We are continuing our ‘Five minutes with…’ summer series, where we slow down the pace to celebrate some of the people who make our district tick.

We’ve put the same five questions to a range of residents to find out a bit more about who they are and get their unique take on life in our region.

Today, we catch up with blogger and podcaster Ruth Henderson.

1. What was one of your very first jobs, and what did it teach you?

Ruth: Fork lift operator at Cadbury Confectionary Warehouse in Dunedin. It taught me that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

But I did eat chocolate every single day for three full months to test the theory of “Can you eat too much chocolate?"…Ah, yes, yes you can!

2. When the holiday crowds arrive, where is your secret spot to escape the heat?

Ruth: Ngāpara Pools near The Pines. Under the canopy of the trees you are instantly on your own.

It’s gorgeous down there, super easy to get lost (which is part of the fun), and the perfect swim spot by Mata-Au. Stunning!

3. It’s peak stone fruit season: Cherries, apricots, peaches or nectarines - you can only pick one. Which is it and what's your favourite way to eat it?

Ruth: Cherries. All day long. Export size if the budget allows!

My friend gave me a “Cherry Chopper” to pit them - and if the cherry can’t even fit in the gadget because it's too big, I know it's a goodie!

4. What is a hidden talent or weird party trick that nobody expects from you?

Ruth: I have a knack for connecting random people up with other random people - knowing that they will absolutely get along.

And they do! A stranger is just a friend you are yet to meet...

5. Complete this sentence: "You know you’re a local in Central Otago when..."

Ruth: You are already a member of too many groups, and someone invites you to join one more, and without thinking, of course you say YES!

We seem to invent extra time in Central Otago and we make the most of every minute.