Christmas has rolled around, and sending Christmas Greetings to you all. It certainly was a different Christmas this year, without my beloved Robin by my side. I drove up to Kiwitea to spend Christmas Day with my daughter and her family, about a 75 min drive away. I left home early at 6.30am and nearing the Whirokino Bridge, spanning the Manawatu River, just south of Foxton, the road was enveloped in river mist, quite a spooky feeling so dropped my speed right down. After all, I could hardly see a thing. Once over the bridge and away from the river the mist disappeared and I went on my way. At that hour, the traffic was very light and I had no more problems on the road, luckily.
I wanted to arrive early as the family always make a big thing out of opening the presents, followed by a big breakfast. Granddaughter Emma was dressed as a Christmas Elf. She had constructed the tree, like a grotto, with some of the gifts hiding inside, with the help of her uncle visiting from Australia.
Christmas tree and gifts
Mr and Mrs Clause were filled with chocolates
Christmas loo paper!
The gifts were handed out, opened and duly admired. I was lucky to receive several gift baskets full of assorted goodies. Noodle, the family dog was excited to get his annual Christmas treat, a squeaky pink pig. He settled down to destroy it, ears off first, then the legs before ripping the body open to reveal the squeak and the stuffing. That done, he was very happy indeed.
Noodle with his Christmas pig
The family always have their own take on a traditional Christmas breakfast. Freshly bake croissants filled with ham off the bone, sliced cheesed and tomatoes. Served with orange juice and plenty of coffee - delicious.
Later in the morning SIL Robert got a phone call to say that one of his older horses grazing on a neighbour's property seemed unwell, so off they all raced to see what the problem was. Luckily the horse was not too bad and after a little care perked up again, maybe it was the hot sun upsetting the elderly horse.
Our Christmas lunch was late because of the rescue mission, but nobody minded. Robert was busy cooking stuffed, rolled, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon on the BBQ, another family tradition.
10 comments:
Oh Jenny--good that you were able to spend the day with family--but I can totally understand how difficult it must have been without your beloved Robin beside you...I hope being with Gemma at home this evening will be a comfort for you...take care now...xtra hugs, Julierose
Jenny, this is the first of many firsts without Robin,and I am sure yesterday was filled with sorrow. What a delicious feast, and safely home, these dfays that is so good to know. Much love, Jean.
I'm sure you will have many more tearful days before they gradually go to less and less and then you will get more into a routine but chances are those tearful days will still come off and on for a time to come. I'm glad though that even with a long drive you spent it with family so you were not alone all day. It sounds like it was a very hot day for cooking outside. Here it is beginning of winter in Arkansas and it was about 50 degrees. Thinking of you dear blogging friend
I’m sure it was a hard day but lovely have spent it with your loved ones. Hugs.
Oh Jenny, my heart is with you. I still have those days 12 years on. It is hard and it’s ok to feel that way. Glad you spent it with your family and the drive home was safe. xxxxx hugs xxxxx
So pleased you spent the day with family, good on you for making the journey, Robin would be proud of you. Take care x🇦🇺x
The first one is always the hardest. You were lucky to have a wonderful supportive family to help you along. (((Hugs)))
It would have been very hard going through your first Christmas without Robin, but wonderful that you could spend the day with Nicky and family. Sending hugs.
I’m sure all of you were missing Robin yesterday as you do everyday. One day at a time, Jenny. Sending hugs from me to you.
It's really good that you felt strong enough to make that long drive by yourself. Good for you! But how could you do anything but cry? It's terrible that Robin is gone. I know both of you were counting on many more years together. I lost my own darling husband many, many years ago, but I still remember so clearly that first year of 'firsts'. I'm glad you have Gemma. Her love and companionship will help you.
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