For the first time ever we aren’t going to a family member’s.

We’re having a gourmet picnic at an as yet to be decided location. I’m not cooking so MrBL has elected to be in charge of food. He’s going to hit the deli.

I’m not sure how I feel about the whole thing.

Bubba Louie said:

For the first time ever we aren’t going to a family member’s.

We’re having a gourmet picnic at an as yet to be decided location. I’m not cooking so MrBL has elected to be in charge of food. He’s going to hit the deli.

I’m not sure how I feel about the whole thing.

Beach or bush? Decisions, decisions.

I always find it so strange that so many people (mums especially) put themselves through so much stress and pressure at Christmas – when all the rest of us want is to be together and relax =/

We usually have lunch with Mr Bon’s family, dinner with mine, but this year Mr Bon’s family is going to (pay attention here, it’s confusing) his sister’s boyfriend’s mum’s place. Hopefully Mr Bon’s mum will be nice and relaxed as a consequence :)

My brother has put in a late appeal to have Christmas dinner at his house, but it’s still being debated. I hate late changes to plans even if it’s better than the original plan :D

I didn’t cook for Christmas last year and I’m not this year either. We are going to middle daughters, as last year, and she and her fiance and his parents are cooking. It’s easier at her place because they have a huge dining room and table that seats 14.

It is better to have xmas there because of the room, and my place usually looks like a bombs hit and prepped foods aren’t safe from GS. I get to make the cake though!

But, they don’t get it, they think “oh poor Mr and Mrs HP all that stress with their boy, they shouldn’t have to do all this cooking” ect. Like it’s a chore. I want to cook. That isn’t stress to me, I’m happy to do it. It’s seeing my family celebrating xmas all together and eating yummy foods and providing that for them. For some people relaxing means not helping or doing much. I can’t not help, it’s in my mum genes! Well the food will be yummy and all the family will be there and we will have a great day, so I will ‘relax to their way’ and enjoy myself. I’ll have a beer whilst ‘relaxing’ so to render me totally useless! But next year’s is all mine , I’ve booked it already lol!

we are not Strangers to having Xmas without family, and that’s because of living in places like PNG and/or Townsville, but even in Luckyland once, we drove to the Victorian Alps to have Xmas with friends of ours (who drove also from Luckyland to be there)…

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing.

I’ve been invited to a friends for lunch.

I’m not cooking so MrBL has elected to be in charge of food. He’s going to hit the deli.

I’m not sure how I feel about the whole thing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’d reckon you’re on a winner Bubba. Esp if you have elected not to cook.
You could always stay home alone and have a piece of toast :-(

For the record, i have also elected not to cook.
So i’ll just see what happens.
I dunno if anyone is coming here.
I might just go fishing i reckon. Grab a pie.
Wonder what Mrs reckons?

the daughter and friends are coming for a pool party…..which means we will be slaves to the younguns as usual.

my brian doesn’t function too well at this time in the morning but i recall helping a bloke twenty years older than me move house.
it was about this time of year and he had his two daughters organising him. by the time it came to the last day his brian was totally decisioned out from the constant packaging, sorting and partially moving to the new house that he had been doing for the past two weeks.
his shed had been sorted and amongst the things left was an old 1950’s motorbike. it had been in a far corner and not fired up for twenty years. he just had to see if it still worked. it did. so while the rest of us madly packed his last belongings into the trailer he hummed around the 40 acre property on this old motorbike. he had such a big grin on his goggled face that, whilst we all knew he had departed with sanity for a while, none of us cared.
i remember that moment but i don’t recall what we did for xmas lunch that year.

amongst the things left was an old 1950’s motorbike. it had been in a far corner and not fired up for twenty years.
____+++++++++++
Sounds like you have found my Xmas pressie Pepe.
I can come pick it up today if you like…..

Longy said:

amongst the things left was an old 1950’s motorbike. it had been in a far corner and not fired up for twenty years.
____+++++++++++
Sounds like you have found my Xmas pressie Pepe.
I can come pick it up today if you like…..

i’ll tell him. he’ll probably motor over to your place lost in his dreams of youth. i doubt he’ll part with it tho’.

i doubt he’ll part with it tho’.
++++++++++++++++++++
Carton?

Longy said:

i doubt he’ll part with it tho’.
++++++++++++++++++++
Carton?

maybe – but if you offer to refuel his bike he’ll disappear to parts unknown. memories are powerful.

I mentioned that I once drove to the Victorian Alps for Xmas with friends and had a blast. 900kms in a day is a fair hike and being Xmas Day the roads were quiet. Now I’m a friendly driver and often in country roads in SA, you only come across another motorist only so often, so the old raising of the finger off the steering wheel as a greeting is commonplace. But like I said, I’m a friendly driver and today is Xmas Day so I was going to be generous in my greetings.

So I wagered with GF, how many return waves would I receive in the entire 900kms. Well in the previous years, we had driven to parts of Victoria on a few occasions and we knew that the Victorians are a miserable bunch of drivers and getting a wave out of them is like pulling teeth, especially from us in our SA-plated vehicle, so GF says “Well considering it is Xmas morning and most of your waves will be in SA and there will be no Sozzies on the road yet, I’ll wager that you may muster up to 1 return wave per 100kms, so 9 it is.”

I was flabbergasted, here I was thinking that being Xmas every man and his dog would be waving, and I was thinking numbers like 2,500 or at least 90! But GF’s tenet made sense and I said, “What you say makes sense, but I reckon I’ll score 11 waves.” And GF replied “No pedestrians and no old guys watering their gardens!”

D’oh!

So we head off and it is a beautiful morning, the roads are void of traffic and we make great progress. We finally see our first motorist and it’s like Tailem Bend, so I’m waving. This morning’s technique is not the finger raise, but a genuine removal of the entire left hand from my steering wheel and a reasonable sweep from right to left, with a slight pause at the end of the sweep. The Tailem Bend motorist returns my greeting. Fantastic, I’m batting 1 from 1.

Time and Travel continues, and I am picking up waves from my fellow Sozzies at a fantastic success rate, I hit the SA/Vic border with 9 waves from about 11 cars, I’m stoked because I am confident that I can pick up 2 more in Victoria, GF states the money is hers. She doubts we will get a solitary wave in Victoria. I kinda believe her, because as soon as we crossed the border, the numbers of cars increased and the waves dried up. Did I say miserable bunch. I recall one steady stream of cars heading towards me and not a single wave, I screamed out “FFS! Don’t they know its Xmas, where’s all the Xmas cheer!”

