Unexpected

As I left the house for the morning walk over the Knott, I wasn't expecting to see the sun rise. It's been a few days since we saw the sun at all, and from the bedroom window first thing it looked as cloudy as ever. But there was a narrow gap in the cloud cover in the east, and the sun found it.

It's been a busy few days under grey and wet skies, catching up with friends and preparing for Christmas Day. We saw Arnside Simon on Saturday for the first time for a long time, like everyone else he's been staying away during the quarantine period. He gave us a present that he said would expand out when opened, and it does too in a completely unexpected way. There will be no reason to be cold this winter, such a kind and thoughtful present.

Sue dropped by unexpectedly as she was heading south - the gifts she left included a parcel for Gus from his best friend Rowan that had him very excited when opened this afternoon. Then, later on Saturday we met up with S, J and M for a walk around Leighton Moss. And as they were leaving our house later after a cup of tea, they produced an unexpected present from my colleagues in the office (most of whom I haven't seen for 6 months): a hamper of goodies. What a wonderful and touching gesture.

For me and Wifie, it is the unexpected things that happen or that are given that help to make Christmas such a special time. Though there was nothing unexpected about Christmas Dinner, everything went to plan, and we are happily full of Anna Jones' nut roast.

Happy Christmas to everyone out there in blip land.