Christmas Is Here!

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. Where has the year gone? Well, it has, and we have to accept the inevitable. What happened in the last year? Well, Susan and I both put on a few pounds, which will no doubt carry on into the festive period. It is those mince pies, full of fat. Matilda was the winner; she steadily gained weight from January, getting quite chubby. Then she decided enough was enough and lost quite a bit of weight, all on one fateful night in August. How did she lose so much weight? It seems like a miracle, no weight loss injections, no weight loss pills. Her secret? She is not saying, but I believe she had an accomplice. Took Michael by surprise, but he was thrilled with the result.

Claudia also trimmed down quite considerable, looking ultra modern and chic now. Sorry, no images of the transformation, but I will be taking some pics over the course of the next few days and will bring you an update.

Australia and a MG HS

Michael and Matilda have moved to Australia, all a little crazy, but they managed to get all of Matilda’s luggage and Michael’s backpack on the plane. Susan and Robert drove them to the airport; two cars were needed for all the luggage. Now in Australia, they need a car, more to be able to drive to Angela, when commanded than a necessity. After much debate, they have settled on a Motor Garage (MG) make. Yep, a new internal combustion engine car for Matilda. Australians don’t do electric, not a thing there. Has all the most advanced equipment and the seats were standard. I must admit, the girl in the one image below does not look happy; maybe she wanted a Tesla.

Talking of EV (electric vehicles), I have decided to take the leap and save the planet. Just bought mine. Lovely car, full of tech and gadgets, also drives well. Range of 125 miles, top speed 85 mph, 0 to 60 in 12.2 seconds. I was a little perturbed when the salesman asked what seats I wanted, does it not come with seats? Looking at the range of seats available, I have gone for the fully electric adjustable, heated seats. Looking at the performance, I do fear Susan will test it to its limit.

Tanzania

Talking of fast cars, my esteemed brother always drives fast cars. He once had a 535 BMW. Wow, that was quick. I really hope you have a great festive season and the New Year brings you joy. Send my love to your extended family in Tanzania and elsewhere.

Now we all know it is Christmas, and we have decorated our Christmas tree. Not sure if you remember, but in my last blog was a photograph of our undecorated tree. Well, it is now fully covered in lights and ornaments, no tinsel. Looks quite festive. Matilda kindly donated her decorations, which now adorn the tree in all their splendour. Our star is back, and so is the wreath Susan made, which we have spoken about at length, now hanging proudly on the front door. I must admit, it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Jingle bells, jungle bells, jungle all the way.

This Christmas we will be celebrating with the Middle Smith, Gary, Claudia, Mika, Daniel and Alex. Robert and Lauren. With luck, we will all enjoy our traditional Christmas Day swim and then, well then, let the celebrations begin. 

Just to say to all my fabulous family and friends, near and far, you are all great. Thank you for a great year that we have just shaken the dust off, and let’s make another great year in 2026. In keeping with the great theme, I have added a music video, “How great thou art.” Meaning you.

Footnote

To be honest, I decided not to buy the Fiat; instead, I bought a Tesla Model Y, which offers more legroom. Remarkable vehicle, it has an iPad for a dashboard and can drive itself. Has a range of 311 miles. Performance is equally impressive. It does 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph. Now, where can I hide the keys from Susan, our budding Formula One driver?

Last note. Actual time. Robert is driving home for Christmas. Great song by Chris Rea, just passed away at the old age of 74. He had a good life, I hope. Anyway, Robert is in traffic, back-to-back tail lights, but soon he will be on a freeway. I am sure he cannot wait to get home.