But then, Murrayville; birthplace of Rachael “Fatty” Sporn, a pretty decent Netball player and all round decent lass, and as I slowed down to drive through this tiny town, I spot some guy alighting from his Ute and heading to the corner store to pick up some milk. I give him a wave from out of the car window and he waves back, a good strong wave like we know each other. “You beauty, that’s ten!” and GF says “No pedestrians” and I say “He has only just stepped out of his car, his hand was on the bonnet still, he is still as one with his Ute???”

GF says “He was on two feet, he’s a pedestrian” and I said mumbling “Pretty bloody decent wave for a Victorian though?” GF agreed with that.

to be continued…

So there I am, Xmas Day and I am struggling to find a friendly Victorian, and it is near lunchtime and people are moving in great numbers to go to Xmas lunch. So I have decided it is time to check my strategy, I have decided not to wave to everyone, that’s tiring work but I have narrowed it down to Victorians who are looking like they are having a good start to the day, and not waving to cars full of kids because that always means grumpy drivers.

So I spy the old cocky or two in a Ute and I think back to the Murrayville incident and the cracker of a wave I got. So here goes, a few old cockies pass and I get nothing in response. I’m thinking maybe the sun is in the wrong spot and the reflection off my windscreen is blinding the other motorists so that they do not see my wave in the first place? I test this theory, by taking a detour to change the angle of the car. No luck. But then on my detour back to the Highway, I spot a blue car so I go my friendly wave, and she waves back, but a generous wave, almost a frantic throwing of her left hand side to side… maybe she’s in trouble and she’s trying to get me to stop? But no, she has SA-plates on her car! A friendly Sozzie! Fantastic!

GF says “you got lucky on that one”

I’m cockahoop, GF’s 9 has been passed and I am only one wave from Victory. I raise my efforts only to be frustrated time and time again. I’m started to get depressed that we are heading for a draw, and GF is talking it up, saying how morally just it would be on this holy days of holy days… pflflflflfflflflflflfflllllll.

Soon we had clocked 890kms on our journey and we entering the town of Bright, our destination… the dinner crowd were driving to their roast turkeys and every kid had a brand new shiny bike. I was waving to everyone and getting nothing back but odd looks, and I had finally made it to the laneway that our favourite Motel was on. I gave way to a Commodore Stationwagon packed to the rafters with kids and Xmas stuff and Dad looked grumpy as behind the wheel. I thought “A wave will cheer him up” and as I was stopped and he was crawling along, he would have plenty of time to see my best seasons greeting.

in slow motion

So I waved, it was my friendly left hand wave, and I added a smile. He saw it, I saw that he saw! He looked angry, he looked like “WTF is this Sozzie doing, waving at me” and then in a split second, a voice in the depths of his mind said “It’s Xmas, a time for sharing” and as his car was nearly past, his right hand left the wheel and he dismissed me with a passing gesture!

It was a wave! Holy Mother of Jesus! It was a Victorian wave! The euphoria welled up inside me and I was overcome with emotion, I did not know whether to laugh or to cry, but I had won, I had conquered the mountain, I had walked that long winding road, and I was triumphant.

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”
———————
GF is not victorian by any chance is she?
i often flick the finger at passing country motorists. it does help to keep you awake on country roads.

CollieWA said:

I’ve been invited to a friends for lunch.

me too. breakfast with the kids (that are in Melbourne) then to a friends for lunch :)

pepe said:

my brian doesn’t function too well at this time in the morning but i recall helping a bloke twenty years older than me move house.
it was about this time of year and he had his two daughters organising him. by the time it came to the last day his brian was totally decisioned out from the constant packaging, sorting and partially moving to the new house that he had been doing for the past two weeks.
his shed had been sorted and amongst the things left was an old 1950’s motorbike. it had been in a far corner and not fired up for twenty years. he just had to see if it still worked. it did. so while the rest of us madly packed his last belongings into the trailer he hummed around the 40 acre property on this old motorbike. he had such a big grin on his goggled face that, whilst we all knew he had departed with sanity for a while, none of us cared.
i remember that moment but i don’t recall what we did for xmas lunch that year.

what a lovely story :)

pain master said:

It was a wave! Holy Mother of Jesus! It was a Victorian wave! The euphoria welled up inside me and I was overcome with emotion, I did not know whether to laugh or to cry, but I had won, I had conquered the mountain, I had walked that long winding road, and I was triumphant.

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROTFPIMP!!!!

Good one PM!

(I’d have waved to you!!)

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

Please dont make me laugh like that again, I nearly had a baby :)

Mum usually puts on a spread xmas eve, we all throw in and she has the space. Last year she declared that we were all going out to a restaurant, end of story. We are having lunch at mums place this year again, apparently my due date of the 28th is too close for comfort ;)

A couple of years ago we did xmas because Ms. Bs mum decided that it was our turn and then invited the rest of their immediate family. Have I ever mentioned that it is huge, we had 13 people staying at the house with 21 all together for lunch. I had to empty the lounge room and turn it into a dorm, great fun to have them all though.

Were going to my daughter’s place again, bless her. I wanted it here because she’s tired out from work and renovating her home. But she wants to show it off to the family, can’t blame her.

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROFL. World needs more people waving for no particular reason.

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROFL! Great story but a sad testament to humankind.

I’ll have to test out the Perthites for general friendliness…see whether they’re more like the Sozzies or the Vics.

I’ll most likely be budding thousands of trees.. happens every year..

my juvenile goshawk, born in a nest above my bedroom.

here sitting in the shade of the walnut nearby..

bigger?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4199395389_151fe674f6_o.jpg

bluegreen said:

CollieWA said:

I’ve been invited to a friends for lunch.

me too. breakfast with the kids (that are in Melbourne) then to a friends for lunch :)

Dad and his partner are doing lunch with his partner’s aunt and her family so I have the day to myself until they come to me for dinner. My best friend will come over at some stage to spend some of the day with me and stay on to dinner and my housemate will spend lunch with her family and then also join us for dinner.
I regularly have an ‘orphan’s christmas’ as my dad is my only family in Aus and that makes for a rather small party for christmas, so I try to adopt a few people if I can, LOL! My best friend’s family have been either overseas or interstate for a number of years so one day I just decided to adopt her as my sister.
We have a fairly simple christmas dinner, no hot cooked meal as it’s usually over 30 degrees and everyone’s already stuffed from lunch so we have cold chicken and ham, a selection of salads, followed by plum pud. I always make chocolate brandy balls, marshmallow slices and the hard sauce (brandy butter) a few days before christmas. Think I made them too early this year as they’re all gone and I have to make a new batch. Gee they were nice, LOL!

