Christmas Day '09....

....It took on the usual format. Mum, Dad, Ruth, Andy and I went down to church in the morning. The Brannen family came back to ours for drinks and nibbles before we parted for our respective Christmas dinners.


Andy, Ruth, Dad, Mum, Roy

XMAS MORNING:



FOOD:

Andy prepared and cooked just about everything this year. Dad on hand throughout. I'll admit, I did nothing. We had an incredible dinner.



Oysters followed by scallops wrapped in parma ham, then pigs in blankets. And we hadn't even reached starter yet! Pea, mint and watercress soup began the meal. Rib of beef was our meat this year, accompanied with carrots, parsnips & potatoes, (all the Jamie way) with brussels & chestnuts and sweet potato mash. Oh and a sneaky Yorkshire pud. We topped this off with a cheese board, then mum's traditional chocolate roulade.

After dinner, we got stuck in to three separate Skype calls.


With Andy's folks, Jean & Nige and family in York.


With the Palmers in Lytham St. Anne's.


With the Smiths in Statford Upon Avon.

I then tried to roll back the years on the piano, but couldn't even lie convincingly!

XMAS EVENING:

Back down at the Brannen's house for games and giggles.

Skidding all the way: