Christmas news

Betty and Malcolm’s Christmas Newsletter 2005

Is it really nearing the end of another year! We are being forced to believe that it is by Santa Parades in November and decorations in every shop. The commercial countdown has begun. For those who remember what Christmas is really about, the season of Advent has its own exciting rituals. We enjoy Christmas-time: Midnight Mass, carols, lights and decorations, shopping for gifts, unwrapping parcels, family gatherings, eating lots, and  receiving cards and news from our scattered friends and family.
Since Christmas 2004 the world has been hit by a massive tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wars, flu and famine. Lest we get too complacent in our secluded islands we are continually being warned that these disasters are bound to hit us some day. But we carry on, spending more money and building flasher houses preferably close to the sea.

Enough philosophical musing. We are here to let you know what we have been up to in the practical sense? In June we set off to cross the Tasman for nephew Nick’s 50th; but missed the party as our plane broke down in Wellington and we had a free and unexpected night in the James Cook Hotel. We caught up with the party people next day and as usual had a great time in Brisbane. Then we flew to Darwin and toured the spectacular Kakadu and Katherine Gorge areas – hot but exotic and fascinating.
In September we headed south to Te Anau where we celebrated Mum’s 90th birthday. What a family gathering it was! Over seventy friends and relations came to the Lakeside Hall. Mum looked fine with her five “very mature” children, their spouses, 11 of her 13 grandchildren, and 12 of the19 great grandchildren. Betty was surrounded by “her sisters and her cousins and her aunts”
For the first time in eight years we had our own four children together; certainly time to get out the digital camera and record this rare occurrence.
Our grand children are another year older and we are proud of them all.
Betty and Malcolm continue in their chosen pursuits. Betty has actually managed to get Malcolm to join her in pursuit of the little white ball on Thursday’s Twilight Golf. One week he was awarded a prize for the most golf, then next week was on the good score prize list, while Betty remained unrecognised for being consistently middle of the fairway. She did win the women’s putting trophy for 2005.
Malcolm has added membership of the local U3A group to his list. Betty just reads more books. She has been lucky in competitions, winning a cell phone, an electric wok and an oilskin vest. She has also acquired a gold tooth, but not for free. Malcolm thinks it should be regarded as an heirloom and removed before interment.  Other acquisitions include a half share in a “fold” of highland cattle – grazing on the Ross hills at “Balnagowan”. Anyone with a Skype phone can now talk to us for free anywhere in the world, and you may take a look at the blog as well as the website.
We aim to be at home in the top of the south for December and January so do call in if you are in the neighbourhood for food, fellowship, and fabulous weather.
Have a Happy and Healthy Christmas Season.