London Christmas Lights

Regent Street in December is not for the faint hearted. Fortunately, we were not there for the shopping experience. Instead we were there for for the festive atmosphere, but mainly to see all the wonderful Christmas lights on display. 

By the time we arrived in central London it was already heaving with shoppers and those who, like us, were there for the festive markets and Christmas lights. In fact, I couldn't even begin to imagine being able to get any shopping done, it was ever so crowded. Not that I was complaining, it was exactly as I'd expected it to be. London was always going to be busy on a weekend in December.

And it was totally worth it. Yes, it was exhausting, we must have walked miles, but the lights were absolutely beautiful. We even ventured into Fortnum and Mason, albeit briefly, as it was rammed. Then onto Liberty, which was much less frenzied, and where we managed to buy this year's Christmas tree decoration.

The evening ended with a drink of mulled wine, overlooking the Thames. The twinkling lights reflected in the water. 

The following morning we enjoyed a more leisurely stroll over Westminster Bridge, along Whitehall, down The Mall, then through St James's Park, where we stopped for coffee. Then it wasn't long after that we needed to catch the train for our journey home. 

Tired, but happy. It was a wonderful weekend, and one which I'll always remember. 

J. X

Spirit of Christmas

 

I'm feeling very tired this evening. Back tomorrow.  

J. X

Christmas 2022

Hello, again! Finally :)

Thank you all so much for all your kind comments and messages on my previous post, both privately and on here. You have all been so kind, especially as I have been absent from this space for a little while. It will be time for a good catch up in the next few days, but first I thought I should write a few lines before this year ends. 

I have enjoyed a lovely Christmas. Simple and relaxed, which is just how I like it to be. The last day of school term came around very quickly in the end, and the very next day we were on our way to Edinburgh to visit the Christmas markets. If you have been reading here a while, you might remember this trip was originally planned for Christmas 2021, but I made the decision to postpone due to the constraints of travelling etc. I have to say, Edinburgh looked beautiful all decorated for Christmas. The markets were bustling, but not too crowded and everyone looked to be having a wonderful time. Our hotel was excellent, and we were staying right in the centre of the city, so we were ideally located for seeing the sights and visiting the markets. Everything was fine until the second evening. We had already enjoyed a ride on the carousel and I booked for us to go ice skating, which is something we love to do at this time of year. Once we had been kitted out, Lily sped off confidently and I followed at a slightly more controlled pace :) It felt good to be back on the ice again. Everyone was having fun, even those who could barely stand. Christmas music was playing and it was all so very festive. Then it happened. Almost as though in slow motion, I could see a young woman begin to stumble quite close to me. Then as I slowed, gently swerving to avoid her, she tried to steady herself by grabbing hold of me, but instead I was pulled right down, onto the cold hard ice, on my back. I was in pain, and the impact left me feeling badly shaken and nauseous. After a minute or two I was able to stand and a very nice young man came to assist me off the ice, by which time it was clear I wasn't seriously injured, just very badly bruised and in shock - thank goodness! It could have been so much worse.  

The following morning it was also becoming increasingly obvious that I was finally succumbing to the cold virus which had been doing the rounds at work. Smiling to myself, as I had been telling my colleagues for the last few weeks that it would get me just in time for Christmas :) I just found it odd, that rather than feeling the need to 'feed' this cold, I had lost my appetite instead, wondering if perhaps I was still just feeling shaken up by my accident. On arriving home I thought I should take a covid test, just to rule it out, only to discover I had a positive result!

As you might expect, I have been having to take things easy since then. Thankfully, my mild Covid symptoms have completely disappeared, but I now realise my sore back is going to take a while longer to recover.

It was still a lovely Christmas, I just made some adjustments. I didn't bake my own bread on Christmas Eve, I bought an iced sponge cake from the supermarket and Lily had the important task of adding the festive embellishments, I didn't bake the mince pies until the 28th and nobody even noticed! The door wreath never materialised. Lessons learned - I really dont have to try and do it all. The girls were here for Christmas Dinner, and all in all it was a very relaxed affair. We managed to get out for a short walk in the woods on Boxing Day but the wet weather has seen us spending most of our days at home. 

Boo has been very well behaved and all the Christmas decorations remain intact. The house is in disarray, the kitchen cupboards contain far too much chocolate and the coffee table is hidden beneath the usual pile of Christmas detritus. I have been procrastinating for as long as possible, but I think I will need to tidy it all up very soon.

I am still feeling rather fragile, but intend to concentrate on building up my strength over the next few weeks. 

Thank you, again, for always taking the time to stop by and read my little blog. Sending warm wishes to you and yours for the coming New Year. May it bring you peace, joy and happiness. 

J. X

Down but Not Out

 

I have spent the last few days enjoying some festive fun in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, while I was there I sustained a slight injury, and on returning home I have also tested positive for Covid once again.  Hey ho!

Back soon. 

J. X

Lists, Lights and a Latte

This evening, I spent a short while writing out some lists. This will have one of two outcomes. I can either feel incredibly organised and smile smugly to myself as I cross things out once they have been accomplished, or I will put unnecessary burden upon myself, then end up feeling stressed and wrung out. I will feel quite satisfied if I can achieve somewhere in between. I am one of those people who needs to feel under some slight pressure in order to get myself motivated enough to do anything, and I do love a good list, especially at this time of year. And for those of you who take a far more relaxed approach to your celebrations, please let me in on your secret :)

Prior to my very essential list writing, we took a trip out to see some Christmas lights at a nearby National Trust property. 

The pretty display is new this year and is combined with the later opening hours of the gift shop and cafe, which I took full advantage of. 

I now have another gift which can be crossed (smugly) off my list. I also enjoyed some delicious hot mulled wine AND a Gingerbread Latte! 

J. X

 

Christmas Lights

 

I won't be long out of bed. Waking up at 4am has made for a long day and now I'm feeling tired. I'm not complaining, however, as there is a general feeling of anticipation and excitement creeping in at work. I've also very nearly completed my Christmas shopping.

As is always the way in this house, Friday night is pizza night. I make no apologies for this, as it is my one night off from cooking at the end of a busy working week. Usually I would also put my feet up and have a well earned rest but instead, this evening we wrapped up warmly and took a trip out to see the Christmas lights. It was bitterly cold outside and the gritters had already been out earlier in the evening. I expect the roads will be sketchy in the morning.

First we drove out to a local charity display which takes place every year, raising money for a good cause. So many different decorations and clearly a lot of time and effort had gone into the arrangements. My favourites were some little model houses. They were so cute, I could have happily moved right in.

Then from there we drove on into the town, stopping off several times along the way to drop off some Christmas cards for friends. The lights there looked so beautiful, especially the main tree, which was actually a replacement, the original one having been damaged in the recent storms.

Over the weekend I intend to make a start on wrapping my presents. I have the remainder of my cards to write, some of which will need to be hand delivered, and then I need to strain my spiced  blackberry vodka, which I had almost forgotten about. There is plenty to keep me occupied, and who knows, I might even bake some mince pies. 

J. X