Christmas Eve

A houseful today, proving that our new house is an excellent Christmas house. Pat and Maureen with us this morning, and Beth and James arrived early on in the day too. Although James had to immediately climb back into the car as he had forgotten to pack Beth's presents, probably somewhat preoccupied with having been able to drive Lorraine's new car door over, which had been in their garage over the summer. Beth officially stopped monitoring her phone at close of play today, after a very busy few work months for her.

I spent the day at home with everyone, but seemed to spend hours shopping for a few last minute bits and also visited all three supermarkets. 

Home to do a bit of wrapping, chatting with Toby who was supposed to have flown to Japan today, but a once in a generation 'weather bomb' created snowy blizzard conditions all through the eastern US, and sub zero temperatures as far down as Texas. Toby had one of those ghastly airport days, and ended up having to return at home again with Romy already in Japan. 

Spoke to Mum who successfully booked a table at the Waggon and Horses for their Christmas Lunch.

Home and the evening of the big spread, all kinds of lovely food, Beth and Lorraine having baked things like salmon tart, and sausage rolls, and something Beth found she quickly called Scooby swirls of pastry with sausage meat, cranberry and camembert and herbs. We all ate these in our dining room, which is excellent for dining in. 

Later Beth, James, Lorraine and I played a game of Uno in the dining room while sipping some fine boozes and Pat and Maureen basked in the glow of our new TV. All well. Everyone went to bed, me staying up and listening to a few tunes until Lorraine texted me saying it was too loud. Sound proofing within the house not exemplary.