Friday 25 December 2009

A Sydney Christmas - Familytime


Gathering in the apartment of my daughter, we will trade outrageous conservative and liberal political bonmots, devouring the prawns and lobster for which Kirsten and Darren melled in the interminable squash that is the Pyrmont Fish Markets all-night Christmas Eve trade. Washed down by the indupitably first-rate sauvignon-blanc and reisling contributed by Tony, Kirsten's father, and smothered by the fruit flans slaved over by yours truly, the rush to strike the most outrageous social policy stance will invariably be headed by the laterality of son Alastair's brain.

Sated, and ready to declare a social-policy truce until the next gathering, K&D will journey south for an evening meal with the in-laws whereas the rest will repair to my place to install the Wii that the neurologist "prescribed" for my ataxia. Travelling companion, Christine, will join the melee, and the day will draw to a close with a refreshing walk along the sands of Bondi.

May you have a day of laughter, love and friendship in the company of those for whom you care most.


CHRISTMAS DAY
The North Wind is tossing the leaves,
The red dust is over the town,
The sparrows are under the eaves,
And the grass in the paddock is brown;
As we lift up our voices and sing
To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King.
The tree-ferns in green gullies sway;
The cool stream flows silently by;
The joy bells are greeting the day,
And the chimes are adrift in the sky,
As we lift up our voices and sing
To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King.

Bondi Beach looking eastwards from Campbell Parade about 7am
Australian Christmas stamps - 2004, 2005 & 2009

30 comments:

Marie-Noyale said...

Sorry I didnot have time to look at your wonderful Xmas series of pictures.
The Stamp idea and collection is superb!
Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones.

Anonymous said...

Love the recap. No, I guess that's a precap.

Merry Christmas, Julie. It has been a real pleasure getting to know you.

Virginia said...

That top photo knocked my Christams socks off! HA
Glad you have your dear family close by and can enjoy this gorgeous beach!! Blessings to you and yours Julie.
V

Olivier said...

belles photos de famille pour noël, je te souhaite un JOYEUX NOEL

James said...

Merry Christmas. These pictures are fantastic!

lizziviggi said...

Wonderful photos, Julie! It lifts my heart to see such joy. Your Christmas plans sound like fun-- and hey, it's not every family that can talk politics and still have a good time! We prefer to let it all simmer under the surface, which isn't quite as much fun. Merry Christmas!

Gwendolyn L said...

Have a very Merry Christmas. Thanks for following me this year. Have a safe new year

Unknown said...

Enjoy your prawns and fruit flan, enjoy being with your family, and enjoy your lovely weather. God bless you every one.

AB said...

Seasons Greetings. Have fun with the Wii (I know I would).

TheChieftess said...

Wonderful pics!!! That first one especially...it pretty much sums up the true spirit of Christmas, no matter what country, latitude, or culture!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Merry Christmas to you, Julie.

Kat said...

Merry Christmas! Your photos are great, especially that first one! Hope you have a wonderful day. Kathy

Unknown said...

If I had your email I could send you my Christmas letter.

gwbillmiller@gmail.com

Mirela said...

Merry Xmas Julie! :) The doctor prescribed Wii for your Ataxia?! What an advanced approach! :)))) Hopefully, it will help you...

Killara girl said...

I'm just getting too homesick looking at your photos. I used to live on the north end of Campbells I could see the beach from my bedroom window...I'd roll out of bed and walk down & jump in...swim 1/2 down the beach & run back. Your pohtos are fabulous. and all these other places...my first job was on Macquarie Street, solicitors...I'd often eat in Martins Place...my best friend's Dad was the director at the conservatorium for many years. I can see it's going to take me hours to get thru your blog lol!!

Susan Ellis said...

Merry Christmas Julie!

Tash said...

The top photo is charming beyond words. I had a college friend that moved to Au and would send Xmas cards about enjoying the Christmas dinner at the beach. Sounds like you have lots of fun lined up for the holiday. Enjoy and I wish you a Joyous Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Allow me to bow silently in respect of your photography.

Leif Hagen said...

Sounds like a very lively discussion and a scrumptious feast mixed with family members to make a memorable Christmas memory treasure! Merry Christmas to you and yours

Elaine Yim said...

The best part of Christmas is being able to spend time with family members. Merry Christmas!

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

great capture. i love the first photo. Happy Holidays!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

You had a very full Christmas. Now you need to rest up.

Julie and I were in Sydney last Christmas day. It was a very memorable and delightful place for the holidays.

Inday said...

What a wowie of an array of pictures here!

How much I enjoy reading your post. You know Julie what I love most amongst Australian writers? Their colourful words. Very compelling and they never ever are dull. Australian words except the SW (lol) are pretty colourful almost as colourful as any paint the artist can take to the canvas. They never put me to sleep.

That is the reason why I buy newspapers and magazines, not as often though, and I read them with much perusive digestion. Well, I just made that up from its own adjective (perusable) which sounds more expletive, explosive and emotive.

Your post here highly demonstrates that.

It's funny though that there is still much literacy problem this country has to tackle and deal with.

Great to find your blog. Thanks to Jim of Sydney - City and Suburbs.

Must visit more often.

Tara said...

Hi, you have a beautiful blog here Julie. Am inspired to do better on my new CDP. Am definitely adding you on my list. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

brattcat said...

This coming year is filled with the promise of the most extraordinary blessings, Julie. Congratulations. enjoy each moment.

Julie said...

Thank you, Karen. I shall indeed. You know I will.

Stephany said...

A belated Merry Christmas, Julie. I can see you had a wonderful time with your family. I wish all the best for you in 2010!

Joan Elizabeth said...

The top shot is sooo special. The beach looks like a recently reaped field ... OK I've been out in the wheat country ... so the carol is a perfect fit for my mood too. Hope you had a super Christmas.

The 2004 stamp looks like it belonged in the 1970s.

Joan Elizabeth said...

BTW ... bravo on the Christmas series ... captured the season as it happens in Sydney to perfection ... I'm in awe.

VP said...

Christmas on the beach, I could be used to this...