(Christmas) Cheers

Off with the dogs in the morning to Ottobeuren seeking out the forest as shelter from the wind. Thought for a minute the SAS had arrived (see extra photo) to save my Christmas but on closer examination, saw it was a visitor from the Ford stronghold of Saarlouis (SLS) close to the French border.

Being Christmas Eve, this evening is the main "celebration". However the whole Advent/Santa/Christmas thing is quite complicated. Bliper Ianit posted a good English explanation of it all. It's so complicated I gave up trying to understand it and have not enjoyed Christmas Eve (apart from perhaps 1995) since 1989, my last UK Christmas.

And so it was today although I had planned giving it a crack. Back from the walk, found Postman Pat had been and delivered a lovely home made card from grandson Elliot in Ireland to join others from his sister Charlotte which they had sent a few weeks ago. Added it to the collection of family cards which included that from Bliper PurbeckDave. - see extra photo.

Then cleared the deck for doing the roast goose and asked when the meal should be ready "I won't be eating" was the response. I hit the sofa to watch some nonsense and fell asleep.

Evening was saved by a good telephone chat with Uncle Jochen near Heidelberg who was doing the traditional German Christmas Eve bit with wife Gerda, daughter Katrin and boyfriend Kimo. Gerda is a superb cook and simple the description of the three courses was enough to make me "hit the bottle" - to be exact two pints of strong Christmas Beer and that finished me off. While I still had control of my senses was able to message of some old photos to them which they enjoyed, Jochen now wanting the originals to digitalise as he hasn't seen many (from the 1950/60s) and calls them family history. So that was very pleasing.

Finally delighted to see Ireland has at least one well prepared stop over prepared, when daughter Kate sent a photo of the glass of milk, carrots and home made biscuit neatly laid out on a tray for Santa. Just hope the poor guy makes it that far. Son J in Worthing had set out the LED landing lights in the garden and filled the outdoor bar with sherry, glühwein, whisky,  carrots marinated in vodka and loads of slices of M&S Premium, extra alcoholic Christmas Cake.

Well one and all - I wish all Blipers what they themselves wish. I do thank all of those who have to work over the festive season mainly to ensure the rest of us have a safe and trouble free time. But also to thank all those unpaid volunteers who give up time to make the lives of others, who for whatever reason, are having a less than jolly time, just a bit more bearable. And finally thoughts with all those who have lost beloved family and friends this year, particularly those in the last few weeks.

And finally, finally, I hope all children of the world wake up on Christmas Day with a smile - a smile is universal, regardless of language, creed, colour, sex and age..................