December Newsletter

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from DistanceFamilies.com

This week Auckland opened up. We're able to go to bars, restaurants and retail outlets and show our Covid Pass as proof of a being double vaxxed. I've had my first hairdresser appointment since July.  Heaven on a plate. After 100+ days of our world being on hold it feels strange to chat face to face with anyone, let alone have people visit our home. As we cross our fingers that Omicron isn't another Delta let's make the most of Christmas as best as we can. Keep expectations realistic and the menu simple, and as they say in Hawaii, 'hang loose'. 

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DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

November brought Thanksgiving for our American friends. I have attended two Thanksgiving meals: one in Bangkok and the other in the U.S. It's always a privilege to participate in another culture's traditions. 

When it comes to reopening international borders this mon New Zealand has (finally) made announcements. From mid-January NZ citizens may return from Australia without compulsory hotel quarantine and from mid-February citizens may return from the rest of the world (plus we can travel overseas). Our three overseas children all want to visit home and the first is booked to arrive on opening day - first thing in the morning. A lovely St Valentines Day gift. I quite imagine we could be in the Arrivals Hall with news crew and official welcoming formalities. 

​This is a thought provoking article on grandparenting. My research within Distance Families indicates that the parent/adult child relationship tends to be more dominant, rather than the grandparent/grandchild, but that could just as much be due to familiarity & the distance. There are always exceptions.
​Also, here is a link to an article I wrote about Expat Guilt. Many more articles available here.

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BOOK SERIES NEWS

In 2022 I will publish the Audio Book edition of 'Being a Distance Grandparent - a Book for ALL Generations'. I am recording the narration and have just two or three more studio sessions remaining. The audio book market is the fastest growing sector of the publishing industry.

A lovely book review penned by a Distance Grandmother appeared in a regional newspaper. 

It was my birthday in November and look what my local family gave me (below). It rather stands out on my charcoal coloured car. And talking of my family look what my granddaughter found at #theWomensBookshop (bottom right).
​Lastly, I couldn't resist the Christmas decoration below.

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ON THE HOME FRONT

Our garden is at its best November to January. Last month I told you about the new outdoor table. Well here it is in all its 300+ kg concrete glory. One day we'll either have to sell the house with the table, or the table with the house...  it is here to stay. There is a competition in our neighbourhood for the best decorated house. We definitely won't win it with our efforts, but some are looking fantastic. Seasons greetings to you all and looking forward to catching up next time in 2022.
Kindest regards
​Helen Ellis