Christmas Day 2015

A very strange day for us. Woken at 6:15 by the granddaughters face timing so that we could still watch them open their presents. This was the first year we had not been with them for the present opening.

We then realised that in our 40 years of marriage, this would be the first time ever we spent the day with just the two of us.
Mr L's dad passed away just 6 weeks before our wedding and we always had his mum with us BC (before children). Then, we had our own children, plus the fostered children, and often elderly neighbours or teenagers left home alone. In later years, although the boys had left home, at least one family came for Christmas dinner.

Dog enjoyed his presents and is sat in front of me now wanting me to throw his ball.

The evening was made special with a phone call from a friend in NY. We only met once, which is a story for another time, but have remained firm email buddies ever since. I do hope I get to visit NY one day.

Youngest son coming tomorrow with his girlfriend and staying a few days, so the peace will be shattered as Dog really doesn't like him and barks at him continuously!

Collage is of tree, reflection of tree, Dog with present and Oyster Catcher at waters edge when we walked Dog at the beach. Our Christmas. given that the last 5 Christmases have been traumatic and/or grieving ones, I did not feel very celebratory and am glad we had a quiet and peaceful day, but think that next year I would like to see some family!