In between

Christmas day, daughter did her table, normally my role, but this year I spent my time with the children, who had far too many gifts and loads of money, the meal was perfect and traditional, Molly and Will did not have vegetables, George ate everything including red cabbage. Children were happy all day, plenty to keep them entertained. 

This image taken off Facebook, they are on schedule for the work on M27 motorway, the carriage way was removed and a huge hole made ready and the box moved in place, this photo on 27th. Now they have to replace the soil around the box, build the sides and relay the surface, the tunnel will be a road for the new huge housing estate, which will link it to Fareham. They also have to sort the roundabouts out and make the road links into Fareham on the nearside. loads of people are walking to a good viewing spot to watch, the drive to daughters was good, not as bad as we feared, but the roads are very busy.

Another new author to me, not really a thriller, I almost gave up reading at one point, a young couple move into their first dream flat together, neighbours to get along with, what happens when things go wrong. I hoped for a twist, which was weak when it came. Book 82 read this year.

Christmas eve we walked to the village, just some fresh veg needed, it was market day, there were extra stalls, we just got what was on our list, our local bistro was packed so we did not stop. Daughter stayed at home with little ones, daddy promised to spend the day with them, instead of arriving at late morning as promised he arrived at 6pm, apparently unfit to drive before, after a night out, George put himself to bed, Molly would not go to bed as she wanted her dad, Christmas morning Daughter asked us to come earlier, they had not argued, but he was not helping with the children, all their presents had been opened, he left once we arrived. 

Hubby twisted his back and was in some pain, I have another cold, so we came home rather than sleeping over, we had a late start on Boxing day, just the two of us, resting and reading we did not go for a walk. Sadly no leftovers here, we had steak and chips for tea, watching some TV. Daughter spent the day with her older sister, walking along the beach, cousins together. Molly has a chest infection and is taking antibiotics, so no plans to see them in the next few days.

I have wonderful memories of Christmas as a child, full of families, cousins, laughter, never picture perfect, mum loving having everyone together. Things change, as does families, it just seams sad that our mixed family, our children are all from previous partners, whilst never argued are all drifting away. We don't mind being together, we are both happy with our daily lives, I just wish hubby's children would show just a bit more love and care for him. Maybe I'm just a bit cranky this year wishing for an era long gone.

Finished

 This is my brothers cake, I cheated and used simple purchased decorations, along side are my individual cakes they are a bit deep, the balance works well, I have a marzipan top with a icing star, mine are without the marzipan.  They taste great, I will make smaller ones again next year. I have left the top of ours bare, same as daughters, I have no desire to create any decorations and daughter has her own reusable one.

Daughter visited on Saturday with her three to see my brother, Will is feeling much better, he has bounced back quickly. The children played in the garden for a while, it was a dry day, I had planned to do some crafting but it was just too busy, so I sent this paint yourself nativity set home with them, Sunday they visited Santa so they can paint afterwards. 

Sunday the children went to see Santa, George and Molly were very excited, Will is now making commitments about him being fake, at 8 years old the bubble has burst. Daughter asked them to sit on the snowman seat together, I loves this scene, this seat has featured in many of our Christmas photos. 

Sunday my brother spent a few hours with his daughter and grandson, we walked to our local Co-op, did not need much, I got a nice selection of cheeses and patè, we got some fresh veg as well. Once again this year hubby received a £50 voucher, its a brilliant gift from his former employer, just to those who completed 20+years service. In previous years its taken a few trips to spend the whole amount, this year we spent over half on our first visit.

It's quiet here my brother does not want to go out much, he's OK walking to the village, no stopping for coffee and cake, does not want to walk to shore or castle. Hubby does get bored staying in every day, so I'm juggling two different men to keep everyone happy. My brother does not accept compromise, even at our house he likes things on his terms, which as I become older is hard work. I love him dearly but I wish he was just a little more accepting to our ways. 

I have wrapped all the childrens presents, and was surprised how many bits we have for the grandchildren, I lost track of my purchases, should have made a list, they will be happy. I managed to find daughter a gift, it should arrive by midweek, then I am completely done.

