28 November 2009

The Silly Season







I took this photo a few evenings ago of the sunset.  It honestly looked like a fire but isn't it magnificent?

The silly season is well and truly upon us.  The malls are becoming more crowded, piped Christmas carols are playing wherever one goes and tinsel is everywhere.  It may only come once a year but I swear it starts earlier each year...

I've been doing some Christmas shopping and as Christmas is at my place this year, Jane and I thought we'd combine it.  So Christmas lunch so far consists of prawns, ham off the bone and smoked chickens, and we'll put our order in for those next week.  Of course, there will be various salads and side dishes to go with these.  Then we'll visit our favourite deli and get some Polish Debricener sausage, salamis, and different cheeses and pickles for nibbles.  Dessert will be the usual tropical fruits...mangoes, pawpaws (papaya), rock melons (cantaloupes), pineapples, strawberries and maybe some peaches and nectarines.

One daughter wanted a vintage cutlery set, so I logged on to eBay and had listed about 8 I was watching...then a few days later, the perfect set came up and it was buy it now...so I did at a very good price.  I can't tell you about it because she reads my blog and I don't want to spoil it for her...but it's just beautiful and very "her".

 * * * * * * * *

We had a garage sale today.  Jane and me and a couple of the neighbours.  Between us all we had heaps of stuff.  However it was very slow and I was surprised at the things that did sell.  Books are always popular and I had some popular authors in very good condition....probably about 20 priced at $2 each, and sold four...

I think people are still worried about the downturn in the economy and being careful with their pennies still.  Fair enough.  So, I put the good stuff on eBay and the rest can go to the op shop.  Not that I'm giving them rubbish, but the more expensive items are better being sold through eBay.  For instance, I have two pairs of jeans that are now too big for me.  They are a brand name, near new and I didn't want to give them away as I'd paid over $100 a pair, so I put them on eBay knowing that I'll get a reasonable price for them.  They are being watched already.

* * * * * * * *

Next week I'm off up the coast again for our work dinner.  Because it's an internet business, we only get to actually meet twice a year so it's nice to catch up with the others.  We usually only communicate through IM or email.  I'll be staying with my brother who has just come back from two weeks touring around Tasmania so it'll be interesting to see how he enjoyed it.

* * * * * * * *

I'm going to New Zealand again in March to visit mum and Harold.  Mum will be 90 in a couple of weeks and in an earlier post I mentioned she was trying to organise a party.  Well she found that too stressful because some could come on one date, but others couldn't.  So she tried a different date and had the same problem.  People have too much on at that time of the year.  So Harold said he'd take her away for the weekend instead.  Mum thought that was a great idea.

Anyway a couple of weeks ago my cousin asked where they were going.  Mum replied that they'd probably go to Taupo or Rotorua, picturesque areas in the centre of the North Island.  A few days after that, my cousin came back with a reservation for two nights at a lodge right on Lake Taupo, on the ground floor so they can just walk out and stroll around the lake, along with $100 in an envelope in case they wanted to go jet skiiing or sky diving!!!.  And another cousin sent  two bottles of wine in case they became dehydrated!!!.  Everyone had put in for all that and mum was quite overcome.   But I laughed at the idea of them jet skiing or sky diving...mum hates heights and gets nervous flying in a commercial jetliner.

However, I'm sure they'll have a lovely time....and I said to mum that my cousin has probably told them at this lodge that it's her 90th birthday, but she was fully aware of that anyway.

So....that's what's been going on in my neck of the woods lately.  Oh, and lots of work, too....everyone's going to see their specialist before the holidays start and it's always very busy in the hospitals and private practices at this time of the year.

I hope the Silly Season is not too out of control for you....catch up again soon (but don't hold your breath, you may just expire).

19 comments:

Lifecruiser said...

Silly Season... what a suitable name :-)

Yes, it has started over here too, even though I can notice that it's not at all the rush it use to be. People are really much more careful with their money as well as with their health!

Yes, I think they stay away from malls because of the risk of getting the flu.

I'll put up the xmas curtains and lights today. It's so great to get some light for us that lives in the darkness!

We've already ordered some xmas presents for hubbys daughter, so we're getting ready slowly.

Sorry for not being around much, but it has been a lot of private stuff going on over here (ans till are) and I've not really been in shape.

rel said...

Robyn,
Your days are full for sure. I've avoided the silly season so far and will probably make one foray to a mall somewhere, but essentiallly will do all my Christmas purchases online.

We are just the opposite here as far as health care goes; it's usually slow around the holiday and with the dollar in the tank and the world economic situation in the ditch we've been very slow.

