Day 26, Level 2: Level 1 looms, AGM done and dusted, weather reflections

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Firstly - yesterday’s post, take-2, is now up. Not sure what went wrong the first time for it to disappear.

Well, this is the last day I have to type the words Level 2!!!
Tomorrow - Level 1. Everyone is highly excited to be getting back to normal - and it really is great after such a long time of compromise and toeing the line. 

As I haven't checked into a live Covid announcement in days, weeks even (yawn), I'm out of the habit and almost missed today's big 3pm announcement. I was working away on my laptop and suddenly noticed the time - 3.05pm, quick, better find out what's going on. Listened, heard, and nodded. 

To be honest, I've enjoyed the overall mellow respectfulness and gentle acceptance of higher levels and what it has all meant. There's been a politeness and kindness not apparent before. A working together of sorts, for the better for all. 
I've enjoyed the solitude, the easy coming together how and when we could, the unhurried pace of life. I'm not sure I'm ready to get back to city chaos - although I am heading back to town tomorrow. 

Shortly after confirmation that Level 1 would kick into gear from midnight tonight, neighbour Peter arrived at the door with a big smile - he was very glad to hear this news and we had a celebratory Level 1, hot-off-the-press hug and chat. 
Peter had checked Indi was okay during my overnight sojourn back in the city and he confirmed it had gone well. Indi likes Uncle Peter taking care of her - but she can still be a minx! 
She was sitting on the lower deck looking pretty and poised and surveying the scene when I arrived back this morning around 10:30 after a coffee with Vicki and Lyle before I hit the road. No traffic, it was a great run north. I stopped briefly in Warkworth to get the best chicken/avocado roll in the business from Savan's Bakery (both bakery and township were busy), and as soon I was back at the beach and upstairs, I was straight back to work on the laptop to finalise everything for this AGM.

It was a glorious morning. I thought I'd take a beach walk early afternoon. When that time came, so did the rain and a bitter chill. I even put the heating on. An hour later it was sunny, warm and the heating was no longer required. In the end I had no time to factor in a beach walk after all. 

So here are some photos of some driftwood I photographed yesterday ...


Thought this looked a bit like a shell-less and back-leg-less tortoise! (on Pink Beach)


At 5pm I chaired a committee meeting via Zoom. All good.
A quick bite to eat after that.
And at 7pm - the much anticipated AGM via Zoom. I do admit to some nerves, which I don't normally have when we hold it in person. After all that work, I felt pretty well prepped and very well supported by fellow committee members. But still a little daunted by the mere fact of so many on Zoom. 
7pm, good to go.
We had 40+ participants from all round NZ and the globe (our best turnout ever), and it went off really well. Phew, the prep paid off. There were a few things to manage in the moment given technical this and that, but it was an efficient, productive and engaging meeting. And we also honoured two lovely long-term staff (deans) with Honorary Memberships. 

SHARE-NOTE OF THE DAY:
The weather ...
Is this not the best run of weather we've ever seen (here in the north at least) ever ever ever? I'd say so.
Day after day of wonderful weather, warmth, sunshine. A bit of rain. Some wind. A storm hit Omaha over a day and two nights. 
But from March through to mid-June, the weather can only be described as exceptionally good and stable. We've had three full moons during lockdown - each of them providing glorious weather and superb night skies. 
It has been warmer than I can remember for this time of year ever ever ever. 
I've worn summer clothes right through and am still wearing them. A few cold snaps but generally doors open and sleeveless.

Covid-19 may have brought chaos and uncertainty, but it also brought with it the most wonderful spate of weather - I'd say it could go down in history as the longest/best spell of weather we've had in ... well, forever?






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