Hand made

 The knitting ladies have been busy again, these bollards are at the top end of the prescient, they are the first thing we see when walking to our shops. They have made all the decorations for our village Christmas tree, with very mixed reactions, many people are complaining it looks cheap, I love it.

Talking of handmade decorations, Lilly was caught in the act of vandalism, my needlefelted santa bauble, its the first item she has taken from the tree. I can put it back smooth easily, we shall keep an eye on her.

At our local garden centre they had bulbs at 75% off so I got a couple packs for just £3.50, they are already in pots. I also planted a small hellebore in my large pot at back of garden, the previous one has not returned this year. 

I recently saw this Hawkstone cider from Jeremy Clarkson's brewery, I got a bottle to try, shared with hubby and brother, we all agreed it was lovely, a proper cider flavour, I will get it again. We have no desire to visit his farm or pub, but can understand why his brewery is flourishing. 

Will is unwell, he has the flu, he's really poorly with it, fortunately he can wrap up warm in mums car for the little ones school run, she is able to park inside the school gates to keep George safe, so Will is safe whilst she collects them. The bugs are really bad in the schools, over half of Will's class is off sick, attendance has dropped, I'm sure most teachers and parents are praying for the Christmas break to start. We are hoping to avoid the worse of the bugs and hope our flu jabs will protect us.

Hubby had his cardiology appointment,  reasonable results, better than we hoped but still a slight decline, they monitor his kidneys as well, we know how we can keep him well, luckily they have not changed any medication which always gives him issues, getting older is no fun.

I've not been reading much, I started a book again couple of weeks ago which was boring, I finally decided to give up on it, its been a busy few weeks, I have just started another book as most of my items on my list is ticked off.

Having my brother here stops us going out so much, he is not a fan of shopping, we did pop into Fareham a couple of times, I got my new phone cover and sorted a loose fitting pair of glasses. I still need I gift for daughter, and I have no idea, I don't think she knows what she would like, I would rather not give her money. I have already got 3 small gifts to her from the children, they helped me wrap them.

Pagan

I love all the foliage at this time of year, mine is all silk and years old, I have always been Pagan in my decorations, add in candles to make brilliant displays, I also have my vase of poinsettia, seen here.  

Kitchen 

Shelves in  hall

Dining room

Sitting room, with my new Amaryllis. 

It's advent time again, it was my turn to full the tiny bags this year, I got a nice mixture, the unused chocolates will go into a bowl for over the holidays, these were made in 2022 always in first bag our favourite ones.

Daughter got her finger shut in a metal gate last week, nothing broken just badly brushed, I decided to slide down our stairs, jarred my back and a bruise on my bum and foot, we are walking wounded, told hubby to be very careful, its definitely not his turn.

Our quiet life was broken this week, we received a letter from Information Commission Office informing us how our CCTV should be set up, they received a complaint about our motion camera being able to record beyond our property, they state the letter will close the complaint. Firstly we only have static cameras, as checked by local council after next door complained about our rear camera, which she has previously stated she has seen moving towards her side. The cameras were set up years ago because of her unacceptable behaviour, we have filed the letter as another issue she refuses to believe the truth as proven by official's, more time wasting and silly allegations against us. 

I have a busy time until the middle of next week, all nice things, no doubt I will include them in future post, tonight we are out to our local live venue, we are both looking forward to it, hopefully the rain won't be so bad the car park is next to the venue. 

Oh Christmas tree.

 Oh my goodness, what is going on, she has constructed this huge thing, it looks like a tree, but not one I have seen before, what is it doing in the house? is it for me? I'm not sure about the bright lights. 

Oh wait she is now hanging things on it, they do look pretty, not sure if it's for me or not, she left it for a few days, is this a ritual, something special? do I have to do anything.

I sit in the tree outside watching the birds next door, I am fascinated by them, later when they come to feed in our garden I sit under the tree, they won't come if I'm sitting on the branches, she tells me to move out their way.

