Watching the birdie

Boxing Day - or the feast of St Stephen

When I awoke this morning I felt better than I had done for the past week. Not over the terrible cold that has been making life so difficult but definitely well on the road to recovery.  Jess's boyfriend James arrived today for brunch - I actually enjoyed cooking the pancakes with egg a-top and smoked salmon, although the gluten free "flour" needed for Jess was a bit of a trial as it would seem that the pancakes cook at a much lower temperature.  But it all worked in the end ... and was delicious :-)

As you can see from the shot, the snow was not lying round about deep and crisp and even - and yes, there was a brief break from the relentless rain that has so marked our Christmas this year.  We took the opportunity to head out for a quick walk in the village en masse.  This is my take on a Spishy style silhouette shot but using the local geography.  So without the flat aerodrome landscape I've utilised the river and the reflection with the bird in the bush.  After all, as we all know - there is no point getting to excited about less than 3 birds in the bush.  We did manage to find a pub at the half way point for some liquid refreshment too which was very jolly.

Cathy chose to stay at home rather than come for the walk; I am afraid that she now has the cold and, it seems to be at its worst phase.  She's been in bed since early evening and seems to be really struggling - the cold brings a slight temperature and she's definitely got that slight shiveryness thing going on, poor thing. 

Having the wider family join us has been an absolute joy over the last few days, and once again today there has been much merriment.  Cathy managed to make it through our late lunch before sneaking back to bed, poor thing.   Its rotten to be ill at this time of year.  Catering for 11 without Cathy to lend a hand has been a bit or a trial, but by 8:45pm I had finally cleared up the kitchen and dining room and was able to collapse briefly.  Both the kids did help ... in the end;  and both without having to be asked; although if you can smell anything it is probably just the remnant of smouldering martyr ...    :-o