Christmas Rally and Christmas Barn

This weekend we enjoyed our last caravan club rally of the year, which was held at Rangiotu School, now decommissioned and gifted back to the local community.  A soon as we had arrived, Gemma ran from the car to the caravan, plopped herself on the bed, and was totally relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.

She’s happy to be a caravan cat

After lunch we had to make a mercy dash into Palmerston North as one of the arms had snapped off my reading glasses – a bit of a disaster as we were travelling down to the South Island in a matter of days.  Luckily Spec Savers saved the day, they had a spare piece needed,  so I was very appreciative of that.   You know the silly season is approaching fast when the sound of bagpipes playing Christmas carols fills the air.  The musicians were playing their hearts out in the square, just a little too far away for us to see clearly.  But what we did see was a statue of a fine looking fellow.  Is he a Christmas Elf, or maybe he is a gnome, who knows? 

Spotted in Palmerston North

We enjoyed a shared meal on Saturday night and had the use of a classroom at Rangiotu School.  The tables were set up and members came in with their cutlery, plates, glasses and table decorations.  Elegant place names had been provided, they looked rather posh, we thought.  We pulled our crackers, donned our paper hats, read out the silly jokes,  and had a great time.  Some people had brought their musical Santas along, and they were competing with each other, belting out festive tunes.  Everyone brought their own mains, and the club provided strawberries and ice-cream for dessert.  Flo very kindly made us a couple of pavlovas as well, thanks so much.  Some of us had bubbly, wine, or soft drink to sip, whatever took our fancy – what did we care when the rain came down once again in the evening.  We were well fed and happy, and those dratted musical Santas kept right on singing Christmas songs until they were finally silenced!

Here we are

A trip to the Christmas Barn was a real treat for the ladies in the afternoon.  The car park was packed, and the barn was full of happy Christmas shoppers.  This was wonderfully set out, and there was such a lot to see and admire.

Inside the Christmas Barn

Yes, I’ll admit I did pass my credit card across the counter, I had discovered a cabinet full of Jim Shore pieces.  I have several of these, all gifts sent from penfriends in USA, and I found a small piece which related to a group of small snow people at home.  So I really couldn't resist.  My new little snow person is safe and sound in it’s carton, and as we are going away again very soon, won’t be out on display till next year.

Isn't it pretty

I found Robin and Owen sitting outside at a picnic table, and sat down to join them while the other ladies were still looking around the barn.  Unknown to us, a  chicken had got tangled around  Robin’s feet.  What a racket, the chicken let out an almighty squawk, and rushed away, flapping her wings and loudly voicing her displeasure, giving us all such a fright!

Do you remember the cat cushion I made for Dot recently?  Dot has  a Birman, called Honey, who doesn't go travelling with her in the motorhome.  So the cushion fills the void and I popped in to take a photo of Honey the cushion in situ.

Dots cat cushion

The club provided Christmas fruit mince pies for Sunday morning tea, we seem to have been eating all weekend!  Also on offer were the remaining strawberries and ice-cream, from the night before.  Everything got eaten, except for a little ice-cream which no doubt got taken home by someone.  It was a great weekend, many thanks to the Committee for all their hard work in organizing his rally.  A great rally to finish off our year.