Christmas Planning (2)

If you had decided to follow my Christmas Planning that started here this is the second task.

You will have:

• a December calendar
• Christmas Planner page
• ideas sheet

There are a few things to sort for today.

First you need to look at all the things on your ideas sheet and find all the things that referred to food. Look at them and decided which ones you really want to take on board either for this year or in years to come. Make a smaller list of what you want to happen.

Now look at the things you had crossed out. Why are they crossed out? ........ Because these are the bad things about Christmas. So, don't do them. It really is as simple as that. If they are traditions, who's traditions are they? When you marry you leave your parents and become one with your partner. That means leaving the ties behind. Sure we have to honour our Father and Mother but that does not include having the food they want at Christmas. If you are going to their house then, yes you will have to eat what is there, but when it is your home then you (and your partner) can command what the food will be. But I will say you need to discuss with your partner what they want for Christmas food and what you are or are not going to do, so they can support you.

So looking at what you do want to happen, the good things, you will need to decide what is reasonable. Remember you will be the one doing this so you need to be reasonable and not over do it. If there are lots of ideas faze them in over a few years or maybe celebrate over a few days. Make Christmas Eve and Boxing Day special food days as well. That way you will be starting your own traditions. Remember this is all about making Christmas a season and not just one day, and you want to enjoy it not be exhausted.

When you decide what you are going to do, create a simple version of it as a menu and write it at the bottom of the sheet you started, the Christmas Planner. We are not writing every thing you will need, just the general meal/s.

If you have decided to run some of the ideas over a few days write them on your Calendar, giving them a 'name'.

The second thing to do is check out your supplies of cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, ribbon, sticky tape or anything else you will be using for wrapping gifts. Also if you are posting Christmas cards you will need to have a supply of stamps. If you want to have Christmas stamps you need to get in early. I'm a bit of a hoarder so I keep things from year to year and have special storage ideas to keep them all together. I checked my supplies out and the only thing I had to buy was some stamps.

Write the things you need down and either go shopping or the next time you are out get them. Now don't rush out and buy a whole lot of other Christmas things, as that is not the point of following this plan. Just stock up your stationary supplies now so they are all ready and on hand for when the fun really begins.

The third thing to do today is to decide if you are having an advent calendar of any form. This needs to be ready to start on the 1st. I have a Christmas tree on a little music stand that has 24 drawers. Each day you open the drawer for the date and place a little decoration from the draw on the Christmas Tree. Over the years I would add a few chocolate raisins or jellybeans as a treat for which ever child was decorating the mini tree.

I get it out each year but we don't have children to do it now! But just in case a grandchild calls in they are allowed to put the days decoration up.

So your Christmas planning has

• A calendar
• Planner page with added menu
• ideas sheet
• Stationary needs

Your tasks

• Menu
• Stationary supplies
• Advent calendar

See you in two days for part three.

My Christmas Planning

Last Sunday was 25th November - that's a month until Christmas. In the past if I had not done anything in preparation I probably would have panicked. Is that like you?  Next Sunday will be the first Day in advent which means there are only four Sundays before Christmas Day. Does that make you feel worse?

In the past it would have to me, but I have found that being like that, thinking of all the things that I needed to prepared for, to be bought, make and do for one day was just a load of ridiculous stress for me and those around me. But not any more and we still get to have a wonderful Christmas.

So how do I do it ...?

I don't make Christmas about one day. Sure the 25th of December is the day we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour but I now realize its a season the "Season of Christmas" not just one day. So I turn this season, into Christmas, and not just one day....

And I plan!

If you want to join me then grab yourself a lovely drink and some coloured pens and paper. If this is your first time then just pieces of paper like old exercise book pages or the blank back sheets of paper that come in the 'asking for money mail'  (you know the ones I mean)  Next year or after the Season you can fine tune it into the way you want to do it and make a note book or folder with plans etc.

The first thing you need to do is decide (if its not already been done for you!) where and who you are spending Christmas day with or any other important day that your family have chosen to meet.

You will need to get yourself a calendar for December this year. It needs to have plenty of room for each day. Either photocopy one you have, print one off or just draw one up and write the days and dates. Don't use your planner or diary as this if for Christmas not "everyone else". Write "Family Christmas" in the day this major event(s) will be taking place for you.

Now you can see there are plenty of days yet and we aren't even in to December!

