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    Christmas Memories — Sandra Spiers!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    My thoughts on Christmas are getting new pyjamas. I’d probably grown out of the old ones, which were passed down, as I was the eldest (not with Christmas motifs like these days!) We always got a bit of Lego, even though we were all girls — four of us. We got a tangerine or clementine, chocolate coins and nuts in a pillowcase; we weren’t rich enough for stockings. Furthermore, we always had a compendium of games — my favourite was the one with blow football in it.

    I think we always had a traditional Christmas dinner, also my parents would buy/receive chocolate liqueurs and large single layer box of chocolates. We didn’t have a nutcracker either, we used to open the nuts in the door; Philistines!

    I’ve never enjoyed Christmas, especially as an adult, always stressful getting the money to buy presents for the children (now, also grandchildren) and not having the time due to working, to properly enjoy the season. But I am determined to just enjoy this one coming, I am not going to put any pressure on myself at all. Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic Christmas, so pleased you had the courage to follow your dream and your heart. Love from Sandra.
    Sandra
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    Christmas Memories — Melissa Yeates KIng!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    My last Christmas story was about being a child on Christmas morning, this time I’m going to talk about Boxing Day. I know it’s not Christmas Day, but I feel that they all fall into Christmas.

    After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day, it was Boxing Day. A day when we used to get up early, and put our new clothes and jewellery on. We would spray some exclamation spray (if you know what that is, you’re awesome) and put on some new makeup and meet family and friends down our local club.

    Hythe club was always a place we would regularly attend on any holiday, for discos, or a pantomime, or to play bingo. My mum and dad were never massive drinkers, and most of the time they’d stick to just a lemonade, but Boxing Day they would partake in a few festive bevvies. I remember walking in the club and feeling like my cousins and other children looked better than me, and I’d always compliment them, but heard nothing in return. Pushing that aside, we would dance and play games, making new friends and enjoying the atmosphere.

    Our faces were red from the heating being on, adults chain-smoking and from running around (it was the only time we were allowed to.) I remember being around 5/6, and it was so hot in the club that I needed a drink, and dad was always a little stingy handing them out, so I opted for a glass of coke no one was touching. I remember it tasted odd, but I was that thirsty and didn’t particularly care, haha! Hidden under a table, I drank the whole glass, and afterwards turning my nose up at the awful taste it had. After about 15 /20 minutes, I remember feeling like I’d spun around in circles on a chair and wobbled around the dance floor, until my mum and dad realised, I had necked the triple Jack Daniel's and coke.

    They told me never to take drinks from the table again, although I remember seeing them laugh but trying to be serious too! After the celebrations we proceeded to walk home … albeit I didn't actually — I couldn’t walk, so had to be carried on my dads shoulders singing Christmas songs on the way home.

    Now I know people will look at this, and think how terrible it is that I consumed alcohol … by mistake, but fear not, I don’t really drink, and it’s rare if I do! So this occurrence didn’t turn me into an alcoholic, it just made me realise … Jack Daniel's is awful.
    Happy Christmas xxxx

    Melissa
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    Christmas Memories - Sam Wainwright!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    "All Christmases now are eclipsed by the memory of 'that' Christmas, when I was having a 'bad time.' I was drinking heavily — so much so, that I was having to be ferried to social functions, already inebriated, by helpful and stalwart friends. I had also moved back in with my parents temporarily. It was the first Christmas since my grandad had died, too, so my Nan was obviously staying with us.

    I would wake, deeply hungover, to the sound of her sobs, before going downstairs and pouring myself another rum and water. My Mam questioned why I was drinking so early, much to my annoyance, as I drunkenly cut straight through the sprouts I was supposed to be making crosses in the bottom of.

    She was also making comments about the drug use of my sister's ex partner, so I spat back about her being no angel. When questioned further by my seemingly oblivious mother, I went two feet in, about my sister's own drug use. So that Christmas consisted, mainly, of family upset. They've got better since - Mostly!"

    Sam
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    The Perfect Birthday Present.

    Australia Cats Events Milestones Pippa And Akira blog
    Last Sunday, Darrell celebrated his 52nd Birthday. The weather was in the high thirties, unlike previous years, when he spent his Birthday celebrating in the UK. This year, we spent the day together in the city, toasting the day, with a few pints of Stella and a Sunday roast at Durty Nellys!

