We are the fortunate ones

the Brothers Christmas 07

It all got a bit fractious yesterday with The Brothers plans for Christmas thrown into chaos by the Eurostar debacle and M&D trying not to put any pressure on them or to be too disappointed that the boys may not make it to France for Christmas.  There was a lot of phone calls, text and twitter watch to see whether the boys had a chance of getting there. The upshot is they are in a queue at St Pancras as I type hoping to get on a train this morning so they can get their connection South.


At some point during all the chaos Mum and I had a conversation that made us both stop and think.  We were watching the news (in our different houses in different countries) and a report came on showing the coffins returning to Wootton Bassett of soldiers who had been killed in action.  It's so very very sad and gets me every time.  Mum said - 'oh I'm being so silly and selfish at least I know where my children are and that they are safe, the mum's of all these soldiers would love to be so lucky'.


We are the fortunate ones, we are safe and healthy and okay; so our celebrations may be delayed due to train chaos but we will be together and we know where each of us are.


I know that this time of year it seems that Charities are all asking for your support, if you do have some pennies to spare then please consider this fantastic charity - it's not about supporting or agreeing with the War it's about supporting those serving.  Help for Heroes.


In the meantime my thoughts are with the families of the fallen, We Will Remember.

Last Christmas........

I wrote this yesterday but didn't post it for some reason......

As I sit here in three layers of clothing hoping that The Boy gets back downstairs and clears the fire out and get's it going again, with the outside temperature at a bracing -6 degrees and snow and ice all around I can't help but think about what we did Last year.

Up until last year we have always spent Christmas with my family Christmas Day at one house, Boxing day at another.  Full Family Christmas with Champagne, presents, late lunches, wine, games, sleeping on the sofa and (more recently) Dr Who.  Unfortunately, Gramps passed away last year so Christmas was never going to be the same.  M&D were in the process of selling their house and moving to France, Brothers were settled in Greenwich and me & The Boy were knackered after a full on year and his work was a nightmare.

When Gramps died he left a bit of money for us all and with my share I decided to buy a fancy watch (I wanted something that would last forever but would be something I would use all the time to remind me of him and keep him near) and take The Boy on a brilliant holiday.  So after a bit of a play around we decided to go back to Mexico, for a completely relaxing sun break and to come back Via New York for a quick shopping trip.

I booked with Trail Finders and we flew Upper Class with Virgin from Heathrow to JFK then down to Cancun.  The Upper Class lounge was fab as was the flight - but that's a whole other post and as it was before I was doing this I have no pictures.

We stayed at The Royal Cancun again - we had been there 18 months previously and decided to go back there as we wanted to not have to think.  To be honest we could have been anywhere but it's a lovely hotel with about 280 rooms, five restaurants, 3 bars, beach butlers, spa & gym, all inclusive heaven.

The rooms are a great size with massive beds

This was our room from the first visit in 2007

Each room has a jacuzzi in it

Which looks out over the balcony

Days were spent lazing around by the beach or the pool

Looking at the pictures I can almost feel the heat.   Each day was spent lazing around and we went to the hotel gala dinner on NYE, which was surprisingly good fun.

After a difficult year it would be wonderful to be there again but instead we will be home then off to France to see M&D (if Eurostar has defrosted in time - fingers crossed) so a different style of family Christmas and I can't wait.

Midweek Meltdown

Not my bedroom but similar - where I would like to spend the rest of today tho.

Well not quite but that bottle of wine after the mulled wine and champagne last night may not have been the wisest move ever.

I am writing this from under the duvet as I am nice and warm and can't face getting up - I have to get up as I need to leave for Newcastle in 90 minutes and could really do with spending 30 mins on the work 'puter before leaving doing some admin tasks.

I realised last night that Christmas is next Friday that's right 8 days away - I don't know why but I thought it was Saturday - so I thought there was a whole extra day that there just isn't.  It's not as if I have loads to do - just me and the Boy for Christmas this year as M&D and Brothers will be in France and MIL won't travel.  Presents are all pretty much bought (apart from Brothers they need to pull their fingers out and say what they want).  In fact M&Ds gifts are wrapped and sat under their tree in France.  Shopping is ordered - though I am in trouble with lovely SB as we are having a Crown and not a whole Turkey - and will be delivered by Lemon or Orange on Wednesday.  Just need to get some wine.

We're off out on Boxing day and the 27th then over to France for New Year so not much to do really - however I MUST get the tree down from the loft and up - otherwise it will only be up a day or so before we Christmas and we will only have the benefit of it for a day or two.

Right it's gone 8.30am, the heating has come on and I must get my (not insubstantial) arse in to gear.  Good Wednesday everyone - nearly the weekend xx