Final day of the year

Had a slow start in this household! I was awake when Tim went to work at 1.30am this morning, having gone to bed quite late (for me) after our friends had gone home. Then I decided that since this is the longest day of the year I was going to lay in bed until after 9am and take it very easy all day.

The good news is that Genghis is once more sitting on his cushion underneath the computer desktop as I type this post, so things are looking up for him! He is taking his medicine, eating a little more and seems to be regaining weight so we are over the moon right now. It's so hard when a family member/pet is getting on in years, especially when you have been through so much with them, and spent a lifetime as one another's companions, to accept that a time is approaching when they have to leave you, but Genghis is made of hardy stuff so we remain optimistic. That awful feeling I had went, just as suddenly as it came, and I am sticking with that intuitive, gut feeling to tell me how he is really doing. Finka is relieved too!!

There are fireworks going off already here. I have got the sedative for Finka this evening, and so far she is doing fine. Genghis doesn't seem to be affected any more, but she jumps at the slightest thing so needs to stay calm. Her current 'no no' is playing my ipod downstairs. First sign that music is going to be played and she runs off upstairs! She disappeared whilst our friends were here last night, but no sooner had I shut the front door than her paws were racing back down stairs again and into the living room to sleep! Such a dear, funny thing she is!

I am thinking about Resolutions and what my one word for 2012 will be. Not got there yet! Still one day to go............

Be safe this evening with all those fireworks everyone, and I wish you a VERY HAPPY 2012.
Thanks to all for reading my musings for yet another year!!
Sue xx

Dinner Party

This evening the usual suspects are coming round for dinner here. Tim will be enjoying his a tad early as it is his night for early to bed, early to rise, especially given that it is probably going to be a marathon one!!
Last night his baker came round with his special home-made garlic sauce for our Gourmet on Sunday, and 6 delicious Apple Beignets for us. We had a lengthy chat which was really nice, and there is also  a real chance of a job in the summer for Tim if all goes to plan. That would be fantastic!

This morning I went off early to get my hair cut - quite a shock after it being rather long and curly for a while now. It will grow back!! Then I have been slowly preparing parts of the meal so that I don't have to rush later on, and can enjoy it all free of stress. What are we eating?

Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Parsnips in Maple Syrup
Chardonney Carrots
New Potatoes
Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Garlic Bread
......
Strawberry Champagne Pannacotta
Black and Redberry Trifle
Warm Winter Fruits with Orange Chantilly Cream
Chocolate Rum Cake
.......
Coffee.

It all sounds really good so if I cook everything perfectly then it will be a triumph!!! If not..........ah well, there's always next time!! I have never made a pannacotta before so I did a couple of tiny taster pots for me and Tim last night, and I was delighted with the result. The hard part will be getting it to pop out of the tin in one gorgeous go! The trifles are always fine, and the cake is my special, keep it in the freezer, one a year highly calorific dessert that we just lurve. As you can see, I prefer making puddings to mains but I am fairly safe with a chicken!!

It is a beautiful day here actually. The sun is a winter one so not warm but it does look inviting outside. Finka went for a little plod around in the back, but it was too cold for her I suspect. Genghis is eating better but still has an upset tummy so although I see signs of improvement, he still is not off the worried list.
Sue xx

Feeling better

possibly - I think Genghis is feeling a tad more lively today. He came upstairs, he tried some cat biscuits and he has eaten some Turkey; all very good signs I think. We just gave him a shot of medicine in his mouth which shocked the poor boy somewhat, but it is worth seeing if it helps with whatever it is that is bothering him.

Today I took all the decorations down again. I hate having them up once Christmas has passed. I like things to return to normal and prepare for the coming year. It takes a while to lose that Christmassy look around the house, it all seems so bare by comparison, but it is Christmas Past already, and we can look forward to next year and all being here together.

Last night we had a go with my little portable printer. It worked fine but I need to discover how to place the photo correctly to prevent the chopping off of heads!! Colour etc is fine, so I am eager to print out all the Christmas photos and complete the mini album I started. Something to look forward to tomorrow morning.

Friends coming on Friday evening for supper so that is a wonderful reason to cook something different!
I want to start tomorrow so my thinking cap is going on and I am flipping through my cookery books with pleasure once again.