Because I have followed this plan for a few years now I have a slight advantage because to make this be easy, (is that proper English?) you need to have some money put aside. I have been saving all year a little bit every few weeks and I have watched it grow. I still have to stick to a budget but I'm not worried about how I am going to afford everything. Also I don't spend a lot on presents (I leave that for birthdays) and unnecessary expense.

If you haven't got a lot saved mark on your calendar paydays or benefit days so you know when you will have money to buy things. (Don't forget there will be bills).

Now the fun part starts...

Have a blank page and storm ideas. I know this isn't a counselling session or a business plan but I just want you to dream a bit. Think of all the things you love about Christmas and the things you don't and write them down. Think of expectations that you have from family and friends even if you don't want to do them. Are there good and bad memories that you want to keep or get rid of. Are there things that you have always wanted to do or have that you never had or done. Get brain storming and jot them all down (and even if you suddenly remember something that needs doing - just write it in a corner!). Go away for a bit and then come back (with your second drink!) and see if there is anything else you want to add.

Now give yourself permission to circle all the good things and put one line through the bad.
The things in the circles are what you are gong to work on in your planning either this year or over the next few years. (yes we will deal with the crossed out bad things but not at the moment.)

Next get another piece of paper and write Christmas Planner at the top. Write the day, time, place and who will be there for the major event underneath. This is what you will be spending the Season working on - and its fun.

Join me in two days for the next step.

60th Bithday - Part three -The Chateau (part 1)

As mentioned in the first post on my 60th birthday, I was given a voucher to spend a night at The Chateau, the Tongariro Hotel on the side of Mount Ruapehu. I have often wondered what it would be like and some of our friends have been as a group for different occasions and their sharing made me want to try it even more. We had thought of going for our 40th wedding anniversary a few months ago but the family wanted to share a meal together so we just thought we could go some other time.

So when I received the voucher and was asked to read it out I was deeply moved that these people would shout Harry and I, an over night stay with a dinner, breakfast, bubbles and chocolate, a late check-out and a high tea - all the extras. These people are simply wonderful.


I booked our night away the next week and although the weather didn't promise to be good we really just wanted to experience the Hotel and atmosphere. The day started nice but by the time we got to the base of the mountain the weather had closed in and remained that way like a winters day the whole time.

It actually took longer to get there than we thought (2 1/2 hours) so we ended up calling in at Z Tauhara for a coffee and muffin after an hour and half driving.













It's been many years since I have been there and so I had a sort of "are we there yet" feeling.

When we finally reached the base of Whakapaka village there was the Chateau in all its grandeur almost suddenly in front of us.

By now the weather was wet so Harry drove right up to the main doors and a porter came and opened my door and took our suitcase out of the boot bringing it inside while Harry went and parked the car.
Now I can tell you I could quite like this!

Once Harry arrived and I had signed in we were given our keys (well these days its a card that activates the lock) and we took the lift to the third floor. The porter wanted to take our bags up as well but Harry said it was fine he could manage himself and I tried to tell him that's not the point. This man has a job to do and why not let him do it! But by this time the lift had arrived to the third floor.



Our room was a Heritage Room

CLASSIC ROOMS IN OUR HERITAGE WING

HERITAGE

Located in the original hotel wing of Chateau Tongariro, these Heritage rooms offer comfort and style with convenient access to all hotel amenities. Enjoy views of native bush, our golf course or the Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

So we had a cuppa and went for a wonder around checking rooms, decor and some of the many pictures on the walls. Its a very grand hotel with a luxurious early 20th Century themed decor.

 

View from  room window 

All the rooms have names from around the Tongariro National Park where the Chateau is situated. 

While we waited for our time to get dressed for dinner we sat near the large fireplace in the Ruapehu Lounge.

RUAPEHU LOUNGE

The historic heart of Chateau Tongariro Hotel, the Ruapehu Lounge brings yesteryear to life with plush velvet, twinkling chandeliers and a crackling log fire. Clinking cocktail glasses and clacking billiards fill the air as guests reunite for family holidays, business retreats and wedding parties. The lounge serves light food and drinks until late at night.

