Getting Stuff Done

It's a short day at school. Seniors come in with their parents to discuss how they are tracking for the year. I don't organise an interview with Kahu. I think I know. I finish school early and meet Kirk for a next steps catch up. He marks out the outside paths and we decide where to put a washing line, something on my list but in the too hard basket. The logical spot is round the back- the neighbours' living room is over the fence. But the fence is high and they're growing small trees. There's always a drying rack on the verandah option. Not that I want to look at laundry but in winter it will work well.

I do another tile pick up and have a chat with the warehouse guy, a South African. Happy to pose for a photo. Back at Pete's corner, there's been movement of road work signs, but they're still digging holes for who knows what. Pete says the laundry is nearly ready. Yay. Just got to tee up the floor and walls, and order a sink.

Back at College Ave, workers from St Andrews are having lunch on the neighbours' berm. They're sheepish but no-one round here worries about recreational use of council land beyond the fence. I wonder about their humility, they are Philippino and their labour contributes so much globally. Here in New Zealand they are plugging gaps in all sorts of areas with many in the nursing and care sectors. Their children are a dream to teach, respectful and good natured.

Kahu arrives to unload tiles and shovel some dirt. Lance takes a break and shares advice. He's looking pleased with his painting. I hold my breath and put my head inside. Awesome. It's bringing the house together by finishing it off. Half Bianca, the main colour. A warm shade of white.

On we go to pick up Kahu's second box from Arkansas. He's excited and it turns out his graduation stuff is in here. Shame he missed it. Small change in the context of Covid but personal all the same. I do a quick turn around, throw things in a bag then head to the Koru lounge for a drink before my flight to Wellington. PPTA Executive resumes a long awaited get together. Great to see the whanau but still strange times for travelling. Wellington Airport is eerily quiet.