Stil to face the ironing....................there's a lot of it so that is what is keeping me from attacking it I suppose. Ah well, won't get done on its own I suppose...........
Sue xx

Shopping

Tim is going to Sweden in February for three weeks so today we took advantage of the sales and went to Alkmaar to search for a coat and some good shoes/boots for him. A coat? We looked everywhere but simply couldn't please the young man at all! Then we searched for a shop selling Timberlands because that was absolutely the one and only make he was prepared to contemplate. I suggested we go in all the different shoe shops since you can't tell unless you go in and ask, whether they sell them or not, but no, he knew better than me. Took so much longer! Finally we stumbled across exactly the same pair as he had at home but in the wrong colour and several years old, but not at the sale price. All the ones next to this pair were reduced. I refused. I suggested he try the other colours which were reduced. He preferred the first pair. Eventually the sales guy offered the pair Tim preferred at the same sale price and we all left the shop happy bunnies!!! We got some pyjamas as well, since I reckon he will be staying in a sort of youth hostel where he has to go down the corridor to the bathroom, therefore needs something to wear in the night.....he is convinced otherwise, but I feel sure he will be thanking me when he gets home!!! The coat did not happen. He has an idea in his head of what he is looking for - and we didn't see it. A chip off the old block(s) if ever there was one!!!!
A nice early lunch in our favourite cafe-bar and off to the vets for Finka's sedatives. She needs them for 31st December and the fireworks at midnight. Worked a treat last year. Whilst we were there I mentioned our concerns about Genghis to the assistant and I am just waiting to speak with our vet and decide how we can help him for the best. Its just this feeling I have about him..............
Sue xx

Not such glad tidings

My mother was admitted into hospital on Christmas Day following a recent fall. She has fractured her pelvis in three places, and is generally unwell. Thankfully my sister lives close by and is there to make sure she gets the right health care etc. Sometimes it is difficult living on the other side of the water!!! Just have to wait and see how she fares this coming week and hope for the best.
Sue xx

Last check

and Santa is on his way! Google Earth has a Santa Tracker which shows exactly where he is and where he is going to next!! He was heading for Lithuania when I looked so getting closer all the time!
I've put out his Mince Pie and some White Chocolate Liqueur this year as a change from the usual Sherry.
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas!!! Time for bed I think.
Sue xx

The day before the day...........

is all about shopping, cooking, last minute jobs, listening to carols, watching films, and generally getting ready!!! So what have I done so far this morning?......................

seeing the tulips starting to fill out

Seeing the cats loving their Christmas present!!!

Adding the last decoration to the top of the tree

Starting off the Bread Sauce

Breadcrumbs for the sauce!

Orange and White Chocolate Mousse Cake for in the freezer!

All in all I am satisfied with the way things are going. Tim is still not home having started in the bakery at 1a.m - it now being 12.30.......so I am anticipating an extremely tired young man home this afternoon. He worked over 12 hours yesterday, and long days since Monday and his mood was not getting any better last night!! He did get some cash though, which was really nice of his placement as the kids don't get anything for all they do when they are in school. He can save it towards Sweden!!!
Finka has taken a dislike to my CD of  Carols and departed as fast as her long legs could carry her when I put it on this morning! Genghis is too worn out to even think about moving from his soft spot on the radiator...........I am still worrying about him.

Last night I stayed up late (for me), and watched The Nativity on BBC 2 which I loved and laughed at. Then it was The Miracle on 34th Street of course, which is a must at Christmas, so all that is left is to find something for this evening, continue with the dinner preparations, bring out the presents once Tim is in bed.............put out the sherry and mince pie for Father Christmas...............and wait.
Sue xx

T'was the Night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Morning market

Off out into the dark shortly as I want to get to the market early and be able to park the car!! Then its picking up our Turkey, and doing as much of the food shopping as possible today. Still no decision about our pudding so we have to think about that still, but for the rest we are satisfied with our choices.

There was reason to celebrate here last night but I will wait to elaborate until the good news has been shared elsewhere! But we are very, very happy!! Sometimes being happy for someone else is just as rewarding as if it were for yourself.