Harry tried to assist with the stoking up of the fire as it really was not doing the fireplace or the coldness outside justice, which was rather difficult, he said as they were using "wet wood" (as in recently felled trees). And then he would try to count the large number of bunnies hoping around the grounds thinking of ways they could be exterminated without upsetting the guests! We joked that perhaps it was an environmentally good way to keep the grass short!

I just enjoyed not having to do anything and people watching. I was quite surprised that most of the visitors were from Europe rather than the masses we usually have pass through our small home town from Asia. Some spoke in Dutch, German or other Scandinavian languages while others were speaking in their limited English. I occasionally helped them with the correct pronunciation of some of the places they had or were going to visit. It felt  special to just listen to their stories of their holidays.

ELEGANT CUISINE AT CHATEAU TONGARIRO'S SIGNATURE RESTAURANT

RUAPEHU ROOM

Superior dining and delicious Pacific Rim cuisine await at the Ruapehu Room, Chateau Tongariro’s renowned restaurant. Dress for dinner to savour the chef’s signature chateaubriand, New Zealand beef, lamb or salmon, while sipping wine in the glow of shimmering chandeliers and sparkling white linens.

You can also enjoy a daily breakfast buffet with both cooked and continental selections, and stop by on Sunday for a tantalising carvery Roast Buffet while our resident pianist transports you to genteel bygone days.

Our latest menu offerings can be viewed here.

Operating hours: Open for breakfast and dinner daily, and for Sunday lunch.

Dress code: Smart Casual (no shorts or tank tops and closed footwear required)

Dinner was in the Ruapehu Room and once we were seated, we were asked (because we were here on the celebration package) if we were actually celebrating anything. Between us we said that yes it was for my 60th and our recent 40th Wedding Anniversary. The lady disappeared and a young man came and poured 'fresh tap water' into our glasses and then the lady returned with two glasses of bubbly. We said we hadn't ordered any and she said it was complements from the Manager for our celebrations.

So still the blessings were coming.

The menu for the package was a smaller choice of three courses plus breads as starters.

Artisan Breads (v) Cold pressed olive oil, balsamic reduction and confit garlic, butter  

Harry chose

Regal Salmon Beetroot Cured (df) Orange and baby radish salad, horse radish, baby cress

Silver Fern Beef Tenderloin (gf)  Piko piko fern, confit potatoes, candied tomato, cauliflower puree & braised beef cheek

Apple and walnut filo Calvados fluid gel/Honey and thyme custard/Ginger crunch 

While I had

Seared Angus Beef Carpaccio  Shaved pecorino romano, village press olive oil, pickled shallot 

Free Range Chicken Breast (gf)  Feta & herb portobello mushroom, potato puree, leek, jus

Ginger mascarpone tart Pistachio raspberry meringue/Rhubarb sorbet and compote

To be continued.........

60th Birthday - Part Four - The Chateau (part 2)

I've continued this from the previous post as it was becoming quiet long!

After dinner I went up to our room while Harry went out for a cigarette. When he came back he had two Puriri moths with him. He said there were many outside the main doors.

They are a native to New Zealand and as a caterpillar or grub they bore into puriri trees (and other species) where they feed on the tissue of the tree for up to five years. Once they emerge as a moth they have no mouth so can not feed and die within 48 hours.

The following day when we left we could see them all dead in the covered drive through area.

Not sure what all the wet marks were that came from the mohts.

We didn't sleep well that night for a mixture of reasons. First nights are always hard in a new place and we were right near the lift so every-time the door opened you could hear it and the voice saying "3rd floor". You could see the hall light through a gap in the side and base of the door way to our room so they weren't exactly sound proof which meant we heard people talking as they came and went from their rooms. The heating in the rooms was very good so it took a long time to work out whether we needed blankets or not.

Once a sleep I ended up sleeping in and when Harry returned from a ciggy stop he said that breakfast was finishing in half an hour!

So I quickly got changed and we went down to the Ruapehu room again. The buffet menu was so varied it was a little difficult to actually decide what to have. Harry had scrambled eggs, bacon, tomatoes and toast while I had yogurt, a selection of dried and fresh fruit and some muesli taking our hot drinks into the lounge. I also took an apricot patisserie.

I did wonder what they do with all the left over food as we were the last to eat.















We were then able to have an easy paced check-out, load our things into the car (with the help of the porter!) then wait for our high tea back in the hotel lounge.

