Christmas is coming. . . .

Ok, I know the date. But the schools have broken up and so we went to Cardiff this weekend. Our grandson has grown and we went with him to Tredegar House to see Father Christmas. The house is all decked out like in Edwardian times and themed as Beauty and the Beast. They offer mulled wine and mince pies to the adults and a visit to FC for the children. They give pretty good presents too. Piglet got a kite.

Christmas started for us this weekend because our eldest son's doctering duties in the paedeatric ward over Christmas make it impossible for him and his family to join us over the true festive season. No turkey yet but we felt very Christamssy as presents were opened and we shared a lunch together.

Then back to Banbury and a Carol Service this morning. Not being one to hide a light under a bushel or bury my talents I dusted off the grade I piano certificate I was awarded by the Royal Schools of Music in 1959 and tinkled the ivories for hearty congregational singing. I don't think there is a service I enjoy more than the readings and carols that tell the wonderful story of Jesus' birth. Then more mulled wine and mince pies.

I don't even like mulled wine!

The festivities will coninue. We have plenty of shopping to do to keep in tune with the celebration of Christmas in the 21st century which seems to be centred on the shopping mall rather than the cathederal nave. We have a tree to buy and decorate, turkey to procure and to prepare meat and the other trappings for Boxing Day. I have also to collect my in-laws from London and fix the Christmas lights again!

Much to do and much to remember.

Most of all. It is about that story of the baby in a manger.

I should be fishing. . . .

It is a beautiful crisp bit dry and sunny winters day. The song thrush has been singing all night. the dawn chorus was exciting ansd the canal, although still discoloured is reflecting the blue sky without a ripple.

I should be fishing.

But. . . . we have been struck by the fluey cold that is going around and I am locked in by a casualty. Tigger took to his bed yeaterday and has only just emerged to watch a video, clutching a tissue. He is off his food as well which is a very sure sign that all is not well. So, with the Best Mate at a meeting all day, I have been locked in as nursey Percy trying to get fluid and paracetamol in at appropriate times.

I hope the weather holds out. Tomorrow the school panto has been cancelled because staff are dropping like flies from similar afflictions and my services as Widow Twanky will not be required until the restart in January.

Hence: tomorrow is free! I wonder what it will hold for me? Maybe I will get a plastic maggot wet. Who knows?

Digging In.

The winter is well upon us. Not the cold and frosty kind though. We have had heavy rain and the canal is once more at a high level This time the water hasn't spilled onto the towpath in Banbury. Our friends moored in Cropredy had to get the wellies out though to get to and fro their boat. The Spice Ball Park flood alleviation scheme is already full and the Cherwell is rushing mercilessly over the weirs trapping great 2 foot diameter tree trunks in a death roll. We expectmore rain on saturated ground this week.

The GF club are in the middle of their own flood protection measures. They are building a wall around the garden. It is at ground level now. It may be too little too late. We will have to see later in the week! It would be sad to have a flooded clubhouse for the second time in six months. Especially at the expense of the best herb garden in Banbury. many varieties of mint, thyme, fennel and borage have been cleared to make way for the wall. Such a shame.