I did intend to only send my good wishes but Mother Nature (curse her) intervened on Friday and gave us some very big remainders that she is still in charge. Our fingers had been crossed that everything was settling down, but No! The whole family was together except for Roy who was still at work. We were at Joe and Ben's school pool having a picnic and swim (the grandchildren! - bit cold for us cowards). A biggie struck and caused a mini tsunami in the pool. Exciting!!! Came home to another bigger one that threw me to the ground - OK it was more of a graceful settling onto the floor and no hurt sustained. Bookcase over (AGAIN) and pantry contents on the floor. Luckily not too much broke this time but vinegar, smoked garlic sauce and drinking chocolate powder makes a nice crust on the tiles. Add to the mess rice and bird seed. Still, the water, electricity and sewerage working so clean up possible (later). I went to Sarah's and we had an impromptu barbecue with neighbours. Lovely.
Anyway, very lucky - bookcases now fixed to the wall (thanks Malc) and although quakes continue and are a nuisance at night as they keep me awake, we have got off lightly. The Student Army and the Farmy Army have been mobilised again to help to clear liquefaction in the area. Nigel and Carole are visiting from Suffolk and Nigel was interviewed by Mark Murphy on Radio Suffolk after he emailed him about the quakes. Fame at last!
We had a great Xmas - the sun shone and we ate in Annie and Malc's garden (15 round the table!) Sarah's pavlova was a triumph - better than Nigella's! We strolled to the beach and someone had brought their xmas tree, complete with decorations. It was a bit blowy by then as you can see by the top of the tree. Ash and Indie played Christmas Carols on the decorated piano that music students have placed near the beach where a building has been demolished - Gap Fillers - there are several around the city. Fun!
It was Elliot's first xmas so here is a photo of him taken at the pool on Friday. I have been trying to get a photo of all the grandchildren together, so maybe I will achieve that in 2012.
To finish - love and best wishes to all.
Carol xxx
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