Christmas day
Woke up early at Lorraine's house. Beth, who is 17 going on 7, loudly and comically insisted everyone get up for the opening of presents. A cup of tea then into big present opening session, with Beth, Lorraine, and Lorraine's folks Pat and Maureen. Santa was good to me this year (and not angered by my impersonation of him earlier in the month). Lorraine got me an adjustable beard trimmer, and a digital radio, Beth and Sam got me the new Alice Russel CD, Lorraine's folks a nice cup and shaving gel, Anton, Anna and the bairns got me a Spork (a combination fork, spoon and knife) for outdoors purposes, and self inflating cushion for when we're walking and need somewhere to squat, a book on Brighton Architecture and walks, and some coasters made from the centres of old LPs. All jolly good stuff.
After a big breakfast, and people chatting to various family members by phone (I spoke to Mum and Mase), we all drove off to Beth's boyfriend Mark's house. A warm welcome from Richard and Glenda, Mark's folks, and his grandmother Phyllis, and brother David. First drinks of the day. They were putting on a very brave face, and making the most of Christmas, despite the fact that Glenda tragically lost a sister (who was only in her 40s) only a few days ago. Promises to go for beers with Richard, as Beth and Mark raced two battery powered Grannies complete with zimmer frame.
Then Lorraine drove me and Pat and Maureen down to the sea, for a quick breath of air, and a glimpse of shafts of sunlight pouring through the clouds over the sea.
Back to my house, just as Calliope was phoning the RSPCA to complain about being left alone over Christmas, for some stollen cake and make sure the cat had food, before driving back to Lorraine's house where after we all mucked in chopping vegetables of all descriptions. And Lorraine and I sat in the kitchen having a few cheeky drinks, as what became a wonderful traditional turkey Christmas dinner was pieced together. After eating heroically, we all settled down to watch the new Wallace and Gromit on TV (A Matter of Loaf and Death) which I did, sipping a delicious glass of port.
Walked home in the evening through the quiet, almost carless streets. And spent the last couple of hours of Christmas at home with Calliope purring on my lap.
Below Wallace and Gromit, peerless Christmas entertainment on the BBC.
Woke up early at Lorraine's house. Beth, who is 17 going on 7, loudly and comically insisted everyone get up for the opening of presents. A cup of tea then into big present opening session, with Beth, Lorraine, and Lorraine's folks Pat and Maureen. Santa was good to me this year (and not angered by my impersonation of him earlier in the month). Lorraine got me an adjustable beard trimmer, and a digital radio, Beth and Sam got me the new Alice Russel CD, Lorraine's folks a nice cup and shaving gel, Anton, Anna and the bairns got me a Spork (a combination fork, spoon and knife) for outdoors purposes, and self inflating cushion for when we're walking and need somewhere to squat, a book on Brighton Architecture and walks, and some coasters made from the centres of old LPs. All jolly good stuff.
After a big breakfast, and people chatting to various family members by phone (I spoke to Mum and Mase), we all drove off to Beth's boyfriend Mark's house. A warm welcome from Richard and Glenda, Mark's folks, and his grandmother Phyllis, and brother David. First drinks of the day. They were putting on a very brave face, and making the most of Christmas, despite the fact that Glenda tragically lost a sister (who was only in her 40s) only a few days ago. Promises to go for beers with Richard, as Beth and Mark raced two battery powered Grannies complete with zimmer frame.
Then Lorraine drove me and Pat and Maureen down to the sea, for a quick breath of air, and a glimpse of shafts of sunlight pouring through the clouds over the sea.
Back to my house, just as Calliope was phoning the RSPCA to complain about being left alone over Christmas, for some stollen cake and make sure the cat had food, before driving back to Lorraine's house where after we all mucked in chopping vegetables of all descriptions. And Lorraine and I sat in the kitchen having a few cheeky drinks, as what became a wonderful traditional turkey Christmas dinner was pieced together. After eating heroically, we all settled down to watch the new Wallace and Gromit on TV (A Matter of Loaf and Death) which I did, sipping a delicious glass of port.
Walked home in the evening through the quiet, almost carless streets. And spent the last couple of hours of Christmas at home with Calliope purring on my lap.
Below Wallace and Gromit, peerless Christmas entertainment on the BBC.
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