Parade is an avid weather watcher and will admit to regularly looking at statistics on rainfall and temperatures.

December, on average, in Bathurst is as you would expect a warm month – median maximum of 26.4 degrees and an average rainfall of 66.1 millimetres.

So far this month, the hottest the mercury has reached was on December 1 when it soared to 29.3 degrees, and already we’ve had 73mm of rain.

While Parade, for now, is enjoying getting out and mowing her grass that seems to be growing at lightning speed, she would, if she could put a request in, love a bit of sunshine this weekend.

SPEAKING of the weekend, the annual Carols by Candlelight is on in Machattie Park this Sunday.

Parade has covered this event for the last few years for the Western Advocate and has found our beautiful city-centre park to be full to the brim with happy families.

The event is run by the very talented people at the Mitchell Conservatorium and it features a host of talented performers from right here in Bathurst.

Pre-show entertainment kicks-off at 6pm, with the main acts run from 7pm until 9.30pm.

So, grab your family, a picnic and a camping chair or two and Parade may just see you there on Sunday.

ON the subject of this festive time of year, Parade has recently enjoyed an extended visit from a close relative who calls Queensland home.

While the sunshine state is not a long way away in terms of many other places in the world, unfortunately it means that Parade and this family member do not catch up as often as she would like.

Often, unfortunately, months go by without seeing each other face-to-face.

And, while Skyle or Facetime are great, it’s not quite as good as the real thing.

So, while the visit is now over and the family member has headed back north, Parade must say it was lovely to have you here in Bathurst.