#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A euphorically happy black dog (staffy) is sniffing the air rushing by a car window as it coasts along a beach road. Eyes closed. Nose twitching. Smells of fish & chips, the sea and distant green hills and mountains in the air. A burly man with a hairy chest and tum (80s?) is standing knee-deep in the sea. Hands on hips with the benevolent smile of Neptune surveying his kingdom. But what is this?! A woman (80s?) gleefully SPLASHING him then diving into the water to get away?! Scandal! Let the splash war begin! A teen (14?) riding a BMX is waiting politely at a bridge footpath for a woman (80s?) to cross with the aid of her walker. She thanks him and asks how his nan is going. He gives her a grin and says: "Yeah, alright thanks! She'd love if you stopped by eh." A young human (3?) has decided the BEST view in the world is from the VERY TOP of a palm tree. He clambers upwards, expression determined. Nothing's gonna stop him! Except... Dad's now saying that he can have fish and chips if he comes down. Hmm... Maybe he doesn't need the view after all. A man (40s?) in a baseball cap, rashie* and bare feet is crossing a beach road with a tiny human (1?) tucked under his arm like a football. Tiny Human Football seems entirely comfortable with this state of affairs. Expression supremely chill. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A fluffy big dog is sitting by her human's outdoor cafe table. Fluffy Big Dog is a very polite dog and is genteelly raising her paw to everyone who passes by, ever ready to observe the social niceties. People stopping to shake hands, charmed. A small human (3?) wearing sensible shorts, work boots and a spaceship T-shirt is about to march out of a hardware store when Dad calls out: "Can't go yet Buddy. Gotta pay first." Small Human takes in the drill and rake in Dad's hands and asks: "WHY?!" Surely all Dad tools should come free! A big man (20s?) in black skater gear is walking down a shady footpath. Big Man has attitude. Big Man has swagger. Big man has a small bouquet of lavender clutched in one hand. Raising it to his nose for a sniff and a deep breath before carrying on his way. A small human (5?) is waiting to cross the road with Mum and Little Brother (3?) But what is this?! Little Brother is standing within the Sister Zone? She'll see about that. Stretching her arms out so he can't come closer. This is her own personal road crossing space and he shall not pass! Two women (40s?) are chilling outside a small country wine bar and cellar door on a sunny day. One takes a dainty sip from her glass and announces: "This's my favourite. I can't remember any of the others so it's GOTTA be the best." Her friend bursts into laughter. (Continued Below)

#Spotted at a Wool Shed Gallery Opening in Aotearoa New Zealand: A joyful man (50s?) is directing traffic from a sea-road turn off into apple orchard parking with a gloriously cheerful rainbow umbrella. Someone yells from their car: "Lookin' fabulous!" And he gives them a bow and a laugh: "Thank you sweetie!" An artist dressed as rooster in a tuxedo holding a tray of fried egg lollies* is wandering through a crowded space of people gleefully inspecting artworks. A friend is trailing behind her cry-laughing at Human Rooster's muffled shouts of: "I CAN'T SEE A THING BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER!" A big dog (Labrador cross) is very much enjoying the attention of a mob of bare foot young humans (6+?) who are determined to give it pats and to convince it to come chase them through a nearby apple orchard. Big Dog is instead optimistically examining a nibblies table. Two old friends (40s?) who haven't seen each other in years spot each other across a room and meet in the middle by a giant blue papier-mâché octopus. One says to the other: "Where've you been?!" The other says: "Burnt out for the past two years but I'm here now. Isn't this fun?!" An artist asks a vivacious barefoot friend--dressed a in spectacular sparkly top--if she can photograph her next to a painting. Sparkly Friend laughs and says: "Yes! Of course! But not from the side! The number of chins I have is a secret and I have to kill anyone with pictorial evidence!" (Continued Below)