Tim was up and away in the early hours as he is anticipating a really busy day at work. He had made a delicious chocolate Tulband yesterday of which there was little left by the time I came home! I need to marzipan our cake today as well.....its so small I keep forgetting it is there! The fudge has set better now, so it is in chunks in the fridge, and still highly edible. Might make a present from it yet!

I am off in search of a cat hammock this morning as it is supposed to be their present! We had one last year but Finka practically shredded the fur on it so it is kinda bald in patches. They are pressed against the radiator on my stool right now, so I think they are hinting quite clearly that the hammock is better!
See what I can find......................
Sue xx

Love this!

My CD of Christmas Carols has two with amazing fanfare intro's. Turn the volume up and prepare to get goosebumps my friends!!!!
Sue xx

Reading Matter (s)

I love reading.
I love books.
I think I might like an e-reader........but not at the cost of buying real books!!
Is it sacrilege to even consider wanting one?..................just so that when I go away I don't have to lug at least 5 or 6 books with me and take up valuable suitcase space? Would it feel the same in my hands as a beloved book does?

Here is a list of some of the books that are my favourites, though definitely not in an order of preference! Just the way I wandered up and down the bookshelves jotting down the titles:-

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis.
The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Tolkein.
Little Women & whole series, L.M Alcott.
All Austen novels!
Far from the Madding Crowd & all Thomas Hardy novels.
The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin.
Life is a Verb, P. Digh.
The Guernsey Literacy & Potato Peel Pie Society, M.A. Shaffer & A. Barrows.
The Shadowy Horses, Susanna Kearsley.
The Family from One End Street, Eve Garnett.
Precious Bane, Mary Webb.
Gone with the Wind, M. Mitchell.
The Mill on the Floss, G. Eliot.
Silas Marner, G. Eliot.
Children of the New Forest.
A Wedding in December, A. Shreve.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, A. Bender.
One Day, D. Nicholls.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog, M. Barbery.
Penguin Poems for Life.
No! I don't want to join a bookclub, V. Ironside.
Elsewhere, G. Zevin.

I could go on much longer!! How do you choose a new book? Me, I like titles and covers. Then I read the last few pages and decide whether I like the ending or not. If all these things are compelling, then I buy it. Simple. No good ending = no book. I am (still) writing my own book, and the ending is already in my mind. I wrote my essay for my course and I knew the last sentence almost before I began. I guess I like to work things out backwards. Sometimes knowing the ending helps me get through the storyline; in life as well as in fiction!! It is a habit that  some would warn against as it takes away the element of surprise and enjoyment, however I beg to disagree. I like to savour something for as long as possible! Same as with Christmas presents. My children and I tend to prefer to know what is under that tree for around 99% of the time. I suppose it has to do with not being able to hide disappointment and not wanting to hurt someone else's feelings.......................keeping emotions under wraps and so on. I do like to surprise others though, which is a contrary statement I know, but that is more to do with enjoying being aware of things that other people like through the year, but you know won't get for themselves. One always hopes that the books or presents one gives away will be appreciated for the thought that went into buying them and the love that goes with giving them.
It's only 4 more days.........................
Sue xx

Indie in de tree!!!

spot the black and white tree decoration!!!

                                               

will it, won't it?

From frost and ice yesterday to more temperate degrees today! No wonder people get ill at this time of year! We wrap up warmly one day and strip off the layers the next; are you sneezing yet?

This morning its time for my foray into town. I don't often go...........my preference for the quiet life and a thrifty lifestyle keep me away..........but there are a couple of things I can only get from the larger stores there so I need to go. Early. When they are just opening. Before the crush. Avoiding long queues. In the quiet. Back before I am missed! Ok, I can do this!!!!

Not sure how the fudge turned out. It was a delicious, sticky, chocolaty, gooey, sweet splodge yesterday, not really resembling fudge that much but still gorgeous. And edible! Ah well............

I am loving the Chris Evans Show this week as he showcases all the different versions being sung or played of The Military Wives Song. It is so great how all the schools and choirs and bands and organisations are getting together and recording their own versions and sending them in to be played on the breakfast show. I had tears in my eyes listening yesterday. This morning he has a male voice choir singing carols - you know me, I love a good tune!!! Lets hope it makes the Christmas No One slot!

