Blogs

Polly considers the controversial use of the local water supply as the Far North experiences its driest summer yet.

Ryvita and cream cheese, anyone? Lucy Corry attempts to swap her snacking ways for single-serving, homemade meals.

Polly ponders life and death after bumping into Dave, an electrician and the victim of a nasty shock.

Chef Michael Van de Elzen is turning his summer harvest into something special.

Even city dwellers can forage for edible finds with a few rudimentary guidelines to keep the tummy happy and the neighbours sweet, says Lucy Corry

Polly had long feared of a life built around routine. But just as seasons change and mountains rise, she realises that routines are a natural phase in life.

Lucy proposes an end to lake-sized lattes and tower-high ice creams — to all the gargantuan portions plaguing New Zealand cafés and restaurants.

Polly attempts to look on the bright side after a series of sour events occur at home – and across the Tasman Sea.

Polly considers the seasonal magic of the Far-North while avoiding the consumer extravagance of Christmas traditions.

Jim reflects on his late mum as he encounters the trickiest parenting topic in the book.

A big-city visit causes Polly to question the family's isolated lifestyle - if only for a moment.

Jim comes to terms with his eldest daughter finishing high school.

The early arrival of summer in the Far North is a delight, reflects Polly, so long as it doesn't outstay its welcome.

A family friend's death reminds Jim of his mum's open door policy.

A posh poodle learns to embrace the wild, carefree outdoors in an extended stay with Polly.

The toughest part of parenting isn't sleepless nights or the terrible twos, reflects Jim. It's learning to let go.

Polly uses her cunning tongue – one of the many languages taught in her household – to get her mum's travel insurance paid out.

Jim juggles fatherhood with the 4-hour time difference at the Rugby World Cup.

Polly is deeply touched by the power of people when her mum goes missing in Spain.

Lynda insists on keeping her lambs as pets, even as they (predictably) wreak havoc on her home.

Jim discovers that misplacing belongings is hereditary.

Polly and co take their revenge on rampaging rabbits.

Jim's daughters get increasingly inventive for tapping into the Bank of Mum and Dad.

Polly quickly gets distracted while attempting to write her second book at a writer's retreat.

When his daughter struggles to read a traditional clock, Jim reflects on how time never stands still with technology.

An explosive moment makes Polly reflect on the enterprising wilderness women in the Far North.

Jim reflects on his regrets and achievements while in Hawaii for his 50th birthday.

Our guest blogger Poppy Vink shares what she’s learned starting a veggie patch from scratch and how her budding garden has helped with her mental health.

Polly searches for the recipe for success when she gives soap making another shot.

Jim defends the English language as his youngest muddles it up with acronyms and alternative meanings.

Polly reconnects with land and life after losing cellphone coverage.

As Jim helps his daughter rearrange her room, he recalls the territorial bedroom wars of his past.

In an effort to beat a never-ending cold, Polly embraces an extreme athlete's chilly bathing method.

The story of an old farm dog reminds Jim that there is nothing worse as a parent than not noticing when your child is truly sick.