January 4th

It was another glorious day.  I took the opportunity to sort out my potting bench and give it a tidy and a clean.  I have a few cuttings on there, unbelievably they needed watering!   It was so lovely we contemplated clearing off the outside dining table to have our breakfast except we weren't having any because we were going out for lunch today to celebrate Gail's birthday and the fact that she felt well enough after her operation to go out.

I had some time this morning, before we went out for lunch, to work on the bit of craft I have been doing at home.  I think the workshops have probably resumed in Neo Chorio but I have the stuff needed here and if, as we suspect, Mum does give up driving then I need to be flexible about being around for her.

This candle holder is to go in the lounge on the coffee table with the alcohol ink plate I made  and the alcohol ink coasters I bought from Gillian as they are all of a similar colour. 

I realise now that I would have loved to have done some sort of Interior Design course.  I love to see houses that are tastefully styled but as John points out there can be no sentiment in styling.  So many of our ornaments have a massive history attached to them, history but not much style.

We had a conundrum today as to what to wear - we were going to the winery for lunch and hoped that we would be able to sit outside - John and I both plumped for shorts - nutters that we are but we reckon that if you think warm you are warm.

Shorts were a wise choice - it was glorious at the Winery, we moved a couple of tables around the corner out of any wind and had a fabulous lunch.  Gail is recovering well from her operation thankfully - her sling gets removed shortly.  I was driver today - I am not brilliant at drinking lunchtime - it makes me very tired and generally gives me a headache!

The food was excellent, Gail plumped for the shrimp pasta, Pete the lamb chops, John a pork chop and I had the stifado.  It was actually really busy there with tables taken both inside and out - good to see.  Pete was so taken by the glasses that the wine was served in that he bought a box as they have them for sale along with some beautiful carafes.

On our return Gail kindly gave us a couple of slices of her birthday cake to have later.  We had had a lovely day and just spent the remainder of it watching the TV with the woodburner tickling away.  So far 2023 has been a good one!