Shock at the Basin

The festive whirl continued last night with DD’s friends, who are having a pre-Christmas break near his place.

Now those are two very sexy words: pre-Christmas break.

I am not having one of those … because I took too many holidays during 2025, so I really don’t deserve any sympathy.

Following a post-work dip in the ocean to get my endorphin levels up, we had a 6pm booking at a restaurant called the Basin Dining Room in Mona Vale.

As we pulled up, the carpark was filled with the flashing lights of fire trucks, police and ambulances, then a helicopter landed.

A man in his 40s had a medical episode in the ocean pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he passed away in front of his distraught wife.

A few days before Christmas.

So, so tragic.

It feels a bit insensitive to talk about what we had for dinner.

I drank very little, so I drove everyone home. And I felt like being in my own bed, so I changed my plans to stay the night and hit the road at 10pm.

I was too wired to sleep, so it will be a weary slog today.

I need to struggle out of bed soon and catch a bus to work for my last day in the office for the year.

This evening I’m having dinner with the kids at a neighbourhood pizza place, then we’re watching a Christmas movie together.

I’m also working on Chrsitmas Eve. The youngest is going out in the evening, while the eldest and I might watch a few Doctor Who Christmas specials together.

Then I’m back in Newie for Christmas lunch.

Blogging will be sporadic from this point, depending on whether I have tales to tell.

Lots of love to everyone – have a safe, happy Christmas.

Song of the day: John Lennon “Happy Christmas”