Yesterday evening was the annual Christmas party at my old house in Takapuna. My brother Peter lent me his video camera, Nivi lent hers to Mark who took his laptop to the party and thanks to the wonders of the internet (and iChat) I was able to see and talk with the people there. It was very cool to see most of my friends back in New Zealand, doing the Christmas things that I was involved in last year and will be again next.

Christmas Video Chat

Someone thought it would make me all sad and lonely because I'd be missing them (which of course I do) but I was thrilled to be able to do this and it was much better than just calling them.
   Last night I was in Lewes after dark (which is 4pm here) and things were really seeming Christmasy, the shops were full, the windows were brightly coloured and lots of

Homemade Christmas Puddings

people were carrying big bags or presents. This morning I walked around Ringmer, with the hope of catching up with my old nextdoor-neighbour-but-one and someone from school. But Christmas Eve isn't a holiday, so they weren't in, which means more Christmas Puddings for me :-)

   There is no way it is going to snow here tomorrow, but hopefully early in next year (possibly in Ireland) I'll get to see some of the white stuff like olds times, but I have to get a better coat by then.