Afore ye go

It's always hard leaving a place you love. Bethells Beach has been special to Claire, Louise and me for a long time. Granny's ashes were released here. There is such diverse landscape - lake, beach, caves - we've enjoyed them all.

On an Indian summer's morning, my swim in the lake was quite heavenly. I left Lily behind as she is not keen on getting her feet wet walking up the stream and last time she was a right pain.

From the sand dunes, Mary Ann's is the big brown house at far right. It has been a great place to stop and gather bits and pieces for the journey ahead.

MA is a natural host - so kind, generous, witty and wise. I really wish her well on her journey as a b and b owner.

Lily and I have luxuriated in such hospitality. We've lazed about on the verandah; MA and I have drunk a lot of wine and now it's time to go.

The to-do list has been all but crossed off. But we'll still be on this side of the Bombays for a day or so yet. Tomorrow I hope to get the Mac upgraded, courtesy of Stefan Ballantinos, my merciless Mac mentor.

And here, below, we have the wonderful once-upon-a-Waitakere communications team minus Nada who took the pic. It was so good to hug every one.

Hot, wet, kitchen sink

Lily has snuck into the Wet Hot Bitches synchronised swimming show. Her photo was supposed to be at the bottom, but she says, pushing in, that she's more entitled than any of those gorgeous red-lipsticked sirens. Anyone who knows of her behaviour with a certain stuffed bunny will attest to this.

The WHBs - especially Miss Irena - were spectacular at the Parnell Baths. People I know were taught to swim here by Paul Krause, or Mr Krause to us.

I am nearing the end of the 'due diligence' process. The last big thing is ensuring the replacement of the kitchen bench - yes - and the bloody kitchen sink; it's the insurance job that refuses to lie down and do as it's told.

Still, I am nearly there and it's better than going on the road with the kitchen sink weighing heavily... (the underlining is not my idea; this is a kind of weird layout programme with stuff jumping all over the place.)

White sky, filigree grey clouds

Mary Ann's house sits above the sand dunes at Bethells Beach.

You will be able to come here and stay. It'll be a bed and breakfast before too long. If you know of the West Auckland Harre family, you will understand why this can be considered a special house. It was for sale on TradeMe as "The Railway House" and it looks like a railway station when you finally heave, in first gear, up the drive. Is this a reminder of the station where Tolstoy spent his last, according to the movie The Last Station, or is that my imagination? Yes.

The Waitakere river ebbs and flows: tonight it is high. Mary Ann says it roared last night. You only have to glance briefly to the left to see the silver snake from what is a southern-riverboat-sort-of-verendah. It is hot and sultry: three dogs are situated comfortably.

Laptop 91% charged.