Pick Your Own Christmas Tree

December 21st and we haven’t got a tree yet. Most Kiwis have a plastic tree so the real ones are quite hard to get hold of. The best way is to drive around randomly until you see a sign advertising them. We followed the direction of one pointing from State Highway 1 into the countryside.

It led to a farm which was doing a sideline. When we got there, there was no visible sign of any trees for sale so we went to knock on the farmhouse door. They pointed to a hedge. Off we went across the asparagus beds to choose a tree to cut down.

It’s a real tree but it’s not like a proper Christmas tree. It’s not the right shape – it has more branches at the top than the bottom. But proper Christmas trees apparently don’t grow here so it’s probably the best we could do. And at $12 it’s a bargain.

The Plug

The plug from the bathroom went missing the other day. Lily had a theory. “Maybe a bird took it”, she said, “I think a bird took it and flew over the hedge and round the corner and dropped it in the field.”

It’s a nice idea, but the plug was later found in the drawer.

A cuddle, a kiss and an eyelid stroke

Lily has been on good form today. When I came through the door, Jo was wearing a top that Wendy left behind. "Mummy's being Grandma today!" cried Lily delightedly, "Aren't you Grandma!"

"You've got a spot on your forehead!" she said to me at bedtime, "and your chin is rough. When I am older I might get spots. Lily and Mummy are not old enough for spots!"

She said to Jo: "I've got three things you want. A cuddle, a kiss and an eyebrow stroke!"

We are feeling a little bit sad

Today we said goodbye to Dave and Wendy, my in-laws and Lily's grandparents. They have been staying with us for the last six weeks.

It has been an action packed time. We have been away to Nelson and beyond, hours and hours of driving through hills away. We have been to the mountains, beaches and lakes around here. And we have bought a house!

We'd like a rest now really, except we have to move house (again). Our new place in Rolleston is very nice indeed though!

But mostly we are a bit sad. We've had a good time over the last few weeks. Lily has loved all the attention and got on well with her Grandma and Granddad. Molly and Jake worship Dave and much prefer him to us. And Jo and I both feel sad. It's quite nice to have the house to ourselves, but it does seem quite empty.

Checking out the Kindy

Lily went to Kindergarten today. She will probably start properly at the beginning of next term when she is 3 but Jo took her to have a look. She is excited about going to Kindy. Apparently she shot off with the other children and wasn't to be seen for two hours. Dave found her at one stage. "No Granddad, go away!" she said. She was having a good time and didn't want to be taken away.

The Kindy has the usual range of kiwi facilities. It has a giant sand-pit, paints and, of course, the workbench which features claw-hammers, 4 inch nails and a working vice. I am not sure the workbench is a good idea for three year olds but we don't say anything in case we are accused of namby pambyism or political correctness gone mad. Safety concerns are not quite such a priority in this country.

Interestingly, New Zealand has the highest rate of childhood accidents in the world.