Our 45th wedding anniversary

Today is our 45th,yes,45th wedding anniversary.I can't believe it.Where did all those years go.We had a slow start,exchanged cards,had phone calls from both our children and then out we went.It has been a miserable wet day so our planned trip of a drive through Snowdonia had to be postponed.Instead we decided to have a bit of culture and visit the Lady Lever Art gallery in Port Sunlight.We had lunch there and came back home via Brimstage Craft Centre.Then it was home and a late afternoon visit from our daughter,son in law and two gorgeous granddaughters Emily and Ruby.This was a real treat as we havn't seen them since Xmas Eve.Tonight we are having a meal out so all in all a great day.

Claire

I presume my Secret Santa has got lost.Over the next week I will get together a replacement but as there were knitted items in it may take longer!

Secret Santa

Look at all the lovely things I had in my Secret Santa box.Thank you Claire.I hope everyone is having a lovely time.It's a quiet time for us.Xmas lunch with friends yesterday and just C and me today.

merry xmas

Merry Christmas.I hope everyone has a happy and healthy time this Christmas.Enjoy your time with your families.Have lots of fun and laughter.

Claire

Have you had my Secret Santa?I am getting a bit worried that it hasn't arrived!!

Back from Paris(and Ashbourne)

The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris.A very famous sight.Down either side there was a Xmas market.We stayed in the Ibis hotel in the Bastille area.It is certainly a hotel I would recommend with good restaurants nearby.We flew from Manchester with Flybe in their brand new aircraft.We were on its first flight since taking delivery!

A view down the Seine.The Eiffel Tower was in the distance but hasn't shown on the photo.Below Montmartre.

We love going to art galleries and had pre booked to see the Gertrude Stein Collection at the Grand Palais.A wonderful exhibition showing works by Picasso,Cezanne,Matisse and others which havn't been in an exhibition before.The Steins were great cllectors of art and supported young artists.If you have seen the latest Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris" you will recognise this.If you havn't seen it -go.Its a brilliant film.

We also went to Musee D'Orsay which has a huge collection of works by Renoir,Van Gogh,Degas,Seurat etc.Wonderful

We also went to Galleries Lafayette.What an amazing store.Jimmy Choo shoes at 500 euros etc.

Every Xmas they do brilliant animated window displays which schoolchildren come to see.There are little platform/bridges so they can see better.This year's theme was Rock'n'Roll

Our trip was very enjoyable.We had great time but to finish a couple of photos from C's birthday weekend near Ashbourne

Ilam Country Park(NT).We had lunch here on the Saturday after a walk in nearby Dovedale

The whole family.I'm in the middle in the red jacket.So lovely to have everyone together

The morning of C's birthday surrounded by our gorgeous grandchildren-all still in their pj's.Now it is back down to earth after a superb week.

Secret santa

Just to let you know that my Xmas box has arrived.I am saving it for Christmas day.I am sooo excited.We have had a brilliant weekend away for C's birthday near Ashbourne.What a lovely area.more next week as we are off to Paris in the morning.must get packing!

My strawberry tea cosy!

I always make something for my sister in law and my stepmother for Xmas.In the past I have done scarves,hats,mittens and socks so couldn't repeat those and I really have lost my knitting mojo.I came across this pattern.I know it isn't Chrismassy(but the colours are right!)but I thought it might put a smile on their faces and most important it is incredibly quick.I started one at 5.30pm and it was finished by 7.30pm and I ate tea in between.I'll wrap them up with some fancy teas.

I am pleased to say I have finally got over my sore throat and cold.It is a good job because we have a very busy week coming up.Next weekend my OH has a landmark birthday.We are going away for the weekend.I have booked two cottages on the edge of the Peak District.He thinks it is just the two of us going for the weekend and that we are only meeting up on Sunday with the rest of the family.But everyone is coming on Friday evening and so we can spend the whole weekend together.There will our son,his wife and their three chidren,our daughter,her husband and their two girls and my brother in law.Twelve of us altogether.We aren't seeing them over Xmas so it is a pre xmas do as well.My only problem is the weather.Snow is forecast and everyone has to travel there.

We come back on Sunday evening and then on Monday we are going to Paris for three nights flying from Manchester.We intend to take in lots of art galleries and lots of good food and just enjoy the Xmas atmosphere of a big city.Should be good.