Wow it seems as if I had disappeared from earth into space

Its been that long since I last wrote anything, and worse I also had no time to read other people's blogs and make comments. SO SORRY. So much has happened. November 29 th John had a car accident and had his thumb pulled out of its socket and was in a plaster/plastic caste for three weeks, (all is fine there) but his car wasn't, its still being repaired due to the insurance company ballsing everything up, and new parts that need to be imported from Europe. Luckily John was able to rent a car in spite of his advanced age so we weren't stuck as me and the Jellies not so happy about traveling in the Stag, although I miss an automatic, hire car = Ford Fiesta with gears.

Any way December wasn't easy what with Christmas and having to get my Xmas presents finished. All members of the immediate family received a Mac photo album + videos on a DVD. I had spent months learning how to do this, most of my one-to-one sessions were spent on that, but it was well worth it. And now (by request) I got from the family Final Cut 4 which should make my films a lot better. When I mentioned that I had been given this to one of my trainers their reply was that I must be getting on ever so well as only specialised trainers could help me there. I also got myself the corresponding book so perhaps I will be fine.

To begin with the Xmas festivities my ladies in Stitch & Chatter had decided not to go out for a Christmas lunch but instead have a Xmas tea here in Flat 1. Every one brought something, I resuscitated my Xmas table clothes and bought some special table candle decorations (which I later used in Flat 2) and we had a wonderful time feasting , giving cards and little 'gifties'. I really wasn't in the mood for too much Christmas decorations as my back and sciatic nerve was paining me so much that the pain killers took all my energy away (but of that more later). Actually I suddenly got in the mood on Christmas Eve after listening to the 9 lessons and Carols from King's College which was magical, and really put me in the mood. Nonetheless only the minimal decoration and our fake tree was brought up as John had stored every thing under the stairs in the cellar which was inaccessible . Still with greenery gathered/stolen from the woods it all looked quite festive.

However Christmas Eve and Day John and I were on our own, every one was celebrating with their own families, and John and I had our presents on Christmas day; lots of lovely things, one a super fleece top for me, and jeans and a new jacket for John as well as the Poirot series and Miss Marple with Joan Hickson for me. She was by far the best Miss Marple of them all. We went for some good walks and just took it easy although I was also working on Alessia's sampler that had to be finished by the 12th of Jan.

The various families came for lunch on various days after: John's two sons and new daughter-in-law on the 27th; the St. Albanites + Fred on the 28th, and on the 30th Mike, Rita & Alessia with Fred. He was staying with each of the families so of course he was welcome. I had ordered most of the food from Waitrose so all I had to do is stick food in the oven and lay the table. I had main courses, puddings and snick snacks for all the days. Worked very well only the fridge and freezer were overflowing and some of the food had to be stowed out side. Luckily the weather played along as after Xmas we had some very cold weather; it was freezing below -2 0r -1 for several days and below that at night. Waitrose came up trumps and included instructions with all the main courses, vegs. and even the snick snacks except for the glazed gammon. With that came nothing so I assumed it was table ready. On the 27th just before we were due to sit down I wasn't too happy about its looks, cut a sliver off and found it red and not pink. What to do, panic panic! Had brilliant idea and bunged it into the microwave for 20 min. on high. Then into the oven for final glazing. It was superb, and the best of all the main courses. I will remember that.

On the 28th as I said Paul, Fiona Caitlin Shaun and Fred came; and after lunch we gave each other the various presents; especially Louise's wonderful photo album with all her Tuscan photos. They are really great and something to be looked at many a time.

Opa Fred and Caitlin in the kitchen
And on the 30th it was Michael, Rita & Alessia came for lunch

as you can see Alessia loves to make a mess by emptying our bucket of theatre programs, and then she will tidy up again.

And she is about to start walking, with a little help from Opa.

After the New Year which we spent at home watching our new videos; there was Fiona's 50th surprise dinner in St Albans which was really wonderful, her parents and brother & sister-in-law plus Darra Paul's best man with his family and of course John and myself had been invited to lovely restaurant in St. Albans.

Because it was so freezing cold John gave in to my pleas and we left the Jellies at home, rather than taking them with us and having them for 4 1/2 hours freezing in the car. They were perfectly okay and I don't think the were aware of our absence.

the white icicles on this bush with red berries will show how cold it was.

Must go now to have my toenails clipped. And prepare Jellies and our meal afterwards

So bye bye ....................................................... to be continued tomorrow my post on Fiona's party, John's 81st and Beanie's first birthday party.