And here we are again.
That time of year. We don't get to see the kids or grandkids as the other side of their families get precedence. It's been like this for years - not just since we moved. In fact moving here sort of made it a little less hurtful as we can always cite distance.
When the boys were little I used to go all out with my decorations. Now I have this tree ...
... it's done me well for a few years now. It's easy to put up and take down and looks good from the street. Himself has always maintained he is a scrooge at Christmas but spent a couple of days getting the lights on the outside of the house just right! We even ended up on the local FaceBook page of Christmas lights (there are also lights on the fence to the left)!
I imagine next year he will go all out!
My fine eventually arrived in the mail. I am assuming the copper from Bairnsdale got in touch with the dude from Highway Patrol who then printed off a copy and handwrote the envelope! Anyway, I am now $407 poorer and have three demerit points on my licence for the next three years. Lesson well and truly learned.
Three and his lot are coming down on the 29th and will stay until New Year's Day which will be lovely. We will take them into town on NYE to see the fireworks. If it's too crowded we can watch from the top of the hill and still get an excellent view. The Mermaid has said she will come down on the 2nd. To be honest, I am not holding my breath as she has made plans to come and then cancelled too many times to count since we moved in here. I hope she makes it this time.
The town is getting busy with tourists. It's always a challenge but good for the local businesses who depend on the high season to get them through the winter. We weren't here during the fires of 2019 and then COVID but the town is still struggling to properly get back on its feet. Too many shuttered shops.
I always feel a bit discombobulated at this time of year. Days of the week blur and I fluctuate between overwhelming anxiety and a need to DO STUFF. So I spend a lot of time sitting and listening to music and crocheting!
You know I love my sunsets and clouds so here's another for you ...
Whatever the next few days mean to you, I wish you all the best. Stay safe and be well.
