Christmas

My daughter's family have endured months of upheaval while the extension was being built and the new kitchen fitted...just for her to set fire to it and also burn a hole the exact shape of an iron in the new utility room carpet... a day or so before all the family arrive for a get-together.

Luckily, the fire was put out quickly and the smoke damage was confined to the cooker area. A teddy bear now sits on the utility hot spot, hiding it from view.

When we got back home after a fantastic family Boxing Day, we found out that trees have blown over into our garden in France. for some reason, though, I'm as unconcerned as Juli was with the fire. C'est la vie!

We've had a wonderful Christmas and our wood store has just increased significantly.

Before...

After...

Serene has just picked up grandma (my MIL) to help her with her Christmas shopping. She has been so ill of late...especially last night, that I thought it impossible to even think about her going out today.

As she knew what day it was when she woke up, I felt optimistic and, after a hearty breakfast, an insulin jab and her tablets, I closed the door behind them on this wintry but sunny day with the hope she gets my present first:)

I enjoyed the few moments before they left, watching the Christmas tree lights with Spencer as Serene searched for the screw from MIL's glasses which she had just dropped in her part of the house.

Anyway, they are gone now, and I scrambled up the stairs to my studio, grateful for such a caring daughter in law.

As it turns out, my MIL had her purse stolen whilst in town shortly after withdrawing £200 from the bank and Serene, having returned to the scene to make certain all bases were covered, accidentally locked her keys in the car and had to be rescued by her dad who dashed all the way from Mansfield with a spare set.

Sometimes the blessings aren't always apparent when you go the extra mile.

I feel like Mrs T when she said that the Lady is not for turning...then made a U-turn.

I've felt a little lost not recording my life online...especially now that the busy period is over, therefore I will resume soon...perhaps once the busy Christmas period is over:)