Oh the weather outside is frightful ...

... but before you imagine pretty snow scenes, 

let me tell you how it really is.

overcast, muggy, and 36 degrees C (96degF).

We are hunkered down here,

blinds shut

against the heat and the cicadas 

- air-conditioning 

and Christmas carols blasting -

and I'm getting started on last-minute

baking and cooking.

Apricot & Nut Balls

and  Chocolate truffles

for gifts;

baked potatoes,

GF/DF Christmas pudding substitute

 and DF custard

to take on Christmas Day.

I bought the last supplies this morning,

it took almost as long to find a spot for the car

as it took to shop in the crowds.

Emily is working in the toy shop

for 6 hours today and tomorrow,

poor her, it is a very hot shop.

Yesterday we girls enjoyed a swim at our

church Christmas party,

and Laura has had more swimming 

at a friend's house overnight.

 The weather is supposed to change tonight,

so Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be cooler,

and probably wet.

If so, we will enjoy some cooler nights

and my plants might survive the summer.

But ... it is Christmas in Australia, after all.

(Photos are of a few of the cards I made this year,

mostly using Stampin' Up! products
- funny how snow and snowflakes are a constant theme)