Xmas II

My Dear Princess and Dear Friends,

I had designated today as Xmas II in my head. We had planned to spend the day with Joshua, Loulou, Tiger and Tiger's Sister at the cottage for drinks, larfs and conversation.

It turned filthy right away.

Caro was talking about a woman she knows who has designated that the main bedroom is her "Princess Room" and right away this became Tiger's new euphemism for a special secret girl's place. 

Then there were the very special serviettes provided by Loulou. I cannot describe them, you'll have to look at the extras. 

It was a beautiful late afternoon so we ate outside on Loulou and Tiger's new deck, which has massively increased the size of their cottage and enables them to live outside a lot of the time. Even when it is raining, it is pleasant there, under a new awning. 

As usual, the pair laid on a grand, hospitable feed and Loulou had made a very impressive trifle, accompanied by hokey-pokey ice-cream*.

Dinner was followed by a rousing game of petanque which I have never played before. In the game you throw a small wooden ball (the "jack") and then attempt to toss heavier, metal balls as close to it as you can.

As it turns out, petanque is yet another game at which I have no skill at all. But as usual, Caro was amazing at it. The grand final (pictured in the extras) sees Joshua winning a narrow victory over her in the final "jack off". Yes, I know.

As the light faded and the sun went down, the pair lit up their fire pit and we sat around drinking and chatting, but mainly just staring at the fire. Then, to make things EXTRA FESTIVE, Loulou got out this laser-display thingy that projected red and green spots of light all over the trees. 

The stars came out and it was all really rather magical. Today's main blip is of Loulou dancing in front of the laser lights which probably gives you the impression that the evening was more vibrant than it was. 

These days, we much prefer to just sit, and stare into the fire and enjoy the twinkly lights. The only drugs on hand were Caro's THC oil - which is purely for medicinal purposes, you understand.

So that was Xmas II. I feel we should keep this up. The first Noel this year was a bit stressful. I much preferred the sequel.

S.

* This is a Kiwi classic. Vanilla ice cream with cinder toffee. It's like eating a Crunchie bar with ice-cream. I can recommend it. I do not know why it is called "hokey-pokey".