Getting back into routine has been like waking from a deeply satisfying afternoon snooze. Feeling refreshed yet indulged in a healthy way.  I’ve refused to allow myself to get into a frenzy about the prospects for the year ahead with a the rapidly filling diary.  Instead, I’ve tried hard to hold onto those feelings of being relaxed yet deeply focused.

You might have noticed that blogging, tweeting and social networking generally has slipped down the priority list but all in a good cause of breaking in the new year gently and a minimum of fuss. Two weeks back at work and three weeks into my course has warmed up the brain again so now it’s all about finding the balance in daily routines.

Not wishing to overdo things though we took a few days away in Martinborough to stretch the Waitangi Day public holiday this week.  A pure indulgence to get away from things at home and a chance to parade the bassets to coffee shops, around the vineyards and a road trip out to Cape Palliser on the wild south Wairarapa Coast.  I was quite an adventure for the hounds who live such a quiet country life.  It was also gave us time to come to terms with our first long distance family bereavement which was hard in itself but all the more painful being so far away from those that you draw from and give most comfort to at times like this.

There was something meditative watching the seals at Cape Palliser sunbathe on the rocks, frolic in the sea and balance themselves precariously whilst they preened themselves.  All seemed like the perfect combination of summer living.