Last night L & S graced us with their presences, and as is the routine when our best friends come to stay we had a barbecue and some quite a bit of wine, and then (this is the summer-only part of the routine) we hit Ruakaka Beach for a swim the morning after.

The water was blimin’ freezing, but once your body temperature was lowered to that of a polar bear’s toenail you soon forgot about it. Invigorating it was, and it certainly took the edge off the mild hangover I had from overindulging in Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.

Two swims and a spot of sunbathing later, we said goodbye to L & S at the Oasis Dairy (again, routine stop for an icecream: two scoops, one hokey-pokey, one boysenberry) and the Other Harf took us home and went to join the working party of Bruvinlaw and Bruvinlaw’s brother (visiting from Auckland) to get our new communal pool assembled.

First up, the area had to be flattened out with spades and a pickaxe, but before I knew it (that is, in the period of time it took for me to read five chapters of my new book and have a wee snoozy) it was all done and dusted – well done those men!

Now for the four day wait while the pathetically slow dribble of bore water fills it up. I can’t wait!

Wheeeee!

A pooooool!