December Daily - day three

Simon spent some time with Gloria, Carolyn's flatmate and packed some essentials on Tuesday night. He passed the bag onto HR, who passed it on to an Andrew, whom I met at AKL airport - just like in a spy movie!

The quote is Christmas is not so much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. Janice Maeditere

December Daily - Day 2

Zachary's turn to unwrap a book today - it turned out to be the one Brandon's school class are performing in the end-of-year concert!

December Daily - inside cover & Day 1

Here's the inside cover. The envelope has a photo of Murray and my thoughts about the days immediately leading up to December first; in an envelope because they are very personal, but as Maureen pointed out, this is part of my December and I need to document it, as hard as it is. I used an obvious quote but still one that means a lot to me: some people come into our lives and quickly go. some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. we are never, ever, the same

And Day one - the text reads " Before Daddy flew back to CHC, we started our new tradition - reading a Christmas story together. Eventually I want 24 stories but 14 isn't a bad start. Bran chose A Kiwi Jingle Bells."

December Daily cover

I'm trying to catch up on all the pages (yes, I know it's supposed to be done daily!) and I've done 5 of the nine, and am waiting on day nine's photo to dry out. Mass image posting tomorrow!

I must admit it's fun, and keeping to a limited pool of stuff means I'm not fussing too much - four pages done yesterday, and one was just the text written on the back of the premiere ticket. That I'm not spending forever angsting over the content and look is helping too...

RIP Murray

I can't really believe this has happened. Murray is one of the best men I know; a great father, partner, friend. He was the glue that held our group together and he will be sorely missed.

What's harder is knowing how much he enjoyed this life. Just five weekends ago we caught up and looked over their new house and listened to him heckle the builder. He was so full of enthusiasm over what would be their new home and I love that about him. So full of energy it's unfair he won't grow old.

The last few days have been full of tears and laughter as we talked to friends scattered around NZ and Australia. We're praying for Emma, his son and the extended family; we hope that Murray will be home soon.

Thanks to AirNZ for the help in getting Si home to us for these few days; the manner in which the staff have assisted families and friends is amazing and a real credit to the management and each & everyone of you. Thanks also to Catherines R & C, Michelle, Becs & Emma2; I really appreciated the hugs and the words.

The Fabulous Roger Moore

Last night at the Hilton was great - he's so funny and witty and his wife, Lady Kristina, is great too. She must be to enable him to do all his UNICEF work, maintain the family and get the book produced. Thanks Chris - the invite is very much appreciated!

Here's Shanee and myself with Sir Roger.

And the work do later wasn't too bad either!

so excited!

Today's Thursday, and in my little world today is the day I get to meet Sir Roger Moore. Which I think is pretty cool!

He's also at our Corner store (cnr Queen & Victoria Sts, Auckland CBD) tomorrow from 4.30pm.

And the book is (I'm only on page 78 as I got distracted with Wally Lamb's latest, The Hour I First Believed) pretty damn good. Funny and interesting and not at all back-stabbing - the sort of bio I really enjoy. And one I can safely give to the MIL for Christmas! After all, Simon is named after The Saint...she'll love it.