I end this years photos in a similar way to how I end most years, with a photo of London's New Years Eve display viewed on the television. Due to the ongoing spread of the Omicron variant details of the location of the display, which involved a light show, drones and fireworks, were not revealed in advance and people were encouraged to stay at home and enjoy the show on television.
This morning Christopher took Lara and I to IKEA. It was quite busy (although not obvious from these photos) but was fun to have a browse.
My favourite meal of the holiday season - cold meats, salad, chips and pickles.
This afternoon we continued another family tradition of a visit to the cinema on Boxing Day. Today we saw Spiderman - No Way Home.
This year the parish church has a Christmas Tree in the village war memorial garden and are inviting people to hang their own ornament on the tree (perhaps in memory of someone) and make a donation to raise funds for the Hertfordshire Young Homeless Charity.
This afternoon we met at my Mum and Dad's house for a pre-Christmas get together with family. It was especially nice to spend time with the younger members of the family.
Millie had her post-surgery vet visit recently and was given the all clear to resume normal exercise so today we took her for a walk over the fields. Despite the mud under foot (paw) he was so excited to have an off lead walk.
Every year I try and make a few Christmas Cards for some of my crafty friends. This years cards were made with Kraft cardstock,white iridescent and emerald green glitter card and twine.
I went out today to try and finish my Christmas shopping - I didn't manage to finish it 😟! I drowned my sorrows with an After Eight Hot chocolate 😉.
This evening we had out Book Club Christmas Meal. Last year (due to Covid-19) there was no meal but this year a few of us were able to meet. As I I don't have the permission of the rest of the club to post their faces on Facebook, I have had to settle for posting this photo taken at the start of the evening rather than a group shot.
Followers of my blog probably think I'm on a mission to try all the festive foods that the high street chains are offering because today I tried another! Costa are selling Terry's Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate and After Eight Hot chocolate. Today when killing time while Lara and a friend were ice-skating, I tried the Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate. Unlike yesterday's pizza, I would buy this again. It was delicious.
Tonight we sampled a Domino's Festive Pizza - turkey breast marinated in sage and onion, Cumberland sausage and crispy bacon. It was an interesting flavour! It was OK but I would probably not order it again.
I have seen Tony's Chocolate in the shops and decided to buy a bar yesterday. Steven and I tried it and I think it was probably the nicest chocolate I've ever eaten - even better than Cadburys Dairy Milk which is saying something.
This evening, on the third attempt, we visited Shuttleworth in Lights. We booked twice last winter but each time, due to covid, the event was cancelled. Tonight we were finally allowed to visit.
The after-dark event took place in the Swiss Gardens, grounds around Shuttleworth House and ended at the Shuttleworth collection.
It was quite chilly and even rained for a little while, but the rain didn't spoil the evening.
In the hangers, some of the planes, etc were also illuminated which made for a different viewing experience.
