Christmas has come and gone. I had a 'spaced out' celebration. It wasn't me who was spaced out but our events were. Because Greg and Nikki and Cooper and Mia were going away for Christmas, we had the Christmas tree for the kids a week earlier. With four kids and an over-indulgent Nana, there were plenty of gifts under the tree, and most of them were opened.
The children had already received some gifts from their parents' work parties and had decided the previous night which of those would be put under the Wishing Tree at the shopping centre. All four kids seem to accept that when they get extra toys and gifts, they should give some to children who don't have much. I am always proud of their attitude - modelled by their parents, of course, who donate to charity a percentage of what they spend on their own kids.
On Christmas Eve, we opened the last of the gifts under the tree - mainly for Krista and Umar and a couple of extras for Cory and Hudson. I didn't have any because I was too greedy the previous week and opened all mine then. Lord grant me patience - and give it to me now! On Christmas morning we found that Santa had been and the boys got all they wanted, and more. They each got a small tablet, and I got sole use of my iPad again.
My family in Mackay didn't come down but my gifts had arrived in time for Christmas, as did their gift for me. Coffee vouchers! How did they know? I don't think I will see them these holidays as Andrew is taking Timothy and Oscar fishing at the beach hut. Then next week they are both playing in a golf tournament at Yeppoon. Tim, at twelve, is now playing 18 holes while four year old Oscar plays three holes. He is so little that he takes about 50 strokes to get around the course. He looks good but is exhausted at the end.
We joined any other of my siblings who weren't committed to grandkids for lunch at Keith's place. There were probably about 25 of us and we each brought a dish for lunch. My reputation as a cook is legendary so I am always asked to bring some sweet nibblies. (I think the reasoning is that if I muck them up, it won't matter because they are not part of the real meal.) However I did a TimTam slice and my famous rum balls. The rum balls are almost healthy as the main ingredient is Weetbix. The TimTam slice was very easy to make and very popular to eat. I could even remember the recipe when I was asked for it. Crush 3 packets of TimTams in a blender. Add a tin of condensed milk. Roll out into a log in coconut. Chill, then cut into narrow slices. It couldn't be simpler - or more calorie laden.
After the festivities I am regaining my strength ready for my next trip. I am sleeping late and having an afternoon nap under the air conditioner. An afternoon coffee shop trip doubles as exercise. I am careful not to overdo things as you never know when disaster will hit and I need to be refreshed and rested and able to face anything.
We are fortunate at the moment to face only afternoon storms, so far without hail. North and Central Queensland are flooded at the moment after days of deluges. It may soon be enough to break the drought but the damage will be extensive. Meanwhile, on Australia's south coast, bushfires are raging out of control and have totally destroyed about 120 homes in three coastal towns. This is the most unpredictable part of the year. Although I am disappointed not to be travelling at the moment, I know I am in the safest place here at home.
But ..... watch this space! I will be gone as soon as I can.
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