>I regularly have an ‘orphan’s christmas’

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone.

I’m not big on chriistmas but it is true that being alone can be depressing while everyone else is having a fat time.

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing
————————
I am all for family at Chrissy. Without some family, Christmas isn’t really Christmas to me. I fully understand that it’s not always possible to be home. Maybe it’s something to do with my age. Or maybe it’s something to do with our family traditions.

pepe said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”
———————
GF is not victorian by any chance is she?
i often flick the finger at passing country motorists. it does help to keep you awake on country roads.

Used to be a lot of finger flickers round here too. One of the reasons we bought property here was because the residents were so friendly. That was before the Gov bought up all the houses and put all and sundry renters in them.

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone
————-
Onya Collie and friends. We can’t all have family around but we can do the next best thing.

CollieWA said:

>I regularly have an ‘orphan’s christmas’

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone.

I’m not big on chriistmas but it is true that being alone can be depressing while everyone else is having a fat time.

We will be at daughters place for the break and Christmas dinner will include all her inlaws and families. I’ll be in the kitchen no matter where I spend Christmas. Just love the whole Christmas thing.

pomolo said:

pepe said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”
———————
GF is not victorian by any chance is she?
i often flick the finger at passing country motorists. it does help to keep you awake on country roads.

Used to be a lot of finger flickers round here too. One of the reasons we bought property here was because the residents were so friendly. That was before the Gov bought up all the houses and put all and sundry renters in them.

Vic’s unfriendly ? Not where I am!
I think Victorian drivers are so over -policed that they are concentrating on the job at hand, no one’s game to take a hand off the wheel , there’s a fine for that! lol . I do wave at people but usually thats to let their car cut in, or a quick thank you wave for letting my car in.

pomolo said:

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone
————-
Onya Collie and friends. We can’t all have family around but we can do the next best thing.

sometimes better, after all we get to CHOOSE our friends!!!

bluegreen said:

pomolo said:

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone
————-
Onya Collie and friends. We can’t all have family around but we can do the next best thing.

sometimes better, after all we get to CHOOSE our friends!!!

I should add here that I love my family and wouldn’t be without them at Christmas…

roughbarked said:

I’ll most likely be budding thousands of trees.. happens every year..

my juvenile goshawk, born in a nest above my bedroom.

here sitting in the shade of the walnut nearby..

bigger?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4199395389_151fe674f6_o.jpg

We have a crested hawk here that is sending the miners manic. It only visits every couple of days and is obviously having baby miners for lunch. If it can reduce our miner population any, I am happy to have it visit.

bluegreen said:

bluegreen said:

pomolo said:

That’s what I’m going to, the friend of a friend is inviting everyone she knows of who is spending chrissy day alone
————-
Onya Collie and friends. We can’t all have family around but we can do the next best thing.

sometimes better, after all we get to CHOOSE our friends!!!

I should add here that I love my family and wouldn’t be without them at Christmas…

I love my family too but do I have to love the kids inlaws and family? Even if it’s just for christmas. Comes under the catagory of good will I suppose.

hortfurball said:

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROFL! Great story but a sad testament to humankind.

I’ll have to test out the Perthites for general friendliness…see whether they’re more like the Sozzies or the Vics.

I wouldn’t bother. These days no one will even give you a thank you wave for letting them in (when you actually have to slow down and make a space, not just general lane-changing), so I can’t see many people just giving a friendly wave..

Christmas lunch with Almost Mr. Bimbo’s family. Tea if we get there to brother’s house.

First time in 15 years we aren’t spending all day with my brother’s family.

NYD lunch if a full roast lunch ….just the elf & myself….. figured the kids (all 3) will be hung over…..

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

pomolo said:

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing
————————
I am all for family at Chrissy. Without some family, Christmas isn’t really Christmas to me. I fully understand that it’s not always possible to be home. Maybe it’s something to do with my age. Or maybe it’s something to do with our family traditions.

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

That is just awful:(

Geez what a f*&^head of a man………….Maybe one day soon he’ll fall off the planet.

Bubba Louie said:

pomolo said:

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing
————————
I am all for family at Chrissy. Without some family, Christmas isn’t really Christmas to me. I fully understand that it’s not always possible to be home. Maybe it’s something to do with my age. Or maybe it’s something to do with our family traditions.

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

That is just awful:(

Geez what a f*&^head of a man………….Maybe one day soon he’ll fall off the planet.

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

pomolo said:

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing
————————
I am all for family at Chrissy. Without some family, Christmas isn’t really Christmas to me. I fully understand that it’s not always possible to be home. Maybe it’s something to do with my age. Or maybe it’s something to do with our family traditions.

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

We haven’t even put up the tree. When I suggested it the boys weren’t interested. :(

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

That is just awful:(

Geez what a f*&^head of a man………….Maybe one day soon he’ll fall off the planet.

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

We haven’t even put up the tree. When I suggested it the boys weren’t interested. :(

Oodle of cars are stopping to look at our house at night………:D

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

That is just awful:(

Geez what a f*&^head of a man………….Maybe one day soon he’ll fall off the planet.

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

We haven’t even put up the tree. When I suggested it the boys weren’t interested. :(

Oodle of cars are stopping to look at our house at night………:D

This is the second year that we haven’t put lights up.

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

MrBL’s family is so uncomplicated it’s like a breath of fresh air, but they’re all doing other stuff this year.

Bubba Louie said:

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

MrBL’s family is so uncomplicated it’s like a breath of fresh air, but they’re all doing other stuff this year.

They say Christmas is the most stressful time of the year…… for some families I can see why.

Hug your Mr. BL and sons……..be there for your sister when she needs it and if you need to let off steam go for it……

I’m so thrilled, Jim-Bob is allowing us to pick him up on Christmas Day and take him out to Almost Mr. Bimbo’s parents place for Christmas lunch.

