We're both glowing today with the success of yesterday's maga-open-house party.
More than 60 people came during the afternoon, including RaM who I shamefully haven't kept in touch with since their daughter was born three days before Baggins! REALLY good to see them again, and learn of their current pregnancy.
I'm not one to talk obviously, but three children in under five years is going some...
Fantstaic news.

Interesting mix of people, and at a steady pace as well which meant it wasn't too overwhelming.

But we're so encouraged by everyone's kindness, humour and generosity. Yes we asked for food contributions, but we now have more wine, beer, cakes, crips and other food thanwe actually started with!! So its a diet of (relative) trash for the week - a sure sign that its Christmas.
A Big Effort and Expense to go to, and it was commented more than once that me 'must be mad' but it was absolutely worthwhile without any question. So good to see everyone here, very releaxed.

Hopefully it will be as good on Boxing Day at my sister's, but its never quite the same with family somehow.

So as usual, and because we're all knackered, Christmas Eve is a quiet non-entity. Down to the river with the bikes this morning (as a dull drizzle began to fall) and clearing up (again) this afternoon.
Been out in the van (showing it off!!!) to a friend's house to exchange some firewood which, of course, ended up in more tea, mince pies and conversation. I've managed to split up about a quarter of my neighbour's eucalyptus but there is still loads left and it is still VERY damp. SO while we have kindling and big logs, there is nothing in between to get a decent fire going. Hopefully this aged oak will solve that problem and mean we can get through the winter without having to buy more coal.

And at last we have got around to swapping the Upstairs music for the Downstairs music. I now have my Foxx/Almon collection in the studio next to me along with all the CD-Rs of "Rubbish" that Tx can't stand, and the larger selection of more 'accessible' music is downstairs for her to explore. I've no doubt there is a lot more she'd find to like this way round so hopefully the arrangement suits all of us.

Kids are tired, manic and very touchy.
Looking forward to the Christingle tonight - shame the weather has changed and our picnic lunch tomorrow could be rained off...