# December Christmas and all that
Ken soon came up with a few ideas for the boys

December was the second month of school holidays and it was important to keep the children occupied.
Well Ken soon came up with a few ideas for the boys who took to the work with relish. The next generation of mechanics were soon discovered and to our amazement several boys enthusiastically joined in digging an extension to the septic tank (Irish navvies look out). I never saw boys so keen to use pick, shovel, jemby and crowbar. It was a revelation. They were at it before breakfast and I had to stop them at dusk to go and get washed before supper.
In no time at all – a few days they had a hole 8 ft deep and 2ft 6 ins by 10 feet long. I miss them and am going to have to employ a couple of men to finish it off now that school has started.
Christmas day at Ngaremara was fun and especially for the youngest discovering presents. Esther and Damaris completed a great job ensuring everyone received their bag on the day.
added on Jan 9