Christmas at Greystone 2009

Getting ready for Christmas was a week long affair.

The Christmas Tree had to be slected, cut, transported to Greystone and decorated. Carl, Tanya, Isaac, Jesse, Tim, Sally and Evan did just that.

The tree looked beautiful sparkling, with dazzling lights. It filled up to the ceiling. Everyone helped to trim it last Monday and of course the last thing to go on top was the star, ably put there by Carl.



Well believe it or not we survived Christmas Day. The day really began at midnight when some of us went to St Luke's for the Christmas service. Home, Santa run and bed.



On Christmas morning Santa's presents and preparing for family presents from under the tree and a long lunch under the trees in the orchard and the summer sun. Christmas is family, summer, sun, barbecues, long chats and MORE ham followed by MORE ham. The boys; Evan, Steve, Carl, Isaac, Jesse, Tim and Thomas (in descending ages) and the girls; Joanne, Tanya and Sally (no ages admitted) hovered around the Christmas tree whilst each present was presented, each with hugs and kisses and occasionally 'high fives' were unwrapped. Christmas is definately for children (of all ages). The faces of the young ones is always a delight to see.

As you see the sunshine was very bright and we were protected by the umbrella, itself a gift from Isaac and Carl to Evan from 2006 Christmas. The Christmas dinner was a joy to behold and eat helped by the master BBQ cook from Queensland (youngish Carl), Tanja and of course Sally (Mum, Bestemor, NanNan and Her Majesty).

A couple of years ago Sally (alias Your Majesty to Sadie) won a large, 3L bottle of Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc and so by Royal Decree it was decided (unilaterally of course, what other way is there?) to chill it and open for Christmas 2009. We made a good dent in it but didn't finish it. Here is Evan (alias Sadie) just prior to opening it. Poor dear got pink cheeks from golfing in the sun at Mrs Maritin's Borough's golf course with Carl and Steve.


Well we can't go past the presents from the two beautiful daughters from Brussels and their spice boys. (Note: the other beautiful daughter Jo Jo was in attendance at Greystone). Both lots of Brussels' presents arrived by courier in the days prior to Christmas day. A wonderful hamper from Kris and Greg (holidaying in Tuscany) and a 'don't open till Christmas Day' one from Sue and Mike (a white Christmas in Huldenberg). When we opened Sue and Mike's one it was definately a surprise. A set of matching t/shirts for us all with a logo on the back (see picture). All at Greystone donned theirs and talked with Mike and Sue on Skype (all huddled and slightly befuddled?) from a neighbour's home just up 'De Limburg Stirumlaan.' Thanks Euorpean girls and boys for the presents and the Skype call and Kris and Greg's call from Tuscany. The closest thing to a full family Chrismas that we (Her Majesty and Sadie) have had in a long time.



And so after MORE ham for a late dinner snack all at Greystone succumbed to the wine, beers, BBQ and family happiness snoring quietly (for some) and waiting for Boxing Day.

Note: Steve, Jo and Thomas took off for Taranaki on the following day (to Boxing Day) followed by Carl, Tanya, Isaac, Jesse and Tim. Isaac was met in Palmerston North by Amanda's Mum and Dad to join them in a South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) holiday before returning to Brisbane late January 2010.

The Queenlanders were due to return to Greystone for New Year celebrations prior to their return to Lotus Land.

It's MacTavish Again

Every year at this time we have problems with chocolates going missing. This time we think we caught MacTavish in the act. But what is that finger creeping into the picture. I wonder if we will catch him again before all the chocolates are gone.

Last Day of School for 2009

This is Room 7 on the last day of school for the year. Only one person away otherwise here they are in all their glory.

Happy Birthday Kristina Anna-Marie

Wow! Its that time again and guess where Kris is? Leaves Brussels today for some shopping in Paris (as you do on your birthday). Make sure you take the non-melting, non-smouldering 'plastic' since many have been ruined in gay Paree! Plastics that is!

Happy birthday from all at Greystone. Yes it is summer and very warm, dry and sunny - just like Christmas should be Downunder. Beers, barbies and beaches.

Christmas Party at Greystone

On Wednesday 16th December Room 7 from Greytown School, Bestemor's class came around to Greystone for their end of year party. They had a Secret Santa and Bestemor gave them all a book. They had sausages and lots of nummy food to eat. They played games at the park with the parachute and played soccer. After a lovely warm day they walked back to school.

More Bowling - This time with pictures

Today, Sunday, we both played Championship Singles. We both played very good bowls, according to others, but both lost two games to much more experienced bowlers.

Here we have a couple of photos.

Bowling

Last weekend I played in the Championship Pairs at the Greytown Bowling Club. I wasn't supposed to but one of the ladies hurt her hand badly and couldn't play. On Friday night we got a phone call to ask if I would play. With trepidation I asked whom I was to partner. " Oh No!! One of the gun bowlers of the club!!"

The next morning bright eyed and bushy tailed I went down and got my bowls out ready to do battle. We played well the first game but alas drew the top pair, eventual winners, in the next game and lost. As one has two lives we needed to win the next game. We were 11 to 13 down with one end to play. Although we had the shot bowl on the last end we couldn't get one to draw and have another end or even two more to win. Oh well my first experience of match play.

Tomorrow is another day!!! Oh bother it really is. Today was to be the singles but it rained very heavily last night and early this morning and very windy so they postponed it until tomorrow. Oh well more of that later.

Mum

PS Maybe the photographer will be in attendance tomorrow.