It's Christmas Time...

...and we've finally put up our tree!

Technology Woes

Just when I thought I was all set to start regular blogging again, my little laptop decided it was time for a holiday. My hard drive has crashed and it's currently being refitted at the repair shop. So I'm now suffering from laptop/internet withdrawal symptoms. If that isn't enough, our home phone has also chosen to play up, and we're feeling quite cut off from the world here. Oh well, hopefully we'll be back online in a couple of days!

Congklak

I bought myself an early Christmas present, a traditional game called Congklak, from the Oxfam shop. Here's a photo of the game board, which has been beautifully handpainted in Indonesia:



The game's playing pieces are tiny little sea shells. Not only is the game board simply beautiful, but it turns out that Congklak has a fascinating history.

Shaving

I have just finished shaving the bristly face of my very trusting husband. WHY? you may well ask!

Over the next couple of weeks I'm doing a clinical placement to complete my first year of nursing study. As part of that, we will be assessed on a range of skills, including shaving. Since I have never shaved a man before in my life, I really wanted to practice on someone before being unleashed on strangers with a razor. Fair enough, wouldn't you say?

Strangely enough, I have more confidence in my ability to give someone a shot of insulin than in shaving them (well, not so very strange considering I've had years of practice with Christopher's diabetes). Anyway, Garry was able to provide me with plenty of feedback and advice - and he's not bleeding (so no Norman Gunston look-alikes here tonight).

Beemsterboer visit

Earlier this year we were lucky to have a visit from some Dutch relatives (my aunt and uncle). We were particularly lucky to have their presence in court during the early days of Christopher's trial. Every bit of support was very much appreciated!! Here's a photo of my sister, my aunt and I.


Liesbeth, Ditty and Tamara