So that was Christmas

Thursday 20th December

Finally the day that Steve, Sasa and Jason arrived. They left the UK the previous day and spent Wednesday night in La Rochelle. I was so excited at the thought of them arriving at last. I had put up the Christmas decorations, wrapped the presents,got the house tidy and done mountains of shopping. Nigel had been down to the farm to pick up the capon and a bottle of Armagnac so all was ready. They stopped for lunch in St Emilion and arrived here at about 5.45, just before it got dark. So happy to see them. They came with 2 sets of golf clubs, lots of pressies and "supplies" for us from the UK. Many tins of baked beans, mango chutney, branston pickle, cheddar cheese and the Christmas pudding!! The dogs were happy to have a fuss made of them and were pleased to see them. Once they had unpacked we celebrated their arrival with a glass of fizzy white and sat down for dinner, boef bourguignon.

Friday 21st December

Jason is sleeping in the garden room on a bed settee, the dogs sleep in there as well and I told him not to let the dogs on the bed. Poor lad spent most of the night pushing Rambo off the bed so we gave in and put a cover on top of the duvet. Jason not bothered and Rambo very happy for the rest of their stay! When we were all organised we went into Mont de Marsan. Walked around town and went for lunch in a small restaurant by the river. After lunch we went to the gardens by the river and had a look at the remains of the big sculpture exhibition. The sun was shining and it felt really quite warm. Steve stretched out on a bench and had a little sunbathe.

Back home I prepared for the evening when we were expecting Arthur and Lily for supper. I had put a leg of lamb in the oven to slow cook whilst we were out so the kitchen smelled very appetising when we returned. We had a very convivial evening, lots of laughter, lots of food and a few glasses of wine.

I am just beginning to realise what a boon my dishwasher is!!