The REAL Christmas

It's Christmas morning, around 5.30 am. I've grabbed a bacon sandwich, posted my day's blog, and then consulted my 'logistics' list. On the very top was 'Lay Table', and 'Prepare Sprouts'. 

Then; make Stuffing, make Pigs-in-Blankets, peel a few Potatoes, get the Sauce started (with giblets), and finally prepare the Turkey. Breathe deeply. Take Billy for a walk.  

En route for the park we meet two Fox Cubs (shy one out of picture). Billy looks at them for a while, exchanges secret Canine patois, then wishes them a happy Christmas. The park is almost empty. I liberate a couple of sprigs of berry-less Holly, and head for home. Back indoors it's warm, and already smells Christmassy.

The exchanging of gifts is, of course, a vital part of Christmas, so when our guests have arrived, we open Champagne (of course), eat Smoked Salmon and Caviar on Ritz Crackers, then make a start on the huge pile of presents that are clustered beneath our piss-poor excuse for a tree.  

In between time, I am rushing around betwixt the sitting Room and the Kitchen, trying to keep an eye on the timing of Turkey, Sprouts, Spuds, Sauce, Stuffing, etc.

Christmas isn't Christmas for me without 'Carols from Kings'. We were out on Wednesday night so I have had to watch it on iPlayer. Wonderful as usual. I noticed a surfeit of 'Asian' choristers this year. I wonder why?

We sat down to eat just after 1 pm. All went well, and our Tummies groaned. Far too much of everything; but that's what it's all about.

Only 364 days to go, and we'll do it all again (if we're saved). I love it. It's my favourite day of the year. 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

It's here again. To all my dear friends in Cyber World, may I wish you all a very joyous day, plenty of what you desire, and no hangovers for tomorrow.

May 2026 be peaceful, productive and purposeful for us all.

Very best wishes, Cro and family xx.

Chris Rea ~ Driving Home For Christmas (1986)

As most of you will know, Chris Rea died on Monday.

This, his most famous song, will always be synonymous with Christmas. RIP Chris; and thank you!

Winter Camping

When we returned from France at the beginning of September, these tents were illegally pitched in the Church's Rest Garden where I walk with Billy every day; and they are still there. They probably could have chosen a better location, and a more suitable colour for their tents, but the occupiers obviously enjoy being there.

As opposed to a few, I have no real problem with them. As long as they don't leave their litter, stolen bikes, and used needles everywhere; they do no lasting harm.

Camping is OK in Summer, but I wouldn't be wanting to live in a small tent in the Winter. Two of the men have dogs, but the others are by themselves.

Usually at this time of year such people go home to parents, siblings, etc. But so far they are still braving the elements. No doubt they will go somewhere for Christmas Day, and it'll be interesting to see if they return.

I have tried camping on a couple of occasions, but I must admit; it's not for me! Give me a proper bed any day!

Because the Rest Garden is owned by the Church, no-one seems to be doing anything about this pop-up Camp Site. Others come and go, and there was recently a BIG tent pitched there. If nothing is done, it could soon get out of hand.

OK, they do leave SOME rubbish around, but I always keep a plastic bag in my back pocket, and I do what they were obviously never taught to do; and I pick it up!

'Assemble'

You may not have heard about this bunch, but there is a NEW junior protest group in the UK; they're called ASSEMBLE.

Their remit is to change the constitution of Great Britain. As such (all two of them) recently broke into The House of Lords, stood menacingly by the King's throne, and attempted to unfurl their juvenile banners. It seems that these charming swarthy characters wish to ban the 'Upper Chamber', and replace it with a 'Citizen's Assembly'. Probably in line with Sharia thinking; by the look of them.

Well dear friends, my recommendation is this. I have no idea if these good folk were born in the UK, or have just recently arrived in a rubber boat, but may I suggest they get themselves educated, then stand for parliament as an 'Assembly Party' candidate. 

Then, if they are elected, they will have their say in the 'House of Commons', and might even be able to propose a 'private members bill' about banning their despised Upper House.

It's what we in The West call 'Democracy'; there are no Mullahs here telling us all what we should or shouldn't do.

So, until that time when you actually represent a constituency, try to behave like decent citizens, and don't make a bloody nuisance of yourselves. 

And please don't go around telling the rest of us what we should or shouldn't be doing in our own country.

In other words,... Frigg off.

 

Mince Pies; the good and bad.

Luckily for me, Lady M is a champion Mince Pie maker. But because her pies are so good they tend to go very quickly.

To fill the gap, we tend to buy commercial pies as well; and they can be of varying quality.

Mostly I buy 'luxury' pies from Sainsbury's which are fine. The non-luxury ones are not so good. If they had 'professional' pies, I would buy those too.

Lady M recently bought two different types from M & S. The one pack with Puff Pastry was very disappointing, but the one's above are totally delicious.

They are Brandy Butter Mince Pies. There's a layer of Brandy Butter above the Mincemeat, and the pastry is very good too. They're not cheap, but at Christmas who's counting!!!

Go on; treat yourself. I'd give them 9½/10.

 

Totally Pointless Action of the Week.

1. Remove the heads from some Daffodils.

2. Move them about 3 metres away, then drop them on the ground.

3. Re-attach headphones, put on backpack, stare blankly at phone, clutch plastic Coffee cup.

4. Walk away feeling reinvigorated, clever, and proud.