2017

I sometimes regret not having consistently kept a diary during my life. But, better late than never, perhaps a blog is the next best thing. I started blogging a few years ago now and for a while I had several sites devoted to different categories such as writing, health, Bach flowers and cats. This became rather cumbersome so, even if it meant having fewer followers, I decided to combine them here. Most of my blog posts, while inspired by some recent experience of my own, aim to provide a brief overview of a topic that could be relevant to others. This present post summarising my past year’s activities is a more purely personal one, written as a record for myself and possibly of interest to a few relatives and friends.

The outstanding feature of 2017 was exploring the Irish side of my family. With the help of FinderMonkey, AncestryDNA, Rootschat and some extraordinary coincidences I discovered two half-siblings I did not know about, and had successful meetings with them both. To respect the privacy of those involved I won’t give any further details here, but it has been a remarkable experience.

Meanwhile life back in Auckland has continued on an even keel and I am happy to report that Brian has maintained a good recovery from his major cardiac surgery of 2015. He remains active physically and mentally, usually beating me at online Scrabble. My own less serious health problems are under control and I have kept up my fitness regime of Zumba Gold classes and daily cold water swims. Rather than move into one of the retirement villages that are proliferating around Auckland, we have decided to stay in our old Victorian villa with its large garden, ideal for our three cats, and pool. Following the sale of my mother’s house we have undertaken some repairs and improvements, so the inside is now ​warmer and more comfortable​, and renovation of the exterior woodwork will take place next year​.

I continue my involvement with SPCA, helping to raise funds for a Satellite Centre to care for abused and unwanted animals on the North Shore, though with regret I have given up doing regular sessions at the Animal Village because increased traffic congestion has made the commute so long. I am currently exploring other volunteer opportunities with the Heart Foundation, International Bomber Command Centre and DogShare Collective. I ​am ​still in the alto section of St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir​,​ and attempting to sing soprano in a “Pop-Up Chorus” with NZOpera. I also see a few Bach Flower clients and recently had some success treating an anxious dog. ​