I was about to feed the cat when I heard amphibian croaking…and a few seconds later … rain pattering onto the roof. Yes, rain! The gardeners’ gift. (Probably the camping and picnicking crews’ bane, but that’s tough -WE need this moisture!)
A glance at the calendar tells me it’s December 25. Which means that those of you on my side of the world are probably shredding fancy wrapping paper. And the rest of you are in a bit of a panic, racing around trying to find another turkey because Grandma’s test is negative and she CAN come for Christmas after all. And Uncle Arthur and Auntie Millie will drive her, but “we wont eat much!” Fat chance! I’ve seen Auntie Millie demolish the top tier of wedding cake!
So…why has my blog been as dusty and web-draped as Miss Havisham’s house? Well, things have been a little hectic. The Man was able to get roof gutters licked into shape while the sun shone. And I spent more time dragging hoses around TWO gardens.
The tenants moved out from a neighbour’s house and he, being confined to a southern city, asked us to keep an eye on things. It’s not an onerous chore in his rambling, jungle-y garden.I’ve even got a couple of seedlings for our garden!
Now, I should get some breakfast sorted, but I do wish you all a Happy Christmas. Even more, a safe, Covid-free one.
This is the view from the deck of the house where I’m on garden duty. Rather noice, innit.

And, because it’s been a Dinahmow tradition since 1959, I leave you with Mr Lehrer.
What a view on Christmas Day! And what a gift in rain. For you, of course. Everything here has been damp since time immemorial (i.e. at least the end of summer, but probably since last Christmas…).
Merry Christmas, Dinah!
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Oh! I was ecstatic. The last few days have been dusty and temps mid thirties so this is pure magic! (Also, if it continues it will top-up the pool!)
Happy Christmas. I expect your niece has been cooking…yes?
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So glad you got rain for Christmas! The very best kind of present.
; ]
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Indeed, it is! I think of Northern friends when we are frying! Merry Christmas, Cathryn!
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It’s going down to -29ºC tonight, not factoring in the windchill, and even colder tomorrow. We keep hoping for more snow after one of the driest —and hottest— summers on record.
Best wishes of the season to you and yours!
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Merry Christmas to you and yours….and you;ve already had your present….rain!
Thanks for the Lehrer….still right on the button!
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I was introduced to Tom by my maths teacher. Failed maths, I’m afraid, but know all Tom’s lyrics!
Cheers to you, Leo and the hangers-on
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Who needs maths when you can have Lehrer!
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My mother is long dead so I can tell you now…she did “Vatican Rag” rather well.
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Genuflect, genuflect!
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I have difficulty these days.Knee was whacked with hockey sticks back in the olden days!
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My knees have been giving me notice for years now…
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Kim: “It’s beautiful! It’s got a gym, a pool and a mezza-noyne.”
Kath: A mezza-noyne?!
Together: It’s noyce, it’s diff’rent, it’s un-ewes-ual, yes, a mezza-noyne.
Beautiful views, Dinah! We have rain for Xmas, too. Difference is, it’s cold rain!
Happy Lehrer-time! Jx
Bah Humbug.
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Oh that was an understated taker of the micky! And wouldn’t you and Mme A. look good in matching knitted sweaters https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLmWndflCN2qnvweaOl4BM9UAJGeh1s-HM6tTblANeVhwaFAM8cYx7R0fgiKWqbQv3uWY&usqp=CAU
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Noice..! Jx
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hahaha!
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Happy Christmas!!!!
Yes, rather jealous of the view you have there!
Sxxx
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Well, from this house we’re a bit to low to have the sea view, but we know it’s there!
Now, has that new sofa room for all those books you say you’ll read in 2022?? Some of us need to know!
Merry Sherry to you and yours. Well, maybe just give Charmaine a sniff of the cork…
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Rain? Bliss. We currently have an incontinent pigeon dilly dallying overhead. I do hope that he is joined with a large flock.
Loved those carols. Something I very rarely say.
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Merry Christmas (but probably one day late for you).
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No, you’re still on the button.6.30pm and the sun will go down soon. I hope you have a lovely time, though I suppose travelling is not on? Oh, well, have chestnut or mince pie for me.Cheers!
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Hurrah for rain when it’s needed! We haven’t had much this year at all, we seem to have mini monsoons – two or three hours of the kind of rain that breaks windows – that cause floods, then nothing for weeks.
Sounds like you had a good Christmas, I’m very glad! X
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Snap! I read your blog before I got to this. So I’ve already told my news. And it’s just eased to drizzle now!
So…a quick check of the Sydney-Hobart boats and breakfast! happy New Year
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Goodness, you’ll need an axe to clear a path to the beach !
All the best for the new year DInahmow ! I hope you will have enough rain – here snow and a thunderstorm was forecast, but promises, promises …
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It’s actually not too difficult to manage this garden, as long as we keep the growth in check!
Happy New Year to you, too.
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almost a month late, but merry christmas! oh, and that garden view! stunning!
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January 19 and I’m about to turn on some hoses…so far, all we’ve had from Hua’pai is hot red sunrises…
Check email later…
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