Heading Into The Light

Winter solstice...darkness, frost, snow, stalks in the garden, hibernation. An Australian traveller with the Delta strain of Covid visits Wellington for the weekend. I've got two conferences in Wellington in the school holidays so I cross my fingers. Is the cat out of the bag at last? As the week goes on, no cases appear. We're all waiting with baited breath, especially me. But I can bow to the greater good. Covid brings out the best in all of us????? Vaccinations are a topic of discussion on the radio. How fast is the roll out? When are more arriving? What are the side effects? We have the luxury of time and there's a hesitancy and lack of urgency because we're not seeing the ravages of the virus first hand. 

Life goes on. The formal is on the longest night. It's at Wigram with a theme of Miami Vice. I host staff  drinks for about 15 people, but it's a happy 15. I hope numbers will build up over time because it's an indicator of staff spirit. At a low ebb in inverse proportion to stress levels. The ball is fun and a few of us spend a long time on the dance floor. This dj is mixing and taking requests. I get some pics with a future famous NZ artist, Deanna, my Year 12 boys and Year 13 girls. I realise who I've built relationships with. Saturday is Scoff's birthday, repetitive techno but a good party. Sunday I plan a recreation edible day with Kahu. John Dainty arrives, so it's the three of us...after Kahu finishes his essay. And curtain choosing with Robyn.

On Monday the living room curtains appear. Greg, the installer, used to be a builder and is super efficient. Covering over the windows, privacy from the street, is a novelty and the gold velvet works. A rich, uplifting, Central Otago colour. Stoked...thanks Anjie.

On Tuesday I visit Pete to see how my bedhead is progressing. He strikes a pose of shame. It's been about 3 months since he picked it up. I head to the Physics Room in the Arts Centre for a mid winter poetry reading, Matariki. Feels like our first universal celebration- part of our national fabric for the first time. Thursday is book group at Robyn's. Dark, cold, but we're heading into the light.