We missed our granddaughters over Christmas – two were in Leeds, and two in Oz – but at least this meant that we had a lie in on Christmas morning. As always at Christmas I enjoyed pork pie for breakfast – the Christmas pork pie is a local tradition, but I I think that the idea of a breakfast pie originates from my Dads side of the family. The “children” were still in bed after an evening of market research into my stock of red wines (although Matthew did emerge reasonably early) and so we enjoyed breakfast in bed and exchanged presents. Mine to Chantal had been carefully researched, compared to similar products, and turned out to be exactly what she wanted – a high tech belt for carrying her camera and lenses. The research had, of course, been undertaken by my wife who sent me a web site link and detailed instructions. It’s been many years since I bought a surprise for my wife, after exchanging many gifts that were not quite right.
My present from Chantal was a complete surprise. Many months ago I had been told to keep a particular weekend in January free for my Christmas present. Initially I fretted a bit – I’m not good at surprise activities that I then have to pretend to enjoy, but this present was a winner, a front row ticket to see Cirque Soleil at the Albert Hall! I have always wanted to see a Cirque Soleil performance. Chantal also bought tickets for herself (obviously, or it wouldn’t be such a treat for me) and for Steven and Sherry, since we will be staying with them. It’s going to be a great weekend.
After breakfast Simon came over with his dog, Phil, and they joined me, Matthew, Chantal and our two pooches for a lovely walk in winter sunshine. Chantal and Lesia turned back after a while, since Lesia is still on a regime of shortish walks, leaving the remaining five of us to enjoy a longer than planned walk,
which meant that a pre-lunch test burn in the fire pit, presented and constructed on Christmas Eve, was abandoned in favour of present opening.
Both Simon and Matthew had to leave for Christmas dinners with in-laws and friends respectively, Simon just as my Dad arrived, and Matthew shortly afterwards, which left five of us, including Steven and Sherry, to enjoy a relaxed Christmas dinner, and time passed quickly before Dad had to leave to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Leicester.
Later that evening I got to try my, I mean our, fire pit, and I can confirm that it burns logs very efficiently, and eventually produces a nice warming, if smoky, glow,
although the general opinion of Steven and Sherry was that they were sure that the fire pit would be delightful on a cool summer evening, but that on this particular occasion the central heating was on inside, and East Enders was about to start. The youth of today have no stamina. Since Chantal had some sympathy for this point of view, we retired indoors, although at least I managed to avoid a depressing hour in the company of the East Enders.
It was a lovely relaxed Christmas Day.
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.
