This year, because the mosquitoes have been so dreadful, we decided not to risk it.
Instead of going out, we stayed at home and watched people celebrate on TV, from Melbourne. And I set up this blog specifically to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. I did post a few cards but we spent more time cleaning the house than we did preparing for Christmas. I'm now pleased to report that there is not a single sign of the army of mice that lived here while we were away for 6 months. It was important to have the whole house thoroughly disinfected, as there were 12 of us here for Christmas.
It was a lovely day, 20 for Christmas dinner at Dom's and Mandy's house. We all helped with the food, which meant that we could easily have fed another 20! We gave the children their stockings early, which left them free to spend time with their "big" presents. The stockings contain all manner of strange items, from fossils to toothpaste. Tatum will be 21 this year but she still likes to ferret through her stocking.
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The last day of 2010 was shockingly hot ---- 42 (108F) here at Milnes Bridge and very hot in most other parts of Victoria. I had had it by the afternoon and we went for a swim in Kerang. We went shopping in the supermarket afterwards, where I felt beautifully cool, because I didn't change out of my bathers --- I just put shorts and a top over them. I wet my hat and jammed it on my head. Who cares how I looked?!!!
My brains must have been overheated because we came home with a 42" plasma digital television set. We had intended to buy a 32" LCD one. Oh well, I can see everything sharply and the fireworks looked terrific.
Enjoy your start to 2011. I hope that it's a good year for you, in all ways. Maybe you can walk carefully around some of the bumps in your path? I am very fond of all of you and I would like to wish that nothing saddens you or challenges you too hard. I know that this isn't realistic. So, I can hope that you are comforted by your near and dear when you need it and feel able to deal with whatever difficulties occur in your life. If there's anything I can do to help, please ask.
Congratulations to Margaret and Roger who have started the year with their first Grandchild, Andrew. Congratulations to Marion Heap whose Granddaughter Brianna, produced a healthy baby boy, on the last day of December. It was exciting for me to be part of the waiting for these darlings to arrive. This fellow has no name yet, as they were sure he was a girl!!!
Condolences to Terry and Hank, who lost their son, Michael. Sad. May your New Year bring you peace and acceptance.
Good luck to Tom, who has to cope with a number of problems. Tom, I've been thinking of you during these Queensland floods and hoping that you and Carmel are high and dry.
I'm thinking especially at this time of Scott and Dawn and the loving friendship I enjoyed with our dear Carole. Likewise, my thoughts are with Maas and Wouter whose lovely Mother Carla was my dear friend.
Jenny, Helen, Sue, Dom, Rachel and Talitha, we grieve with you over the loss of Jim.
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