Christmas aftermath

 Well folks,  

It is all over - Christmas 2024 we say goodbye to and hopefully for most, it was comfortable and peaceful. We now start formulating our New Year resolutions and hopes for 2025.  

My Christmas was full of catch ups, drinks, food, friends and family, not necessarily in that order.  Christmas Eve I decided to have a full blown traditional meal of roast turkey and the trimmings and a pud with custard and cream. Hope you like the pic of the solo celebrator!  I complain every year that I never get a roast anymore on Christmas day and then realised that I could actually make it happen albeit not Christmas day but eve.  It was washed down with an Andrew Garrett sparkling shiraz so I was quite pleased with myself - I made it happen. Sorry about the sideways photo......

I had a couple of swims in my daughters pool on Christmas day which is unusual for me as I don't like cold water but of course once in, it was gorgeous.  Our day was spent like many others world wide so I won't ramble on too much. Needless to say the food coma came on Boxing Day and thankfully the cricket was my babysitter.  It has been a great chance to really watch the cricket and I love the enthusiasm of the crowd, especially the Indian fans.  Some people find it all abit too tedious but it is a good chance to relax and enjoy some great sporting ability. There have been some brilliant moments. Try watching it if you don't normally.  You may be surprised and a little elated?????

I made a gorgeous raisin and rum slice for Christmas - condensed milk, chocolate, butter.  My arteries are spasming at the memory but oh so yummy......also a fetta and mascapone spread on sourdough toast with cherry tomatoes. Not your usual Christmas fare but moving things around abit.  A prawn and crab cobloaf dip completed my "trying something new" moment!

The time between Christmas and New year is ofter a time for reflection.  Thoughts of the past year came flashing back.  Mistakes made, haunt and success sits smugly in the background.  What can we do better next year, how can we make the most of our lives on a daily basis and can we improve health wise in any way? Questions to be asked I feel.   I probably have one glass of red too much each night so am going to try and cut that extra one out.  Wish me luck!!!! Have still abit of thinking to do about other aspects of my life as life seems to slip along so rapidly and I don't want to waste a minute.

I have 3 trips planned this year and the first is to Japan in April to see (hopefully) the cherry blossoms.  I understand it is easy to miss that elusive week so fingers crossed. The food is the big drawcard for me with temples probably at bottom of list but I know it will all be amazing and beautiful wherever we go.  Japan was never on my bucket list but have realised that even countries you perhaps aren't so interested in, can balloon into an exciting adventure that you want to share with everyone.  So try a country you have not really thought about if you're looking for an AHA! moment in your life.  It could even turn out cheaper than tried and true countries??

This blog is short and sweet this week as I have a numbed brain from too many of lifes excesses but I will return bigger and brighter in 2025 with new thoughts and ideas.....maybe.

Today is the last day of this year and it has dawned fine and steamy here.  Walk done, rubbish out although am busy fending off the bin chickens that keep stealing the prawn shells, car vacuumed, hair washed, nails painted, breakfast had, green bin refilled and last minute tying up of chores to be done.  It is a cleansing feeling this last day (for me) and I hope everyone feels that they have tied up most loose ends and have at least one plan to "grab the day" a little differently next year.  If not, you may just enjoy my journey for 2025, uncertain as it is and maybe not particularly riveting but I'll be trying!

Happy New Year!!!  Be kind to yourselves at all times.