I asked him today about the lift and he was all for it.:D

He’s grown so much since he’s left home.

Bubba Louie said:

pomolo said:

the morale of my story, don’t be too concerned about being sans family on the day. Just have fun and enjoy it relaxing
————————
I am all for family at Chrissy. Without some family, Christmas isn’t really Christmas to me. I fully understand that it’s not always possible to be home. Maybe it’s something to do with my age. Or maybe it’s something to do with our family traditions.

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

One of the ladies that I do painting with has 10 children. All grown up with their own families. She told me that her son up near Cape York has sent word that he can’t make it home for Christmas. She rang him and said that she expected him next Christmas, no excuses because it is three years since he has been home for Xmas. This woman is slight in stature but she doesn’t believe in breaking with tradition for no good reason. I suppose you’d have to be able to make your kids jump to attention if you had 10. Christmas is always at home with Mum for them.

Bubba Louie said:

WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

no apologies necessary. sounds like a real bastard to me.

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

What a sad, sad, misurable man. So sorry for your sister and kids. Very hard to stand by and watch it all happening I imagine. Luckys words say it best.

Oh Bubba, we all feel for you. This man is a prize idiot. You can’t do anything but fume I know – but one day your sister will be able to be strong enough. She’ll need you then so bear with it.
Try to enjoy your Christmas anyway. ((Hugs))

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

Oh that would be so frustrating! Surely tho, he kids suspect something , even a little ?

There’s always one isn’t there.

pomolo said:

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

What a sad, sad, misurable man. So sorry for your sister and kids. Very hard to stand by and watch it all happening I imagine. Luckys words say it best.

My sister qactually got up the nereve to tell him that if her family can’t come than neither can his and he hit the roof.

This is the same man I’ve given lots of broms to!!!!!! NO MORE.

orchid40 said:

Oh Bubba, we all feel for you. This man is a prize idiot. You can’t do anything but fume I know – but one day your sister will be able to be strong enough. She’ll need you then so bear with it.
Try to enjoy your Christmas anyway. ((Hugs))

She never will. Unfortunately she just doesn’t have it in her. He’s always run her life, she doesn’t even have the house or any money in joint names. He gave her a card for shopping and she doesn’t even know the details of their finances. She’s become totally dependent. A solicitor would sort it out, I know, but she can’t face it and makes excuses. First it was because of their kids and now it’s because she doesn’t want to upset the grandkids who love them both. She’s going to be miserable for the rest or her/or his life and there’s nothing anyone can do.
So far there isn’t any physical violence but I feel he could if he’s pushed.

Happy Potter said:

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

Oh that would be so frustrating! Surely tho, he kids suspect something , even a little ?

There’s always one isn’t there.

They know a lot but not all. They certainly don’t know I’m banned at Christmas. They’re both adults, and senior police officers, but she still wants to protect them. Plus if they tackle him he’s worse to her after they leave.
I’ve never wanted to poke someone in the eye like I do right now.

The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.

=======

I hope she raises the courage to walk out of this abusive relationship.

In the long run the kids will suffer, if they aren’t already suffering.

>They’re both adults, and senior police officers

Pity he doesn’t act like an adult!

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROFL! Great story but a sad testament to humankind.

I’ll have to test out the Perthites for general friendliness…see whether they’re more like the Sozzies or the Vics.

I wouldn’t bother. These days no one will even give you a thank you wave for letting them in (when you actually have to slow down and make a space, not just general lane-changing), so I can’t see many people just giving a friendly wave..

When I let someone in from a side street half the time they give a thank you wave and half the time they don’t. I say “you’re welcome” to myself regardless, with a smile or sarcasm depending on the response, LOL!

If you want to be friendly this Christmas come and bring me a cold bottle of beer whil I am busy budding peaches in the nursery.

Bubba Louie said:

I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

:( :( :(

What a sad situation.

hortfurball said:

When I let someone in from a side street half the time they give a thank you wave and half the time they don’t. I say “you’re welcome” to myself regardless, with a smile or sarcasm depending on the response, LOL!

ROFL. Yep, I let out a heavily sarcastic “you’re welcome!” most days on the way to or from work. Oh god I miss the train. Hope to give it another crack this Christmas, should be quiet so I may be able to get a seat.

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to all turn up on christmas day then…

(((hugs)))

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I’m with you Pom. I’m still fuming over our situation, but I’ve invited the neighbours to come on our Christmas picnic. They haven’t accepted yet.

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

We haven’t even put up the tree. When I suggested it the boys weren’t interested. :(

Our tree has been sitting on the dining table for about two weeks, sans decorations or lights. I said to my housemate today, if we haven’t got around to decorating it by christmas day then we just shouldn’t bother at all.

hortfurball said:

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Elf said it doesn’t feel very Christmassy…….. I said it’s cos the kids have left home now and to wait until the G kids come along….

We haven’t even put up the tree. When I suggested it the boys weren’t interested. :(

Our tree has been sitting on the dining table for about two weeks, sans decorations or lights. I said to my housemate today, if we haven’t got around to decorating it by christmas day then we just shouldn’t bother at all.

I dunno

where in Christmas Tree does the word “lights” appear?

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

pain master said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”

ROFL! Great story but a sad testament to humankind.

I’ll have to test out the Perthites for general friendliness…see whether they’re more like the Sozzies or the Vics.

I wouldn’t bother. These days no one will even give you a thank you wave for letting them in (when you actually have to slow down and make a space, not just general lane-changing), so I can’t see many people just giving a friendly wave..

We always get waved at but are never fast enough to wave back. Ms. B is not used to it, only been living here for 5 years, and always asks “who was that, I dont know the car”? I just keep repeating “They’re Qld country folk, nice people”.

Bubba Louie said:

I am so angry I could spit.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my B-I-L’s is very abusive to my sister. For the last several years he’s refused to spend Christmas day anywhere but his home, so we’ve all had to work around that. This year my sister made excuses as to why they couldn’t have anyone over for lunch. I knew something was going on but let it pass.
I’ve bought presents for my grand nieces and nephews (their grandkids) and had planned to just call in after lunch to give them to the kids. I got a tearful phone call from my sister this afternoon telling me that I couldn’t come. The BASTARD has banned any of her family from coming on Christmas day or he’s leaving. She wouldn’t give me a proper explanation but it’s obvious she’s holding something back, and begged me not to tell their kids about it. Now I not only have to arrange to get the gifts to them before Christmas but am missing the pleasure of seeing them on the day.
I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

Oh Bubba, my heart goes out to your sister (and to you). A mac truck wouldnt be able to stop me from going over there and giving him a tounge lashing, I cant stand bullies.

