Christmas Day

 It was an early morning start with the alarm going off, and into the shower.   But.... there was a nasty intruder waiting for me in the shower, a horrible black cockcroach was on the glass shower wall and was waving his antennae at me!  What to do?  Whatever the answer was, I had to do it by myself.  So I crept into the shower, quickly placed a drinking glass over the insect, and a piece of card underneath to keep him inside the glass, rushed outside and threw him on the lawn, yuk. I didn't need that upset to start the day.   

Showered, dressed, a quick cup of of tea, put the bag of wrapped gifts in the car and I was away at 6.45am.  The roads very extremely quiet and I arrived at Kiwitea at 8.00am.  Just in time for the traditional family breakfast of hot croissants with ham, cheese and tomato. And a welcome cup of plunger coffee.  

Robert is a farrier, amongst other skills, and made this lovely Christmas tree, one for each of his daughters,  from horse shoes a few years ago, this is Emmas.    I think they are  very special indeed.

Tree made from horse shoes

Then it was time to open the presents, always a big occasion with this family.

Gifts for all

Granddaughter Emma was the Christmas elf handing out the gifts, and we waited to see what was inside each one.

 Granddaughter Emma is excited

Granddaughter Megan, partner Michael and their two corgies, Gracie and George

My favourite (only, as I tell him) son-in-law Robert and daughter Nicky

Family dog Noodle at my feet.  He was exhausted from his favourite Christmas Day pastime, demolishing a squeaky toy!  Each year he can hardly wait to be given his parcel, rips the wrapping paper off, and gets to work, dealing with that squeaky toy, till it squeaks no more.  Then he ignores it.

Noodle is worn out now

All that's left of the pink pig, Noodle did a great job

I had a look around outside, stopping to admire some of Emma's cactus collection.  Then I was invited to go and check out her baby pumpkins, she was really excited about them.  

Cacti galore

Then I met Thor, a beautiful blue roan bred by Robert,  he certainly is a big boy.  And not at all worried about that strange lady talking to him.  Mind you, I think the carrots helped.

Robert and Thor

Then it was time to get the BBQ going and cook the Christmas favourite, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon.  They smelt to nice.  We had Christmas Lunch on the deck, BBQ chicken and assorted salads, the sun was shining so it certainly was a lovely time.  Glasses of champers were filled, not for me as I was was driving, but I enjoyed some grape juice instead.

Robert cooking up the chicken rolls

After that hearty meal it was time to relax again, and have another cup of coffee.  The time rolled around, it was getting later so I said my goodbyes, and thank yous, and jumped in my little car to head home.  Such a lovely day indeed.  There was no need for a meal that night, after all that lovely food, but I did manage a hot drink and a piece of Emma's Christmas Cake.  Then I settled down to watch the news on TV, King Charles's message, and the Royal Special, Together at Christmas.

I received some lovely gifts, including an Air Fryer cookbook from Emma, (*you may remember that both girls bought me an air fryer or my 80th birthday) and a wonderful photo of me and Robin from Megan, printed on a wood block.  I knew the photo was taken on our 2023 South Island adventure, but had to check the blog to find out exactly where -  it was on the Swing Bridge across Hokitika Gorge.

From Emma

From Megan

There were plenty of other exciting things from the three girls as well.  Inside the gift bags was a bottle of elderflower cordial, preserves, a crocheted dishcloth, a painted rock, bags of homemade shortbread gingerbread men, and a bag of "crack" which I had read about but wasn't quite sure what it was.  Plus chocolate!  

Lots of tasty treats in these gift bags

So I had a wonderful Christmas Day (except for that dastardly cockcroach).  I'm so proud of my Kiwitea family, and it was so nice to chat on the phone to my son Michael  as well.  I do hope all your Christmases went well too.