I not only recall that Christmas vividly--yes
partly because it was so different--no snow
and it was hot enough to go surfing too--but I
just happen to have my diary here in my
office.  I'm going to get it and read about
that day and then give you some details!

I'll edit some of it but will leave most of
intact as is--not full sentences or anything, 
just thoughts and things we did.  I'll start 
with Chritmas Eve day, 12/24/69--Granny's 89th
birthday.

"helped Mish with the Xmas tree" in the 
morning.  At noon went off to town and 
"arrived at Rondebosch station and had no 
money-so had to get a slip and say I'd pay 
within 7 days" (impossible to happen in '99!).

"Met Dad for lunch-buffet".  "Decided to get 
Tina a card and some biscuits cuz she had a 
baby girl at 5:30 this morn (1 month 
early)-went up to see her-then toured the 
Malay Quarter-then Distict 6". "Bought 3 roses 
(30¢)and 1 carnation (10¢)--made them into a 
corsage and boutonniere.  Had some tea and 
then Mish and I went over to school to take 
some pictures.  Gave Ma her corsage--she 
thought I bought it! Went to Granny's and then
to U. Walter's to have a buffet dinner". 

On Christmas Day: "woke up at 8, had coffee 
and at 8:30 in folks' room to open 
presents--got lots of tremendous things".  Ma
fixed a "very nice turkey and ham and we 
toasted with champagne". After lunch "Ma, 
Jules, Mary and I went to see Tina and her 
baby". 

The rest of the day was spent talking 
to people who had come by to say goodbye or 
talking on the phone to people who had called 
to say goodbye.  At "11:20 Jules, Paul, Carl, 
Mish, Pete and I want to go to Clifton 
beach!--decided to do nothing instead". 

I had to leave the next day so at midnight we 
all went to bed.