Well, how was your Christmas?

The Christmas tree, fairy lights and other decorations went up around the house three weeks ago. The turkey was ordered for delivery on the 23rd, presents were bought, though entirely online, and all was going smoothly - though nothing like normally. Then Naomi and Eddie had Covid symptoms.

We all had to isolate. It was easy enough. Nome and Ed live in a totally self-contained annexe to the house; Grace, Jess and I had the rest of it to ourselves. Eddie's sister shopped for them, and Steve picked up a Sainsbury's click and collect order for us.

None of us is vaccinated, so Naomi and Eddie's symptoms were very mild, and their temperatures were back to normal by day six. The PM hadn't announced that Christmas together had been banned, so, after our compulsory test results - all negative, of course - we all emerged from isolation on Christmas Eve, and our friend Michelle set off to join us. Steve, Karolina and Nina arrived the next morning.

Nina had just seen her first Christmas tree. I think she was impressed.

For the first time in very many years, we didn't go to Church on Christmas morning. Some folk are very wary of the unvaxxed, and we didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. But the day went on otherwise as normal; a lot of chat and laughter, a wonderful dinner, crackers (each of which contained a number relating to a bag that contained an eighth of a jigsaw puzzle which  we created together after the meal), presents distributed from under the tree, and various games. All accompanied by much laughter.

The jigsaw puzzle

Some while after a late tea, we all headed for our beds, tired (especially Grace, who had done most of the cooking) and very happy.

Boxing Day requires a good walk. Ours this year was in the late afternoon. Naomi knew that barn owls were to be seen at dusk in the Heartwood Forest, a short drive from home, so just before sunset, off we went.

The owls put in no appearance, but the walk through increasingly thickening mist was very enjoyable - and much needed!

So, how was your Christmas? Please, tell us about it in the comment box below.

Christmas 2016 on board NB Kantara

Some of you might find this boring

I started this blog with the intention that it would be simply a record of our life after retirement just for us. A log to look back on in the ensuing years. Then I started to get readers from all over the place, and it stopped being that diary, and became public. That was fine, of course. I was chuffed that so many people were interested in what we were doing.

Today, however, may be less interesting to some of you, but this post is written purely to remind us in future years of the fascinating major work being done currently in the canal just outside our marina. My last post included part one of the series of videos made by Alan Davies of My Narrowboat Venture fame. This one has parts two, three and four. There will be more.

I do hope that you find it at least mildly interesting!