The childhood memory I’ll always treasure is… Learning to drive on the Massey Ferguson tractor in our family paddock where my horse lived and my dad grew vegetables. That tractor was so unforgiving that I breezed through my driver’s license two days after I turned 15.
A perfect evening with my best friends is… Sitting around the dining table in the library at the heart of our home. There is nothing like being surrounded by books and eating and laughing with different generations – our friends, our kids and their friends.
If I could invite five people to a party I would have… Buddha and Jesus because I’d be interested to know if they existed and to hear what they think of the world; Michael Jackson – his music was my youth; Princess Diana, because I’d love to hear more about her story; and Bill Clinton because he’d throw a bit of fun in the mix, as long as he doesn’t bring cigars.
If I had more time I’d like to read… National Geographic magazines. My parents have been getting them since the 1970s, and when they have read them they pass them on to us. The library in our home is full of them.
The item in my house that never fails to make me smile is… A beautiful book of our family travels made by my daughter.
The most wonderful place I have ever visited was… When we were all homesick during a family trip to Europe and I did some research and found out our dog’s breed – the Weimaraner – originated from Weimar, Germany. We arrived at the most gorgeous little village with homes like dolls’ houses, showed the bed and breakfast owner a photo of our Weimaraner, and headed straight to the kennels.
A house in the German village of Weimar.
When I’m working hard I unwind by… Walking my dog – a gorgeous but slightly loopy Weimaraner called Coco. On Sundays my friend and I take Coco to the park and stop at our local café for a croissant and coffee.
The quote that always motivates me is… One my mother says: “This too will pass.” She is right, it always does.
The relatives who inspire me are… My parents – they’ve lived through a depression, a war, raised four kids and provided a good family life for us all. My father was born and raised in South Auckland, 91 years ago. When he got married he built a house on the same street, which became our family home. Then when he and my mum retired, they built another house three doors down. We love and respect them.
Words by: Jude Dobson
Photos: Getty Images, Supplied
