Its been a busy old time lately so here is a quick run down of what I have been up to this Christmas period:

Christmas Eve

Rich and his buddies braved the snow to play their traditional game of golf complete with orange balls and a loser lady golfer trophy (‘won’ by Ste). while they were trudging around the frozen course, I spent the morning doing arts and crafts with Millie, my 4-year-old niece while Millie’s mum, my sister-in-law got some last-minute shopping done.

After golf, the boys and the girls (and kids) met up for some lunch. Rich and I then made our way to his parents’ house and after a visit to an elderly family friend, Uncle Les, we had a relaxing night in.

Christmas Day

We woke early and managed to resist the presents long enough for me to drive down to Banbury to visit Auntie Joan. In the meantime, Rich and his parents visited Millie and Daisy and their parents (Rich’s brother and his wife).

Upon returning to Rich’s, we got in the main business of the day: presents and food! I got lots of treats including a fancy new blender – so chuffed although Rich mum was appalled with how happy I was with it!! We had a smashing traditional Christmas dinner. Afterwards, Rich’s auntie, uncle and cousins joined us and we had a fiercely competitive game of Pictionary (girls v boys – the girls won, natch).

We finished the evening playing guitar hero and drinking brandy with port.

Boxing Day

Another early start was needed so we could get down to Cornwall to meet up with my family in a decent time. after a pretty decent journey (during which I managed to leave my new jacket at the services), we arrived at the very lovely Hustyns resort near Wadebridge in North Cornwall. We spent the afternoon in the pool, sauna and steam room, had a game of pool in the games bar and then ate a superb dinner with my mum, dad and brother.

Sunday 27th

My family left Hustyns after breakfast but Rich and I had an extra night so we went out to Tintagel, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and Port Isaac , where Doc Martin is filmed. Tintagel Castle is just a ruin now but the dramatic landscape made the visit worthwhile and Port Isaac is a very pretty unspoilt fishing village where we enjoyed a hot chocolate.

We spent the evening watching DVDs at the hotel since we just want to chill put after all the hubbub of Christmas.

Monday 28th

We left Hustyns and stopped in Boscastle for breakfast. Well-known in the UK following the awful flood in 2004, the town has put itself back together and is a very pretty spot. we then drove on to Clovelly, another untouched village and ended up at Ilfracombe, Devon in the afternoon. We stayed at a superb B&B Norbury House which I would highly recommend. we had a walk round the town in the dark and then had some dinner at a pub recommended by our landlord.

Tuesday 29th

We drove home with bad snow threatened but never really appearing. It was a relief to get home despite our enjoyable trip. Upon opening my Sew Hip magazine, I was delighted to find our clubs feature was in print.

Wednesday 30th

I was back at work and I caught up with my co-workers (AKA my family). Rich and I spent the evening bawling our eyes out watching the harrowing but necessary Tsunami: Caught on Camera.  Once we realised that it was on, we felt we couldn’t just it off.

Thursday 31st

We had a little lie in then hopped on the train to Birmingham so that Rich could spend his Snow and Rock vouchers (buying a very nice jacket) and then after a fruitless search for new crockery (my latest obsession), we braved Sainsbury’s (mayhem etc) and then got home.  We cleaned up the house ready for our evening soiree with 6 friends complete with fajitas, tequila, Pictionary and music.  We were up til 4am so I expect the rest of today will be spent lazing around with maybe just a little walk later to blow out the cobwebs.

I hope to back to some regular posting now.  I am sure there will be some reflection on the past year and decade with some resolutions for the next 12 months.

Happy New Year to all!