Life at No.22, Musings

Change the End Digit – it’s 2026

Suzanne

Happy New Year, everyone, and may this year extend your horizons, make you think, smile, and love with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness.  For myself, that’s what I wish.

Over time, I have lost count of how many times I have told people that, from now on, I will tackle life one step at a time.

There is nothing like starting the year as I mean to go on, by doing just that simple task of walking, with a focus on mindfulness and positivity.  With the odd day just being totally grumpy and pissed off with the universe. We all need a balance in life.

Beginning of the estuary walk during December, with the beautiful Pohutukawa blossoms cheering us along.

Usually, during the summertime, the Waikareao Estuary Walkways are popular from dawn until dusk. Or, unlike this morning, when it happens to be New Year’s Day, and the weather is unpredictable, most people have chosen to sleep in.  

Then there are the times when thunderstorms roll through, or the colder seasons drag the sun down early; there are even fewer of us sturdier types about. Which I feel is a shame.

Sunny summer walks are pleasant and restorative. I enjoy them. 

Though the foul-weather walks, when the great outdoors feels less like scenery and more like a presence, work a different sort of alchemy. The strength and scale of the natural world expand, and my own concerns shrink by comparison.

The First Walk of 2026

Meanwhile, as I walked along the footpath, I admired the magnificent Pohutukawa trees, standing firm, their leaf-laden branches unmoving. No wind. Blissful.

Taken while the Pohutukawa trees were in flower a few weeks ago.  It is a privilege to have these treasures in our neighbourhood.

Onwards I went, down the hill and over the bridge, then left, heading around the harbour. The one disadvantage of no wind is that the humidity wraps itself around me, leaving my face resembling a slightly overripe tomato.

Looking towards the city on the estuary walk

By the time I depart the harbourside tracks, now placing myself again along the tree-lined city streets and two blocks from home, it starts to rain, and the wind joins in. Those tranquil summer, stormy and cooler walks suddenly blended, and for a while, I felt the full-on presence of the great outdoors.

Back home, out of that short-lived storm, I can see a hot shower, warm, dry clothing, and the peace of spending time with Les for what they are: blessings.

Another first for the year: a double rainbow that disappeared, then reappeared even brighter. Rainbows have this ability to bring out the child in me.

Joining in with Jo and other walkers from around the world.

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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

35 thoughts on “Change the End Digit – it’s 2026”

  2. Thank you so much for this, Suzanne. It’s beautiful! I’m sneezing my head off as I try to type and I haven’t braved the weather at all today. Tomorrow, though, I’ll be out there, rain or shine xx

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    1. We are very fortunate to have so many old pōhutukawa trees within view from our home. The blooms have been spectacular this year, as have the jacaranda trees, which have nearly finished flowering.

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  6. Gorgeous photos on your first walk of the year. Nature is so fickle yet so infinitely beautiful. Happy new year Suzanne. May each day be filled with small blessings and magic moments. xx

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  8. I always enjoy seeing Southern Hemisphere summer scenes when it is winter here, and you have some lovely places for your walks. The pōhutukawa trees are so striking and the double rainbow is a real treat 🌈

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    1. Janis, notes from Mrs Google – “The Pōhutukawa (*Metrosideros excelsa), New Zealand’s iconic Christmas tree, is not a bottlebrush (Callistemon), though both are related in the large Myrtaceae family (Myrtle family) and share similar red flowers. Pōhutukawa is native to New Zealand and surrounding Pacific islands, evolving from ancient ancestors in the Pacific, while bottlebrushes are distinctly native to Australia.”
      I will as time goes on be sharing more walks, watch this space 🙂

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  10. I’m glad a grumpy bad day can be part of your life balance, Suzanne. We all need to make space for some of those.🙂 I saw a partial rainbow this morning. Not common here this time of year. It made me smile.

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  12. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : drifting into 2026 | Still Restlessjo

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