And then in the blink of an eye it was Christmas....

But just before the day arrived....

We had the last Historical Vehicle Club Coffee Run of the year and as many vintage cars and as could go the distance were dusted off ready for the sedate drive to nearby Apsley and their brand new coffee shop.

Some drivers also dusted off ancient head wear and googles! I think I must have been distracted by this handsome fellow or the camera ran out of charge or something because I haven't got any photo's of all the other lovely vehicles. The sedate procession makes quite a sight and because top speed (down hill) can get up to 50 km/hr lots of people stop what their doing, smile and wave at us. 

Whilst on the subject of Land Rovers I'm not sure if I've already mentioned this one.....

Rick did a splendid job on Santa and the Merry Christmas sign and possibly not a surprise to many I am responsible for the glittery bits and the solar lights. It is very amusing watching just how many people slow down and wave to him..... not that we have that many people passing our front gate.

And last but not least..... roll of drums... I'd like to announce the arrival of the final bargain Landy of Year. Meet Herbie, she is a Landy hybrid and very unique. For those who are interested, she has a Series 3 body, a Range Rover Chassis, huge tyres and a Range Rover V8 engine, currently with the soft top on I'm told she also likes to sport her bikini top on special occasions. She is very much a big boys toy. Being a good couple of inches higher than the others I have to say for me getting in or out is not the most elegant of sights. So far I have managed to land on my feet rather than face... I'm hoping thats just not a matter of time.

 I did take her for a drive around the block which was both terrifying and exciting, you kind of glide and bounce around corners and that's going at a very slow speed. I am still making friends with the gear box and at the moment have declined the brave offer of me driving her in public places for fear of running over someone and not knowing!!! I can almost hear the population of Naracoorte breathing easier. Reverse is certainly a challenge for me and tried as I did I could not go backwards in a straight line. All practice I know. Rick on the other hand is in his element and drives her at every opportunity he gets we are both very much enjoying the experience.

'HERBIE THE HYBRID'

 She is great fun and I think we will have many fantastic adventures in her.

And a very short time later it was Christmas and a very hot day. Temperatures were promised to reach 43 c and they did but there was also (thankfully) quite a nice gentle southerly breeze blowing, well more of a zephyr than a blow, making it quite pleasant to be outside. So we took our starters and drinks up to the water trough and sat on the grass to eat it while the rest of the lunch was BBQing. Oh so different of Christmases past when even BBQing in the Summer meant having to be prepared with a brolly. I think I am slowly getting the hang of Christmas being in the middle of summer and the joys of drinking mulled wine are now being exchanged for the joys of drinking Pimms!

For the very first time ever I made a Christmas Pud, well three actually and they are delicious, apologies for the lack of modesty. We didn't managed to eat them all, I think we all find it difficult to eat a lot on very hot days but having soaked the fruit in liberal quantities of Brandy I am hoping the last one will keep for the cooler weather.

Fred was not impressed we put his antlers on him but did get excited about his Xmas pressie of doggy treats. The chews were a tad too much effort for him so after having a good old roll on it he carted it off around the house out of our sight and proceeded to bury it. We did go in search of any freshly dug holes but as the Echidna and Fox have been busy there were a few to many to investigate. I've a feeling Mr Reynard Fox will have now had his first taste of a long lasting Big Dog chew. Hope he enjoyed it!

I think this may well be the last you'll hear from me this side of the New Year so from this side of the planet we wish you a 2016 as joyful , fun and carefree as Fred having a good roll.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!