Christmas day. Up bright and early, I finish off a few last minute things, and then head of for my Christmas dinner.
Its a beautiful winter morning. I’m heading out towards Saughall and since its such a nice day, I decide to walk along the canal.
The water is frozen solid. People have tried to break it with bricks. When they haven’t succeeded, the bricks appear to “float” on the Canal.
I meet various poeple along the tow-path and wish them a Merry Christmas. After a few miles, I see this barge, listing heavily. The windows are open, and its half filled with water. I’m glad I didn’t sleep in there last night !.
My hosts are Tony and Lorraine (and baby Daisy).
Most people know, that I’m not big on things like cars and houses. Tony’s house however, was demolished and then rebuilt just the way he liked it. I have to say its impressive.
Presents are opened (most of them are for the baby). A sort of bedtime elephant, that says nice things in a slightly patronising voice is my favourite.
Dinner is put in the oven, and we head to the local pub (a 15th century establishment, called the Greyhound).
For a village pub, I was expecting to find old George, an Alsation dog and the landlords teenage son/daughter with their entourage of friends.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was absolutely packed to the rafters. Whilst there, Tony introduced me to some of the village people (I mean the people who live locally, not a group of gay men dressed as red Indians/policemen/sailors etc.)
Three really nice girls were there (I mean that they were really friendly and not, not that they were attractive (although it has to be said, that they were attractive as well, but that wasn’t where I was going with this)).
The kind girl on the left, had actually baked cakes, and was handing them out. I had one of the fairy cakes, and they were delicious.
A couple of pints, and then back home for dinner.
A feast of a meal awaits, with the ubiquitous can of Fosters.
In the evening, we drank red wine and watched a variety of television, ranging from Eastenders (and Archie’s demise) right through to Citizen Kane.
I thanked Tony and Lorraine for entertaining me on Christmas day. Lorraine (who’s whit can be likened to Obsidian !) joked and said I sounded like someone on Oprah Winfrey !.
Overall, a brilliant day.