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.
2 comments:
Huge tree! Looks like it was a lot warmer there sitting in the sunshine than here in Belgie with our White Christmas.
The tree is a Douglas For obtained from the christmas Tree Company on Woodside road some 4 kms from Greystone.
The company have many different types and Carl, Tanya, Sally, Evan, Isaac, Jesse and Tim collected it after cutting it down and transported back to Greystone on top of the CRV.
Yes, it is warmer! 27 today although the nights are nice and cool around 12.
Picasso says Hi! He will be some 84 cat years this year.
Arohanui, Evan the Dad
Post a Comment