I was sitting outside on my deck last night – one of the rare evenings since Christmas that I’ve been able to do that.  Despite the thick clouds and showers (that arrived an hour later) the conditions were mild and pleasant out of the wind.

In October I took my first trip to Brisbane.  I have family connections with ABC News in Queensland (my cousin) and my Aunt and Uncle live just out of the city – and were flooded this time last year by those incredible flood waters.

It’s hard to imagine when you stand at their place – as they’re on the edge of a very steep hill.

As we walked around the property and looked at photos of the recent flood – and the ones back in the 1970s – I was amazed at how quickly everything had repaired itself.  The hot, wet, climate of Queensland means plants and lawns very quickly bounce back.

Back to Auckland now and while I sat out on my deck last night I had a flashback – as if I was back in Brisbane.  Auckland is well known for tropical plants which can flourish in this weather.  My garden is fairly tropical and the plants – and lawn – are in love with the rain and humidity.  Everything is green and wet and growing faster than I’ve ever seen them grow.   The soil is dark and rich and bursting with life.  It may not feel like Brisbane temperature-wise but there’s enough heat, humidity and moisture to keep gardens growing like crazy. 

But this isn’t the silver lining I refer to in my headline.

I was speaking to a reporter yesterday about the current conditions and we were talking about how relaxed people are looking at the moment.

No matter how you look at it, 2011 was a very stressful year for many of us.  Whether it was economic issues, the earthquake, floods or just the general stress of a very busy year which also packed in a general election and the Rugby World Cup.

Most of the people I know were so relieved to see Christmas and the summer holidays finally arrive.

However the weather had other plans.

It has rained most days in Auckland – and many other northern centres too.  If it’s not raining it’s cloudy, or windy with showers here and there. 

But there is where I come back to the silver lining.

People are actually relaxing.  We’re being forced to sit inside.  We’re being forced to travel less, to watch TV, to read books and play board games.  Now I realise one persons positive is another ones negative – camping grounds have not had the best summer, which seems so unfair after a tough few years of economic woes. 

Many people I know have enjoyed a quieter than usual summer break.  Sunnier weather means we get out more and do more – which is very healthy for our brains and to de-stress.  But something we don’t do enough of in this busy day and age – is doing nothing at all.

So perhaps one positive of our gloomy summer in the north, is that we’re all catching up on some much needed rest after a year many would probably prefer to put well and truly behind them.

– Philip Duncan