Christmas 2012

Sam started Christmas by having the week off beforehand, in order to chill out. We ordered most of our food and drink online for delivery to save all the last minute hassle.I finished work on the 21st - and spent the evening in London watching the Lion King.
On the 23rd, Sam got up at 5.00 to drive down and collect Pip and bring some of her and Liam's stuff to store as they have to move at the end of January.
On Christmas Eve Sam took Pip into town to buy a Christmas jumper and then we took her to the Kings house where Liam will join her later. It was his last day as a temp at Harrods. Sam and I then went to visit Sokhu and give her Pip's old laptop - which she was very pleased to receive.
Sam and I got a taxi to the Bird in the Bush to meet Kate, Liz and Jean for a pre - Christmas drink. We got a taxi home around midnight - it was £7.50 each way, not too bad.
I felt fine when I got in but within half a hour was very poorly - vomiting many times and having to be put to bed by Sam. It was such an extreme reaction it must have been a bug or maybe a dirty glass in the pub.
I woke up on Christmas Day still feeling nauseous and weak, however fluids and painkillers helped and I was able to cook Christmas lunch for us and Charlotte and Ian. They arrived at lunch time and spent the day with us which was lovely. I had some lovely gifts - including a ring and some locking beads for my Pandora necklace from Vickie and Jerry and some driving gloves from Sam (and a Monsoon voucher which I will enjoy spending in the sales). Charlotte and Ian bought me a vacuum cleaner for the car, which will be very useful.  I also had some thoughtful Secret Santa gifts from Kelly at work.
Boxing day was a late start after a bit of a lay in. We went over to Mum and Dad's around 2.00, collecting Charlotte and Ian on the way. Pip and Liam joined us there too. We had food, fun and games as usual - and the chaos was much the same as usual too!
All in all in has been a nice Christmas break this year.

Sally's sore leg!

Theatre Trip

Had a great evening at the Lion King with the girls from work. It is an incredible show with some great music and wonderful animals. I loved it from beginning to end!

  

3D Film

Sam and I went to see our first 3D film at the cinema - Life of Pi. We both enjoyed the book when we read it several years ago and thought the film would be a good introduction to the 3D experience - and it was! The special effects were great and the glasses were not as awkward as I thought they would be. Sam, amazingly, could see the 3D too! We would definitely go again.

Winter Walk

We had a lovely walk today at Ashridge Country Park. The sun was shining and although it was a bit fresh out it was nowhere near as cold as it has been over the past week.
The dogs had a great time sniffing about and getting muddy and Sam and I enjoyed the exercise.

Pixel is finding it difficult to face the right way!

Ready for the off now!

Having a rest in the sunshine

Matching!

The dogs have matching collars and coats - they look so cute together, just like twins lol!! With the weather at the moment they have been wearing their coats lots.

School Shooting

This is so dreadful and moved me to tears. There have been many news reports already and answers are being sort - but we will probably never know what makes one human take the lives of so many other innocent humans.

Today's Date

Today is 12/12/12 - the last consecutive number date sequence of the century.

First Snow of This Winter

We woke this morning to find a coating of snow - not too thick but enough to cause chaos on the roads. I got to work about ten minutes late, and the journey wasn't too bad, but staff coming from elsewhere were delayed for longer. The snow always seems to catch us out here in the UK.
The dogs enjoyed exploring the garden and they were both very good on the lead when I walked them this evening - no pulling me over!  There is more snow expected overnight - but hopefully not too much!

Goodbye Twinny

The last of our rats died last night - little Twinny. He was an affectionate little man right up to the end and came out for cuddles before we went to bed. We won't get any more rats now - but would recommend them to anyone who wants small pets for a child.