The man at the gate of the year

We've had a lovely, lazy Christmas. A laid-back sunny morning was followed by a walk in the Heavens, the name of the valley behind our house. Several families and dog-walkers were out and about, exchanging cheerful greetings. I swung on the 'ropey' swing so beloved of my nephews Natty and Jimi when they lived here one summer, and visited the waterfall in spate at the head of the valley. We took a detour on the way home to visit the squeeze bridges at the confluence of the two branches of the stream. It's very muddy there, so the leaping around provided a good workout.

Then it was time to go home to heat the nut roast that I'd bought in the farmers' market, and cook the vegetables and
g-f gravy. Most of the prep had already been done, so it didn't take forever. After we'd had our huge main course, we both fell asleep watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Now we're both a-blipping, and Bomble is a-sleeping, and all's well in our corner of the street. Father Christmas has inadvisably given me a 3D noughts and crosses game, which I may be forced to fiddle with later.

Warm wishes to all who read this; to those who have, and who have not, and to those spending Christmas alone.