Preparations

Today has been spent preparing for tonight's meal - that is being hosted at A's mother's house - and tomorrow's - at A's sister's house. We've all been doing our bit, whilst fending off A's mother, whose instinct is still to do everything. 

As the one with the strongest hands and nerve to handle an oyster knife, the task of opening the oysters falls to me. There were more than we could fit into the baking tray - white wine, cream and grated gruyère were added before cooking - so A and I had a few raw, leaving two for C's husband, when he, C and daughter M joined us after mass (see extra).

After numerous courses, we reached the Christmas log (see extra).