Christmas party

It was this or a photo of my new shoes, which, actually, you can see here. I was all dressed up because today was our office Christmas party. I love this moleskin suit, which I think I've probably worn to every single festive occasion since I bought it, God, maybe twenty years ago. 

The shoes are new, though, as is this bow-tie, which I bought a few months ago. I've been saving it especially for Christmas. I'm not sure whether I thought the pheasants were particularly relevant, although the Minx loves them, maybe it was the red and the green. 

My colleagues and I had lunch in Kendal at Gianni's, which proved to have just the right atmosphere, and then went across the road to Slate (I think) for more drinks. Earlier I'd been bemoaning the fact that the last bus from Kendal to Kirkby Lonsdale was at 16:15 (useless for commuters!) but actually it worked out well as it meant I was in reasonable condition for the school carol service in St Mary's. 

It was a little unfortunate that both events were on the same day but I wouldn't be happy missing either of them and the carol service is pretty much my favourite Christmas event. Singing the carols in the fine old church forges a connection across the years to all my other Christmas's and for a little while everything feels tranquil and outside of time.