It is easy for a drought to sneak up on us - a wolf dressed in summer clothing.
One minute, we were reflecting on a warm 2013 summer that repaired the local economy, after a disastrously wet January in 2012.
The next, we are realising that the wet January in 2012 was actually a boon for dairy farmers, and that long term, a hot January is not good economic news for the region in 2013.
It does all of us good to consider others' plight from time to time.
For instance, non-Kaipara residents should consider the drastic water restrictions looming for our west coast neighbours. If they do not get rain soon, their water may be turned off intermittently.