This is served at tables by the Ngauruhoe Window, framing the snow-capped mountains in the Ruapehu Lounge. Not that we could see much out the windows as the mist had come right down to almost ground level.

While we waited I had asked for any information on the history of The Chateau and to Harry's disappointment we discovered it was now owned by a foreign company.

In 1990, during a period of Government privatization of assets, the Chateau was sold to Kah New Zealand Limited, a subsidiary of Oriental Holdings Berhad (OHB), a Malaysian-based conglomerate. The new owner invested NZ$3 million in refurbishing the complex.
The ski area was sold to a separate company.
In 2005 a new five-storey wing costing NZ$6 million and containing 40 rooms and replicating the style of the original building was opened. To avoid disturbing guests the expansion used a Scandinavian system of modular construction with the rooms built in Auckland and trucked to the site where they were installed using a crane. A presidential suite occupies the top floor.
The Chateau Tongariro is currently operated by Bayview International Hotels and Resorts, which is also a subsidiary of Oriental Holdings Berhad (OHB).

Its good to think they have invested in preserving the whole complex but sad that like many other locations and enterprises this too had been sold from New Zealand.












One of the pictures that took our fancy was this one of the Pink and White Terraces. When Mount Tarawera erupted on June 10th, 1886, Lake Rotomahana also erupted, and buried the terraces along with other small villages.
They were thought to be the eighth wonder of the world before that.

When we were ready we asked to be seated for high tea.












This is a preset menu of 12 delicacies brought out on a three-tier tea stand (note: not cake stand) served with either your choice of tea, coffee or for an extra cost glass of Alan Scott Blanc de Blancs (bubbles).

Of course this is all served on fine china with elegant silverware and the whole experience is not to be rushed. There was a choice of 16 different teas so that in itself took awhile!

We intended to make this high tea our morning tea, lunch and maybe even afternoon tea.

I chose the Rose Tea (yes I know to some of you that will be no surprise) and Harry just wanted a cup of tea! so chose the Dorchester Breakfast.

First came serviettes, then our cup, saucers and plates, followed by each of our teas along with hot water and milk and finally the tower of food.




















There were four different styles and choices of sandwiches on the bottom layer, two different scones,a chocolate slice and crème brûlée in the middle tier and finally a selection of sweet treats including nougat, macaroons and blueberry tarts.

So we did indeed take our time, refilling our cups with tea and savouring the tasty portions while watching the mist rise and fall over the near hills.

In the end we asked if we could take home the left overs which they boxed up for us saying that many people ask to do so.


And so all too soon it was time to leave and make the trip home.

It certainly was a lovely time with plenty of pleasant memories to cherish and just a wonderful time being spend with each other.

We took a longer routine home going around the back of the lake via SH4 going through Raurimu, Taumarunui and Te Kuiti.

60th Birthday - Part Two

The day of my birthday was a bit of a quiet affair after the night before with the Blessings of the Birthday Party put on by Church Family . I got some goodies from friends and some contact from most of my family through phone calls, txts, facebook, cards and a visit or two at work. I'd also had flowers delivered from my eldest daughter in Wellington.

The day was quiet but I decided I wasn't going to cook tea for myself so we bought some Chinese take-away's and went out to our third daughters home. We shared the meal over a glass of wine and just fun being with family.  I even got to sit quietly and do some colouring in. There I got a few more lovely gifts.

During the week I was taken out for lunch by other friends and presented with a lovely plant from the ladies who run our Mainly Music programme at church. Its every Thursday and I often help out in little ways.

Harry and some of the girls put together and I got a new watch. I had lost an old scratched one I got from Avon many years ago. It had had many numerous types of straps but somehow it just needed a new battery now and againbut kept going. Sometime ago it had just disappeared. I know people use their phones to keep track of the time but I don't have mine attached to me so I prefer having a watch.


So by the end of that week I was simply swamped by gifts, cards, flowers and just feeling totally spoiled.

Two weeks later I headed down to Wellington to spend some time with my parents where I give my Dad a bit of a break, help clean and spend some time with two of my Grandchildren. Our yougest has just turned one so it was important to see him and we had a cake and a bit of a party for him at my parents. But no
It wasn't just for him. I had another birthday cake that Theresa had made and the afternoon tea was a lot more than just cake and fruit, none of which I had to organise.

The candles were in an "F" shape

Another time of being spoilt by those who love me.