We leave for Orlando Fl. tomorrow. Our two Texas grand daughters will meet us there at Disney World; it's our Christmas present to them. I also have a meeting there but the sessions finish by noon everyday so as to afford time to do Disney up in good style. The girls are uber excited!
Give my best wishes to your Mum (not that she'll give a hoot) for me. Ninety and going strong; that's amazing!
rel

RennyBA's Terella said...

Like Lifecruiser, I had a good laugh when reading "Silly Season" - but for sure, your right.

Thanks for keeping us posted, you busy bee :-)

Good luck with your internet business trip!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Thanks for coming by..Yes, things get crazy here too at this time of year. I did not go to Black Friday here yesterday as well no money!! BUT that is okay!! Mike fixed up a box with a blanket in it last night right next to our front door and Sammy slept there. He was there when we got up. We knew that the temps were dropping so this way he has someplace to go. We cannot try to bring him in until he has had his shots and so therefore get him to a vet. If we let him in we are afraid for Annie. He is so pretty though. I am so thankful that we found him.
How are you two doing?
Sandy

Cindy said...

Sounds like you will be very busy the next 4 weeks.
cindy

Angelo said...

Wow Robyn! You're silly season sure is busy. Can I come over for dinner, your Christmas menu got me hungry! Don't forget to enjoy yourself in all the silliness :)

Angelo said...

BTW, love the new header!

Jack K. said...

Loved the photo.

Silly season indeed. I was trying to remember about the festivities in my youth. The idea crossed my mind that the commercialism didn't get started until a couple weeks after the 25th. But, then that's how my mind works these days.

Your description of the upcoming events for your mum is priceless. I tried to imagine them jet skiing or sky diving. Who knows they may take up bungee jumping.

Have a great time. We will look forward to your return.

Gattina said...

That was a nice updating of what's is going on in your life, your mother really is a phenomena, we should take her as an example, lol ! I did my Christmas shopping in Egypt, could buy beautiful things which are very expensive here and cost almost nothing there. so I can live in peace until Christmas. This year we will celebrate in the beautiful holiday house in the Ardennes, owned by Marieken's parents, we come from Waterloo and they from Holland and it's just in the middle. They have to learn to celebrate Christmas because in Holland it's not so celebrated. But they learned each year more ! My son is a Christmas fan and keeps to traditions !

Shelly Rayedeane said...

You know, I've always wanted to go to New Zealand. I hear it is beautiful there.

Merle said...

Dear Robyn ~~ You sure sound busy in the Silly Season. Please remember to save for your trip. You are lucky to have nice neighbours to share the fun and joy at Christmas, as it is always more fun with a crowd.
Thanks for your comments, glad you liked the Aussie Creation - it was good.
Peter and I shared a great 5 days visiting on 2 of those, shopping one day. The day after he arrived was 41C so we didn't do too much at all. Stayed in the cool and both on computers. I don't know where you got the 14C from - it hasn't been that for a long time. I am happy it is just under 30 or just over. Had good rain too.
Even our nights have been high 20 or more, not pleasant. Take great
care Robyn, Love and Hugs, Merle.

Mountain Mama said...

That's a glorious picture! I saw a sunset that looked like fire a few years back when I was visiting my daughter. It's great that you could get a picture of it to share.

That is a wonderful gift for your mother. It's great that she is doing so well.

Liz Hinds said...

That Christmas dinner sounds fabulous!

What a great present for your mum! I'm sure she'll find something to do with the extra money!

Unknown said...

I like your term "silly season." So true! I might up that to "crazy season."

Have an enjoyable holy season, whatever else it may be to most of the world!

Tinsie said...

You're lucky you don't live in England - our silly season starts in September, it's quite surreal.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Merle said...

Hi again Robyn ~~ Thanks for your comments. When I read your e mail and you said it was 31 and no a/c
on. It was 32'5 here and mine was on.
Ballarat is a long way from Shepp and is a notoriously cold place.
Tomorrow we expect 25 C which will be lovely. I cooked today, some
silverside and heaps of vegies. May
be able to do some jobs in the garden
There is always something to do there
Take care Robyn, Love, Merle.

Walker said...

You're a very busy lady and organized.
Silly Season LOL
Tis the Season to be silly until you get the credit card bill LOL

Margaret Cloud said...

That picture does look like the woods are on fire, very pretty. I have my Christmas shopping all done. I love garage sale and I always look to see what books they have first. Sounds like you are going to be busy, have a nice time. I thank you for coming by and leaving a kind comment, I am feeling better.