Boys on Boxing day

My brother in law Nick feeling relaxed and at home, and Jasper treating him as part of the furniture.

Jennie and Nick were keen to see Christchurch as they haven't seen it since the earthquakes. We wandered around the central city and maybe it was the grey day but we all felt sad.

Yes, there are new buildings and more being built. What they found difficult as I do is the number of damaged wrecks of buildings that still exist with or with out a protective cordon around them. They resemble something out of a war zone are as stagnant as the water that ponds in mangled foundations left exposed after demolition.

It's nearly 9 years since the big February earthquake that destroyed large parts of the CBD. At what point are owners of wrecked buildings forced to do something?

Don't get me started on the wrecked cathedral. I took a photo of it but it's too depressing to post. It's good to see progress. It's largely in retail and hospitality with only 30% occupancy of new office space in the CBD. But there are some very attractive outdoor spaces appearing particularly along the edge of the Avon River.

I'd rather concentrate on and remember today for the fun we've had and the quality time we've spent together. Before we could do anything this morning we needed coffee. We lunched at the Cassels Brewery at the Tannery. I was the sober driver so not much alcohol for me.

Back home we braved a not so summery cool late afternoon outside while the man did men's work at the bbq. Our ham was delicious but we gave up on pretending we were warm and ate dinner inside.

Today's gratitude: For another wonderful day spent with Jennie and Nick. Having then at my place for Christmas has just been great.