'Jambo,Jambo', hope you all had a lovely Christmas.
This time of the year reminds me of our last holiday in Kenya which was over Christmas. I know I had many a Christmas out there as a child, but being older, I think you appreciate the whole of it, not waiting to see what Father Christmas has left you.
Hearing carols reminds me of the carol service we went to. The little church was next to the hotel, and we were invited to join in the carol service. A couple of others came and we all sat on wooden benches next to the  locals, children in their best dresses, even if torn, with the odd ribbon or two in their hair. But so proud of what they had. We sang our hymns or tried to in Swahili. Mine now is a little basic not having spoken it for quite a few years. The atmosphere was of friendliness and excitement from the children. A tree of sorts had been put up decorated with odd shells, and we could look up to the dark velvet sky with the thousands of stars twinkling. A couple of goats walking around and a puppy lying down. This was a real Christmas feeling.

     Nativity scene amongst the flower beds

The great excitement started in the evening when the children started shouting,  look who they saw was arriving.

                     

Dear old Santa comes in many shapes and forms, we all had a greeting for him, at heart we are all big kids. Santa dipped into his sack to find a little gift for the children
.

As adults we were treated to fancy dishes.

Not quite the Christmas robin, looks more like a kingfisher, but beautifully done. It's the thought that counts!

The rest of the night was dancing away to the local band under that glorious twinkling night sky.

                         

We have come to the end of the year. Next one will be in 2013, a brand new year. Keep well and I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Picture to end the year.

I'm Tiny

              

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My picture of Darwin is slowly progressing. Now I have one eye done, I start to see him emerging. Will try and get the next one done. I always feel when doing animals or people that once the eyes are there, the picture starts to come to life.