Christmas 2014

We both survived our 10 days in the UK and came back for the Flamme d'Armagnac in Montreal, a weekend of walking, cycling, eating, drinking and music where we helped serve a 5-course meal with drinks to 600 people - it was the 20th anniversary so quite a party.  Unfortunately, Judy had twisted her ankle playing badminton and so wasn't able to walk.  This is an on-going saga as every time she thinks it's better it seems to blow up again.

Then back to the UK again for a wedding at Polhawn Fort at Rame Head.  A great time was had by all.  Not worth going back home so we spent a couple of weeks visiting friends we hadn't seen for a long time.  Lots of lunches and catching up with family news, and so thanks to all for the overwhelming hospitality.

Finally up to Nicky and Glyn's to help prepare for Christmas.  Their new kitchen was still kit-form when we arrived and the third bedroom was serving for cooking with washing up in the bathroom - not ideal.  Anyway, the plumber, electrician and carpenters arrived so just before Christmas we were able to install a still-temporary kitchen in the kitchen, which even has under-floor heating - such a luxury up here!

The guys were a bit slow at installing the kitchen units so Chris and Glyn had to install the sink ready for the plumber.  Then one of the electricians stood on the worktop and broke it so we had to do it all again!  But it works now and then we could move all the stuff from upstairs to down.

Meanwhile Bryony had found the new big space and took her first independent steps there before heading off to try and climb the stairs!

We both had rotten colds as Christmas day approached and then Judy went down with a stomach infection.  She spent Christmas Day in bed and Chris spent the night sleeping on a mattress on the landing.  But Bryony had lots of presents and will take a few days to open them all.  In fact still hasn't opened them all on Dec 29th!

The day after Christmas it snowed, although most of it was after dark - this shows a twisted willow outside the window.

Anyway, we're off to Cuba and Guatemala for January and most of February.  Apparently the internet connections are not good so we may not be able to post to the blog as we go and there may be no more news until we get back.  So a Happy New Year to you all!