I hope that everyone had a wonderful day, with lot's of good food, fun and laughter with family and friends. For those of you who also enjoy the occasional (or more) alcoholic beverage, then I hope that that was good quality too. I myself started my alcoholic "inhalation" at breakfast, and I have to add that that is only the norm on Christmas day, but hey, that is the day when normal "norms" are put aside. I didn't make egg nog this year, much to the disappointment of my sons (will have to make sure to make it next year), so started the day with a glass of champagne along with the other females while the men imbibed their beer. We finally ate breakfast at around 11, so really more like brunch. After breakfast my lads went off to their various in-laws for lunch (we did pare breakfast down a bit this year so they would still be able to eat lunch), while Ron and I stayed at #3 sons house to clean up after the breakfast assault. When we got home, I went to have a hot bath (and a sleep, my usual activity in the bath) while my menfolk (the MOTH, #1 son and his son) had a light lunch, then it was off to visit my parents. Mum and Dad live in a retirement village and can use the community room for family functions if it is not needed at that time. Another family had used it for lunch, and we had use of it from 4:30 onwards. It was great as it's a very big room, with lots of tables and chairs, so room for everyone to sit and chat. My Dad was looking great, and was getting around so much better (but still not as good as he thinks he is) and managed the short walk from his unit to the hall with no problems at all. He didn't join us in our nibblies as he still needs his food vitamised and his fluids thickened, but he did have a drink with us. He had some thickened milk drinks, so Mum chose a vanilla flavoured one and added a nip of brandy for Christmas cheer. Dad enjoyed two such drinks, but not long after felt a bit woozie, so went back to the unit for a rest. That was fine as we partied on in the big room and took it in turns to go over to the unit to spend a bit of quality time with Dad. We finally left there after 8:30, but still our day wasn't over. My boys and their friends partied on at #4 sons house while the MOTH and I went to visit friends. It was at our friends that I had my first "gooeys" for the day. I had been very sensible all day, but was finally defeated when I entered their house which was full of glorious goodies to eat. All the sweets (I had some pavlova), all the Lollies (couldn't resist the fudge and after dinner mint chocolates), all the pudding ( I did resist). I stuck to water here as I felt I had already drunk my fill for the day.........and I have the head this morning to prove it, lol. The MOTH and I finally got home at 11:50, followed about 10 minutes later by #1 son and grandson. All in all it was a great day, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The MOTH and I weren't going to give each other gifts as our funds were otherwise allocated this year, but when I went into the bedroom on Christmas Eve night, there on my pillow was a wrapped package. The MOTH asked me to open it then re-wrap it to be opened again with the family the following morning. He wanted to make sure it was something I wasn't going to be disappointed with. What he had bought was a small document laminator along with some laminating envelopes. I was very pleased as I've often looked at these sort of things thinking how useful they could be. When I re=wrapped it and put a gift tag on it, I was cheeky enough to put To Sue and Ron from Ron and Sue. hehe.
Now, the reason our funds are otherwise allocated: well, for one t hing, we have our ongoing football club membership (which I pay for for us both), then there is the trip we are taking and the MOTH had just paid for our plane tickets. We will also need money on the trip itself. So, what is this trip? Well, I think I have mentioned it before. My "gawjus" daughter is moving to Townsville and the family is making a holiday out of the move, driving from their current home in Perth to their new home in Townsville. When I was in Perth I told Natalie I'd love to do the trip with them, and would have to run it by the MOTH, although I was sure that he would love to do it too. Of course money was always going to be the main sticking point, but we managed to work around our finances and he made the plane bookings while I organised accommodation at the start and end of the trip. SO, we leave home on Friday 4th Jan to fly to Perth. We are staying in a caravan (trailer) park for 3 nights, then it's off on the marathon drive (some 6,000 kilometres), then 4 or 5 nights in a caravan park in Townsville before we fly home. Hopefully we'll still be there to help Natalie and family move into their new home too, so that will be great. Now that our flights and stuff are booked I am finally allowing myself to become excited, and we are both really looking forward to it. I have been fortunate enough to have already done a similar trip (again with Natalie), but this will be the first one for the MOTH. I will have my camera and also plan to take the lap top along too so that I can put the photo's onto it. You will then be bored by the travellogue no doubt.......but hey, I'm excited by it.
No knitting news at the moment, still working away on a couple of things but not worth writing about or taking photo's of at this stage. For now, take care, happy knitting, and have a great New Year.
Merry Christmas Sue, and I'm glad you had such a great day.
Posted by: Shannon B | December 26, 2007 at 06:01 PM
I am so glad that your family had a wonderful xmas. The trip sounds like a wonderful idea, and it will be exciting too. I cant wait to see your entries along the way. I hope your family have a lovely fun New Year's Eve too.
Posted by: sue | December 27, 2007 at 10:48 AM
wow I'm tired after reading about your Christmas Day and also your trip! but what a trip...definitely a once in a lifetime
have fun
Corrie:)
Posted by: corrie | December 29, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Wow, that's some trip you have planned! Hope it goes beautifully.
Posted by: Taphophile | December 30, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Hi Sue,Glad you had a lovely Chrissy!!!Nice quiet one here,a great one for mee as the kids were happy with their gifts and I was likewise with Hubby surprising me,hes not normally very good at that,LOL
Enjoy your trip up North too its sounds like fun!!!
Posted by: cathy | January 01, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Guess you're off to "gawjus" daughter's new home but when you return, here's a Happy New Year for you. Your Christmas sounded loverly!
Posted by: Stacie | January 05, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Guess you're off to "gawjus" daughter's new home but when you return, here's a Happy New Year for you. Your Christmas sounded loverly!
Posted by: Stacie | January 05, 2008 at 03:41 PM