24-Dec to 31-Dec 2011

Sat 24-Dec: Spent most of the day in what has now become a family tradition, for everyone to meet at The Dolphin for drinks... and for Barry and me to see how far we can get along the alphabetical collection of single malts. Linda and I made an early start by having lunch beforehand, jockeying for position throughout early afternoon as various consumers left and better seating positions became available for our large group to occupy. Here's The Dolphin as we headed back across St Ives bridge about 17:30. We walked back with Barry's mum and dad, popping into their house for a cup of tea. That left me a bit late for the other tradition... a visit to each grandchild with a small gift by dummy Santa. The large number of whiskeys consumed meant this year saw a new feature, a cycling Santa. Raised quite a few laughs from groups of people along the way as they saw an image of red flash by, beard flowing in the wind, trousers tied up with elastic bands. Linda didn't think I'd make the full trip without falling off the bike! To read the full story click Allotment Heaven: Recycled Santa.

Sun 25-Dec: Here are the Christmas presents I got this year. Amongst a great collection are a Bodum strainer tea pot and collection of teas I've been after for a while, a book on 'Best London Pubs' which will be put to good use on the next pub crawl in the City, and the 'River Cottage Veg Cookbook' that'll get a lot of use in 2012. Oh, and the usual hair related gift from Beth... something that looks like a Mr Potato head from which you grow grass hair.

Mon 26-Dec: Time to blow the cobwebs away from the previous day with a good amble, so we did the six mile walk to Hemingford Abbots with the obligatory half way stop at the Axe and Compass for a coffee. Just near Hemingford Grey we came upon this flowering almond tree... it shouldn't be in blossom until May! No wonder... it continued very mild yesterday at 55 degrees farenheit (13C).

Tue 27-Dec: Not quite sure why I shelled out £49.99 for this electric razor today, even if it was reduced from £100. With the strong feeling that there's a more interesting, more Bohemian me struggling to break out of this bland exterior I'm attempting to grow a goatee beard, whatever the patchy evidence tells you. So there's even less face area to shave at present and I generally try and have a bit of stubble to appear more 'interesting'. In an attempt to put the new kit to better use, and with the hair harvest from the rest of the bonce seeming to diminish by the month, I did consider shaving my head. Linda's reaction not too positive. It's her claim I keep blocking up the bathroom sink that's really behind the purchase. At least it made a good job of the few square inches that needed attention.

Wed 28-Dec: Having lost my original fig tree in last Winter's frosts after moving it, I'm pinning my hopes on it's replacement. It's actually a cutting from the original tree... there's quite a few allotmenteers I've given cuttings to. With green buds awaiting Spring things look promising. It's a wonderful sight to see a fig tree full of heavy succulent fruit. Of course the chickens are not averse to jumping up and having some as well... Paigey Chicken came to check out progress as well!

Thu 29-Dec: Went to the theatre in Cambridge this afternoon to see Cinderella with Beth, Chris, Connor and Paige. Been years since we were last at a pantomime, though it's five years on the trot for Beth and Chris. Will certainly be going back next year. Was really funny and entertaining for both adults and kids. Sheila Ferguson formerly of The Three Degrees really belted out her hits and there was one family that came over from Holland specially to see the show!

Fri 30-Dec: Babysitting for Becky this evening, and since I'd taken Connor & Paige to George's fish & chip shop for tea a couple of times, it was off to McDonalds for Sammy & Izzy. Had to take a sneak photo, hence the blur, since they hide whenever a camera comes out. They also never stop moving. This was the point when Izzy, who only eats the tops of the buns and doesn't like the burger, sauce or other stuff, decided she didn't like the chocolate brownie for seconds either. My suggestion she have a lick of Sammy's ice cream was met with disbelief by both parties.

Sat 31-Dec: Time for the annual sneaky delivery of New Year envelopes, though with Beth & Chris away in Bournemouth and John and David out it was a lot easier than normal. Still had the usual nervous delivery to Becky and Barry... fortunately their letterbox flapper is pretty quiet and I was off smartish across the road. This year the delivery included letters from the chickens to the grandchildren... here's the delivery to Beth and Chris.