Right, time to get myself ready.
Sue xx

Last week preparations

Just a teeny bit in love with my boots!!!

 Here are my wonderful boots that I bought at Trentham Gardens little shops! They are so comfortable, I could sleep in them!! They have even got me wearing dresses!!!

Ready for this years Christmas Menu to be typed and popped inside.

I made this a few years ago now, and we write/type the menu inside so that we have a record each year of what we have made. All adds to the decoration on the table!

Chocolate Fudge with a smidgen of Cointreau....yum.

This is my first attempt at making Fudge so I hope it tastes as good as it did when I poured it into the tin!!

Mince pies with a cake topping.

We still have a lot of pastry left over from Tim's batch at the weekend so I decided to add a sponge top to the last teaspoonfuls of the mincemeat I made myself, to try and make it last longer. Having tried one, I can vouch for their deliciousness!!!!

Well, it is the last week before Christmas and I am counting down the days and the tasks that I need to do during each one because it usually just seems to run away with itself each year. I have one or two more presents I'd like to find, and then it is the trip to the market and the shop to collect the Turkey etc. I don't do much pre-freezing as I prefer to do it all right at the end. It sort of makes Christmas Eve more special.

We went to see Sherlock Holmes last night and it was every bit as good as the first one. I'd also gone to visit a friend in Amsterdam during the afternoon and the drive there was not so nice! I went through every weather imaginable from bright, low sun, to ice and snow and hail!!! The sky was absolutely black in some patches and even some flashes of lightning appeared in the distance. Around Purmerend it was just a standstill as the snow came out of the blue and no-one was expecting it. Still, I did ok, and Sooty was wonderful and we made the trip safely.

I hope that you are all getting into the final countdown with peace and serenity and as little stress as possible! My thoughts are with Becci as she has a job interview tomorrow, and we are crossing everything for her. Tim is in the bakery all week so I am expecting a very tired lad by Saturday evening.
Me, a little bit of work this week, and the rest is coming along nicely.
Sue xx

BBC Christmas

So Harry and Aliona won last night as we watched and cheered!! It was a tremendous end to this series and well deserved winners too.

Merlin was also the series finale last night but it is a two-parter and we are struggling with the idea that we are going to have to wait a whole year to see how it ends!!! Cool series, for young and old alike.

And I was just browsing the new-look youtube and came across this Christmas programme:- The Borrowers. I used to love these books as a child, and I do remember a very good series that the Beeb made one year . . . .this one looks like an equally good modern take on it, so I hope to watch it soon. There is Great Expectations as well - what is Christmas without Dickens? (though I am personally not a huge fan) and James Herriot - all the old favourites given a re-make. I am totally looking forward to Absolutely Fabulous as even their trailer has me in stitches!!
But today belongs to Sherlock as Tim and I are going to see the new film this evening.  It is our December treat to one another since it is still a while before The Hobbit, next on our list!!

Tim made excellent mince pies again yesterday - the pastry is ever so crumbly!! There is quite a bit left over so I plan to use it up tomorrow with some little buns etc, with a christmassy feel to them. Just need to see whether I still have some almonds lurking in the drawer.
Sue xx

Cat concerns

We have two Siamese cats, as you probably know by now!! Genghis is our elder statesman and is well into his fourteenth year. He is aging, and I am seeing that on a day to day basis now, sadly. He is sleeping most of the time - apart from here where he has settled himself next to the very warm radiator for the day! He is eating and drinking and not showing any signs of being poorly, although I have this worrying feeling at the back of my mind that all is not well. I have these dreams, premonitions, call them what you like, but it is making me very sad at times, because we love him so very, very much.
So I am giving him treats and taking his photo and allowing him to sleep where he likes ( when has he done otherwise?) and he is receiving all the love and attention we can bestow on him. We bought him home all those years ago, in Yorkshire, when he was just old enough to leave his mum, and he has travelled with us on our journeys ever since. He has always been Tim's best friend, and when he came home just now, the first thing I heard downstairs was him going to see Genghis, stroke him and say 'hello my Geng.' We are going to search in the attic shortly for the cat hammock so he can get even closer to the warmth of the radiator without burning himself!! It's hard, isn't it, when you sort of know you are approaching an ending........................I just hope it can be delayed as long as possible but at no cost to our beloved friend.
Sue xx

Taking shape!!!

