Happy, happy, Christmas 2024 everyone.

 Hello there! I am back again just in time to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas. It's been a long time between posts  because I have spent the better part of this year working on another project which  I have now completed. I am really looking forward to becoming active on this blog again in 2025.  2025, I can't believe it! Where do the years go?

Left: Welcome to my home

Here in New Zealand  Christmas falls in summer so it is hot, sunny (hopefully!) and a time when everybody heads off for their summer holidays. Although many people still plump for the traditional Northern Hemisphere style Christmas dinner more and more people here are choosing a relaxed barbeque by the beach.  That's not to say they don't make an effort to make it as Christmassy as possible so the barbeque might include special foods like salmon, prawns or even, if you're lucky, crayfish, accompanied by extra special salads. Hot plum pudding is just not something anyone wants to eat on a sweltering day, pavlova, fruit salads and ice cream are the Christmas day favourite desserts here.

If you want to have a go at making a pavlova here is the recipe from New Zealand's most loved recipe book.  This book has been a "must have" in New Zealand homes for many years.

edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/cakes/pavlova/

Pavlova

Pohutukawa, the New Zealand Christmas tree, in full bloom near my home.  A sure sign that Christmas is near.

Summer or winter the message of Christmas is the same the world over.  It is a message of hope, peace, joy and goodwill to all.  You do not have to be a Christian to appreciate this message and it is my wish for all my readers.  I also hope you all enjoy family time and relaxation and that 2025 brings you only good things,

See you next year!