Bubba Louie said:

Lucky1 said:

Bubba Louie said:

We can only hope.

He’s always nice as pie to my face (except for one memorable occassion when he discovered he couldn’t bully me) but this is the last straw. I really hope I never have to speak to him again.

Stay strong Bubba, she may need you one day……

She’ll do anything to keep the peace. My other sister and I try and be supportive but she just lets him walk all over her. If she told her kids they’d side with her but I’m sworn to secrecy and I hate it. All this crap going on and nobody saying anything.

Thats how bullies get away with their behaviour, everybody else trying to keep the peace and not get involved. Give me their address Bubba, I’ll get some of the boys from work to take him “camping”. Fix his little red wagon for life!

Christmas is confirmed, lunch xmas eve at mums. Picking up Ms. B’s mum today, as she will be joining us, one short nephew and one tall one, as well as my brother and his family. I love the big get together but am not all that fussed on the idea of Christmas. We always go out of our way to celebrate it with everyone else, but it is easier to get blood out of a stone than to get them to come over here for the winter solstice (much bigger day on our calendar).

Had a big do for Samhain one year and actually got told I was stupid for having halloween at the wrong time, havnt bothered since.

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

Here too! I’m definately wrapping impaired. I’m only ever allowed to be the sticky tape assistant..I can’t even wrap a small kris kringle properly!
I wrapped one once like I was wrapping fish and chips, I put the gift in the middle of the paper and rolled it up and tucked the sides under ! LOL

We aren’t going to be gift laden for this years Xmas …a vote was taken and it was decided we would do a kris kringle sort of gift giving activity. Each took a name out of a hat and whomever you got you were allowed to spend up to $100. Coincidently I got hubby and he got me lol. It has it’s drawbacks, but simplifies things, and each person gets a gift. It was getting ridiclous with trying to give each peron an equal amount, and kids do count!

Happy Potter said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

Here too! I’m definately wrapping impaired. I’m only ever allowed to be the sticky tape assistant..I can’t even wrap a small kris kringle properly!
I wrapped one once like I was wrapping fish and chips, I put the gift in the middle of the paper and rolled it up and tucked the sides under ! LOL

good. what we should do next year is buy everyone a small, empty, rectangular box – get a bit of wrapping practice before we get into these weird shaped presents.
and have you noticed that everything you buy nowadays has three barcodes stuck to the underside. there’s the chinese barcode from the container, the ‘normal’ price barcode and then the ‘special’ price barcode. buy the time i’ve removed the three price tag/ barcodes from all the presents half an hour has gone.

we used to have a pine xmas tree. it grew a bit bigger each year until finally it reached ceiling height and had to be thrown out. we didn’t think to plant another small pine three years ago so now all we’ve got is this small but lovely gum tree.
there is an advantage tho’. decorating the new tree takes less than an hour.

pepe said:

Happy Potter said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

Here too! I’m definately wrapping impaired. I’m only ever allowed to be the sticky tape assistant..I can’t even wrap a small kris kringle properly!
I wrapped one once like I was wrapping fish and chips, I put the gift in the middle of the paper and rolled it up and tucked the sides under ! LOL

good. what we should do next year is buy everyone a small, empty, rectangular box – get a bit of wrapping practice before we get into these weird shaped presents.
and have you noticed that everything you buy nowadays has three barcodes stuck to the underside. there’s the chinese barcode from the container, the ‘normal’ price barcode and then the ‘special’ price barcode. buy the time i’ve removed the three price tag/ barcodes from all the presents half an hour has gone.

Nope. I’m a lost cause, I can’t even wrap a square box LOL. I do the sticky tape thing and get whatever glittery/ ribbony/ embellishment that’s to go on it and name tag , ready.

bon008 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

:( :( :(

What a sad situation.

Sounds like a right asshole Bubba, I’sd just turn up on the day, maybe she is hiding a black eye ????Your sister needs to stand up for her self, me I would tell him here’s yas whats your hurry Gggrrrrr

pepe said:

so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

that’s alright Pepe. I understand. #2 daughter is gift wrap impaired too, so you are in good company :)

bluegreen said:

pepe said:

so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

that’s alright Pepe. I understand. #2 daughter is gift wrap impaired too, so you are in good company :)

I buy gift bags LOL

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

It’s a male thing Pepe. Very few men can manage parcel wrapping. That’s when sisters, daughters and Mums come to the rescue.

pomolo said:

It’s a male thing Pepe. Very few men can manage parcel wrapping. That’s when sisters, daughters and Mums come to the rescue.

that doesn’t explain HP and #2 daughter!!

rum balls – check
cake and jelly for trifle – check
fruit mince tarts – in the making…

bluegreen said:

rum balls – check
cake and jelly for trifle – check
fruit mince tarts – in the making…

Red Wine – check
White Wine – check
Beer – check
Whiskey – check
Contreau – check
Cigars – check

merry xmas

Rook

Rook said:

Red Wine – check
White Wine – check
Beer – check
Whiskey – check
Contreau – check
Cigars – check

merry xmas

Rook

I need to get some Rum for the Eggnog!

waves to Rook

bluegreen said:

Rook said:

Red Wine – check
White Wine – check
Beer – check
Whiskey – check
Contreau – check
Cigars – check

merry xmas

Rook

I need to get some Rum for the Eggnog!

waves to Rook

champers – check

Gin – check

White vine – check

Beer – check

sody pops – check

LMAO burps

fruit mince tarts finished. not the prettiest, but they taste nice :)

I’m going to have to work on my pastry rolling skills some more I think, these have been the most difficult to make so far.

My youngest daughte’s not helping with my instructions not to cook for Xmas..she brought home a small case of cherries , and some huge mushrooms. I can see a stuffed mushroom entree, and a delish cherry clafouti desser,t coming up for the Xmas table :D

>clafouti

I’ve led a sheltered life it would seem.

