Christmas roundup

Christmas Day in our household went off with a bang. We had eight in the house, the largest gathering we've had since we moved here in fact, not tending to cater for conferences these days. Liz and Brett (left) joined us with cousins Katie and Becca (back). With many hands the work was actually quite light despite some worry at various times from all members of our household about how we'd get everything done.

We managed to get everything cooked in our one medium-sized oven, with a bit of preparation. Being used to flexible cooking we also took into our stride catering for one vegetarian and one gluten-and-dairy-free non-vegetarian. We only managed to eat about one-third of our 6kg turkey, and could have fed 12 though they'd have had to eat off a napkin and sit on the floor! Desserts are really my speciality anyway, and I contributed this acceptably rich brownie to the mix, along with Nick's most excellent Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding, ice cream, custard, as well as sorbet for Hayley. There were Christmas mince pies too though they didn't get much of a look at. Left-overs of both courses are still keeping us in good form and will last another day or so yet.

One note on my favourite Christmas present, a Katita Windup from my Australian cousins. Wind up the spring and this critter jumps around like a skitterbug on hot coals... This will be a most excellent addition to my desk at work. You really have to see this thing in action. I plan to upload a short video clip, and when it is available there will be a link here.

A good Christmas. Yes, we missed family of course. However, we all felt it was a suitable celebration and a most excellent time. I have a lot of respect now for those who have hosted me for Christmas in the past. And would we do it again? Definitely.