Merry Christmas--it's still Christmas in the US, just barely, and we're finishing Boxing Day here in the bottom of the world. Boxing Day is an excuse for another day off, and is celebrated mostly these days with a shopping mania similar to that seen in the US, except that it is warm, and the hot items are barbeques and swimming suits ("togs"). Originally, it had something to do with boxing up the Christmas leftovers for the household staff. In England, of course, which some old-time native New Zealanders still refer to as the Home Country.
The household staff here is a bit tired, but content. Santa brought us a croquet set, some bocce balls, a kite, and some other outside stuff, and Mom's been reliving childhood summer days. The kite was not terribly successfull, but that is familiar, too...maybe too much wind, today. Maybe we will find some kite consultants at the Quaker summer gathering we're going to in a couple of days.
We had a miniature turkey (about 7 pounds), and it was just right. Sticky buns for breakfast, and the leftovers for dinner, in honor of Sarah Wine. We were going to make Pavlova, but we haven't gotten around to it yet. We keep just eating the strawberries and blueberries we buy for it.
On Christmas eve, we went to the races--a family affair, quite casual, in a small town nearby--harness races alternated with greyhound races. We didn't win big...though Emily almost won a bag of popcorn in the children's pool. We didn't lose, either. Didn't bet, actually, but had fun watching for a while, a distraction from the agonizing wait for Santa.
I seem to be working backwards, so I'll keep going. Let's see...on Friday, the university kicked us all out at noon, and closed the doors for almost two weeks. It seems that half of the country has taken off for the beach, though they say the weather is really much better for it in February. Now it is variable--can be clear and beautiful, crisp, windy, hot in the sun, but cold at night, and it rained yesterday afternoon, which was ok for us Yankees used to a cooler Christmas.
And Charlie is settling in, getting a bit bolder in tasting toys of all sorts...she got a few more of her own, and we are working on helping her to recognize (and respect) which is which...she likes to sleep under our bed, but is also happy that the presents have been removed from her second favorite spot, behind the Christmas tree.
I'll post some more pictures...
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4 comments:
Have I said that I miss you so much lately?
It was GREAT to talk to you!! I brought back the leftover grasshopper pie with me and plan to take it to a get together with friends on Friday so I can introduce them to its glory! :)
These past two holidays have shown me how much the Barber family is part of my family. I miss you so much and having Thanksgiving and Christmas without you was very hard for me. I MISS YOU!
Happy New Year to the Barbers! We think of you often and hope all is well. Love the blog and look forward to more pictures!!! Joseph has grown so tall. Still lamenting not getting a chance to see Emily grow up but appreciate your updates. We still remember the day she was born. Nyalia is in the 8th grade, doing fine, looking at high schools. Asona a junior at Wash U. Atima a senior in high school, got accepted early decision to Wash U. Glad that is over. Saw the Freeds in Chicago, they are great and love their new neighborhood. I may not understand what a blog is so forgive me if this comment is too long. Hugs, from your Topeka Friends the L--'s
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