Friday: On My Mind

+ The silly season has kicked off. Last night I went to presentation night for the school I work at, tonight I have the staff Christmas party, and then tomorrow night it is our village Christmas carols. Sunday will be spent on the couch!

+ If things aren’t already a little crazy, my 2 sisters and my parents are coming for a visit on Monday. I am so excited to see them – particularly my sister and brother who live in Asia (its been 13 months). Trying to fit an extra 7 people in will be an exercise in patience for every one. Fortunately the weather is warm and we can eat outside on the veranda. To add to this mix, Hannah turns 8 on Tuesday, and has her school presentation evening that night.

+One of our chickens (Bessie) got attacked by the puppy a few days ago. There are feathers everywhere, but surprisingly she seems to have survived with only a chunk of her bottom missing. Poor thing! When I wrote this on facebook, someone wrote that they took the chicken to the vet when this happened to them. I suggested this to Country Boy (half jokingly) and got a resounding no!

+ I’ve been thinking about Christmas menus and cooking! So many idea, and not enough time. I’m thinking a big batch of gingerbread stars, and a double quantity of cranberry and white chocolate cookies. I’m also thinking about going to our local smoke house for a smoked turkey. We had planned to have a pig killed, and have roast pork, but we haven’t got organised yet, so maybe next year!

+ It has really dried off this year. The hills are all brown now, which means that it is fire season. Because we had so much rain at the start of the year, the grass is long and thick, adding to the fire danger. Farmers are generally pretty good at watching for fires and being fire-safe, because their livelihood goes up in smoke if there is a fire. The bigger issue is a stray spark from a cigarette thrown from a car, or weekender who lights a fire without thinking. All the local farmers have water tanks and pumps on the back of their trucks at this time of year, ready in case a call comes over the 2 way radio. Our village also has a rural fire brigade and several fire trucks ready when they are needed – hopefully not at all!

Happy Friday everyone! Only 1 week left till holidays (but who is counting???)