Christmas Day

It has been a very warm day here. I think Wellington has had the best weather in the country. The temperature got up to 30 degrees in the shade and apparently it is the warmest Christmas Day since 1936. We followed our usual tradition which I have blogged in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 (twice) and 2007.

Jenny modelled the new dress that Noreen got her in England. Luckily it fitted perfectly.

Then she made up a jug of Pimms which we consumed whilst preparing the main dinner.

 

Even the birds were finding it warm.

The starter was served with champagne and strawberries

and then, after Skyping Sam and Bex in Katherine we had the main course.

My beans are not so advanced this year as last

but the pohutakawa have risen to a new level of brilliance.

We trust your Christmas day will be as pleasant and relaxing as ours,

Christchurch - again

Last weekend Jenny and I went down to Christchurch. Noreen was skylarking in the UK so we thought it was our turn to have a bit of a break. Since I was last there the demolition in the red zone has continued.

More empty spaces have appeared. (This is where the building shown in photo 8 in the linked post above stood.)

The cathedral is forlorn and it’s future is still not decided.

Meanwhile the cardboard cathedral is starting to take shape alongside the white chairs of remembrance.

Here is another church that was badly damaged.

Enough of destruction, here is a novel use for shipping containers – an outsized advent calendar promotion for a radio station.

Further evidence that life is returning to normal is provided by the punts on the Avon touting for business

and the opening of an outlet for our favourite brewery The Twisted Hop.

Their wares were sampled and pronounced as good as ever.

Later in the weekend we went to the Raspberry Cafe in Tai Tapu and had a very delectable lunch in wonderful peaceful surroundings.

 

Finally, we made a quick visit to the Botanic Gardens where we saw Morris Dancers

and this giant Atlas Cedar.

An update on Sam & Bex – they are in Katherine NT for six weeks and then hope to spend six months back in WA at Albany.

Finally, season’s greetings from a very warm New Zealand. We trust you have a happy and peaceful time.