Christmas Starts on the 24th

Christmas Eve started with clear blue skies and a white frost.

Not being under any pressure as we're off out for Christmas Day and Boxing Day we pottered about doing things like washing and cleaning out the car (well it is Christmas!).

Then, this afternoon we all went off for a walk up the hill, and it was lovely. It was dry underfoot, not a sound could be heard, the first winter flowers (helibores) are in bud, and the honeysuckle is just bursting into leaf.

At this time of year, without the leaves, you get a good view of St. Germain nestling in the valley of the Ceou.

Following the French tradition of Christmas Eve being the main meal of the festivities, we decided to treat ourselves to a bottle of Champagne to accompany our meal of left-overs from our 'Do'.

Having said that, Sue did a bit of a 'Ready, Steady, Cook' job with the ingredients and you can see the results.

During the course of the meal we exchanged presents. Does anyone recognise me in my new beret?

We trust that you all have a very happy Christmas!