Merry Christmas 2009.....

Today is Boxing Day. Yesterday we had a lovely day celebrating Christmas Day. There hasn't been a lot of time to enjoy Christmas this year however, the quality of the time celebrated has been wonderful. Last week Meryn, Alex, John and I went off to Carols at the Domain. It was festive and enjyable. Then Christmas Eve we had our traditional family dinner together, made even nicer with young Anthony joining us. John cooked up a superb dinner of roast pork and ham. To this he added roast potatoes sour cream and salad. Alex cracked open the beers and cold drinks and Christmas music. We all laughed a lot and shared stories of Christm's past and toasted our beautiful Ben. At the end of the evening the tree was aglow and presents were stacked under it, lovingly wrapped and decorated.

John and I woke rather late on Christmas morning, I think it was about 10am. I wipped up a batch of croissants, coffee and bacon. John stuffed the ducks with a stuffing that he discovered in one of my cook books. By the time he was finished the BBQ oven was hot enough for them to be baked in. We settled in the lounge room and exchanged gifts to a lot of laughing and oooos and arrrrs. In all it was a wonderful morning.

We spent the remainder of the day at Grandy's house, enjoying roasted duck and pork and of course, Grandy's famous fruit salad. In between cooking we played cards and talked about the extended family. It was relaxing and the atmosphere was one of sharing and caring. Grandad is elderly and showing his age these days, frailty like his constant shadow. We all enjoyed the day and the children heard stories of Gandad's youthful days and the farming home that he grew up in. We loved it all and I often wonder how many more Xhristmas' we have left with him and cherish each one even more.

My wish this Christymas season, for you who are reading this, is peace in your hearts. I often think about peace in our hearts and I believe that one cannot wish anything greater for another humand being than true abiding peace. A peace that cannot be vanished by stress, overwork or tragic events. A peace that will radiate love to those around you. Merry Christmas!