Christmas time

 My living room looking lovely!  Just before we sat down for lunch on Christmas day.

Lunch on Christmas day was roast beef.  Was very proud to have grown some of the vegetables including a handful of brussel sprouts, which I mixed with those I had bought.  Parsnips which had survived the chickens almost digging them up and the potatoes, which wasn't bad!  We also had broccoli, carrots, swede, mashed and roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings.  I had a chestnut and parsnip roast.  

We are not smiling as too busy eating!  Everyone said that it tasted good.

Didn't make my usual pudding this year, thought that it was time for a change and made the date and raisin one from the Good Food magazine.  This was served with a salted caramel sauce and brandy butter ice cream  mmmmm....

Here I am looking quite pleased with my efforts and wearing my new chicken apron.

My Dad with their new puppy Lottie.

On Boxing day I cooked again, Roast Turkey this time as the in- laws came to visit.    On Thursday had my 3rd Christmas dinner at my Mums and spent time with my sister and her two children Ashely and Sean.  Sean and Jared cooked the lunch with a Little help!  They did a very good job, with out any stress ( as only two lads of 19 and 20 can)  Yes Chef!
We played cards, as we have done for the last 40? years?? Newmarket and 31's, same games each year and there is always someone who can't remember the rules, how can this be.  One thing that has changed is the amount of the bets.  When we (my sister and me) were young we used to play for pennys, now it has gone up to 5p's for Newmarket and 3 50p's for 31's.  I lost!
I also got a message to say that Alice was on her way home from Russia for a holiday!  Woop woop

So Friday was another busy day, getting ready for the home coming and cooking another Christmas dinner, plus some sausage rolls and mince pies.

After weeks of working, making presents, planning, shopping a cooking we had Christmas! 

But maybe the best bit was yesterday when I did NOTHING!  Just sat and chatted to Alice, did a bit of crochet and went for a walk with Mr HH.  We drank tea, ate leftovers and chocolates- Bliss.