After
the peace of November, December seems packed with events
throughout. First we met up with our friends in Ipswich
for the regular Chistmas meal. This year's venue was
The
Last Anchor pub and restaurant, in Ipswich's up
and coming docks area. When we left Ipswich the docks
area was starting its rejuvenation, now there are apartment
blocks appearing everywhere, expensive boats moored,
and several restaurants which all appear popular.
Matthew
has continued his piano lessons throughout the year,
and James his classical guitar lessons. Progress is
always hard at the start, but both can sight read the
music and are getting a good grounding.
Matthew
appeared as the donkey in his school nativity which,
we found out when we saw it, STARRED Ned the Donkey!
He was on stage almost thoughout and put great feeling
into his lines. Malcolm and Bridget's arms appeared
in the guise of Sam and Lucy the shepherds in the Cafe
Lite Christmas Panto "A Lad in a Manger" (Aladdin
a Manger - get it?).
Christmas
is a time for singing carols, and there are plenty of
opportunities in our area. The local King's Church are
very musical and much in evidence at this time of year,
so we joined them at the local railway station one evening.
Matthew helped shake the bucket at passing commuters
as they left the station, no doubt increasing the takings
(which was in aid of Lighthouse). Bridget's dad, who
had been staying with us for a couple of days so we
could go to the O2 Christmas party, had a quick sing,
then hopped on the train back to Ipswich.
Malcolm's
nephew Dave now lives in Thailand with his wife Ou,
so we don't see them too often. When we found they were
back in the UK for Christmas with their new daughter
Elle we made sure of visiting them (plus Ken, Christine
and Mike, of course). Elle is pretty and delightful,
and close to toddling. No doubt she will be a handful
as she grows, but Dave is getting some practice with
children as he teaches English to local Thai schoolchildren.
Another
year, another Christmas, another tree....
A
year when both boys cracked cycling, James found some
fossils, Matthew climbed a wall, James learned to
swim, Bridget walked the Thames, and Malcolm went
on more trips to Madrid than he cares to remember.
Happy New Year everyone.