CollieWA said:

>clafouti

I’ve led a sheltered life it would seem.

and going on my terrible typing spelling and punctuation, I’ve led an uneducated one! lol

Clafouti is niceeeee Collie :)

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

bon008 said:

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

I like it. I like thinkgeek.com too ;)

Happy Potter said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

Here too! I’m definately wrapping impaired. I’m only ever allowed to be the sticky tape assistant..I can’t even wrap a small kris kringle properly!
I wrapped one once like I was wrapping fish and chips, I put the gift in the middle of the paper and rolled it up and tucked the sides under ! LOL

Ah, they have invented those snazzy little decorative bags for the wrapping challenged people such as yourselves, or alternatively, keep miscellaneous sized boxes throughout the year, a box is always easier to wrap than awkward shaped items.
One last tip – if you can’t find a box the right size, a few layers of crepe paper make the shape more uniform and easier to wrap neatly. The other benefit to multi-layering is it draws out the suspense, a bit like pass the parcel, LOL! I’m evil and I enjoy doing that!

The Estate said:

bon008 said:

Bubba Louie said:

I wish she’d stop being a doormat and fight back!!!!!!
This is likely to continue for other Christmases as well.
WANKER WANKER WANKER. (Sorry But I’m pissed off big time)

:( :( :(

What a sad situation.

Sounds like a right asshole Bubba, I’sd just turn up on the day, maybe she is hiding a black eye ????Your sister needs to stand up for her self, me I would tell him here’s yas whats your hurry Gggrrrrr

No black eyes. He hasn’t got physical, yet. It’s just worse now that he’s retired and around a lot more.

bon008 said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

I actually really like that idea Bon. The big shops always have great pics in their catalogues of decorated trees leading up to christmas…could easily make cards that way too…

Where’s Dinetta these days?

I had a visit today from my best friend from year 7. We haven’t seen each othere were about 12 but we had a ball. She’s just moved ito Dinetta’s area and wants to start her first garden. She really needs some advice on what does well.

hortfurball said:

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

I actually really like that idea Bon. The big shops always have great pics in their catalogues of decorated trees leading up to christmas…could easily make cards that way too…

I’ve had an unexpected problem this year. We put up a no junk mail sign a while ago, so I’ve had a lot of trouble scrounging up pictures! Still got a couple of scraps of recycled paper to use, but it’s getting a bit repetitive. I tried drawing a snowman on one of Mr Bon’s prezzies – I’m no artist :D I also just write the “To x, Merry Christmas, love bon” bit straight on the brown paper with a marker pen.

bon008 said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

Dried leaves and seeds etc would look good too.

Oops – sorry for mussing up the quotes there.

Bubba Louie said:

Dried leaves and seeds etc would look good too.

Oooooh, that would be genuinely crafty!!!

I might cast a critical eye over the garden tonight.. got some nice parsley seed heads starting to dry out..

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

hehehe! I use brown paper – we buy stuff from thinkgeek.com quite often, and they use perforated brown paper as packaging. The perforations mean you don’t even need scissors to do your wrapping. I hunt out Christmassy pictures from catalogues or scraps of recycled paper and glue them on to make it a bit more cheery. That’s about as crafty as things get in this house!

I actually really like that idea Bon. The big shops always have great pics in their catalogues of decorated trees leading up to christmas…could easily make cards that way too…

I’ve had an unexpected problem this year. We put up a no junk mail sign a while ago, so I’ve had a lot of trouble scrounging up pictures! Still got a couple of scraps of recycled paper to use, but it’s getting a bit repetitive. I tried drawing a snowman on one of Mr Bon’s prezzies – I’m no artist :D I also just write the “To x, Merry Christmas, love bon” bit straight on the brown paper with a marker pen.

Do you want some Bon? Take your new car for a quick spin? I won’t keep you long if you don’t want…

bon008 said:

Oops – sorry for mussing up the quotes there.

No worries, we knew what you meant.

hortfurball said:

Do you want some Bon? Take your new car for a quick spin? I won’t keep you long if you don’t want…

Thanks for calling :) Sorry about the disappearing act!

Early night for me.. just knackered after the day I’ve had. waves

Bubba Louie said:

Where’s Dinetta these days?

I had a visit today from my best friend from year 7. We haven’t seen each othere were about 12 but we had a ball. She’s just moved ito Dinetta’s area and wants to start her first garden. She really needs some advice on what does well.

She is about over on FB and was on my forum yesterday, send her a message on her fb bubba :)

i figure my wrapped presents are the rustic looking ones. so i no longer worry about them since its all done and dusted for another year. thanks for the hints on wrapping and one pressy is in a bag.

Rook said:

bluegreen said:

rum balls – check
cake and jelly for trifle – check
fruit mince tarts – in the making…

Red Wine – check
White Wine – check
Beer – check
Whiskey – check
Contreau – check
Cigars – check

merry xmas

Rook

chuckle – you forgot soda water.

>chuckle – you forgot soda water.

You may need to get the rum balls, trifle, fruit mince tarts, Red Wine, White Wine Beer, Whiskey, Contreau and Cigars out of the carpet…

8^)

CollieWA said:

>chuckle – you forgot soda water.

You may need to get the rum balls, trifle, fruit mince tarts, Red Wine, White Wine Beer, Whiskey, Contreau and Cigars out of the carpet…

8^)

or – if you’re on the carpet – soda water is good on the morning after….

>or – if you’re on the carpet – soda water is good on the morning after….

Chrissy was always much too tame in our family to involve carpet surfing in the morning..

More likely a series of heartfelt gut-aches from eating enough to feed an african tribe. For a week. Each.

And knowing there is enough ham, chicken/turkey and coleslaw somehow crammed into the fridges left over to repeat the performance..

The Estate said:

Bubba Louie said:

Where’s Dinetta these days?

I had a visit today from my best friend from year 7. We haven’t seen each othere were about 12 but we had a ball. She’s just moved ito Dinetta’s area and wants to start her first garden. She really needs some advice on what does well.

She is about over on FB and was on my forum yesterday, send her a message on her fb bubba :)

I didn’t think she was on FB. Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?

bubba louie said:

The Estate said:

Bubba Louie said:

Where’s Dinetta these days?

I had a visit today from my best friend from year 7. We haven’t seen each othere were about 12 but we had a ball. She’s just moved ito Dinetta’s area and wants to start her first garden. She really needs some advice on what does well.

She is about over on FB and was on my forum yesterday, send her a message on her fb bubba :)

I didn’t think she was on FB. Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?

((NAME REMOVED))

CollieWA said:

>or – if you’re on the carpet – soda water is good on the morning after….

