It’s Not Too Late Is It?

Not too late to wish you a Happy New Year?

I’ve just landed back in Sydney, the internet access at the airport is 100% better than that at home (non-existent till the 9th… bah humbug to you Optus) and so I’m just checking in to report on a wonderful holiday, renewed relationships with all my favourite little people and a bag full of loot to help stock the cupboards at home, including feijoa chutney… yeah… I doubt I’ll be back in NZ for feijoa season so it will have to do until I get back there next April… maybe mother can smuggle some in when she comes over round easter time… Anyway…

I’ve missed everyone, it’s been a crazy trip, busy with Christmas madness but highlit by the “Hi Dee”s from Woh Woh who’s 21months and a little delight… I have to point out that “Hi Dee” wasn’t just a one off but a regular feature and the means by which he got an extra half our up playing last night… he clearly couldn’t sleep and guess who was on his mind? Yeah… it’s great being the bonus Auntie…

The other kids are all equally lovely, and I had a great time entertaining them at their various homes, Jim and Jam and I played sing star… (they rock harder than I do!) and Sire and Fias entertained us on Christmas Day and beyond… mostly in the sandpit or the paddling pool.

All in all the family time was just lovely. I have it first hand that mother IS doing well and recovering from her op with the District Nurse signing off on her dressings at last.

But there was some me time in there too.

I had the wonderful privilege of a night at the Kiwifruit Chateau in the winterless (snort) north and the bonus of a night there with old flatmates and great friends also from there… I know they say you can never go back, and while there were funky moments when I felt awkward wandering streets and driving past old homes I still got chills driving over the Brynderwyn Hills and catching a view of the Whangarei Heads. A view to set alight the heart of all Northlanders… I feel as though if I ever moved back to NZ you’d find me back there again.

Anyway, even though the New Year started with me crashing out in front of House MD at 9pm (while I was babysitting that little treasure who’s favourite word appears to be Dee) I’m looking forward to a new home, new challenges both at work and in the lecture hall and wish you all the same.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Happy New Year.