Happy Xmas from Tickle Trout Lodge!

Hello everyone & Happy Xmas & New Year!

(Isn't this the neatest photo - Bob's got an 'iced beard!)

Well... we have snow - lots of it. Bob n Erik are up to their 'ging-gang-goolies' in lovely snow.

Its so pretty, gently falling most of the day... However 2 days ago was a slightly different story - massive gales & a blizzard. We stood in the kitchen looking out towards the mountains at the back of the Lodge & watched a dominoes effect as one tree fell, crashing into another & bringing that down too - awesome! Then we had a power cut (again) for 6 hours... so 'Mr Bushcrafter' got out his petrol camp stove & did a brew up - it was the best tasting tea EVER! We had me Muvvers old oil lamps going (& they sell scented paraffin oil here - neat!) & played cards & dominoes & read books - this is how they must have spent their evenings in this old house years ago - it was... interesting - until it got a little too cool for comfort!

Our container came... & we had to go to Sydney to sign it in - all they were interested in was Ian's arrows - which he thinks he gave to Paul before coming out - so, as we'd sprayed everything with the foot n mouth disinfectant & paid our dues on the wood stove & mail box - they were happy to let us take everything with no further inspections... & now we are very cosy with our things around us. Bob was overjoyed to see his old plastic dog baskets & when I got his fur blankets out he was manic - shaking & licking the blanket & wagging his tail so hard he nearly fell over!

Erik's had another 'chewing episode' but this time he's advanced to M&S knickers... We've no further comment on this troubling habit!

We are all ready for Xmas & have several invites to friends & neighbours over the next week or so - they are so friendly here. There are of course a few things that are done differently here: no Xmas puds! or roast potatoes! Argh!! Balloons are not usually put up (what a sin!) & cards don't seem to be big here - which is a good thing I think - more enviro friendly. Most folks put up wreaths & lights outside.

We have blue lights on the front...& the tree is safely out of Erik's reach in the sun room (above).

We'll be getting out the cross country skis & snow shows for the next blog photo shoot!!

Anyway folks we wish you all the best for 2009 - keep emailing/phoning us - we love to hear the news from dear old Blighty & if you're thinking of popping over to see us - you'll be more than welcome - first come first served, & we have a few guys making noises that they'll be coming... just bring English chocolate (curly wurlys, cadburys caramel bars, maltesers), Ty-Phoo tea bags, Branston pickle, Sainsbury's chick pea dhal & Heinz baked beans - PLEEEEEEEEASE!!