I am loving my cat tree, I can lie in here and watch the garden, those pesky squirrels are coming in more, she stops them from digging in her garden and they can't get to the bird feeders. 

I'm inside more, I try and give her up to 15 minutes on her lap, I do love her lap blanket. Most of my hiding places outside have gone, she has promised me things will grow back next year, I still don't understand what is happening. 

I do still love our morning cuddles before they get out of bed, both of them give the best scratches, which I love, loudly purring in hope they don't stop, this has not changed at all, which is good, I'm not happy with all the changes going on. 

She has been out most mornings last week, but she came home smelling of my mum, so I gave her extra cuddles, she tells me my mum and brother are both beautiful like me. The little people came on Sunday for lunch, I sat with them as they played, they will share their toys with me, I didn't like to musical ones, they were loud. 

I have decided I will ignore the inside tree, it is shiny, the lights are too bright for me, but they do not flash, which is really good. I am having loads more treats, I like a soft one called Lick e lix in different flavours, all because I am being a good girl. I'm not so good with the shiny silver snowflakes on the stairs, I do love them, she just shrugs her shoulders as she walks past, I ensure I only play with them when no-one can see me.

Tired

My 2023 book arrived this week, the printers are always very fast, I got another copy of my older brothers book, his has gone missing, he does look at it, so a replacement should make him happy. I have done loads on my 2024 book, it will be finished soon, I have also started the template for 2025, I do like the cover to match each year, the only different is the date and photo's.  

I popped into Dunelm for lunch and a quick shop and this star fell into my basket, I do love these lights, its not too big and looks good, it did not take me too long to break my 'no new decorations this year' rule, in my defence it was only £12.

I also got this pretty candle from Tesco, I have two, the led lights work when the candle is lit and looks very pretty, Christmas is creeping in here.

It's school photo time, we already have Wills, we have to decide which ones we like of George and Molly, George is easy as he is smiling in one, both of Molly's are lovely. George has finished his antibiotics, yesterday he was much better, more himself, but tired much quicker, hopefully by Monday he will be OK. Molly has announced she is a star in her school Christmas performance, she will shine in her role. Will also has his lines to learn, I'm not sure if he can read them or needs to know them, he is practicing.

I'm having a restful few days, I will put the tree up in hope Lilly will ignore it, and then decorate the following day, my housework was not done, the corners will have to wait until January. It has been a shock getting up and getting out early, all I do once at daughters is sit with George, he has wanted so many huge cuddles, I have seen The Christmas Chronicles movie so many times, thank goodness is a decent film. 

I am planning to marzipan the two smaller cakes, they both need to be finished earlier than normal, our cake is having a final drink of brandy, I will also finish the small individual cakes, I don't want a last minute rush to get things done this year. I have a small gift to get for hubby, still no idea what to get him, and as yet daughter has not given any hints, I have asked her a few times. Monday we will post some cards, not too many the cost of stamps is so high, its a shame, Christmas cards are always a delight to receive.

Last weekend in November

George had his 6th birthday on Saturday, he had a party a few weeks ago, we spent the day with them at their home, as did grandpa and grandma, he is not at all well, coughing, we had loads of cuddles, we stayed late enjoying a Chinese meal with them, both little ones ate well. He loved this remote controlled dog and played with it for ages, sharing with Molly as well.

These white blooms are a new plant this year, so far I have not lost any buds, I have another white one, it has less buds and is a couple of weeks behind. My plant in the bathroom is stunning, I would like it to be somewhere I can see it through the day, I won't move it as that could cause the flowers to drop.

My wicker basket is out, it's filled with all the early bits I need, cards ect, I'm much later than other years, it won't matter, we only have a few cards to send, just family, the cake bands are in here as well, daughter and brother gives them back each year. There are ribbons, string and tissue paper for wrapping gifts, it's a handy place to keep everything.

Saturday morning was hubby's petanque AGM, they had games before, hubby is a good player, he also coaches for the club, this year he won the shield for individual player, the cup was for their charity match, he won both of these last year. The smaller trophy which he keeps was for a monthly melee, he was runner up and the chocolates was his prize. 

