Merry Christmas!

What a day of slow food, slow drinking and relaxing. It's been a great day of family and socialising, taking some time out with some tomato on toast and nice crisp sav to put down some reflections.

Well, to brag first. I got an awesome new suitcase and I can hear a sigh of relief from those who have seen my old battered version. No longer will you have to walk alongside me towing a case with bits hanging out of the gaping hole, there courtesy of Emirates the trip before last. No longer will you have to watch me swearing as I'm trying to push down the handle into the warped space it should fit, stepping up the swearing as I lose another fingernail in the process.

This suitcase is a Dakine and is brown and green plaid with a brown base, it is both easy to find amongst the black bags and stylish. I can use my big red handbag and not have any clashes, phew for that small mercy. OK I should include a photo but I am comfy and can't be bothered taking the photo etc, maybe when it's packed ready to go.

I also got a he tiki for my new flat, a red and precious reminder of home and family in the desert. The kids loved their gifts too, opened with a glass of bubbly in hand. We had a lovely breakfast, kai moana, fresh crayfish, hot smoked salmon and scallops, yum.

There began the day of eating. Terese makes the best pav in the world, really. I have sampled heaps of them and hers tops the lot. This year she excelled herself. The handmade Belgian chocolates were a treat and the berries. All in all plenty for everyone and left overs for dinner.

I did get to thinking about those who were away from their families at this time of year or mourning someone lost during the year. I have friends in that position and my heart went out to them, my thoughts and love. I feel very lucky to have had such a plentiful day, next year I'll probably be working and won't be in Christchurch with my friends and family. I'll read this then and remember a good day, time to pour another and get socialising. Merry Christmas!