Chrissy was always much too tame in our family to involve carpet surfing in the morning..

More likely a series of heartfelt gut-aches from eating enough to feed an african tribe. For a week. Each.

And knowing there is enough ham, chicken/turkey and coleslaw somehow crammed into the fridges left over to repeat the performance..

yes there is only one time of year that you feel obliged to eat.
the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

The Estate said:

bubba louie said:

The Estate said:

She is about over on FB and was on my forum yesterday, send her a message on her fb bubba :)

I didn’t think she was on FB. Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?

((NAME REMOVED))

I give up. I can’t find her.

CollieWA said:

>chuckle – you forgot soda water.

You may need to get the rum balls, trifle, fruit mince tarts, Red Wine, White Wine Beer, Whiskey, Contreau and Cigars out of the carpet…

8^)

lol!

no carpet in the living areas here :)

We are going to my daughter’s for Christmas. She, her mother-in-law and I are each doing some of the food preparation. Sharing it around reduces most of the stress.

bluegreen said:

CollieWA said:

>chuckle – you forgot soda water.

You may need to get the rum balls, trifle, fruit mince tarts, Red Wine, White Wine Beer, Whiskey, Contreau and Cigars out of the carpet…

8^)

lol!

no carpet in the living areas here :)

does this mean you renovations are finished ? you had a builder in i think? i never heard much about the outcome.

Going to dads parents Saturday (the one who was in ICU) and then up to dads uncle’s to see the rest of the faimly and then our friends house, and then the other set of grandparents boxing day and then Hooning around in the skidsteer on the farm on my 4 and a half day weekend, normally its just 2 and a half for me. Playing with the Bee’s in my New Bee suit (ment to be a suprise but i had to try it on and buy it while dad was at work) :P.

pepe said:

does this mean you renovations are finished ? you had a builder in i think? i never heard much about the outcome.

oh yes, they were finished in July. Stage 2 at least. Upstairs is yet to be done but not on the short term plan.

shell bell said:

bon008 said:

hortfurball said:

ROFL! Great story but a sad testament to humankind.

I’ll have to test out the Perthites for general friendliness…see whether they’re more like the Sozzies or the Vics.

I wouldn’t bother. These days no one will even give you a thank you wave for letting them in (when you actually have to slow down and make a space, not just general lane-changing), so I can’t see many people just giving a friendly wave..

We always get waved at but are never fast enough to wave back. Ms. B is not used to it, only been living here for 5 years, and always asks “who was that, I dont know the car”? I just keep repeating “They’re Qld country folk, nice people”.

I’ll come forward now and say I’m one of them people who wave to every car even on my way to work at 1am i give them the One finger wave, trucks etc.

Liam missed out on his first choice at Tafe but he’s accepted his second choice, on condition that he can change if he gets his first choice in the second round.

bubba louie said:

Liam missed out on his first choice at Tafe but he’s accepted his second choice, on condition that he can change if he gets his first choice in the second round.

good call :)

CollieWA said:

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

ahahaha – i get it!
but no – the stuffed dogs will still be alive and kicking on the 26th

Evening all,
Just caught up on the posts again, you chatty lot!
I’ve just eaten my 3rd turkey dinner and it’s not even Christmas eve till tomorrow. I think I will be really over turkey very soon LOL!
It’s been stinking hot today but it’s cooling down now and I heard about 3 raindrops a minute ago.
I’m still feeding ducks here, and hosing their mess off the decking etc.
If I don’t get back here in the next few days I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Bountiful harvests of your fruit and vegies too!

pepe said:

CollieWA said:

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

ahahaha – i get it!
but no – the stuffed dogs will still be alive and kicking on the 26th

They give them a nibble in China and Vietnam as well.

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

CollieWA said:

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

ahahaha – i get it!
but no – the stuffed dogs will still be alive and kicking on the 26th

They give them a nibble in China and Vietnam as well.

This got me interested so I googled and there are a surprising number of dog eating countries including occassionally, believe it or not, Switzerland.

veg gardener said:

shell bell said:

bon008 said:

I wouldn’t bother. These days no one will even give you a thank you wave for letting them in (when you actually have to slow down and make a space, not just general lane-changing), so I can’t see many people just giving a friendly wave..

We always get waved at but are never fast enough to wave back. Ms. B is not used to it, only been living here for 5 years, and always asks “who was that, I dont know the car”? I just keep repeating “They’re Qld country folk, nice people”.

I’ll come forward now and say I’m one of them people who wave to every car even on my way to work at 1am i give them the One finger wave, trucks etc.

Do you drive Veg? Sorry I’ve forgotten how old you were, when did you get your license?

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

CollieWA said:

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

ahahaha – i get it!
but no – the stuffed dogs will still be alive and kicking on the 26th

They give them a nibble in China and Vietnam as well.

…and Thailand too if I’m not mistaken.

>I’ve just eaten my 3rd turkey dinner and it’s not even Christmas eve till tomorrow.

Just wait for the turkey sangers…

pepe said:

GF said “He flipped you the bird, that is not a wave”
———————
GF is not victorian by any chance is she?
i often flick the finger at passing country motorists. it does help to keep you awake on country roads.

Certainly not pepe, a fellow Sozzie like meself.

roughbarked said:

I’ll most likely be budding thousands of trees.. happens every year..

my juvenile goshawk, born in a nest above my bedroom.

here sitting in the shade of the walnut nearby..

bigger?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4199395389_151fe674f6_o.jpg

Ahhh Goshawks, lovely birds, thanks Roughy :)

Lucky1 said:

I’m so thrilled, Jim-Bob is allowing us to pick him up on Christmas Day and take him out to Almost Mr. Bimbo’s parents place for Christmas lunch.

I asked him today about the lift and he was all for it.:D

He’s grown so much since he’s left home.

Nice one L1 :)

roughbarked said:

If you want to be friendly this Christmas come and bring me a cold bottle of beer whil I am busy budding peaches in the nursery.

Done mate… it will take me some time to find the nearest orchard of peaches, but I’ll put the car fridge in the back and I’ll try me best.

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

pepe, I too raise my right hand and admit “I cannot wrap a prezzie” soooo I always shop at places where I can get free giftwrapping! But yesterday, I bought a house and the Real Estate Agent thought I was joking when I asked if I could have it wrapped???

