasty storm aside, the summer so far has been fabulous. While on holiday I thought all those sunny days would spur me to tackle a pile of jobs just waiting for me to be on a break. But did they? Not in the least.

Visitors were much more likely to find me reclining with a book than scrubbing the floors but I did make a start on the mammoth task of sorting photographs taken over many decades.

And, I do say ‘start’. I threw away scores of panoramic vistas and distant faces with whom I’ve long lost touch plus a good many of the children; the multiple kind that came in school packs, you know, four of one size, two of another, and so on! Yep, I managed to narrow these down to two from each pack.

It’s an ongoing job and one that won’t be finished quickly. But I am pleased to have made that start. The next thing will be to scan the majority and put them on the computer although I do want to frame some and create a new photo gallery in my hallway – a job for winter, perhaps.

While I may not have been pro-active when it came to household chores, I was easily persuaded to enjoy some great outings including two nights staying at The Viaduct with a Red Boat cruise to Riverhead thrown in plus a wonderful countryside meander to the Nikau Cave, but more on these another time.

Looking ahead, I’m keen to head for the Raglan Arts Weekend (Anniversary Weekend) – any excuse to visit this favourite coastal township and peruse works by many artists and creative crafters – and I am definitely going to Rebel Round Up at Pukekohe Park Raceway (February 17-18).

Man about the house is especially keen having been around cars all his life. I did ask him if he fitted into the ‘vintage motor racing’ genre, a cheeky nod to his former Holden HQ racing days; if it hadn’t been for his recent back operation I’m sure he’d have chased me around the house with the broom! I wish!

He did get his own back by asking – very nicely – if I was entering the Miss Rockabilly pageant! “You do still rock, don’t you?” Jesting aside, I’m sure this will be an event with wide appeal – see pages 36-37 for more from our motoring correspondent Alistair Davidson, whose publication, Petrolhead, is a major sponsor.

Well, time marches on and no doubt readers would welcome a chance to grab a cuppa, put their feet up and sit back with the latest Rural Living. This month we feature the Ainsleys of Pukekohe and their passion for polo, some advice on farm management plans and a heads-up on the National Yearly Sales at Karaka. We also talk to a budding opera singer, tempt readers with some delicious recipes and present gardeners with a malodorous plant.