Christmas in the sun

Christmas Day, Kingston Beach
From our front window.

I was surprised to find how "right" it felt to be back in the Southern Hemisphere for Christmas. Jean still thought the deep and dark December in Texas was appropriate, but when I got home and felt the sun, saw the long days and everything growing it just shouted "Christmas" and "Summer Holidays". So here's a brief report of our Christmas and the lead up to it, written on a gloriously sunny Boxing Day, with the prospect of the beach tomorrow.

The family we left behind

We tried to smuggle him out, but we were stopped at Customs

After our slightly traumatic return trip (though in the end we arrive quarter of an hour earlier than originally scheduled), it was good to see Hugh, Jess and the boys, and get back home. Hugh warned us about the garden, and so we were not too shocked by the weed growth, but it is taking us ages to clear it all. There were still some vegetables underneath the growth and the raspberries are in full swing.

We were keen to see the progress on Hugh and Jess's new house, and what they have done is most impressive. The house (their own design) is in two sections: living and sleeping. Hugh already has plans for the garden. But their pre-Christmas has not been all well: returning from a family reunion a couple of days ago they were rear-ended while stationary and their faithful Saab was written off! Fortunately it gave its life to save them from injury; although Jess was checked out for neck damage she was soon recovered and none of the rest were hurt. But they have been seriously inconvenienced, even with the provision of a hire car, just before the holiday.

Hugh the Builder
Can he fix it?

Hugh & Jess's new house

The week before Christmas was hectic for us, as ever. I had a trip to Devonport and Jeannie was busy in the kitchen, so it was relief when Christmas Day dawned, bright and sunny, and we went down to Hugh and Jess's for breakfast. The boys had slept well and so they were all in fine form as we sat down to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. They liked their presents, but Angus' favourite was car with wheels that could be taken off with a special tool.

Angus and the Christmas tree
The cardinal was his favourite decoration

Christmas breakfast and presents

George liked the turtle

Angus liked the car (no surprise there)

A Mexican Indian, lost in Tasmania

We then had a quiet day at home before going round to the Mortons for dinner. Everyone else was full after lunches elsewhere, but Jeannie and I tucked into to beautiful turkey and ham.

Jeannie's glazed ham

Christmas dinner at Morton's

Tired boys
Note the matching Mini tee-shirts

Now we just have to pack the car and head north. The forecast is good for the next few days. I wish we could package some sun for those of you at the other end of the world.