Today I went off to stay with my sister, brother-in-law and my young nephews for a couple of days. We had a lovely afternoon in Hylands Park near Chelmsford. They were holding a Christmas Fayre with lots of stalls inside and out of Hylands House, a beautiful, restored country house which was built around 1730. I couldn't resist sitting on this rather frosty, fine wooden chair with my tea cosy hat and unattractive shoes, it was very muddy, as well as icy there!

I had my first mulled wine(s) of the year too...two (very strong) cups..well I needed them to prevent hypothermia...