Nice to see everyone over Christmas! Steven and Sherry stayed with us, arriving late on Christmas Eve, having missed the train from London – I was at Christmas Eve Communion when they arrived, although I should point out that this was not as late as it sounds – our service revolves around midnight at Bethlehem, 10pm GMT.
On Christmas morning Chantal and I went for a dog walk while Steven and Sherry were wrapping presents, popping into the pub where there was a great atmosphere, the bar crowded and everyone chatting to everyone else. As usual the length of Chantal’s camera lens attracted attention. It was the first time in a while that I have enjoyed a couple of pints before noon.
Keith joined us for Christmas dinner (Andree was with Ian and Svitlana in Bedford), and Simon and Kate joined us later for a game. I ended the day by falling asleep in front of the TV – I’d been suffering with a cold since Christmas Eve, and it finally caught up with me. In fact on Boxing Day I slept until 1pm, unlike me, but was sufficiently recovered to enjoy a family gathering at Simon and Kate’s, where my sister Pauline and family also joined us all.
On 27th Granddaughters from north and south travelled south and north, bringing parents, and so we had a houseful – no room at the Inn for two nights. We had a late night torch-lit dog walk, stayed up late to watch Harry Potter films, but mostly the girls made the most of being together – four inseparable cousins playing together. On Wednesday morning we all joined Keith for a walk around Thornton Reservoir, just half a mile from Keith’s front door. Keith brought flasks of mulled wine, appreciated by the adults. Hands and Tilleys spent the afternoon with Keith before returning to Croft. Both families headed back home on Thursday morning.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