60th Birthday - Part One

Now I wouldn't normally tell people how old I am but this birthday I turned 60 and received some lovely gifts and some wonderful things said about me so I  wanted to just share.

When someone had a "significant" number birthday we tend to make a fuss for people but I didn't know what would happen and I didn't really want to organize anything myself. I mean what if no-body came!

As I had heard various snippets of information from family and friends I just left it to who ever was doing something presuming if I needed to know they would tell me, and waited to see what was going to happen.

I had been contacted by my friend Frances who asked me if I was doing anything or if anyone else had something planned for me over the weekend before and to keep the Sunday night free - the day before my birthday.

A few days before 'the day' I received an invitation to their home. (Left - but I have removed their address for privacy)


I dressed nicely (I love to wear dresses and get dressed up - and who doesn't love any excuse for a good party) and Harry and I arrived to a house full of Church family friends. I don't know how much Harry knew before hand but I am sure he was in on it as well.


Frances had set up her beautiful new home with a wonderful array of decorations, flowers and platters of snacks especially for me. (well for everyone but it was my party!)

When we arrived we were given a glass of drinks and mingled with everyone.

All those invited had brought along a plate of something for a main course and a dessert to share (Its called a pot-luck meal in New Zealand). There was a huge amount of delicious food to choose from.

After the first course I was called up in front of everyone and presented with some beautiful flowers.

Then I was told that they had all put together for a gift voucher. When I was given it I was asked to read it out to every one. Opening it up I read out loud that it was a voucher to stay at a friends cottage down by Lake Taupo. Now I thought that was a little bit odd as I had already been told by the these friends of all of us, that we could stay anytime we liked. I graciously thanked them all, though secretly finding it a bit strange as I didn't realize it was such a cost to stay at this friends place as they had told me it was nothing posh. But hey it was official now and I had the voucher to prove it.


I was then handed another smaller voucher which ended up being a large amount on a card for the purchase of petrol to get us there. Well that was very nice.





















But then I was given another voucher and asked to read that one out. As I opened it I saw the "Chateau Tongariro Hotel" at the top and being overcome and trying not to cry, I read out all that the voucher entitled Harry and I to as the Chateau Celebration package.

All these wonderful people had put together and bought me an over night stay at this lovely old hotel with all the luxury it offers as a gift for Harry and me.

And to make me feel a bit more uncomfortable some of them then proceeded to tell nice things about me. Now this is a bit odd to type this but they said things about what I do with my job for the church, its people and others, how dedicated I was and how and what good they see in me. By this stage I am trying really hard not to cry. Some would finish with a hug and/or kiss.

But you know ... when someone dies we all remember the good about them and share it with others at the funeral. But that person may not have ever heard those wonderful words spoken to them. People may not have taken the time to tell them, but I did and I actually think this is better as I get to hear it all now and it really makes you swell with happiness.

As I responded with such thanks I told everyone I am privileged to work in the church office because not only am I doing a job I really love but I am sort of really working for God in this capacity. I know we all work for Him in all we do but I suppose you could say that I get paid for working for Him. Now I know that is a bit snobby I suppose, but I feel like its a real blessing to have this job and so I do it to the best of my ability.  And in doing that I am then told by others (like at this birthday party) how thankful they are for all I do. So its a bit of a win win situation!

Even Harry shared about the time we were coming home late from Hamilton and I saw the lights had been left on in the church so I told Harry we had to go and see why. When we left Hamilton there had been a police check point to stop drunk drivers and there was another right outside our church. ... so even if it meant being stopped for the second time that night we had to have a look. (No he hadn't been drinking).

I just care for God and all that is His.


And then it was time for cake.

Now we are blessed to have a talented lady, Natasha, come to our church and she can make the most amazing cakes. This cake was two layers, carrot at the bottom (my favourite) and banana at the top. It was covered in butter cream icing with strawberry's and candy covered raspberry liquorice balls.

She had printed off a picture from a fancy dress party (another friends 60th) that we had been to a while ago, in edible ink and it was 'framed'. The frame had its own stand to hold it up and was made out of coloured white chocolate. This was on the top, all of which was edible!

So once it was cut we all ate some and had dessert as well.

Suffice to say we were all very well fed!

Others also gave me gifts and lots of cards so by the time we were ready to go home the car was loaded with goodies.