Christmas at the park

I recently found this letter I wrote to Connie Foss of “Good Life and Literature” which was published in volume 2 of the winter edition for 1999. It was interesting to look back on….from so many years ago; this is as extract from it.

 

“…there’s a general tidy-up and we pack for our annual picnic in botanic Park. 

This is a family tradition and although we have shared it with others, some of our best times have been when we’ve been there ‘on our own’. 

 Mind you we share the park with many other families….and sometimes after our meal we take a stroll amongst the gardens.

For lunch we carry a variety of ‘cool’ food: cold roast chicken, sliced ham, wedges of home-made pizza, spicy paprika potatoes, and a leafy green salad. Also we take special fruit that we don’t have at other times; dark red juicy cherries, 

 

green luscious grapes, nectarines(my favorite), apricots, plums and watermelon!

We bring sports equipment or games to play and all happily take part(even mum!)”

This year we took our celebration to the hills. The sun shone brightly...but not too hot and the flowers we strolled amongst afterward were delightful

There were times to ponder and reflect rest after a rich meal.

















another day to add to our scrapbook of memories.

Christmas morning

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

 Dd decided to make a gingerbread house this Advent. The recipe will become a family favorite as it has all the qualities that gingerbread should have, moist, flavorful with spices including black pepper, and strong enough to take shape and stand well.

too much sugar perhaps?

paper-chain expert

a calligraphy gift just completed

these are for someone who likes owls from youngest brother

A taste of summer

 We are all delighted to have Mel back with us for the holidays.

And what would summer be without a spot of tennis.....pole tennis that is!

Advent lights

 Every year we visit a particular suburban street that is "well-lit" for the Advent season.








 Along with other cars we drive slowly past each display.

We note what is new this year.





We speculate as to the "flavour" for this year.










We each choose our favourie display.
We laugh together,

we share jokes and tell funny stories about the lights.

In short we enjoy ourselves.

There is usually one display though that leaves us just a little perplexed. Could someone please explain the significance of Santa and the elephant!!?!

Picture Book Advent :The Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown

The Little Fir Tree

 Copybook Phrase:I’m not too little and not too big. Not too stiff ,nor yet too limber. A beautiful little green fir tree. Just the tree for Christmas to grow with.

No new activity but phrase could be attached to our Christmas tree.

A sweet story by one of our favourite picture book authors: Margaret Wise Brown.(aka “Goodnight Moon “ fame)

Keeping Joy

Joy to the world! the Lord will come
And earth receive her King:
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and angels sing,
And Heaven and angels sing,
And Heaven and Heaven and angels sing.

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Beans in Hollyhock house

Our beans have been a great success this year. Holly hock house has them trailing ever upwards...Jack and the bean stalk?!