I think it helps scale the reindeers when you see them next to bauble trees and tealights!!! It's coming along!
Sue xx

Paper Reindeers

tiny reindeer next  to my computer mouse!

Cute or what?!!

I still have to actually get dressed this morning but making this tiny paper reindeer for my forest came first on my list of priorities!! He really is tiny but not difficult to make. I copied the pattern from the Prima magazine if you want some too. I think you are supposed to enlarge the template but I need little tiny ones otherwise the trees will be out of proportion. So, now I have satisfied myself that I can make them, I will get dressed and take him downstairs to his spot in the trees and see how many more I need to complete the decoration!!
My plans this morning include making some fudge and since it is absolutely tipping it down outside, I am not going anywhere!
Sue xx

My absolute favourite Christmas Film!!!

I love it!! I love to sit down and watch it every year and I never tire of  seeing it. One day perhaps I'll get the new HD version as it is a so much better quality picture and sound. This is my favourite part of the film. It keeps the magic alive doesn't it?
Sue xx

De Driesprong Christmas Show

you can see me in the background taking this picture as we approached the display!!

Today I travelled to Zoetermeer to spend a few hours with my friend Ineke. It was great to see her and to  have chance to chat about all sorts of things that are of interest to us women! (Yes, we have no need to dwell on such issues as motorbikes)!!!! We went to De Driesprong Garden Centre for a mooch round and it was as lovely as ever. They really do a great show! Ineke and I were very restrained and only bought two items that, as she said, just jumped into our baskets all by themselves............and once I have made a little table decoration with mine, I will add that photo as well. Just a bit worried that Finka will think a little forest is just for her delight....
The weather held reasonably well and I was home before the heavens opened and it started to thunder etc. Tim said it had been bad all day here, but I drove home in the dry, and only had one hold up on the ring around Amsterdam due to an accident by the Coentunnel. I sat there for about 20 minutes but that was the only problem I encountered luckily. Though you do see some crazy drivers out there!!!
Here is a rather poorly lit photo of Ineke with her tree at home:

However it does have some nice Christmassy tones so I am not worried about the lack of David Baileyness in my artwork!!! (gosh, showing my age if he is whom I can reference here!!!)
Thank you so much Ineke, it was lovely to see you and next time when the days are longer we will have more time together. xx
Sue xx

Christmas Lunch

Today we are having our Christmas Lunch at work. It is blowing a gale outside and really terrible weather...and I want to wear a dress!!! Oh, wait, now I have boots so its ok!! Yey!
Luckily I have waterproofed them already.
The last presents are being wrapped and decisions made as to who will get what.  I don't usually have any problems deciding what to give people, but this year I was really happy to discover so many lovely things. I spent an hour yesterday going through all the site names that I had jotted down from the magazines, deciding which to keep and which to pass ( the expensive ones got ignored!) and am pleased with my select few. I especially love the 'notonthehighstreet' and 'dotcomgiftshop' sites! Fabulous, darling! Next year................well, I have more places to browse now shall we say?

One of the most important little tasks in December is always the transfer of information from one diary to another. I don't have anything other than a diary for my handbag and one for by the computer, but they are my' hard drive storage' and I would be lost with out them. Nothing electrical or fancy - but I do like to have the same one every year qua format, just with different pictures!! Tim gave me one for my handbag so it is a change from the usual but it is a nice one too. A 'keep calm & carry on' one! Was he hinting at something?!
Sue xx

Making Winter blog hop

I took part in the November one so here I am again! This time with the December Daily post as this is my current activity. About to feed the cake with more Whiskey and get some more Mince Pies made!
Continue with my current album, write and post and pack cards and presents, and all in an incredibly stress-free mood ( now!! ;-) ). Happy hopping!!
Sue xx

December Daily 2011

2010

2009

2011

Here are my photos of my december daily albums. It's an activity that many, many people take part in, initiated by the inimitable Ali Edwards a few years ago to scrapbook and record her December with her young family. Mine are nowhere on the same scale as hers but I still get as much pleasure out of creating them each year. Same as I love seeing Tim Holtz's 12 Tags each time and attempting to create some for myself. The ones  I made last year form the basis of my album as I included them in it once Christmas was over and I took them down with the other decorations. Take a look at their blogs, folks and see what you think!

