December 20th

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I could say that with Christmas approaching it has been another busy week, but it has not been entirely Christmas related.

Claire and Izzy "did" Kelly Tarltons and Mission Bay on Monday. On Tuesday Claire was back at work and I took Izzy into town for her to join a Contiki tour of the North Island (taking in the Bay of Islands and Rotorua). She returned this evening, tired but having had a wonderful time.

On Tuesday evening, Claire had her works Christmas do at Gengis Khan in New Lynn which went well. On Wednesday evening we hosted Nicky's Church Life Group social here, putting my BBQ skills to the test for the first time this season. I used a type of charcoal which I haven't tried before and it worked very well so I was pleased and relieved. I can still remember the problems I had last summer not only getting the BBQ to light, but getting the fire-lighters to light! Anyway, Wednesday evening was good (I did home made burgers). Friday lunchtime was Nicky's turn for works Christmas do, at Crystal Mountain; another enjoyable event.

Somewhere in all this I have done some MacOnSite work, two calls of which were with new customers, and spent most of Friday getting through 3 baskets of ironing and listening to Claire's audio dramatisation of Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers.

Yesterday Nicky took Claire to work and then motored on to see Mary and Ruth and deliver some Christmas cheer. The weather was good enough for us to pop to our nearest naturist beach for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Unfortunately while we were there, someone tried to break into our car. They didn't succeed but did do some damage to the passenger side door.

Today has been for me what is referred to on The Archers as "stir-up Sunday". I have made a couple of Christmas puddings, one as part of our contribution to the shared family lunch on Christmas Day, the other to convert into Christmas Pie's, which I hope will be like mince pies. Nicky has been to a carol service this evening which she enjoyed after.

The weather has been good most of the week, the loft temperature peaking at 45°C at one point (or was that last week?). We have had a bit of rain and cloud, but it does feel like summer has come at last.

I am aware that I have not yet posted pictures of Claire's 21st party - I will try and do so this week. Lots of places are starting to close down this week so I am expecting to be less busy now for awhile.

Bye for now,

Rick

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