Christmas in New Zealand
27 December 2009 | From Tauranga NZ 37* 40.231 S 176* 10.658 E
Linda
So the Christmas cookies have been baked. We made four kinds and they were all yummy. We tested them out on some of the boatyard workers where John and Nicole have 'Taraipo' hauled out and received no complaints! Our xmas lights are up and a few things from the voyage decorate the salon. The ipod contains our collection of holiday music so we are set for the festivities. Brad, Nicole and I make a final run to the supermarket in Paihia for our Christmas dinner ingredients. We went in the dinghy to save time and ended up soaking wet by the time we arrived home. Who's idea was that?
For Christmas eve, our friends Andre and Claire from 'Naiouli' and John and Nicole from 'Taraipo' came to Kattyompus to celebrate. Our menu was grilled lamb, roasted potatoes, broccoli and a Scottish pudding with brandy butter that Nicole made for dessert. Andre and Claire brought an appetizer of fish baked in a pastry crust with preserved lemons. They caught the fish and had also preserved the lemons. Yummm! We had a fun evening with beautiful summer weather, a toast to our adventures and lots of sailing tales exchanged in the company of good friends.
On Christmas day, the cruisers had organized a big party at the cruising club. We had a huge dinner of Turkey, Ham and all the trimmings. The cooking was done by Eric, who used to be the chef at a top notch restaurant at Lake Tahoe. Everyone else brought side dishes, salads, appetizers and desserts. We mashed 10 lbs. of the potatoes, which of course took longer than expected. Over 50 of us attended but there were still plenty of leftovers. Bobby Jo and Roger from 'Hipnautical' provided the entertainment with their Harp and Guitar music and there was an excellent Yankee Gift Trade to complete the evening. Brad now owns a lovely Christmas tie that I'm sure will be back under the tree again next near.
As the end of 2009 approaches, once again Brad and I look at each other in amazement. Just where are we and how did we get here, we ask? Life is good!!!!