Thursday 23 December 2021

Thursday: Advent day twenty three

 Good morning, everyone!  After a very restless night, I was awake at stupid o'clock this morning.  It's just as well it's going to be a very relaxed sort of day because I will fade out at some point and have a good old snooze in my lovely recliner.
I have no idea what the weather is doing but Beeb says it's not freezing, will go up to double figured in temperature and be dull and cloudy all day - a bit boring, in fact!

Yesterday went pretty much according to plan.  It was such a relief to have got the shopping done and dusted and I can only think of one thing that I've forgotten - that that is not important.  It seems that people are avoiding the shops - Anna said she went to a different shop later in the day, expecting it to be heaving and it really wasn't that bad at all.  I guess no-one want Christmas to be spoilt by a positive test if they can possibly avoid it!

Personal training with Lindsey was great fun.  She's pushing me on quite gently but it's definitely a push and I'm liking that.
When I got home. the cleaners had been and gone, done their usual magic, taken their cards and Christmas tips and left the place looking lovely.  They have next week off so that's it for over a fortnight.  I will have to do my own cleaning next week - oh, my, how will I cope!!!

The afternoon was spent just generally pottering around doing this, that and the other and the evening with Dave and Anna was just lovely.  After the Chinese we had a game of Scrabble where I was comprehensively beaten into third place by two very clever people (they first met on one of these academic courses for exceptionally able teenagers!!) but I don't care; it was a lot of fun.
I was pretty tired and mildly tiddly when they left so disappeared to bed but it was a restless night as I've already said and I should sleep much better tonight.

In the meanwhile, today is one of those days where I need A List so I have started one.  It's beside me as I type and I keep adding bits to it.
The turkey (the one that we're not having on Christmas Day) arrives today.  At the moment the email just says 'before 18:00' but I should get a more specific time band soon.
The lovely Victoria, she who runs the wreath making courses, will be bringing over the table decoration she has created for me and I'll take a photo for tomorrow's blog.  She has made one for several years now and this year I've asked for a pillar candle so it takes longer to burn down.

I do NOT need any more sweet stuff but I am umming and ahing about making some gingerbread biscuits, just because.  I'll look up the recipe and see what I think - maybe I will and maybe I won't!

On The List, in capital letter, it says THE TIMETABLE.  Usually, once the turkey is in, I know where I'm at with a Christmas dinner but as I'm doing a different meal, I need to work it all out carefully.  It's not the main things, it's all those extras,. plus dessert.  So that's an important thing today/tomorrow.

Well, it's early but I may as well get started.  Have a great day, whether you are busy or not.  Take care and stay safe.  xx

Today's Advent music for day twenty three is a proper carol, the lovely Ding Dong Merrily on High. with its challenge to sing the 'gloria' in one breath (I can't, unless it is very pacey!).


Do you remember that bit in one of the Vicar of Dibley episodes where Alice brings the carol singers and they sing this and just carry on the the 'Gloria' until the all run out of breath.  Makes me laugh every time.


22 comments:

  1. Good morning, Joy! I'm awake earlier than usual as my mind was wandering, so I thought I'd better make a list. Great minds and all that :)
    It's not that I have loads to do, but I know I will forget something if I don't write it down. I'm also heading out early to do the food shop before it gets busy.
    Thank you for the lovely music to start my day. Xx

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    1. I think when there are so many 'little' things to do, ones mind just can't rest properly. Lists help tremendously and perhaps I should have written it in the middle of the night. I might have then settled. :-)
      Good luck with the food shopping!
      xx

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks, Lynn - it was just a lucky snap.
      xx

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    2. It would make a lovely set of Christmas cards.

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    3. That's a thought - hmmmm. I will ponder that! Thank you.
      xx

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  3. Merry Christmas…love your blog as always…

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    1. And the same to you, Brenda. Have a wonderful time.
      xx

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  4. I have to write a Christmas day list too just because.. But this year I can relax a bit more because lovely D is taking charge in the kitchen.
    I do remember that Vicar of Dibley episode, what a good show it was :)
    Have a wonderful day however you spend it and hopefully you get a better nights sleep x

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    1. It really does help, doesn't it!
      I hope your day is wonderful too. xx

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  5. Christmas day is a complete break with tradition for us this year. We're going to Beckah's parents for brunch so have no idea how hungry we will be at tea time. I've opted for a nice salad and will cook our big meal on Sunday. It's been good fun changing things up this year.

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    1. It will be so lovely to be all together, won't it? I can't see that changing now - the 'rules', I mean.
      Have a wonderful time.
      xx

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  6. My Christmas was going to be after Christmas but waiting for "rules" to see if it will happen or not.

    Hope you get all your things done in preparation.

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    1. My fingers are crossed for you (so to speak). I so hope you get your family Christmas - whenever it happens. xx

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  7. It sounds like you have everything nicely under control.

    How will you manage next week with no cleaners!! You'll just have to round up the dust bunnies like I do ... and not write in any of the dust on the sideboard ;-)

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    1. I think it is, pretty much. There's just the usual stuff when you're hosting a meal. The rest seems all done.

      It's a disaster, isn't it? Woe is me, for my life is undone. :-)
      xx

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  8. I will have my Christmas dinner tomorrow as Christmas Day I'll be out and about. Doing it this way removes some of the stress and/or having to cook too early or too late, as has happened in previous years.

    I hope you have a lovely time and manage to catch up on your sleep xx

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    1. It's been pleasant, thanks. Nice and quiet but satisfying as well.
      Have a lovely meal tomorrow.
      xx

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  9. How well you manage and I am impressed how organised you are. As I shall be house sitting over Christmas it has been a bit hectic to pre-cook the Christmas dinning to take with me tomorrow so I only have to finish cooking it at my SIL’s villa. Best this way! I really hate having to use someone else’s kitchen to make a big meal like that. It would take me so much longer to do. I did make a list but there are so many extras that have cropped up that I have torn it up … sigh! We also have new restrictions to take into account they start tomorrow.Covid numbers have risen here too. Stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas. Amanda x

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    1. I totally understand. I would hate that too - when it's a biggie, one needs to know where everything is automatically and that means ones own kitchen.
      It looks like we are escaping any more restrictions until at least Boxing Day but we will see. As both my 'children' have health issues that make them vulnerable, we are all being extremely careful anyway and we have all, including Alex and Anna, been triple jabbed now anyway. We can't do more really!
      Have a lovely time, whatever happens. Happy Christmas to you. xx

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  10. You are so right about all the extra fiddly bits - they really do me in! This year my daughter is cooking the bird and roast potatoes (my oven still not fixed) and bringing it with them, but I have everything else. The hardest part is getting the timing right so everything is still hot!

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    1. Oh, goodness - A wonky oven is a bit of a nuisance on Christmas day. I'm so glad there's a work-around for you. Thank goodness for your daughter.
      I feel the same about the timings - even with a double oven, it can be tricky.
      I was tempted to get some electric plate warmers to make keeping the plates hot easier but didn't make a decision. I'll just see how it goes this year and, maybe, for the future . . .
      xx

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