On my trip to the US at Christmas, on the way back from the side trip to Greensboro' to see Ted, I was pulled over on I85 for failing to move to the left lane when passing an officer stopped on the shoulder.

Long story about the validity or otherwise of my NZ driver's licence, the upshot of which was that I was obliged to accept a tow off the Interstate at a cost of $100.

Emails to Virginia State Police in Richmond and to the Governor's office finally bore fruit when this  cheque arrived in the post. Whoopee!

Initially, the Lieutenant dealing with the issue had used what I thought was the classic 'the cheque's in the post' as of 10th January line, but after 12 days it finally arrived today (postmarked, incidentally, 16th January).

I have no clue what my Kiwi bank will make of it, or for that matter how much commission they might take. But, if you're in Baltimore in May the Milkybars are on me or, rather, the VSP.

Edited to add: My bank made $128.56 of it (Kiwi dollars of course) which isn't bad.

When I started thinking about what I would do for Christmasthis year, I had two or three choices.

• Stay in NZ in mid-Summer and have Christmas and New Year alone.
• Go back to the UK, to the cold, dark and damp for a brief reunion with my sons (individually, as they’re not speaking to each other).
• Come to the US for a family Christmas with Anne, Stacey and Kiana and a warm welcome from friends here. No brainer.

And the bonus: an invitation to spend some time with Ted and his family. I don't normally post photo galleries here but these are some memories of my family Christmas.

Present opening traditionally happens on the floor

Kiana.

Cameras for everyone.

Stacey and the Scoobydoo Castle game.

The Dalton family at Ted’s dad’s house: Ted, Betty, Trot, Elmer, Angie, Rakes and Ciera.

Rakes, Ciera and a New Zealand Police Teddy Bear.

The assembled company (minus Angie behind the camera).

Little and Large.

Kiana Marie