Living it up by the sea

Humboldt

Morning @uralmaid I hope that you had the best of times at your granddaughters graduation ceremony, and I was pleased to read that the Christmas meal went well.

We are supporting a local charity event at the weekend, a Christmas market that makes a real difference.  As per @bluenose1 it is so nice to have time to enjoy the festive activities after years of juggling family, full-time employment and Christmas prep.

uralmaid

@Humboldt thank you. We had a wonderful day. We are such proud Grandparents. She has worked so hard for the past 4 years - first her Degree and now her Masters.  She has also during that time worked part time to gain more experience and some income.  She was recently offered a full time post and started that at the beginning of December too. Hope you will enjoy the Christmas market. You are right about having the time for things too.

Humboldt

Hi @uralmaid so pleased to read that you had a wonderful day at the graduation ceremony. Congratulations to your granddaughter on her Masters and full-time job.  You have every reason to be immensely proud.

We did enjoy the market.  It was festive and had a lovely traditional feel about it. I know how much time and effort goes into organising such events and we like to support them.  Just meeting people and ending a conversation with "Merry Christmas" makes me smile, as did the iced gingerbread Rudolph biscuits. 

uralmaid

Thanks @Humboldt.  Glad you enjoyed the market.  Yesterday we went to the village we used to live in for their annual Xmas get-together in the church. It was lovely to see old neighbours and friends. We did partake of the mulled wine and the mince pies and as a bonus I won a large box of chocs in the raffle. Then we called at some friends who live just around the corner from the church to drop in their Xmas card and ended up having a couple of cheeky  glasses of Baileys.  A lovely afternoon.  Spent today washing and drying and chatting with my daughter. It is her 50th birthday today - amazing when you think I am only 29. lol.  The rest of the week will be busy with Xmas preparations.  Hope you have a very merry  Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.

Humboldt

Morning @uralmaid go you winning a box of chocs! Reading your latest post filled me with festive joy.  I hope that you are enjoying the Christmas preparations and that you have suitable background music to accompany you.  Wishing you and your family a magical Christmas.

uralmaid

@Humboldt thank you. Just finished a batch of mini mince pies and some rocky road (a must for my Grandson). Tomorrow I shall make 2 lots of almond tarts as prezzies to take for my Son in law and his parents (I do this every year). Plus two different types of stuffing.  Doing a Christmas Eve buffet for me, hubby and his Brother who is coming to stay too. Love it. Have a lovely Christmas x

bluenose1

I have done very little baking this year, though my lot are quite happy with shop bought, which probably says quite a lot about my culinary skills, or lack of. Sure your almond tarts will be gleefully received uralmaid.
Got a frozen Turkey from Waitrose last week that I put in the fridge Saturday. Still feels quite frozen so going to leave in garage for next 36 hours. Plan B is we will have to make do with a small piece of lamb for 7 of us….
Have a Morrisons shop due at 7am tomorrow so keeping my fingers crossed that arrives or my day will be getting all the Christmas veg etc.
Have had a few late nights out this week, which were enjoyable but looking forward to a couple of days at home, which will include some Christmas tv. 

uralmaid

@bluenose1 - Hope the turkey defrosts in time and that Morrisons don't let you down. They seemed to be having some problems yesterday with orders and deliveries, so hope it doesn't affect you. Have a lovely Christmas.

bluenose1

Thanks @uralmaid.  I am very lucky, my Morrisons shop was here dead on 7am, lovely driver, no substitutions who went off very happy with his Christmas tip.
The only !!!!!! up was I thought I had ordered jelly for my trifle but had ordered pots, got to go out for a few bits so will add it to my list.
Enjoy your Christmas Eve buffet and have a lovely Christmas yourself.

uralmaid

Thank goodness. Kept hoping for you.  Have a great time.