Merry Christmas Freddie to you and your's 
ah yes, the cricket... OH was thinking of going this year, but now he's not
Laney the shops really weren't as bad as we expected..
all done now, thank goodness!
in Coles I noticed they've marked down their Ray's plum puddings by quite a lot and I thought that says a lot about the economy atm
Good morning and a very merry Christmas 
The time difference meant being woken very early with nonetheless very welcome phone calls. It also meant that I missed some Eastern States friends on here (you know who you are). To you all, heartfelt wishes for a happy day.
It is going to be a warm one today - good to hear that you friends over yonder are getting some relief from the really hot temps you have been having.
Freddie - get in the nets and practice - it will not be long before tomorrow is here 
Have a great day - catch you all on the other side of the day
One thing I have noticed this year are a couple of the Christmas advertisements on TV - the Coles ones with the little children are especially 'watchable'
Came across a couple of others which also tug at the heart strings so thought I would share here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cheo1P22cUU
If you do not like to click on links just google 'Heathrow Bears Christmas TV advert' - hope you enjoy!
Afternoon Stringer friends and other friends too
Well that is Christmas done and dusted. Cannot quite bring myself to take down our banner decoration though ........
Sydney to Hobart (interesting result), fourth test match in rain delay (did the Aust team do a rain dance?) and the Fed Express has arrived for the start of the Hopman Cup tomorrow. The quokkas were all agog on Rotto yesterday when he made a flying visit
Beautiful day here today and the Sounds is alive with sails - the world sailing championships of the 420 class are being held off Freo. Nice to see all that canvas as we are overrun with stink boats in this part of the world and I am a yachtie from way back. Friends up north around Broome having suffered the effects of a cyclone and such sad news here and around the world - fires/deaths/car accidents - sure hope that 2018 is better than this year.
No plans for NYE - never been a favourite of mine at least ...... we will just take it as it comes. Major fireworks happen here on Australia Day or at least they did in the past .... who knows now!
Hi Deb
Happy New Year to all our Stringer friends (here and not posting here) and our other friends as well (you know who you are)
The end of the Test yesterday was forgettable as they were just holding out for a draw - no great strikes.
The tennis (whilst in a different format) was enjoyable - watched Roger always is and he is looking as good as he did last year.
Will be interesting to see how the Aussie players go today.
Nothing on the agenda tonight - perhaps I already said that lol
Started the day with a smoothie - mango, raspberry, blueberry and watermelon ...... let the NY health kick begin. 12 months tonight since I gave up smoking (his nibs still smokes) and this years challenge is healthier eating ...... have lots to do in the coming year!
Enjoy the fireworks tonight Deb.
