Having spent most of last week travelling, I have finally had time to myself, so I spent an hour or so at the gym this morning and gardened for the rest of the day. I have Christmas mince pies to make and some shopping for the engineer to do. Last Wednesday, my son Stafford graduated from uni with a BA in psychology. It was a great day and we all enjoyed celebrating with him.  As he walked across the stage, I gave him my loudest whistle (as he was expecting me to do!)  We walked around the waterfront, taking photos in all his regalia. It is a great feeling, as strangers wish all the graduates well when walking round the city. After returning from Wellington we stayed one night then travelled up to Gisborne to visit with my mother Betty, who will be 86 next April. Mum is very active, walking every day and gardening most days. She enjoys coming out and about when we visit, as long as we give her some rest time in the afternoon. Both my sisters and their families will be with her for Christmas. I am putting breakfast on for my family, with the engineer’s help and giving the grandchildren their presents from us and their uncle Mike, who is working in Melbourne this holiday season. Christmas lunch is at the Jones’s, with a little help from everyone. It is great to have children, who are old enough to help. We even had the three grandchildren decorate our tree! I hope everyone has a restful holiday season and my best wishes for 2010.