The presents have all been opened and exclaimed over, the paper gathered up and thrown into the recycling bin. Two days ago, here was Boxing Day. Not for us the Boxing Day sales which in Sydney started ridiculously early at 5 and 6am. No, we did as many Australians do in the Christmas holidays; we gathered the family together and went to the beach. For us, the beach is ten minutes away.
Mick and I were first in even though the water felt a little cold initially, but was only the first minute or so, then it become beautifully refreshing. Our son and daughter in law and the grandchildren soon followed. It was lovely to see our grandchildren’s enjoyment as they played in the water and then when they’d had enough swimming played with their buckets and spades on the sand.
Unlike Sydney beaches which are usually packed at this time of year, the beaches where we live are relatively quiet, despite the tourists that descend on our area each year. The dolphin cruise that went out into the bay while we were swimming was packed to the hilt with people. Clear turquoise water, white sands and no crowds what more could anyone ask?
Given my broken arm and then Christmas preparations and getting back to writing, this was our first swim of the season but Mick and I decided we’re going to try and get into the habit of a regular swim most days, as we did last year. While summer is here, we figure we may as well take maximum advantage of this beautiful area where we live, and get a bit of exercise at the same time.
Later our son and grandson played with bats and a ball while I scoured the beach for any unusual shells to add to the growing collection that adorns the bathroom. When we‘d had enough we piled into the car and headed home for showers and a relaxing afternoon, listening to music and playing games. We dragged out the old Monopoly set. Our grandson won as he seems to most times.
Then while the grandchildren watched a DVD they got for Christmas, Mick and I took the dogs out for a walk to walk off some of the Christmas goodies.
In the evening after the children had their books read and were in bed, we watched a movie. Something our son and his father chose. My daughter in law and I slept through much of it despite George Clooney, but that’s okay. It was just nice to be together as a family, enjoying a relaxing day together.
Days later, our family have now gone home and I am back to post. I have been unable to the last three days because our internet went down on Boxing Day.
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