Continued...... love Duncan, BladeAnnie. I had a light-as-a-feather little chap who looked just like that, years ago. He was such a dear and so affectionate. Sam is gorgeous, Lins. Did he have that wonderful 'flag' on his tail when he was tiny, or is that a new development? He looks so content, bless him. Thanks for all the kind remarks about Paxo - the South of France's feline equivalent of Esther Williams! Yes, she has recovered her dignity (hi Doodle). That's two cats out of three who have slipped into the pool in the last 4 years. Sensible other cat chose to get wet in the summer time. And her excuse was she was chasing a bird!
It's strange that people sometimes relish handing out bad news, Dusty. I keep trying to remember we are all in this together - doesn't always help of course, but we have to get through it somehow. So sorry that another of your lovely residents has been struck down in your village, soop. I'd be very sad too. With all the wonderful things that can come of a good close community, the only problem is that other people's problems become your problems - because you care. That's the big downside. I should think that the village has had more than enough losses over the last 12 months or so.
Hope that you both are reasonably well and upright - and that little Fern grows more accustomed to you every day. It won't be long before she chooses her place by the fireside, I'll bet. Hope you're feeling a bit better, charley and not too lost without Her Little Ladyship. I finally sussed why you can't be an Axe Murderer (as a profession). I didn't notice that you might eventually want to foster a cat from an "abusive home". That explains all the checks. All of ours over the years have just been abandoned......there's obviously quite different rules. Here in France (maybe same in the UK) if you decide to adopt or foster an elderly dog or cat, this often means that its Vet bills are paid for, for life. Older animals are obviously not quite such an attractive prospect to many - but make such wonderful, calm and deserving pets. Many who could offer wonderful homes are put off by potentially large bills, so it's a win/win for animal and new owner.
Better day tomorrow, Urms. Sometimes it's easier to have an early night and re-set the mind clock for tomorrow. Maybe some sunshine, but definitely the chance of a more optimistic Miss - and those littlies are never far away; that must be such a bonus for you.
Nighty Night all - and to you, Cherry. Hope that any Tigger urges are suppressed for a good night's sleep and no carpet gymnastics. 
Stay warm, sleep well, stay safe, all. Hot chocolate and ginger cookies on the side.
Oops
It was the stollen pieces that I really coveted Grandmafrench I have a sweet tooth that I mostly can keep under control but DDs know that I usually weaken around stollen ( especially M&S) daft when I live in part of the country that has made marzipan paste an art form.
I’m in the Algarve but in the countryside about half an hour inland from Faro. Far more rural than you would expect. When we came we chose to have a post box about 20 minutes walk away ( 2 minute drive) instead of the local town post office which is a definite drive, it all used to work out well but has gone haywire at the moment.
We’ve just had a throughly depressing socially distanced flying visit from DH’s nephew who told us of a friend having COVID and that lockdown restrictions were become even tougher than they already are. Realised things are exactly as we thought they were but DN seemed almost gleeful in passing on bad news. 
‘Evening All’
?
The grey skies. The rain. The long hours ticking slowly by. I can’t be the only one on here today feeling a bit low in spirits.
Harder, I know, for those of you clock-watching in a home on your own. Big hugs to all of you who fit this description.
Sorry to hear you’re sad soop. Some days just seem that little bit more difficult don’t they?
The highlight of my day so far has been sharing a portion of fish & chips (no cooking) #lazygran.
And tonight I shall watch another of the Scottish rail trips on Ch.5 followed by the last instalment of ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ at 9pm. Followed by my Horlicks fix and bed. It’s been a long day.
Hope all on here are managing in whatever way they can with special thoughts to anyone who is struggling a bit.
‘Goodnight All’. x
I have just this minute lost my post together with many thank yous for super photos.
Sorry not to have been better company throughout the day. I'm feeling sad.
Please take good care of yourselves until we meet again. You help me to retain some semblance of positivity. 
Good evening everyone - hope we are all staying safe. Sausage casserole simmering in the slow cooker and the log burner doing a sterling job on this chilly day. More than happy with the football last night . My elderly feline friend Duncan is just saying hello too!!
I too am pleased that Hattie won't be inconvenienced Maw, I think your daughter is wise.
We have been for a walk in a fine misty rain and it was cold in the wind. We are back in the warm and after rooting out my slipper, Sam is fast asleep.
I hope that Paxo has dried out and is none the worse for her early bath GrandmaFrench.
I am sorry to hear about your fellow villager soop.
I am watching A Christmas History of Sacred Music with Simon Russell Beale, recorded over the festive period. It is an absolute joy.
puzzler ? you always have lovely flowers.
What a grey day it has been and since we aren’t going anywhere I think I would prefer Puzzler’s snow to these overcast skies as at least it would be bright! Smokie has been in front of the wood burner all day so obviously feels the same.
Hope everyone is keeping well and occupied. Cherry buns on the side to have with your tea if you aren’t doing the post new year diet!
I am feeling pretty chuffed as with DD’s help my sorting out is cracking on at a good pace and my bedroom end of the house is now pretty organised. I think I am being well organised too!
We have at long last received another builder’s quote for our extension and it has come in at 2/3 of the price of the most favoured builder. To be fair so did the quote from the ‘pushy’ builder so I guess we know which one we will be going with now. I wonder when we will be able to get on with it in the current circs.
Not sure of the best way of telling tradesmen their price is too high but it has to be done. Not looking forward to doing it though!
Popping my head in to say Hello and leave some Spring flowers for any who visit the kitchen.
I hope Fern is getting braver by the day soop and will allow a stroke on a daily basis. She will enjoy it when she experiences it.
Grandmafrench couriers are taking longer but hopefully the jacket will arrive. I’ve just had a jumper from Spain delivered by Hermes and it took 14 days. It wasn’t possible to track it (said website) and I really didn’t have many hopes of getting it - but it was came today.
Sorry to hear Paxo the cat landed in the icy pool. I hope she is none the worse for it?
Here’s a wave ? to Daisy, Urmston , Maw, Doodle, Charley , Nannytopsy , Lins and Sam, BladeAnnie , Dusty , Grandmab too and any of the usual kitchener - I have tried to remember you all. Have a good afternoon.
Good to have you back with us, Daisyboots.
Way back in the summer, one of us lot asked me for seeds from the balsam plant. I have harvested a mere dozen. Please remind me who it is who requested them.
Still no word from BT.
A dear lady in our wee village has died. We would wave to each other as we walked to the shops. We saw her not too long before Christmas. Tomorrow, yet again, the villagers will pay their respects as they socially distance themselves lining the route of the funeral cortege.
Our Surrey Parakeets.
Photo was taken in November.
In the spring and summer we see them all the time they love the fruit trees and make lots of noise but fascinating to watch.
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