Monday 24 December 2007

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Tasmania


A big 'Thank You' to all our family and friends (both old and new) for all the special Christmas wishes and e mails cards we've received. It's great to know that you are all thinking of us!

We weren't really looking forward to Christmas so much this year as we've never spent the time away from our family. However we have the most wonderful 'foster family' that anyone could wish for - the Lutjens family, who have taken us under their wing and looked after us so well. We have had a few days at their home and they kindly lent us a vehicle so we could take in some of the sights of this marvellous island (but that's for another blog!)

We've arrived back yesterday to spend the festive season with our 'family' and are now so looking to it. The last photo is us on Christmas morning in front of their magnificent tree. We are about to have a Christmas breakfast and we'll post more photos later - MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

The first photo is us all having breakfast - mmmmmm! Doreen, Rick, Amelia, Sebastian, Rick's dad Han and of course, Keith and I.

The next couple of photos are where we are actually staying, check out those views from the house.






This is me and Amelia having a little afternoon tipple. We were in charge of the roast potatoes, a huge responsibility!

We had our Christmas dinner about 8pm. Keith was a nervous wreck as he had been put in charge of the gravy! Rick's sister Leoni and her husband Eric also joined us for the feast.






Here is Doreen with her scrumptious homemade desserts, summer pudding and a panetone trifle!

After dinner the candles were lit on the tree (yes real ones) and the presents were opened. Even we had presents, everyone here has been so kind and generous thinking of us.





























So a huge 'Thank You' to Rick, Doreen, Amelia, Sebastian, Han, Leoni and Eric for a fantastic Christmas day.







4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to tell you that we clicked and enlarged your photo and had it on the screen next to our table while we scoffed down Keith Jr's stupendous Christmas Eve seafood paella! You may not have tasted any of it, but you were there. We raised our glasses to you too. Great talking to you...wish you were here.

Merry Christmas again from Jen, Bob, Rare and the Lord.

And to Paul...I pretty much figured I'd have you this time seeing as you're asleep! Merry Christmas to you, Shirley and Jackson!

Anonymous said...

HI Chief and Suzanne.

Sad news, our new abode looks nothing like the one you spent Christmas in!!! Oh well. Shall flick you an email later today with more details, but for now thought i'd let you know that we've booked guest house accommodation in the lovely APollo Bay. (For Saturday 29/12/07). Looks quite nice and clean, each have a room with queen size bed and external bathroom to share. Hope that's ok, but given time of year it was quite tricky to find something. We'll pick you up from Tullermarine Airport on Friday night, and if ok with you guys will head back to Bendigo. (Only takes 1 hour from Melbourne). THen we can head off on Saturday morning for the beach. Glad to see you had a lovely Christmas, i hope you got to eat lots and have a few drinks. Will buy the ingredients this week for that promised Hummingbird Cake and put some beer and wine in the fride.

Talk to you soon, and seeya on Friday.

Justine and Ben Crichton

Anonymous said...

Hi Billies

Great to speak to you both on Sunday, it really really made my day :-) How lovely that the Lutjens are sharing their family Christmas with you both so that it feels a little bit like home from home.

We've been thinking of you today and hope you've had a lovely day.

Merry Christmas Billies!

Sissy J - Hope you 'n' yours had a fab christmas too!! xx

Love Shirley, Paul & Jackson xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Keith and Suzanne,

I finally read your email tonight. I'm so sorry i didn't keep in touch with you re: the planning for Victoria. I had it all in my head, and planned, just forgot to fill you guys in. Whoops!!! If you check your email, i've sent you one saying we'll pick you up on Friday night and a bit about the other plans for your time here. Now i'm just worried you won't get a chance to check your blog or emails before setting sail for Melbourne. I don't think you have a mobile, so will just hope you read this. Also, I emailed you our home phone, and mobile's too.

Ben and i will wait at the airport on Friday at 9:30pm and hope for the best. Again, really sorry i didn't get back to you, i tend to forget the most obvious detail. See you on Friday 28/12/07. Hope you're looking forward to test tasting Kangaroo on the BBQ!!!

Justine.