What I’ddo
1
To kick- start the weekend, I will probably head out West and go to the Arataki Visitor Centre at the base of the beautiful Waitakeres. My husband Dan and I are in training at the moment and doing lots of walking to get ready for our six- day Disneyworld extravaganza in July. There are heaps of great walks leaving from the centre and they are all through beautiful native bush with so much bird life. Sometimes I can even hear the birds singing over my gasping for breath and constant asking if we are there yet.
2
Walking makes me mainly two things: sweaty and hungry. So after a good browmopping in the car, it’s off to Woodworks cafe in Avondale, my old hood. Woodworks opened up, burnt down, and opened up again and I admire its tenacity. I also admire its salmon bagel which I will order with one of their delicious coffees or more realistically one of their superb Bloody Marys, which are life- changing even without a hangover.
3
Saturday night will find me at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall next to the iconic Rocket Park, performing at a charity fundraiser for Balmoral School. I love using my powers for good, and this is the school my bosses’ kids go to! I’ll be performing alongside some great local talent, and some comedians from overseas who are here for the festival and have also been happily roped in! It’s always fun gigging in the suburbs, and after wards I can have a swing in the playground, woohoo!
4
Sunday I’ll probably have a small liein until approximately midday, then head off to a market. There are pretty much always good markets in and around Auckland, this time I'm heading to the Kaukapakapa local market, which sounds like a great mix of locally made crafts, vintage and retro treasures, locally grown produce and great coffee. I like supporting tiny businesses and it’s a fun way to source fresh organic veges and fruit for the coming week. I also have a brand new nephew, so I have an excuse for squeezing all the cute nanaknitted stuffed toys! The knitted monkey or the stuffed bunny? Hours could pass.