The weekend brought less cold air and rain, both days were grey, Saturday we were out all day, George whilst being poorly is fighting the bugs better this year, we always worry as his weak chest can bring him down rapidly, this time he does look much stronger, daughter managed to get him an appointment at her doctors, they have given him anti biotics, he has not need them this time so they can stay in the fridge. Sunday was a stay at home day for me, hubby was out all of the morning, I got a few of my early Christmas task done, I filled our advent bags, just for the two of us, the unused chocolates will go in a dish for later in the month. 

I am still picking up leaves in the garden and I do need to sort my tulips, I am undecided should I pop them into the back of my huge grey pot, where we can see them from the house, or pot them up and place them on the same huge grey pot, it will be sorted the next dry day we have. 

Oh so cold

 Monday we woke up to lovely blue skies, the temperature had dropped, so whilst it looked nice, it was cold, I spent most of the day inside, I am a soft southerner.

It did not warm up throughout the day

It's a bit early but I have got the Christmas mugs out, hubby did not comment, they will be used for 6 weeks this year, its a simple but festive change, they are all years old.

The Christmas cakes have had another soak of brandy, daughters cake won't get a 3rd soak, the children loved my rich fruit cake, so I put less brandy in it. I have started thinking about the final decorations, no decisions yet.

It's been a bit of a nothing week, I did my final proof read of my book 2023, I found a couple little errors, the discount email came through on Thursday, so I've sent it for printing. I'm doing well on 2024, I will make my post from this year 2025 into another book and then stop printing them, all the grandchildren are in school, my post aren't so full of happy photos. 

Our heating failed to work on Tuesday morning, it was cold we had our first frost, we had hot water, so the boiler was working, hubby checked our hive, which would not link to the boiler on the schedule programme so we used the manual settings, he has disconnect and reconnect which seams to have sorted the issue, later we popped to Asda, mainly a stock up with bits we can't get at Lidl, it was horrible, I really dislike those huge stores, we did not buy many Christmas treats, sticking to our view to have less treats. We should now be OK and not require another visit until the new year, we both hate supermarkets in December. 

Wednesday was a day at home, hair cut in morning, she comes to my house, housework was done and a lazy afternoon. Thursday I had an eye test, new glasses have been ordered, it was expected, my eyesight has deteriorate this year, they will be ready in a couple of weeks. Today we were going out, but George is poorly and Will has a day at home, so we will stay home incase we are needed, George's oxygen levels can drop very quickly. 

I've still not done any crafting, I have truly lost my mojo, I have wool, fabrics, needle felting and cross stitch supplies, and a few different ideas, but I just can't get started, I am reading again.

Red and white

My cactus in our downstairs bathroom is full of blooms again, I love this plant, the shade of pink is very striking, I feed it twice a year and water it when dry, it loves this sunny window sill. I have another small white blooms plant and a few cuttings in the greenhouse. 

I got a couple new plants, a second white blooms cactus and a white Christmas rose (hellebore), these are for my Christmas greenery display, I will mix a couple fake items here as well, I try and change things around each year.

 I knew I was going to get this book, I follow Charlie Mackesy on Instagram, he is a gentle soul, I have his first book, I love his style, I hope to be able to give both books to Molly in years to come.

This was a strange plot, a lady working for a charity answering calls to help souls struggling with their lives, what type of help, it quickly became about just one man, what had she done to him, the story unfolded with twist. It kept going with additions to the plot, when you think it's done another level is added. Book 76 read this year.

You move to a new house make friends with two unlikely neighbours, you can't work out why they are friends, as always the story unfolds in layers with a back story. I guessed by half way who's backstory it was, then it twisted into an even better plot. Brilliant book. Book 77 read this year.

I have been shopping a couple of time in the week, Wednesday with daughter, she helped me choose the final bits for the children's gifts, I also got a few craft things for them to do the week before Christmas, it should help with their excitement. On Thursday I popped out with hubby we each chose our main gift, he had slippers and me PJ's, not exciting but what we wanted, we agreed we would get one smaller surprise gift for each other, but as yet I have no idea what to get him, we are not doing our stockings this year, they were becoming full of chocolate and sweets, not good for the waist line. 

