This did not turn out to be the Christmas Eve we had expected although in the end it was lovely. It would appear that just about everyone we know is coming down with lurgy and not nice lurgy, chest infections and flu type symptoms but no positive covid test. John is improving slowly but still has a nasty cough and I am sniffly snuffly and achey but nothing too bad really.
We began the day with our Christmas Eve tradition of a book exchange with Nicky and Mark. The idea being that you receive a book which someone else has enjoyed and then spend a quiet afternoon engrossed in it. This was not going to be the case for Nicky and Mark today because they have just finished plaster-boarding and painting the ceiling in their lounge/diner and need to move all the furniture back so that they can entertain Nicky's Mum and Bill tomorrow for Christmas Day.I had given Nicky a copy of Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - a book which I loved and I also recommended the 1967 film of the book which starred Julie Christie - I can't comment on the more recent version as I haven't seen it. Nicky's book to me was The Nightingale which I shall start to read next week. I think I may need a hanky for that one.
Mark gave John a Michael Connelly thriller which I think he will enjoy when he has the strength to lift it - it is a hefty tome!!! John gave Mark a copy of a book which I treasure - not a novel but a gardening book called Beautiful Backyards which has been a source of great inspiration to me. Written and compiled by Roddy Llewellyn - the former squeeze of Princess Margaret allegedly - be that as it may he was a great gardener! Maybe there was a nod to Lady Chatterley in their relationship who knows?
Anyway after the exchange we went across to look at their handiwork with the ceiling. They have really done a superb job and it has made an amazing difference in look and feel. Once the kitchen is in place (ordered but yet to come) that will really transform that building.
The remainder of our day was spent chilling out and watching TV - safe in the knowledge that we would not freeze this year (a) because it is considerably milder than last year and (b) we received the fourth and final winter fuel payment which was outstanding from being withheld previously. Woo hoo no worries this year thank goodness.
We were all couch potato-ing today, the cats love to snuggle up with us when we are in - Boris particularly likes the fluffy side of the Santa throws which we have.
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