Xmas in July...

I don't know if you remember, but I wrote about having a lot of problems with celebrating Christmas here in Australia. I mean, how can it be Christmas when it's 90F, everyone is wearing shorts and there's not an evergreen tree in sight. As a matter of fact, they sell artificial palm trees with Christmas decorations in stores.

So I resolved to hold a Xmas in July celebration. Why July? Because it's winter here in Australia, meaning in this area is cold, windy, and damp - just like back in the northeastern US. And I wasn't the only one with the idea as several stores actually were holding Christmas in July sales on holiday goods like plates, ornaments, and party favors. I stocked up!

And you know what? The evening went off without a hitch. With Butters, Charms, and Sase I threw a celebration with a little Christmas tree, gifts, and a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. With holiday music playing it was a grand time. I even tried my hand at lemon curd tart with lemons from our own Meyer lemon tree that we'd nursed through the heat and drought that nearly killed it during the regular Christmas season.

For the first time I really began to feel at home here.

- Farmer Ted