Happy Potter said:

Here too! I’m definately wrapping impaired. I’m only ever allowed to be the sticky tape assistant..I can’t even wrap a small kris kringle properly!
I wrapped one once like I was wrapping fish and chips, I put the gift in the middle of the paper and rolled it up and tucked the sides under ! LOL

LOL! That is fantastic!

Happy Potter said:

…a vote was taken and it was decided we would do a kris kringle sort of gift giving activity. Each took a name out of a hat and whomever you got you were allowed to spend up to $100. Coincidently I got hubby and he got me lol.

That tends to happen when there is only two of you in the Kris Kringle!

Rook said:

bluegreen said:

rum balls – check
cake and jelly for trifle – check
fruit mince tarts – in the making…

Red Wine – check
White Wine – check
Beer – check
Whiskey – check
Contreau – check
Cigars – check

merry xmas

Rook

Sold! I’m going to Rook’s for Xmas… hopefully I’ll pass that Peach Orchard on the way…

CollieWA said:

>the wife’s got a kilo of onions cooking now. even the dogs under the table are going to be stuffed full on friday.

Are you Korean Pepe?

They are the only dog eaters I know of.

chucklechucklechuckle

veg gardener said:

Going to dads parents Saturday (the one who was in ICU) and then up to dads uncle’s to see the rest of the faimly and then our friends house, and then the other set of grandparents boxing day and then Hooning around in the skidsteer on the farm on my 4 and a half day weekend, normally its just 2 and a half for me. Playing with the Bee’s in my New Bee suit (ment to be a suprise but i had to try it on and buy it while dad was at work) :P.

New Bee Suit for Xmas, nice one Veg. I saw an apiarist walking up the street the other day and yesterday, I saw a “Honey For Sale” sign outside a house. Bees must be doing well up here at the moment???

Bubba Louie said:

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

ahahaha – i get it!
but no – the stuffed dogs will still be alive and kicking on the 26th

They give them a nibble in China and Vietnam as well.

This got me interested so I googled and there are a surprising number of dog eating countries including occassionally, believe it or not, Switzerland.

Parts, but not all of PNG are dog consumers. Others will eat horse and only some of them will eat bats.

pain master said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

pepe, I too raise my right hand and admit “I cannot wrap a prezzie” soooo I always shop at places where I can get free giftwrapping! But yesterday, I bought a house and the Real Estate Agent thought I was joking when I asked if I could have it wrapped???

WOOHOO!! Well done!!

This is the same one you were really keen on a couple of days ago?? I suppose someone has already asked that.. keeps climbing

hortfurball said:

veg gardener said:

shell bell said:

We always get waved at but are never fast enough to wave back. Ms. B is not used to it, only been living here for 5 years, and always asks “who was that, I dont know the car”? I just keep repeating “They’re Qld country folk, nice people”.

I’ll come forward now and say I’m one of them people who wave to every car even on my way to work at 1am i give them the One finger wave, trucks etc.

Do you drive Veg? Sorry I’ve forgotten how old you were, when did you get your license?

yep going onto green p’s in Early Feb end of Jan, Im 17 turning 18 in januray, only way i get around is by driving.

pain master said:

veg gardener said:

Going to dads parents Saturday (the one who was in ICU) and then up to dads uncle’s to see the rest of the faimly and then our friends house, and then the other set of grandparents boxing day and then Hooning around in the skidsteer on the farm on my 4 and a half day weekend, normally its just 2 and a half for me. Playing with the Bee’s in my New Bee suit (ment to be a suprise but i had to try it on and buy it while dad was at work) :P.

New Bee Suit for Xmas, nice one Veg. I saw an apiarist walking up the street the other day and yesterday, I saw a “Honey For Sale” sign outside a house. Bees must be doing well up here at the moment???

yes, in some ares and no not in others plenty in flower we have some Rough Bark Apples? Please correct me if i got it wrong. its Just a Jacket with a Veil. will take pictures of it.

bon008 said:

pain master said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

pepe, I too raise my right hand and admit “I cannot wrap a prezzie” soooo I always shop at places where I can get free giftwrapping! But yesterday, I bought a house and the Real Estate Agent thought I was joking when I asked if I could have it wrapped???

WOOHOO!! Well done!!

This is the same one you were really keen on a couple of days ago?? I suppose someone has already asked that.. keeps climbing

Ill Admit to it, I dislike and cant wrap them at all, asked my sister to do all but hers and that was alright, asked her if its alright if she justs get it in the bag from the shops.

To add to the wishes I wrote yesterday!

To all my forum friends.

bon008 said:

WOOHOO!! Well done!!

This is the same one you were really keen on a couple of days ago?? I suppose someone has already asked that.. keeps climbing

Not sure bon, there was one that was surpassed by the one we purchased. :)

pain master said:

bon008 said:

WOOHOO!! Well done!!

This is the same one you were really keen on a couple of days ago?? I suppose someone has already asked that.. keeps climbing

Not sure bon, there was one that was surpassed by the one we purchased. :)

Oh cool, I thought I remembered you liking one, and then another one :) So, when is settlement??

bon008 said:

pain master said:

bon008 said:

WOOHOO!! Well done!!

This is the same one you were really keen on a couple of days ago?? I suppose someone has already asked that.. keeps climbing

Not sure bon, there was one that was surpassed by the one we purchased. :)

Oh cool, I thought I remembered you liking one, and then another one :) So, when is settlement??

Australia Day or just before.

Cool :)

pain master said:

pepe said:

i spose you’re all looking forward to xmas morning and unwrapping all the pressies.

well i’m not. when i was 15 y.o. it was alright – people would just laugh. now that i’m fifty something it’s embarrassing. i still can’t wrap presents.
the paper is always too short by a fraction and putting sticky tape over accidental rips makes the whole thing look like norman gunsten’s face.
the choice of paper can be disastrous too. i used this beautiful silvery paper to wrap a couple of mixing bowls and when i’d finished it looked exactly like two mixing bowls covered in alfoil.
so while you’re all happily coiling ribbon to make the pressies look even more beautiful spare a thought for the wrapping impaired.

pepe, I too raise my right hand and admit “I cannot wrap a prezzie” soooo I always shop at places where I can get free giftwrapping! But yesterday, I bought a house and the Real Estate Agent thought I was joking when I asked if I could have it wrapped???

Oh how excitement! You bought it!