Here wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2005. The big news this year is the birth of our seventh grandchild, Joshua, who weighed in at 10 lbs 13ozs (in the old language), on 2^nd April. Although large, he is a happy contented baby, which makes things a bit easier for Stephanie. Both Pat and I had trips to Perth to greet the new born and stay a while with Peter and his family. We went over in June and July respectively. The other big event of the year was Pat's 70^th. Andrew and Lea hosted lunch in Canberra and we managed to get Peter there as a surprise for Pat. He sat down beside her whilst she was talking on the phone to Stephanie, and even looked at him for a moment before realising that he there! (photo attached!)

We have settled into our new home and think that we have finished renovating the house, with the exception of a little more paint to be applied on the outside. When we moved in, nearly all the paint was beige and the only relief was the mission brown on the doors and windows. The house is now lavender with purple highlights. We still have a long way to go in the garden, but even that is improving. We have both become involved with local activities – Hospital Auxiliary (Pat Secretary), Meals on wheels, the local Memorial Hall(John Secretary).

Pat and I had a quick trip up to visit Miles and Nancy Berkeley in Woodford and had a pleasant stay. We were also able to drop into our previous home in Mimosa Street.

Our area of New South Wales has been under drought conditions for a number of years, but we did have reasonable rains this year, which did turn the fields green for while, but they are now returning to their yellowish brown colour. We have had a small pony visiting to eat the grass. She was helped by some lambs for a few weeks. These animals all belong to neighbours. Smokey, the poodle, enjoys being the only dog and helps occasionally with the sheep.

I have now added a few fruit trees under the bird netting, to join the raspberries, blackberries and rhubarb. We have been feasting on the rhubarb, and the berries look quite promising for the holiday season.

We are both in good health, and any minor problems are well under control. Whilst on the subject of health, my brother Julian, who was diagnosed with Parkinsons, is still managing without medication. Pat's brother Desmond, one year on from his stroke, is making great strides towards recovery.

David is working in MoD (Ministry of Defence) in London and commutes home at weekends. Clare is still doing high-powered engineering with Rolls Royce aero engines. They have acquired two Burmese kittens. The last of the original cats died earlier this year of old age.

Andrew is selling a lot of computers for IBM, coaching girls hockey and still playing a bit himself. Lea is very involved with the school, helping with the education of the children, who all seem to be progressing well.

Peter is still with Western Mining who have decided to send him for 2/3 years to Denver USA., but if there is a take over in the near future, he has an idea he could be home earlier than that. They leave Australia in January, so we should have his address soon after that. The whole family is looking forward to their big adventure, but I don't envy Stephanie having to set up a new home with four children in tow.