We're ba-ack ...

Back in Dunoon, the text messages already pinging in warning us that the CalMac ferry is in danger of going off because of the weather (what weather?), I'm at once pleased not to be in the city or in a hotel room any more and scunnered that it's over so quickly.I hate it when we leave our family after our Christmas celebrations are over, and the liturgical counter to this that Christmas begins on the 25th takes no account of the simple fact that no family could remain on cordial terms for the whole 12 days, or till Candlemas or whatever.

But back chez nous, we unpacked and had time to reflect on the thoughtfulness of presents given and meals prepared and scoffed and games played and hilarity shared. And as we ate a scratch meal of a baked potato with bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and garlic - and the two remaining mince pies that were lurking in the larder - I realised that there's church in the morning and then I'll need to think about shopping. 

And we watched the News for the first time in three days. It just gets worse...

Blipping some of the presents we brought back with us - including the first chosen and bought by a grandchild with pocket money and the personalised labels that gave us such pleasure.