Boxing Day

Life became rather intense in the run-up to Christmas. We had guests from England, which was an enormous pleasure in terms of planning, preparing, and partying. I had lots of free time before their arrival, and spent it quite happily in the kitchen.

I decorated Ruth and Jewel.

And myself.

We and our guests went to church on Christmas Eve.

We woke to a dusting of snow on Christmas morning, just enough to call it "white" as we hosted a brunch. Our Friends From the North Country joined us and our English friends, whom they had met in Bath two years ago.

We had an English Christmas cake at teatime (with 2 layers of icing--marzipan and royal!)

We feasted on roast lamb and delicious accompaniments in the evening.

And we flamed the pudding.

We watched a film, played board and card games, walked dogs, dined out, opened and admired gifts. Some funny, some touching, all amazing and surprising.

Our company departed a few hours ago. Now the Chap and I and the girls await a winter Nor'Easter called "Euclid," he's supposed to be bringing anywhere from six inches to a foot to a foot-and-a-half of snow. It's about time....