Christmas dinner...

I'm now winding down after a very enjoyable Christmas Day. It started just after midnight when Alex and Ben each opened a single present from under the Christmas tree and we toasted Christmas with an interesting cocktail made up of white chocolate syrup, Tia Maria and cream.

This is only the second Christmas Day we've spent away from home and the boys weren't really looking forward to it. Pete and I took the dogs to Ferry Meadows while the boys got themselves ready, and then we all crammed into the car ready to arrive in Spalding for late lunch. The dogs traveled in the boot, the first time they've done this, and seemed to enjoy curling up on their quilt, once they'd got over the shock.

We had a very enjoyable meal with Pete's Mum and partner, with lots of laughter and wine for those who weren't driving. On the way home we picked up Chris's girlfriend - I'm really not sure how we managed to fit six people, two dogs and a pile of presents in a Corsa! Tonight we've been opening the presents under the tree and trying out some interesting cocktails using some interesting flavoured syrups. I can't believe that Christmas Day has passed without us watching any television at all - just lots of good food and conservation.

We always like to make sure that the garden birds have a good Christmas, and have made fat balls and put out lots of seeds and scraps. This coal tit was tucking into the home-made fat balls - clearly enjoying his Christmas dinner as much as we did!!