Well it's that time of the year again. 2008 has come and nearly gone and it seems only a short while ago we were up in the Bay of Islands last Christmas.It's been an interesting year, our first full year on the boat and we've escaped relatively unscarred (mentally and physically). We've learnt a lot, mainly about how expensive being self funded retirees is but also about living together (reasonably harmoniously) in a confined space. All in all it's been an enjoyable year and we have no plans to return ashore in the foreseeable future. The fishing has been one of the highlights for me and we usually return with a good feed.
The last few weeks have been quite busy with Doreen off on family research trips to the Hokianga in the North and Auckland in the south. As for me I've been building the bathroom in the forward cabin. It's been a long process (I started it about six months ago) but it's now virtually finished other than a bit of painting and I must admit I'm quite pleased with the outcome.
We received a lovely Christmas Hamper from our daughters the other day (thank you girls), also some very nice Christmas Cards made by our Essex grand-daughters plus their school photos, all of which now have pride of place in the saloon.
Well it's Christmas Eve today, all the shopping has been done, the boat provisioned and fuelled and all being well with the weather we'll try and get away on Boxing Day. Most people in the marina will be away so Christmas Dinner will be just the two of us on board (roast chicken) but I'm sure we'll be thinking of you all.So it only remains now to wish all our family and friends a very happy Christmas, a bright and prosperous New Year and may 2009 bring all that you would wish for.
