CHRISTMAS EVE

What with the endless torrential rain and Christmas without doubt creeping up on me far too quickly, it is now Christmas Eve and I am just beginning to wind down.  Carols are playing on the radio and the turkey is soaking in the most delicious smelling brine - courtesy of Nigella - this is such a wonderful way with turkey, the smell of fruit and spices is utterly divine -  the bags are bouquet garni, not teabags in case you are wondering!!:

The last cross-stitched stocking was finished (I did actually sew eleven, I am so pleased with myself!)and was delivered to my sister whilst visiting my Mother in Nottingham:

and then home to decorate Ward Cottage for Christmas: 

Here is my favourite cross-stitched Santa, made for Christmas 1991:  on the back I have listed all our close friends who came and visited us - Robert, my first husband was so very ill and everyone was wonderful tryng to cheer us up and make it special for him:  it is a real memory picture: (sorry, it is not the best photo!):

Of course I have stitched many many Santa's and Christmas pictures since then:

Here is my Noah's Ark Santa:

and this one says it all:

I also finished off a baby quilt for Sebastian James born last Sunday :  I had this ready to go once I knew baby had arrived safely!:

We received the most amazing package of cheeses and salami's sent from friends in Surrey: 

I cannot begin to tell you how exciting this was to open!

It was my son's Robbie's birthday on Saturday - and here he is with his gorgeous girlfriend Nisha and friends Jenny and Nathan sat by the fire having a celebration drink:

Now his birthday is over Christmas can really begin:  my husband Rod will be putting on his Santa outfit later and doing "the rounds" to families with young children - always such a hit!   I will post a photo!
Neither of my girls are here this year - Fran is away with Angelo enjoying some sunshine and a well earned rest, and Dot is working either side of Christmas, but with the dreadful state of the trains down here she probably would never have made it anyway - but they are here in our hearts.

I would like to wish all my friends who follow this blog a peaceful and happy Christmas. xx