Impromptu Dinner

 The Christmas to New Year period is always a little strange. This year, various plans have been disrupted because of Covid.  So it was great to go to dinner with Adam and Kate to feast on a 10 hour lamb roast to be followed with Sophie's rather more sophisticated version of Eton Mess.

There followed by a relaxed conversation to solve the problems of the universe.  Amongst other things, we resolved that 2012 Pepperjack Shiraz is exceptional drinking now!

Salutary Experience

 Yesterday we had the sad experience of attending the funeral of one of our friends who had died suddenly of colon cancer.  He was a well loved member of the Williamstown community so it was a big funeral of a man who had done his utmost for his family and community.  John was younger than me by two weeks.

Christmas Lunch

 Lisa, Mark and the boys came over to share our lunch on Christmas day.  It was a relaxed afternoon as the main celebration had been on the previous evening.  However we all managed to eat just a little more!

It also presented the opportunity for some more photos.

And our final group shot of the year.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas ---

 The Christmas Family Gathering was held at Brett and Cathy's place this year.  It should have been a warm evening but as with all things 2020 that did not go to plan so we stayed indoors.  The meal was magnificent (as usual) as we settled down for the main course.

The family had given me a beautiful French red wine for my 70th so this was just the occasion to test it out.  It certainly met expectations with a rich mellow taste unlike many of our local red wines.

The Christmas Game was the next event.  Rules had been adjusted a little but essentially, all presents in the middle and select in turn with stealing allowed.

Some presents were a little unexpected.

Others took some serious deliberation before selections were made.

Other presents were just what was needed!

The most stolen presents for the evening turned out to be a couple of large jars of Nutella and a jar of Grandma K's Quince Jelly (Brett had recently perfected the recipe).

Dessert was then prepared (under supervision).

The evening was declared a great success as we prepared to waddle our way homeward.

With the year that has passed, the chance to meet up with family and friends was even more keenly appreciated.

As we headed home we found evidence of Santa's progress around Melbourne.

Rock Cakes Ready

 Christmas Eve and we are looking forward to meeting with the family for dinner at Brett and Cathy's place.  Our offering is now ready to go.

Off to Dinner

 Lisa chose Payom Thai for her birthday dinner.  The place is rapidly becoming a family favourite.  The boys were certainly not complaining.

Neither was this boy.

Lisa's Birthday Dinner

 Lisa's birthday gave us the opportunity to host our first family dinner in months.  We soon slipped into the preparation routine.

It has been a long time since we had to set up the long table.

but we all remembered the routine!

And we all remembered the Birthday Song.

Granny meandered off into Chef Territory with a range of dessert options.

Needless to say, no one went home hungry and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate together once again.

Lazy Lunches Resume

 We had arranged to meet with colleagues for lunch a little before the Covid crisis so it was wonderful to be able to get back in the swing of things again.  Luckily, it was a magnificent day and so it was a very pleasant trip to Mornington to see Ralph and Margaret's new house.  Needless to say the lunch lasted all afternoon so no evening meal was required.

Cooper Graduates

 Apparently some schools did not manage Graduation ceremonies in the year of Covid, but that was not the case at Antonio Park.  Mark and Lisa and the committee put on an amazing evening that rivaled any previous events. The props had been made for the "Cat In The Hat" theme and the hall staged to look extraordinary.  Mark and Lisa had made the Cats In the Hat and signposts.  They also helped dress the Hall.

All the students were seated at beautifully presented tables.

In a ceremony streamed on line for parents (who were unable to attend), each student was acclaimed and presented with a Memorial Bear.

There were then speeches and videos covering their time at the school.

This was then followed with the meal, socialising and then a disco.  It was a magnificent evening.

Now That's a Cool Wine Cellar!

 Mark arranged the installation of an air conditioning unit in the wine cellar to minimise the temperature fluctuations during the year.  The final stage occurred today with the electrical connections completed.  The wine says thank you (and so do we).