    Both of us have passed so many milestones over the last few years, that we have really lost count of, the number of important dates that have made us the people we are today. With Darrell reaching the grand old age of 51, it is clear, neither of us are getting any younger, and as we both settle into Australian life, memories of Birthdays past were on my mind.

    In our younger years, both of us would have celebrated for days on end, usually with a fancy dress party in our home. The house would be full to bursting with friends and family, and we would party the years away in the company of those who were closest. A little bit of me remains firmly rooted in the traditions of our past, and I do miss our old life, especially the people who used to be in it. Today everything seems rather laid back and ordinary, but in truth, that's all either of us wants. Our life is so far removed from the way it was, it is barely recognisable. Darrell and I have become old, set in our ways, and happy to lead a more tranquil existence.

    After a few pints in the Belgian Beer Café, we headed to our favourite Irish pub for a delicious roast. Durty Nelly's is slap bang in the middle of the city, just off Murray Street, surrounded by tall skyscrapers, His Majesties Theatre, shops, café's and historic buildings. Inside it is a world away from the neighbourhood of which it is a part. Its traditional ambience offers a welcome break from the busy commuter traffic outside, and it is a joy to just sit, relax, and remember similar occasions back home in the UK. If we weren't ten thousand miles away, you could almost imagine you were in the heart of the English or indeed Irish countryside.

    After a delicious meal, we headed to London Court for an Ice Cream in the now searing heat. London Court is a pastiche of the many medieval streets and lanes in the UK. Of course, it is rather different in reality, but for a homesick Brit like me, it is a great place to visit from time to time; it does evoke memories of my life in Britain and the narrow lane, does offer respite from the hot Australian sun. It really is worth a visit, the next time you are here.
    In the evening of Darrell's Birthday, we received a message from Jo, the lady who has been fostering and rearing little Akira. After a two-week wait, he was now ready to come to us. Happily, Jo wanted to drop Akira off in the evening, after we finished our Chicken Treat takeaway with Mother Mary and friend Beth. I told you, our life has changed; this Birthday couldn't be more different from the ones we enjoyed in Britain. To be honest, we couldn't wait to get Akira home and welcome him as part of our family.

    He was a little nervous at first, but soon enough became the terror we know today. Akira is full of life, and has a huge personality for a little kitten. Pippa is less than impressed by her new house mate, but as I write this blog today, she is finally coming round to her new companion. Thankfully, the trauma she suffered in the past hasn't caused too many long term issues. She is still very timid and anxious around Akira, lashing out on occasion, but that is really just part of the course. When you introduce a new kitten to an established household, you do expect a few problems at the beginning, so everything is crossed for a long term bond that will last the test of time.

    Presently, we are locking Akira in one of the spare back bedrooms while we are at work, just to give Pippa some space. I am also a bit concerned about Akira being around the Christmas tree. I have already caught her in the middle of it, after climbing up the trunk, early one morning. After reading horror stories of cats becoming tangled in fairy lights, sometimes causing fatal injuries, I am mindful of the accidents that could happen. For now, we are just keeping a close eye on him, trying to teach him what's right and what's wrong: difficult when you are dealing with a small, inquisitive kitten!

    As we approach Christmas, the temperature is rising here in Perth. Looking at the news, I can see the snow falling in the UK, a feature of the British winter I miss. However, I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather wherever you are. You may well wish you were in the heat down under, but for me, a small dose of frost wouldn't go a miss: we always want what we can't have!


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    Christmas Memories - June Menditta (Gran Alacant's Finest!)

    Christmas Thoughts Gran Alacant blog
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    June
    'I was working with a girl who was getting married near Christmas - register office, but a big do nonetheless. There was the white dress, cars, guests and hall booked - flowers, the lot. For some strange reason, I thought it would be funny to ring her up and pretend I worked at the office. I regretted having to inform her, that unfortunately, a horrible error had occurred, and that day wasn't now available, as there had been a double booking

    Well.... she screamed and started crying - 'No, oh no, everything is booked!'.... She threw the phone down and ran into me, crying, creating and clearly so upset. Oh no, June, you cowpat!

    So I calmed her down, and suggested we ring the registry office just to double-check! All was good as you know... and I suddenly become hero of the day......'
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    Christmas Memories - Bethany Shave!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    My favourite Christmas memory is when I spent it with the whole of my family. No one was at work, everyone sat around eating Christmas dinner, then presents and games after. With my beloved grandparents sat at the top table, just watching over their children and grandchildren, it's probably my most favourite memory!

    Bethany
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