21st birthday, end of school, Christmas dos

The big event in November was Eleanor's 21st birthday on the 21st. She decided she wanted a family dinner on the night itself which is what happened at a nice restaurant in Carlton. In attendance were the five of us, Jo and Ian, Will, David Pitt, one of Ian's daughters and several other members of the Pitt family, about twenty of us altogether. Jo and Will made speeches and Will presented Eleanor with a photo montage of her life he had put together. Her novelty present from Peter was a T-shirt with a built-in digital clock which provided much amusement and many bad jokes. The food was very good and Jo organised a cake with Eleanor's beloved footy team's emblem on it.

Jessye's momentous year at Howqua came to an end culminating in the 6-day hike on which Jessye carried a 23kg pack!!! Rosie and Sophie took the afternoon off school to meet the bus (no photos though). Sophie made Jessye a welcome-home banner.

On Jessye's first weekend home Rosie had a brass and percussion department concert/picnic on the tennis court at MLC. We weren't really aware of the picnic part and just showed up as we were and sat on the ground but most families were thoroughly prepared with picnic hampers, eskies, outdoor furniture etc. Peter took photographic evidence of the fact that Jessye is now taller than me (and quite pleased with herself). Rosie performed with aplomb next to her teacher, Kate Waugh, a very nice mother of 3 who sometimes does casual work with the MSO. She agreed to give Rosie a couple of private lessons during the holidays since school finishes so early.

During the last week of school for the big girls Jessye and her Howqua buddies were back at the Lauriston city campus to pick up and get familiarised with their new notebook computers and take part in some "leadership training" which translated into a pretty relaxed week. On the Wednesday evening Jessye and I attended the Howqua after-party at the home of one of the Howqua families. It was a great night and an opportunity for the girls to get dressed up. Some of the teachers from Howqua were there too and I met Jessye's house tutor. When I commented on how beautiful all the girls looked in their pretty little numbers she said "Yes, and so clean and smelling nice!" so I guess things got pretty rugged out there.

Two days later on Friday Dec 7th it was the last day of school for Jessye and Rosie. Jessye's wrap-up was a special assembly for Years 7, 8 and 9 at 11 am during which the Howqua girls were welcomed back to Armadale. Representatives from each year group summed up their year and the Howqua girls gave a tiny eucalyptus plant to the Year 8 girls who will be off to Howqua next year - they will plant it on arrival. Then there was a lusty rendition of the Howqua song with words by Jessye's house sung by all the Year 9's. Apparently last year all the returning Year 9's were in tears but Jessye's lot seemed to be just having a great time. She was very excited about getting her Howqua sweatshirt with all the girls' names on the back. We were also given her beloved anthill to bring home.

Rosie's event was that evening and involved much more pomp and circumstance with teachers parading in in academic gowns and way too much entertainment. Rosie was just involved in the massed singing.

The minute school was over for the year Jessye and the other keen rowers were whisked off to a 4-day rowing camp. There's another one for a week when we get back from Christmas holidays to put the girls in teams for the 2008 rowing season. While she was gone Peter and I attended the MSO Christmas party last Saturday afternoon after an early concert (which I wasn't playing in because I've finished for the year - YAY!!!!).

Then the next day we four attended another Christmas do for friends of and players with the Liaison Ensemble, a clarinet, cello, piano and guests group (I'm in the regular guest category). This was notable mainly for the cute baby belonging to the clarinet/cello couple in the group and the cute dog (no pic), Maggie, who entertained and was entertained by Rosie and Sophie all evening. On the way home we drove past a house with a completely over-the-top display of Christmas lights and had to turn back for a better look. It turns out the occupants do this every year as a hospital fund-raiser because of their personal experience after a bad car crash years ago. Hordes of people were parked up and wandering around buying the trinkets on sale. When Jessye came back from rowing we took her on a return visit.

Earlier that day I attended the funeral of Lloyd Powell who had died suddenly on December 1st. Lloyd was husband of Margaret, my first cousin on Mum's side. He was also half-brother to Caroline (same mother) who is my half-sister in Christchurch (same father). He was a very popular and much-loved man and his family came from far and near to celebrate. In true Fijian fashion there was a huge feast and by the time the day of the funeral came the close rellies had already been together for several days and the afterparty really did feel like a celebration. Lots of people spoke at the service and even the great big men were breaking down. His son, Brian, injected some humour into the proceedings, a chip off the old block. It was great to meet for the first time Caroline's 3 sons, my 3 strapping nephews, Bill from Perth and Sid and Graham from Christchurch. Her daughter, Rae, whom I had met before, was also there from Christchurch. I went with Russell and Barb (Russell is Margaret's and my 2nd cousin) and they had a hard time keeping it all straight. Lloyds surviving siblings were all there and 3 of Margaret's siblings. Garry couldn't make it because he was in Sydney looking after their Mum who was not up to making the trip.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Sophie's ballet megaproduction which happened on Thursday and Friday nights this week. She was in 5 different items and costumes this time and I caught a few snaps of her getting ready to do her reindeer bit at the dress rehearsal on Wednesday. Roll on holidays. We'll be in NZ for Christmas so that's it from us for 2007. A Happy Christmas to our loyal readers and see you in 2008.