Christmas is over – and the new year is almost here.

And for me the countdown is on for the return to the nasty weather. It’s very depressing just thinking about it.

Christmas was fun, very low key, family time. Jenni of course went all out with stockings for everyone which was a surprise. I cooked a big breakfast and then we had a huge Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. We all completely gorged ourselves.

Boxing day was a day of rest, and more eating with all the yummy leftovers. But it also felt like our time was coming to an end. Went to Papamoa beach with the kids and everyone – lots more people out and about and the weather seems a bit more settled.

Yesterday we took a short trip to Katikati, which is known as Mural Town. It’s just 30-odd minutes from here. A great way to see history – and gather more tourists! I’ll do an International Living piece on that as I got some cool pix.

Big plans were made to go to Speedway, but at around 5 it was raining and there was no way I was going to sit out in the rain watching cars, but the boys took off – to return shortly as the racing was postponed. So if the weather holds, we’ll go tonight.

I’ve organized a shuttle to take us to Auckland on New Years day at 5:15 am. Now I have to sort through all the stuff I have accumulated and toss/recycle most of it. Then start packing my clothes etc. Bummer, I don’t want to go back to the crap there especially having to get the taxes organized and all the bookwork done that has been neglected for the past month.

The one good thing is I’ll see Hinckley and Buddy