Jake's 21st

It's dark and drizzling as we make our way up the driveway. We're all warm and cozy in our winter gear and Sabina has gone overdrive with monologue. "That's why I have two hands, one to hold Mama and one to hold Papa". At the end of the driveway we swing right, up the hill, then down to Phil Hill's for a festive celebration of his youngest 21'st birthday. Half the town seems to be there - it's nice to finally meet our other neighbours.

Sabina is a bit shy initially, but by the time dinner is served she is happy to sit next to me. And what a dinner it is. Local pig, slow cooked on the spit, with perfect crackling, loads of oven roasted vegies, and salads a plenty. We tuck in as though we haven't eaten for a week. Some of the vegies look local too. And on the way to the kitchen we spot a couple of beautiful pumpkins.

It's way past Sabina's bedtime and we need to leave before she turns into a pumpkin. Thrilling conversations are cut short, and we wander slowly into the darkness and up the hill. Sabina bravely walks all the way home, but once she's in bed, we don't hear another peep.

Bed time for us? There are logs to be moved, apparently. I change coats and we go outside.