2019 so close we can almost touch it

“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”

Jeannette Walls

As we hurtle towards 2019 there are some nice days around Christmas which include activities such as catching up with family and friends. Local gatherings have more meaning now that the faces are familiar, and we all talk about the weather, the hay, the fire season, the grandchildren (or grandpuppy if that's the case).

It has been 1102 days since arriving on the island and it is amazing what we have learned, including most important of all how to slow down and enjoy. It reminds us of holidays where we go from full work to full relaxation and several days are "wasted" as we dart hither and thither as if still in the daily grind of employment. Here in Tassie it has taken at least a year or so to understand the importance of doing nothing - mindfulness indeed!

It is not all relaxation though as we started making homebrew in November and finally after six weeks of less than mindful waiting we have opened the first one!

Looks like beer, tastes like beer

The result is a lovely crisp hoppy IPA with a punch like a heavyweight champion - perfect for watching cricket and "wasting" time during summer. Speaking (er, writing) of watching cricket, it remains quite cool here in Tassie despite the heatwaves assaulting the mainland. So de rigueur for staying comfortable is a blanket with legs.

Headless dog blanket

We hope that your festive season is just as relaxing - and that you enjoy your friends and family with presents and more importantly with presence.