Cherry takes the reins

Cherryfudge

I've just mentioned on @Honeysucklelou2's thread that these boards are usually fairly deserted on Christmas Day, but as so many will be feeling isolated and/or have had to let go their plans, perhaps us regulars could make an effort to be around at least a little to give people someone to chat to?
Perhaps a thread on the Money Savers' Arms for Christmas Day chat?

Cherryfudge

DH wins the prize for the most frugal Christmas tree buy. He got a real one for a fiver - last in the shop! It's beautiful, too.

He's done most of the food shopping including a turkey but sadly doesn't seem to have got milk, so another trip will be happening. He did say the supermarket was quite busy, even late on, so I'm hoping tomorrow isn't as bad.

I've spent 99p on another e-book.

The world is definitely crazy: all those miles of lorries backed up well into Kent, trying to do pre-Christmas and pre-Brexit, and then 40 countries closing their borders to the UK what with new-variant Covid which is already in at least four other countries. I'm glad I can be at home and see that so many things are still normal and lovely.

I think that's it for today, apart from to say work was again quiet - maybe too quiet - and I'm thankful for a marvellous online service we attended yesterday, the ability to buy Christmas food in abundance (and DH being the sensible one doing the shopping so we don't end up with waste!) and our sweet Christmas tree.

Sun_Addict

I’ll no doubt be around Christmas Day as nothing happening for us. It’s lovely to see my employer doing a Christmas Day Teams call for those on their own. I think this lorry thing is more to do with the EU countries throwing their toys out of the pram because they won’t be able to fish in our waters than the virus. They’ve already said lots of other countries have the new strain.

Cherryfudge

Looks as though there's been some degree of movement on the lorries - figuratively, I mean. Not sure when they actually get mobile again!
A quiet day again today - no work and no video call to friends as this is supposedly a getting-ready for Christmas day, but we finished going through the form with details about the house, and had a chat with the solicitor about bits we weren't sure of. DH has to show her he original of the Grant of Probate tomorrow, and he's kindly dug out a few details of companies that supply the utilities for her, too. My only question was whether I should declare that there is a redundant well in the grounds, to which she suggested a sketch to show where it is in case they ever want to do an extension in the area.

I've put up some more decorations and DH went back to the shops for stuff we didn't have. There's always something! Mr T is seemingly busy all the time...

I haven't bought anything though I stayed up late last night looking at yarns in case I decide to make myself a jumper. It's a good job I resisted clicking on 'pay' really as I have a few UFOs that I ought to get back to.

So tonight I'm thankful we have most things ready for Christmas, I have my test tomorrow so will know where I stand over Christmas (provided it comes through in reasonable time) and I heard a robin singing gloriously fluently from the garden. I wonder if it's the little fellow I made friends with in the spring?

Cherryfudge

Another very wet day with no running! However, we've been cleaning and tidying and are about as ready for Auntie's arrival as we're going to be.

Work was an extra shift, then I've swapped to the morning tomorrow, and that's it till 30th. I will be extra tomorrow, in the sense of not having anyone delegated to me specifically, but will be second person where that's needed.

My colleague bought doughnuts and I had a couple of chocolates out of a tin that someone gave us, so I was glad I'd brought a low-calorie soup for tea! Weight loss has almost ground to a halt but I'm half way back to what I used to weigh and I really like it so why push back the date when I reach goal?

I had a text from DS2 to say he'd been asked to swap shifts so could he come to us for Christmas after all... I was sad because I thought we'd have to say no, but then we realised we are only two households so in theory he could. He also gets regular Covid tests. We decided to ask Auntie about it as she is at highest risk, but DS2 texted back to say he'd still be on shift Christmas Day after all so it didn't matter. Truthfully I'm happier with that than with him coming up, as I don't have to worry about transmission. It was just the thought of him spending Christmas Day on his own when we're only a few miles up the road that did for me - and now he certainly won't be alone, or even get much time to think!

I haven't bought anything today, and DH got the remainder of the food shopping.

I'm thankful the house is in order, decs looking pretty, and most jobs done. Also that DS2 has a shift to keep him occupied so he won't miss us too much1

Seasidegal58

I'm sorry you won't get to see DS tomorrow Cherry, but he sounds like he will be very occupied!

I do hope you, DH and your Aunty have a lovely Christmas. x 🎄☃️❤️

Cherryfudge

Thanks @Seasidegal58
So, work has shut up shop for a few days, Auntie has arrived and we had Christmas Eve snow. I was up terribly late last night but got a couple of cards written to people I really needed to send to. I don't know why but writing cards is the hardest thing about Christmas. I vastly overthink it and then send a minimum.

This morning I was up early to be at work for 7.30 but it was a relaxed shift and I was home mid-afternoon and had just time for a shower before DH and Auntie drove up. We had a cuppa then they went off to look at Christmas lights, after which I made us some pasta and people generally watched TV all evening. I also gave DS2's goldfish a brief clean out so I feel that the important things are settled!  

I haven't bought anything today.

Thankfulnesses: snow showers this morning, some sun later. Safe arrival of DH and Auntie, texts too and fro with the children this evening. Christmas Day tomorrow!

I'll pop back in at least once though: can't keep off this Forum.

Merry Christmas, MS fraternity (and sorority).

Sun_Addict

Merry Christmas cherry, have a lovely day 🎄☃️🥳

Honeysucklelou2

Merry Christmas Cherryfudge 🎄

VelvetFreak

Merry Christmas