Almost There!

Well it has been a very busy week; visiting family to deliver presents and cards, meeting up with friends, cooking, cleaning and last minute shopping. We had a family 'get-together' in Chesterfield with great food arranged by my nieces and their cousins; the children all had presents from Father Christmas and we were all entertained by Joseph the Magic Man.

We gathered greenery from the garden to make a festive wreath for the front door. It is just springs of holly, juniper and rosemary with cuttings from the Leylandii bushes.

The living room is decorated with a small tree and swag across the fireplace with lights around the mirror. The pomanders are still smelling sweet and festive.

I've put the red spotty cloth on the table in the kitchen where I've been making mince pies whilst listening to Snow Patrol interspersed with Katherine Jenkins and carols.

On Saturday before the family party we met up with an old friend for lunch. It was lovely to see her again; we've known each other since we were five years old and walked together to the village school at the start of our first term.

We met at the Dukeries Garden Centre near Worksop. Next door is The Harley Gallery which has some beautiful things inside.

Christmas Cards are being delivered daily sometimes accompanied by letters with news of holidays, family celebrations and new grandchildren. I've noticed that this year we have had a lot of cards with lovely red-breasted robins or bright red post boxes.

I have plenty of entertainment with a Christmassy feel - some of my favourite films that must be watched at Christmas, a couple of interesting magazines and some 'feel-good' light hearted books to read.

There is just a small amount of last minute shopping for milk and salad stuff to do.
Then we will be ready. Are you?