PRE CHRISTMAS NEWS

Our Xmas tree in it's 'Odd 'year decor,both this and the house are really much brighter.

House lights

Time for pressies

Some of the Branch/Donnes men,Rick,Gary,Scott,Trev and Matt

Well the Xmas Season has started with a vengeance , but in a nice way , ofcourse.My lights are up, I did take a pic which I'll put on but I'll try for a better one tonight. The Xmas tree is up and lit and the parties have started. We have had 2 last week, one here, one with the Donnes family at Rick & Karen's. The latter was really great,we love to get together with the Donnes family. The other was a Scottish one and we had a lovely meal , including haggis , which was piped in and addressed correctly.

I have bought and wrapped all the pressies , just some poems to write . Those at the faily party have had their cards but all the others are still waiting to be written. The overseas cards are long gone.

This week I also went to Riley's class for a day and cooked "Kerstkransjes" with all the kids, piles of them. I gave them a Sinterklaas to colour in as well since it was Sinterklaasdag. I should have brought the camera but forgot again, ofcourse.

Next week, Lunch with the 'CATS' on Tuesday, work at our cafe on Wednesday and a Mah Jong Xmas Party in the evening. Xmas Dinner with the Social Club on the Saturday. Zoe's Dance concert on this Saturday but that is neatly in the afternoon so makes it easier. Have to miss Sarah's, as that is on our Xmas tea night next week, a shame, hope it does not clash next year.

Went to my lady doctor to get lady check ups and Vicki too. Everything Ok except for the arthritis ofcourse and she was very impressed that I had lost 9 kilos and Vicki 8. Vicki will probably have to have another cancer spot removed from the same place as last year,below her eye,on her face. She sees the specialist on Feb. 1st and if it is, he'll remove it straight away. Poor old Caitlyn suffering a lot with her allergies and yesterday was quite covered in excema.

Everyone else fine ,as far as I know, just busy trying to keep up with the functions. Kids had the Police picnic last Sunday , before the Branch/ Donnes do and enjoyed that ofcourse.Rick & Karen took them all.

Well, hope to get here before Xmas to update. I've been here for 2 1/2 hrs already,reading and answering emails and checking up the bank business(does not look so good at the moment) so must now post the photos.