I have had an email from the printers I use hinting they are giving a big discount for Black Friday, so I have been reading 2023 again, I'm almost half way through, it will be ready to print.

I have found a 10 stitch crochet blanket to make, I will use my double knitting yarn from my stash, it's using Tunisian stitch which I do love and should be a simple task, I have no reason to make it, just to use my time and stash. I have also got a few needle felting things to make, these need to be done by the end of the month, which is plenty of time.

The force of  storm Claudia missed us on Friday, it was cold, wet and windy, nothing too bad, we stayed inside all day, Saturday was blue skies and bright, laundry dried outside, I picked up leaves again, did a bit of housework, nothing exciting, these are dull days. We did walk to our monthly craft market, I got a gift for my brother, its nice to see different things.

Christmas cake

 I've used the same cake recipe since the late 70's, the only change I make is to leave out the almonds, thus allowing me to eat some. Here is the 3 main components, mixed fruit and peel soaked overnight in the zest and juice of three oranges, the brown looking sludge is dark brown sugar, butter and eggs, the dry ingredients are plain flour various spices and halved glacé cherries, all stirred together, the flour mixture stops the sticky cherries clumping together. 

Everything is popped into the huge bowl and mixed together ensuring there are no white flour left showing, this makes a huge cake, both hubby and I love Christmas cake. Into a double lined cake tin, with a wet tin wrap on the outside to stop it over cooking, years ago I would have wrapped newspaper around the outside of the tin. Bake for 120ºfor 3 hours. 

Once cooked I turn the cake upside down so the top is flat and start to add brandy, I do not put brandy in the dried fruit soak, I prefer the citrus flavours in the fruit. Cakes need 3 drinks of brandy before they are marzipan and iced, which I leave as late as possible, so the almond paste does not seep to far into the cake. I always trim my slice of cake never eating the edges.

Every year I get this sheet of paper with the recipe typed by me, originally it came from a magazine, I do have a copy on my computer, but it's rewarding to see my messy sheet, things have been spilt on it. I have made notes for cooking times, these have changed over the years as our ovens get better at their job.

The tip of putting the cherries into the flour was given to me by my mum, in senior school there was a baking competition we had to make cherry cake, I followed mum's instructions and won first prize, my cake was the only cake where the cherries did not sink. My prize a huge cookbook, called Colour Cooking by Good Housekeeping, which I still own, sadly it's rarely used, it's falling apart at the seams.

This is my domain, hubby bakes all through the year, but I always make the Christmas cake, infact I make 3, second for daughter and third for brother. Last year I started making mincemeat, which is easy and taste much better, I also want to make puddings, which won't be ate this year, I will do the same as my mum and store them for a year to infuse flavours.

The house smells of Christmas spices, it's warm with the oven on, I cook our big cake first and on the next day the two smaller ones. 

Now to decide how to decorate them, I make all the decorations, daughter and I did a course a few years ago, nothing too fancy. I always use fondant icing, which I purchase ready to roll.

Preserving

 It's that time of year when I start to prepare for Christmas, last year I was given a brilliant recipe for mincemeat, a fruit based (no meat) slightly spiced filling for mince pies, which here in UK are a much enjoyed treat. This year I want the jars to mellow for much longer, so I have just made mine, I did cut my apples into smaller diced pieces, and did not fill the pots with too much coconut oil, draining and removing the excess, I now have 2 large and 2 small jars.

Hubby decided to make minced pies, 'just to test my mincemeat', he made shortcrust cases and used ready to roll puff for the tops, he also made apple puffs. A couple of the tops burnt, but it flakes off these are lovely and the mincemeat is a success.

It so dark in the evenings I have popped out autumnal decorations some with lights to help cheer up inside, its only in recent years I make seasonal displays, these are out much earlier then previous years. Hubby said it was too early for Halloween, but as I explained there are no skeletons or spiders, so just autumnal. 