Sue xx

Strictly speaking...

we are pleased with the semi-final results last night, and happy that Chelsee, Harry and Jason are through to the final this coming Saturday. I am off to Ann's to watch it there, and make a nice evening of it. I want Harry to win. Or Chelsee if he doesn't, and Jason as third. Simple. These are my choices!!
We are getting off to a slow start this morning. Tim seems reluctant to go to school (what's new?) and I am up because his clothes needed ironing for baking. Otherwise I was still sound asleep. This week is always the one where you feel that time is running away with you and the cards and presents need to be in the post already and the menu planning well underway if not decided, and the last minute wrapping under control etc. I am not quite there! The ones to the UK and other far-flungcorners MUST go this week. So I have to make decisions and get off to the post office this afternoon really . . . . . tomorrow I am at the centre's Christmas Lunch and Wednesday at my friend Ineke's, so two days away. C'mon Suzanne! Get on with it!
I am also going to diet strictly up until Christmas Eve, since being in England for even a few days hit my waistline quite hard!!

I was rummaging around in my cupboard yesterday and sought out my previous December Daily albums. I like to have them in the room downstairs during the run-up. I am busy with this years but won't be adding the photos until I have taken them all - and Father Christmas has delivered!! There might be something really useful in his sack this year!! I don't do the whole month, like Ali Edwards, however I do like to keep a record of how we do things here every year. There will be some photos that capture the same activities year in year out, and then there are others which are new. All in all, it is a lovely reminder in the end, of another years ending. I will add them to my post later on.
Sue xx

Back home again.

Its good to be home again but I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to my daughter and her partner in Stafford. The weather was not nice- pretty much the same as here really - but it was not snowing and not freezing and there were no problems apart from when I arrived at the airport. Becci was trying frantically to get in touch with me to say that there were no trains to Stafford so she was not there to meet me. She was trying to take the bus to Lichfield so I caught two trains to there, and eventually we did meet one another at the bus station, both even arriving at the same time! It was a long day travelling, but in the afternoon we popped into Stafford and the shopping spree started!! I have to say that we were both really good at sticking to our budgets (Ric) and only bought what we couldn't live without! And guess what; I even found a pair of fantastic boots in the sale at Trentham Gardens Moshulu outlet THAT FIT !!!! I am delighted and since it is the first time in roughly 25 years since I have bought a pair, I think I can safely say it is a proper treat for myself this time. They are so comfortable I don't want to take them off! I managed to do all the request shopping for friends back here as well, so when it came to packing my suitcases again - I was very unsure about the weight of them. I squeezed in with 1 kilo to spare! Thank goodness KLM has a generous baggage allowance. Means they win hands down over BMI baby every time!
Here are some of my photos:

Becci & Ric at the airport when I was leaving.

Me & my girl.

Miss Indianna Jones ( Indie)

Master Heathcliff Arthur Foster (Heathcliff)

Sitting in my suitcase...

Becci wearing my camp blanket, now hers of course!

Ric, Becci, Janette & Stephen.

I do like to collect the Christmas magazines each year, and this time I had a surprise when I was walking round Sainsburys - a Prima Christmas edition! Reading the editors blurb I realised that the last time they had printed their special edition was over 10 years ago - and she wrote that she thought many readers would still have that copy..................yes I do!!!

Absolutely delighted still by the 1998 one, and use so many of its recipes each year for our Christmas dinner, and the crafts and ideas in this years edition are equally as useful and great to have for the future.

I've just been sitting downstairs with my coffee selecting ones that I'd like Tim to look at and decide with me just which ones we actually can agree on. It's more a case of us wanting to do too many, and struggling to make a choice than that we are miles apart in our choices. Anyway, I had a wonderful time and am so happy I decided it would be good for me to go. Next year they are coming here!!!

Sue xx