Xmas Eve

Can’t remember what we did during the day if I am honest!

We had a table booked for 5.30pm at Jacob’s Inn so made our way over there and were in the marquee they have set up – it was cold in there but it was fine and was not too dissimilar to the Crazy Bear. There was all the family, including Miles and then Mum and Sue also came. Had a few drinks and nice food and it went really well

At 7.30pm we left and the mums both went home and we then went to the White Hart as we had a table booked – Zoe and her kids were already there waiting and we had a good drink and a good laugh catching up with everyone. Charlotte and Miles went to his and then we all left about 10.00pm. Tash was steaming drunk and was a pain with Lewis and I, banishing us to the garage bar when she was sorting out the stockings, but then 10 mins later coming and berating us for being in the bar! Ah well, didn’t ruin things, just made us laugh.

Stayed up another hour or so on the beers and then off to bed – looking forward to tomorrow

A good day all told.

Visit Derek

Went to see Derek at the care home today, we’d not been to see him since the mini-break in restrictions in October/November. Jack came with us and we went with the intention of catching up and to give him his Xmas presents. We arrived at 3.00pm as planned but he was still in bed, so they had to sort that out. Bit cross because they knew we were coming at that time because you have to book to visit the care home. Anyway, he came down to the conservatory and wasn’t in the best of moods – probably because he’d been woken up.

It was hard work, Jack and I didn’t contribute to the conversation much – Tash was brilliant but it was very hard work even for her, he was so unresponsive and not talking at all.

After 20 mins we’d had enough to be honest, we gave it a bit longer and then gave up and left. Incredibly the following night when speaking with Mum she said he was chuffed we’d gone there and was relaying the conversations that were had – I was speechless! So he was listening to us but was either tired or confused and wasn’t in the mood to talk to us

Felt a bit sorry for Jack afterwards as it brought him down a bit and he said, “I don’t want to remember grandad like this” – heart-breaking, but he’s right

Xmas Family gathering that never happened

This weekend was supposed to be a big family gathering with everything (Bicester crowd and us) but because of Covid restrictions it wasn’t possible

But Lewis and Emily still came down as planed and we made a nice weekend of it all

They got here about 8.30pm on Friday, Miles was around and we had a few drinks watching TV and relaxing and catching up – was really nice

Didn’t get up too early Saturday but had nice brunch and went and got the Xmas tree from Carl’s shop and then went down to town. Debenhams is in big trouble and could be closing so I wanted to see if there were any bargains to snap up – found jumpers v cheap so got one! Wandered round town more and then went to the Wetherspoon’s by the castle and had dinner and a few drinks.

Back home and Mum came round and we went out for a walk and then back for coffees and then back on the beers and Miles making dinner, a vegetarian prawn curry which went down very well. Zoe turned up and we played Logo game and proceeded to get very drunk indeed. Tash was out cold, Charlotte and Zoe were crashing into things and breaking glasses, Lewis and Emily collapsed asleep of just me and Miles pushing on until about 3.00am when we had to give up eventually!

Great night

Everyone knackered next day – Tash not well at all, no surprise, they’d finished a whole bottle of vodka! Tidying up, sort of, in the morning but really just settled down to watch TV. Made a fry-up and then went to Sue’s and back home for dinner, Salmon this time that Lewis and Emily made, very nice and they then left at 6.00pm

We also decorated the tree

Watched a film and then a new series called the queens gambit – really enjoying it

So a lovely but boozy weekend. Loved it!

Advent Calendar

Miles bought me (and Tash thinks for her!) an advent calendar which he gave me yesterday. It’s a coffee one so we get a posh coffee to open and use in the pod each morning.

Had it today and went 50/50 with Tash – very nice it was too.

So we’re in December now, I’ve managed to get some exercise done during the day and get a lot of work done which was pleasing.

Nice evening, watched more GoT and Charlotte and Miles were making the gingerbread house with their mates on a zoom call – I think it was Annie and Bradley. It’s something they’re trying to do for the month each day. Could be hard.

A decent day anyway all told