Molly on Monday her first half day at school, she was really happy to go in, this week has been a mixture of mornings and afternoons and then full time next week. Molly had her first school dinner on Thursday, she has various allergies which make her ill, the school has set her allergy menu which worked she ate and was happy, each evening she has told us what she has done. Daughter is used to going home to a children free house this time she said it was different. We have through George come to know the school is very good at dealing with children with added needs, and we are not worried about Molly's allergies.

I am back working on my 2023 book, it's much better than sat looking at my phone for ages, I have finished inputting and now need to proof read it a couple of times, with almost 200 pages, not a quick task, then I can get started on 2024, I have until mid November when the Black Friday discounts are offered, this being the cheapest I can publish my books, I did say I would stop a few years ago, I have decided I will publish the two stated and 2025 and then stop, as Molly is in school, so they won't feature so much on my blog and therefore my books. My first book was 2009, so 15 books, 16 years, 2009 and 2010 were made into one book, not so many post. I still plan to keep blogging, its a medium I love. I have received an email it's the printers 20th anniversary on Monday, they are having a special, if its a good discount I will send 2023 to be printed. 

Nothing much is happening here, the weather has been dire, today is promised sunny and warm, I will spend time in the garden, cutting back wind damaged plants and deadheading, the strong winds and heavy rains have battered my flowering plants. I can plant my brassicas in their final bed, I got my onions, I have popped them into smaller pots and once they show growth I will plant them out, I will do the same with my broad beans, starting them at the end of the month.

I have pickled my homegrown beetroot, almost a jar full, I am looking for shallots so I can pickle them, I don't like pickled onions but hubby and daughter does. 

Our Christmas

Christmas eve was wonderful, everything just happened, the children were excited as expected, our Chinese meal we booked early as the local popular takeaway was busy, expecting it to be much later than stated, it arrived earlier, so Molly and George sat with us and tried many different dishes. After their bath they posed for the family traditional matching PJ's photo, they were really late going to bed, but fell asleep very quickly.  

Christmas morning we both woke just after 6am to a very quiet house, snuggled in a warm bed, we snoozed until we heard Will talking to mummy much later, we stayed in bed giving them time together. I crept into Molly's room as I heard her stirring, she was more happy to see me than her stocking full of gifts. George woke at the same time, so the day began. They both loved wearing their new snuggly thingy's, they shared playing with all the new toys, Will had more Lego and some army dressing up clothes. 

One group who had the best fun was the kittens, they loved all the presents and discarded wrapping paper to play with and finding places to sleep, here unicorn (not her final name), is in Wills hat. Two of them go to their new homes this week, another early next week, we will then see if Lilly is ready to come home with us. 

Lilly who is the quiet one had fun once the gifts were placed under the tree, Will, George and Molly have three sets of grandparents, loads of uncles and family, this corner was full.

First cut of the cake is always the best, I think I used too much of the good brandy, the cake is very moist, we will enjoy it.

Hubby and daughter made lunch together, Hubby as head chef, another nice meal, Will ate loads, both George and Molly had extra, it great to see them eating so well, both Will and Molly now loves cranberry sauce, or jam as Molly called it.

Daughter invited her soon to be ex husband for a couple of days, which worried both of us, as it could be super awkward, she is such a lovely lady wanting the best for the children, we decided to treat him as normal, even getting him a small gift, as Will would notice if he did not has presents. Ex spent most of his time with Will making Lego kits, we left late afternoon to come home to a quiet house, just the two of us, sat watching TV all evening, had a selection of cheese and crackers for supper. 

Boxing day was dull and cooler, we had no plans, our neighbour behind us had an open day in his bar in the garden, we have decided not to go, no real reason, just wanting to relax. We opened our gifts, just a few, there is very little we wanted, both of us had chosen our own main gift, we did get each other a few small surprises in our stockings, they are getting harder to fill, so we decided this is the last year we will do each other stockings. 

We have enjoyed the Christmas TV, we still have a few missed things to watch, Christmas evening, was brilliant except for Eastenders, which we never watch. Also reading one of my new books, listening to music, for both of us perfection.