On December 14th, our temple of peace and solitude will be transformed into a palace of fun,
excitement, energy, and laughter. Six of our grandchildren, along with their parents, will arrive
from down south to celebrate the Festive Season. This happens every second year as they join our
local seven and their parents to bring great joy to their grandparents.

Christmas Dinner is expected for a minimum of 23, but it could swell to 29 with boyfriends, relatives,
and family friends. We are hoping for milder weather but have the benefit of a cool pool, which will be
in constant use.

That’s the upside. Now, I don’t regard myself as The Grinch, but the Christmas Decoration Marathon
started in mid-November. First up – the Christmas Tree. It was my job to erect and adorn it with
fairy lights. Usually, it’s 600 bright white lights, however, Jill decided it needed a little change and
lift, so another string of 400 coloured bulbs had to be added. Three hours later, and bereft of expletives,
my task was complete. But wait, there’s more. The lighted and fibre optic houses, churches, villages,
and workshops are displayed in the lounge, dining, and games rooms. Icicle lights strung on the
decks, garage, and pool deck. Solar-powered colourful garden adornments and an outdoor Christmas
Tree. Solar power – what a blessing, I thought, until half of last year’s lot wouldn’t charge up, and
battery changes were only mildly successful. The days of having to change bulbs have gone – today,
its batteries, and in many cases, the whole string of lights.

Enough of my ranting, let’s turn to Jill and online shopping. Last year, she ordered a Disney Lighted
Mountain with a circling train and flying Santa and Sleigh. After weeks of waiting, it arrived – a
Picture Sticker of Magic Mountain, and thanks to Facebook for displaying the ad! She ordered a
couple of birthday gifts earlier this year with a similar result – we were able to get our money
refunded from American Express because they were a scam, and Jill declared, ‘No more online
shopping for me.’ Not true – some stuff isn’t available in Cairns, so in the last 3 weeks, we have
ordered 10 various items online. Jill’s days have had her scouring emails, texts, and Australia Post
Tracking. To date, 6 have arrived as ordered. The best took 3 working days. Of the outstanding, all
are from Australian companies, so we’re confident our Christmas gifts will be here in time as expected.

My Christmas Letter 20 years ago said:

“What a remarkable year we’ve had. A Century, 2 Babies, and a Wedding. On 20th March
2003, Mum, Sadie Fowler, celebrated her 100th Birthday. Abby Sarah Fowler, the third child
for Jason and Sue, arrived on 17th May 2003. 12th June 2003, Courtney Anne Fowler, the
first child for Paul and Mellanie. The Gig of the Year was Natalie and Tim’s Wedding at
Zanzoo Retreat on 12th July 2003. On Christmas Day, we will have all of our family at home
– the bunch from last year plus our 3 new ones. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate.”

And so it is for 2023. May you and yours enjoy a superb Festive Season and all be blessed with an
exciting, challenging, productive, and healthy 2024.

Click below to download our gift to you, two amazing family recipes:

Lemon Chiffon Tart and Mother Chook’s Christmas Cheer Chutney

Bob Fowler