Happy Christmas from sunny (very wet ) Devon

[Georgepa]

Ridiculous , I passed a bank of daffodils in full bloom this afternoon and primroses are already showing in the hedgerows . Well Christmas is well on its way - to date I have missed my Mary Berry moment - a whole tray of home baked mince pies turned to a delicate shade of black as V' needed a call of nature at the critical baking point - my honey glazed ham looks more dazed than glazed - I received numerous Christmas cards from people I had decided not to send to this year and I have been wrapping presents which was always V's forte ( I was the finger and sellotape man ). I somehow manage to cut the paper so it doesn't quite meet or so much that it is impossible to fold over at the ends . I manage to stick the tape to my fingers and my language is appalling and I have lost all the labels for the presents - I know I bought some - well I think I did . I certainly bought brussel sprouts , I have enough to see us through until the end of February . I look forlornly at the fridge hoping it will magically inform me of all the things I will be needing - but then I think perhaps I should clear out the chicken stock which has been in there for the last three weeks - it shouldn't bubble should it ?

My second batch of mince pies look passable - I am not very keen on cooking cake type things as I don't like it when other people eat them all and they are gone - so much effort and you have to share .

Ordinary meals are fine to share but I always want to hide my mince pies and get them out when everyone has gone . Still I will put on a brave face and reluctantly offer them round .

I do hope you are all able to enjoy your various Christmases and lets all raise a glass to ourselves on Christmas day - the toast is " to all carers and those we care for - Happy Christmas "

[Yvonneandgeorge]

Oh dear George, you put a smile on my face, thinking about your mince pies, I have made one lot of mince pies, which my sister said the pastry was to thick, but she took a batch home with her, so I have also made a second lot, pastry would not roll out, so took me longer, I have also hid them, don't want to make them again. I have been nominated to make the desserts, so will be busy again on tommorow, making a cheese cake and a trifle, my feet him, I feel tired, where is my Christmas spirit?

Well merry Christmas George and V have a lovely day, and I hope you get all you wish for, which is more than likely a few night of unbroken sleep!!!!!!!! Xxxx

[showaddy]

Have a good Christmas George, and this extends to all the PSPA family and friends. We must make the most of everything as we always do and make happy memories for ourselves for when the going gets tough. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. Pauline xx

[NannaB]

You made me smile again and feel a bit guilty at my laziness in buying all my goodies this year. Oh! Your labels are probably with mine. I definitely bought loads but am now cutting up last year's Christmas cards to replace the ones the Borrowers have taken.

X

[carehope]

Georgepa,

I want to thank you so much for all of the humor in the face of the gale and all of the great pictures, both photographic and literary that you gift us with !

In gratitude and appreciation always, Peace and joy to you and V. In the holidays and beyond ! Elise

[jillannf6]

HI IA GREE GEORG[EPA AND V

A VERY AHPPY M,AS TIO ALL OUR READERS

LOL JILL

[abirke]

As I raise my morning coffee, "To all carers and those we care for"-Salute

[vlh4444]

I'm so impressed that you baked your own mince pies. Perfectly understandable that you don't feel like sharing them after all that effort - they're fiddly little blighters to make aren't they!

[flicka]

My love and thoughts to all you brave and loving people. May you have a gentle happy day. Flicka x

[ketchupman]

Don't think I've ever had a "mince pie". But if they're that much trouble to make, they have to taste great. Maybe I'll try a store-bought one first, before I go to the effort of baking one. Wishing you a happy and memorable Christmas.

Ketchupman

[shasha]

WELL THIS YEAR WE DIDNT HAVE TO A THING AS MY DAUGHTER MIRIAM HOSTED OUR CHRISTMAS DAY FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME ... IT WAS A DELICIOUS MEALWITH A CHAPON AND A SMALL TURKEY , THEY ONLY DO SMALLTURKEYS IN FRANCE WHICH MAKES THEM TRULY SCUMPTIOUS TODAY MY DAR]LING HUSBAND IS COOKING US TWO LOBSTERS -- HE IS VERY ADVENTURIOUS N AND SAYS THAT ANYONE CAN COOK IF THEY CAN READ !!!!!

[shasha]

LOVELY WRITING AGAIN GEORGE SO POINGNIANT ( ? ) AND FUNNY TOO

[aliciamq]

I'm reading this post in the middle of July, 2 years later - still wanted to say - I enjoyed your post I have learned to 'hide' a little for myself to enjoy when the crowd goes home