It has been a lovely Christmas, with sunny weather, milkshakes, beaches, and paddling pools. Although the weather has broken down today, Liv has had a lovely time clambering all over me and hanging out with her cousins from Central Otago. We have been skyping regularly back to London for her to see her grandparents and her cousin and Aunt visiting over from Greece, but it is hard at Liiv’s age – almost 1 – and with mobile broadband connections at both ends of the planet. The latency is something to behold. And miss my folks too. No matter how lovely the weather, I don’t think I will ever get used to a summer Christmas – and I don’t really want to either. There is something quite brilliant about marking the shortest day with Christmas. And I love small, dark, cosy pubs, smelling of wet wool and amber ale. I miss that and my friends and family.
Nevertheless, it is great to have some time off with family here. More on reflections on the year later today or tomorrow.