#Spotted at a Country Christmas Market in Aotearoa New Zealand: Two small humans (Twins? 4?) in floral dresses and increasingly dishevelled pigtails are rolling over and over on a grass lawn. Spinning around and falling over with much aplomb while roaring that they are: "VERY ROLLY POLLY!" A woman (60s?) is sitting at a picnic table surrounded by rolling hills and mountains in the distance. A newly purchased substantial cactus sits at her elbow. A friend (70s?) stops to exclaim: "Now THAT plant's optimistic, isn't it?" before breaking into a deliciously filthy cackle. A young human (9?) is inspecting a stall selling magic spells in boxes. Spell purchasing is a very serious business and she's considering each option. Biting her lip in thought, shifting from foot to foot. One does not make occult Christmas decisions lightly. A tiny human (2?) is MOST AFFRONTED. He directs a tremendously judgemental scowl at people sitting on a gentle grass slope. Suddenly he erupts, asking Dad: "Why are they all SITTING DOWN?!" with the air of a militant personal trainer meeting their new jelly fish client for the first time. A group of young humans (7 to 10?) are sitting in a circle on a patch of grass, listening attentively as one plays a tune on a penny whistle. She's not quite got the notes right but she's making up for it in confidence and enthusiasm. They're visibly impressed. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Running Errands in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (5?) skips into a post office and skids to a halt in front of a special postbox to Santa. With great ceremony she posts a letter with some impressive pictures drawn on the envelope, then turns to give Nana a triumphant grin. A man (70s?) is napping peacefully in a garden chair display in a hardware shop. Generous tum moving up and down with steady snores. A small white dog sitting vigilant by his feet next to a basket full of seedlings. Two women (40s?) are talking in the garden section of Bunnings*. 1st: "Weren't you here yesterday?" 2nd: "Yeah, but Mum's raided my basil plants." 1st: "Raid 'em back!" 2nd (Bursts into laughter.): "Could you IMAGINE what'd happen if I tried?!" A short contemplative silence ensues. A small human (5?) is driving Dad's trolley through a hardware store. Small Human has given a lot of thought about how to go around corners. Sideways with a screeching noise is preferred. But what is this?! For some reason Dad's now deciding that he's gonna be the trolley driver. Outrage! In a supermarket, an American tourist (50s?) realises the person behind them is also American. They excitedly compare holiday notes, adventure stories and the best places to eat in town. Plans are made to see a music open mic at a nearby bar later in the evening. New friends in the making! (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: At a country bus stop surrounded by a riot of flowers, a tiny human (2?) is waiting with Mum. Tiny Human's hands are on his hips, eyes narrowed, watching the road. Ever vigilant. He's not sure when this bus is coming, but he's ready for it. A tiny human (2?) is determined to climb up on to a park bench. Mum's offering to help. No! She does not need help! She's just gonna haul herself up... No no try again... Haul herself up... No... Would a run up help? YES! No! This is harder than it looks! Hmm maybe Mum can help after all. A tall, slender man (70s?) with long silver hair climbs out of a colourful camper van only for a friend to greet him. Friend roars: "What's my favourite BFV doin' in town?" Tall Man laughs: "BFV?" Friend gives him a bone crunching hug. "Big Fucken' Vegan! How are ya mate?! Long time no see!" A tourist couple (50s?), wearing cycling gear, laugh in delight on spotting friends from their German home town sitting in a park. After warm greetings they compare notes on how they've all managed to fly half way across the world only to accidentally meet in a tiny Kiwi country town. A woman (20s?) wearing a silver tinsel halo and angel wings is moseying down the street with friends on a hot, big-blue-sky day. Sunlight glinting off silver sparkles. Summer's in the air and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. (Continued Below)

#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand: A small human (4?) is AGHAST. Dad has called a dinosaur the WRONG NAME. A stern dressing down and a detailed description of triceratops anatomy is being given. Dad taking being schooled with a satisfying amount of humility. A woman (60s?) in a cheerful floral dress is leaning towards her friend, telling her of the most wonderful discovery. She's been sorting her recently deceased Grandma's home and has found love letters! From a strange man! From the 1950s! Laughter and new-old gossip over a big pot of tea. A sturdy man (40s?) wearing moko kanohi* and a pink polo shirt is driving along in a lovingly restored vintage Holden ute*, windows down, cheerfully roaring along to a gospel song while a teen (14?) is sitting in the passenger seat covering her face and laughing. Dad in his element. A spritely man (60s?) trots out of a small gallery and inspects the front windows with his hands behind his back, his expression thoughtful. He checks the water levels in the hanging baskets of flowering plants by the door and nods. Everything's in order. Satisfied, he heads back inside. A small human (4?) marches up to the counter at a cafe, looks up at the owner and says with great importance: "I would like a fluffy please." Cafe Owner takes this order down saying: "Chocolate sprinkles?" "Yes please." "Good manners." "Thank you very much." Mum in the background, grinning. (Continued Below)