Today is our eleventh wedding anniversary. Apparently, the gift for this anniversary is steel, a symbol of the bonds that we share. I think there could not be a more appropriate totem for us, given the challenges we have faced plus Michael's love of steel as a medium for his sculptures. I am always filled with contentment and happiness on our anniversary - a wonderful way to begin every new year.
This morning was cool, a pleasant change instead of fierce temperatures. We have watered and pottered in our three courtyards. I have swept all our paving for a fresh start to 2023. A few more essential chores to complete - that's about all on today's agenda. Sometimes, doing less is just bliss.
After the documented dramas surrounding Christmas, the actual day itself was very low key indeed. Michael and I exchanged gifts, enjoying the lack of frenetic pace. Boxing Day continued in much the same vein. The 27th was a different story. We entered into a frenzy of preparing Will, our A-line camper for his maiden voyage to the Big Smoke for a Banksia Grove Christmas.
We had purchased Will back in early spring from our great friends and fellow artists, Val and Shane. They were very sad to part company with him, but reversing him had proved too much for Shane's chronic pain. They offered him to us first before placing him on the open market. We fell in love with him on the spot.
Will (named for William Shakespeare) is willing and able. He is a total contrast to our first caravan, Digger,who had been big, awkward, complicated and fuel guzzling. Will is compact, lower than our Colorado (Lily), a breeze to tow, but still features the comforts of home - a fridge, a stove, a sink and an air conditioner. The bed is quite satisfactory and will be even more so when we add the mattress topper. Will offers us an alternative much closer to our camping memories than a big van. He also has touches of Val remaining - she made the cushions and curtains that adorn him. The main difference is storage space. Think concise and smart, pack accordingly.
And so, after rather a lot of pre-departure gnashing of teeth, we launched forward to celebrate a second Christmas with Cal, Bron, Immy, Pumpkin and Alex. The dogs were delighted to accompany us and we arrived in good time for a marvellous Christmas dinner and gift giving.
As per usual, Callum produced a delicious and festive feast with all the trimmings. The dinner table was groaning with goodies. Imogen's language has exploded - she is using sentences, making observations, asking questions and is starting to remember who we are. Cuteness overload + + +. Alex, our Autistic Superstar, had recovered from the loss of his phone, looking forward to the imminent arrival of a new phone and was his usual cheerfully blunt self. Bron continues to suffer a most unpleasant pregnancy and is counting the weeks and days (possibly the hours) until Pumpkin makes her appearance. Ragnar was most put out at the arrival of two canine infidels and spent his time either sulking or tormenting Stella through the dog/child gate.
The 29th involved Cal and I boldly heading to the shopping juggernaut that is Ocean Keys, located in the suburb of Mindarie. We visited Bunnings, Woolies, Kmart, Red Dot, Five Star butchers for a variety of essential items. We finished our journey off with some additional vino and some pharmacy supplies. I was amazed to learn the entire expedition had only taken two hours. I must admit I was determined to keep up with my exceedingly fit son, which negated any Nanny Kate dawdling.
We enjoyed a BBQ dinner, having brought down our camping Baby Q for further acquaintance. Michael declared that he was now the full bottle with this extremely versatile cooking appliance, ready for our Northern Adventure later in 2023. The steaks were a triumph and leftover veggies and condiments meant an easy dinner. Immy continued to entertain us with her never ending enthusiasm and zest. The only crankiness she ever demonstrated was usually associated with either hair or teeth brushing.
Home to Station House on the 30th. Michael retired for a nap whilst I unpacked and sorted. In spite of a bit of weariness, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to prepare Will's contents a little more. In the meantime, he remains willing and able just around the side of Station House.
New's Year's Eve was a real surprise. We shook ourselves off from our hermits' existence and ventured to the Hotel Beverley for drinks, a couple of excellent spring rolls, a great band and convivial company. We introduced some visitors from Greenbushes to the Gallery and arrived home just in time for Jan, Greg and Macca to join us for some more revelry.
Yesterday was low key once more. The slow summer tasks of watering the garden, a spot of pruning and some poking took centre stage. We watched "Barefoot in the Park" - a 1967 classic. Later on, we had a taste of "Strictly Ballroom" followed by "Wreck", which was a BBC horror comedy series.
My New Year's gift from Michael was having our front door painted Red Terra. He has now hung a simply stunning hanging that adds to the Mediterranean essence of our home. Our anniversary is slipping past in a most agreeable way.
Happy 2023.
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