Just Normal actually

Sunday 17th May 2020…the new normal is normal by all activity observations yesterday. And I only ventured 20 kms away..

Orewa activity was reminiscent of a mid summers day. Cafes were humming, more than one person in the shops (three people followed me into the bakery and made me a little anxious), throngs of people on the streets and cars were bumper to bumper on the coast road all the way to Dads house.

Morning tea with dad, Sandy working (remotely) in the home office, off to Truds storage then a long awaited visit to our friend Barry’s new place at Arkles bay, a few Kms further down the coast.

As Barry was a bit later than expected, a 5 minute stroll from his house brought us to his little bit of paradise, the Arkles Bay beach. The south easterly making it a little fresh for dawdling, while a bluebird day looking back towards Auckland city. We still had time to grab a coffee and a crockpot, unusual combination you may think. Well as the warehouse was near the first coffee shop we found, no queues and almost deserted, and the only thing on my post lockdown shopping list was a crockpot we hopped in and brought the last one! Oh and a new pair of work pants….olive green track pants, perfect for sitting at the computer at home!

Had a chat with Barry, met a couple of his neighbours (from a distance) drank our coffee and headed back to our neighbourhood early afternoon, glad to be out of the turmoil.

As boat fishing, with the water restrictions and no hoses, was going to make a day at sea rather tedious upon return (unable to wash boat, flush motor or hose tractor) the boys set themselves up with a longline off Dans Ute and a kayak to paddle it out! Steph and Aaron fished off the beach. They all had a great afternoon in the winter sun, Steph the only winner with a trevally made into sashimi for a pre dinner snack!

These fishing restrictions may be the reason the Riverhaven Bach stayers are limited to a handful. It’s not like there is kids sport or events to keep folk occupied…possibly catching up with family for the first time in eight weeks, or having some retail therapy. I hope, for my clients sake, the latter and bag orders pour in on Monday!

The evening concluded with a social happy hour with a couple of friends (5 including us, well within the 10 limit). A steak and salad for George and I and early early night!

Sunday, should do a food shop before the week starts…back to a routine it seems