Many of you, dear readers, will know of my passion for work of The Reader Organisation (see.www.thereader.org.uk) a social enterprise based in Liverpool.

Today I joined a group of seven shared reading group members training to lead groups in TAPAC, an art and dance centre by Auckland Zoo.

Ably led by Megg, the kiwi friend from the course, we explored some great poems and literature, and dissected the elements required to make a shared reading group successful.

Coffee in the zoo followed by companion and I taking a trip to Blockhouse Bay completes the day. How lovely to sit quietly by the sea in a city, and watch four kingfishers, and herons and egrets.

But more lovely is seeing the families playing, cycling, eating their tea:

Deciding on a quick curry for tea, I was intrigued by this poster:

Then struggled with an aspect of my iPhone, which said husband shook his head at, sucked his teeth at…. then resolved , rapidly breaking into one of his well known ‘I’m pretty ingenious aren’t I?’ Smiles, which also involves him listing other examples of his abilities in matters electronic and engineering….

I’ll not swap him, or his skills.

Tantrums: there was one about the iPad. No idea why.

Endangered species: must have been close by whilst we coffeed at zoo.

Nz kindness: wonderful bring and share lunch provided by course colleagues.