Boxing Day Reminisce

Its a funny day Boxing Day isn't it? Everyone feels a bit bloated yet there's more food to eat and more TV to watch. Not sure we could have stayed home another day so it was lovely to have the day at my parents' farm to look forward to.

A change of scene did us good. Audrey seemed to enjoy it too especially as she was showered with lots of brilliant Christmas gifts - ranging from a wooden stove (complete with frying pan and bacon etc), a fab shopping trolley with 'proper' groceries and a cool farm play mat with wooden animals. I'm not sure who is more excited about her new toys...us, her Grandparents or Audrey!

Had a lovely meal with everyone including an exceptional homemade semifredo (yum!) There was the usual friendly banter and rivalry between Angus and my brother-in-law at the table for top son-in-law position! Some very funny moments.

After lunch, everyone crashed in front of the fire (Audrey slept in her travel cot). I had an urge to go for a walk on the farm and lovely it was too. I retraced the steps of my childhood, climbing fences, hopping over stones and taking in the familiar views from my favourite spots. I felt quite nostalgic. I remembered how as a teenager I would stand at the top of one particular hill looking over at Manchester city on the horizon as though it was some sort of metropolis. Of course the view is dominated now by the Beetham Tower, its red lights flashing in the distance. That wasn't there back then. But the city remains an important of my life.

Took this picture on the lodge further down the hill. I would sit there for hours trying (and failing) to skim stones when I was younger. Today it was perfectly still and peaceful. Not even a ripple. Beautiful.