It was a warm and beautiful day in Tauranga (NZ) today. I think it was in the high 20's. It's time to start lathering the sunscreen on. We had a few trips to the beach this week and with my dad visiting from Canada, my two boys had some special Grandpa time at the hot pools too! We are in wind down mode with school events like Orchestra. The boys each played an instrument in the orchestra concert. Ben plays the violin and Nick plays the recorder. They are enjoying music and looking forward to playing Christmas music, which is a good sign that school is nearly out! We can hardly keep our attention on our school books but other parents say that their children aren't doing much at school these days either. Forever comparing myself to the others! When will I learn??
The highlight of our day today was picking beans, zucchini, silver beet, and potatoes from my garden. It's amazing how fast things grow here! I don't know what happened to me since my childhood, but I actually love to weed now!! The kids are happy pulling weeds too - for the nourishment of our rabbits and chickens. Our little hobby farm is so much fun!
The photo above, is of my son, Benjamin, standing at the top of Mt. Maunganui. The beach below is a favorite with the surfers and with my kids! We spend a lot of time at "the Mount"; we go to the Music school on Wednesdays and Action Class on Fridays, not to mention the mall any other day we happen to be nearby! There's only one mall for miles around, and it's not that big! The Mount is a favorite tourist spot and has great cafes and little shops along the beach.
Being December and sunny, we are not into the spirit of Christmas at all!! Although we have a Christmas tree up, it is pointless putting up outside lights as it is too bright out to see them! It is not the time of year to go into crafting mode either, so handmade presents are hard to get finished! (Sorry, mom!) We are planning to spend Christmas day with friends and will have a BBQ instead of a turkey. Well, enjoy your snow and Christmas shopping all those in Canada! We do miss the snow, slush and rain!
3 comments:
Okay, it sounds like you posting from another planet, not just the other side of the world. The beautiful summer weather, and talk of picking vegetables from the garden sounds divine. Comparatively, we've been inundated with snow, fog, and bone-chilling temperatures. We've been drinking hot chocolate and sitting by the fire trying to chase the cold away from our extremities. Today is the first day in weeks that the weather is nice enough to draw the children outdoors.
We are caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that seems to happen regardless of how much we hope to keep it at bay. We've almost completed our shopping, for which I am really thankful. I dont' enjoy scowering the stores looking for bargains, or the perfect present.
I want some calm, serene moments after all the busyness of the move. But, that ain't happening, yet. I don't want to keep looking to future dates to find that tranquility so I'm trying to make some for myself in the evenings when the household goes to bed. Sitting in a steamy bath with a good book is one way to find that much needed quiet time.
Good to hear about your life. I check often in hopes of finding a new post. Blessings, Jan
Jan, It's so strange to write to no one in particular but getting a comment really makes it worthwhile! Thankyou! I'm feeling completely opposite, I'm afraid. I don't have the stress of Christmas at all. My dad was here last week so I gave him some gifts for my nieces and nephews but other than that, the focus is not so much on Christmas as it is on beaches and outdoor activities. We do miss the cold weather when putting up the tree, though! My Irish friend and I just said this morning how it just doesn't FEEL right??! It's almost annoying to celebrate Christmas in the summer!!!!
I can totally understand that - we went to Mexico one year for Christmas and it did seem really strange to come in from the beach and cook the turkey in our shorts. Actually I don't know if you could call it a turkey - it tasted like rubber!
Debbie.
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