Happy Christmas!

As Christmas fast approaches it is the usual last minute panic regarding cards received but not sent, catering for the family who are arriving en-mass (‘do we really need all those potatoes’? ‘yes - its 25 and all will want mashed'), loosing all the forfeits for pass the parcel, trying to decide what to buy Soda, helping to organise the New Years Eve party…….. Derek’s contribution to the festive preparations so far has been a bunch of holly!!

The weather has been so much better than last year when, after cooking for all the family, no one could get here because of the snow. This resulted in a very impromptu lunch with many of our friends from the village.

We did have some snow last week when I took the dogs up to Cloutsham. While I was out walking we had heavy snow and sleet, gales and thunder and lightening all at the same time! I felt trifle a vulnerable but the dogs were totally un-phased by the whole and event and after 20 minutes the storm passed and we walked in brilliant sunshine.

To give this last script of 2011 a festive feel, I have attached photos taken early in the year during the snow.

Derek and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stayed with us over the past year and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Dunster by Candlelight

We have had a great few days. Tim and Beckie came down for Dunster by Candlelight bringing with them their friends Pip and John. We certainly had a houseful that weekend as many guests come to experience Dunster dressed up for Christmas. All the windows in the houses had candles burning in them, there were street entertainers, stalls selling all sorts of different gifts, music playing and all the shops were beautifully decorated and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.

The highlight for me was when Beckie asked if I would like to go with her and Pip while she tried on some wedding gowns at Parnham House in Dunster. It is a very special bridal shop and I have always wanted to go and in and have a browse. However, after 34 years of marriage I really don’t have the occasion! It completely lived up to my expectations and the gowns are gorgeous. When Beckie came out of the changing room she looked beautiful – I almost cried!

I recently went to Exeter to do a little bit of shopping and to see my old work colleagues at Exeter College. It was lovely to see them again and catch up with all their news. A lot has changed but several things remain the same.

As we are now closed for a few weeks, Charlotte and I have been busy giving everything a DEEP clean. In some ways I have been glad that the weather has been so rough as I haven’t been tempted to skive off all the time and go walking! But there have been some times where I just need to get out. Completely booted and waterproofed, the dogs and I have had some lovely long blustery walks over Exmoor – it is good to get fresh air in my face.

Derek has been suffering with a bad back but he has just had it treated so hopefully things will start to improve over the next few days. I have been trying to teach him some Pilates exercises but I starting to wonder if he is taking me seriously – those of you that know Derek will know what I mean!

I have been so fed up with this weather that I have resorted to looking at the photos taken in the summer!

Exmoor Dark Skies

Last weekend an event kicked a whole new era for the National Park after its recent award of International Dark Sky Reserve. Despite a damp start, the clouds rolled back leaving a sky full of twinkling stars. Even international space stations were gleaming and arcing high above Wimbleball Lake which has been nominated to be the first Dark Skies Discovery Centre on Exmoor.

So many people attended that there was trouble parking! Amongst the throngs were numerous experts armed with powerful telescopes and with laser torches they were able to guide people to watch various constellations, the Milky Way, nebulae and other distant stars.

This is only the first of a series of events that are being planned by the National Park. So if you like star gazing, keep a watch on The National Park website where details of all the events will be posted.

Once again we have been busy with allsorts of different things. I recently took part in the Wootton Courtenay All Stars show in the village hall. Together with 8 friends we (Corpse de Ballet) performed our version of the final scene of Swan Lake. Dressed in leggings and tutus we went down a storm!

This was closely followed by Wootton Courtenay pole dancing. I won’t go into details as you may find it distressing but suffice to say the act involved red fishnet tights, boa, blond wig, a pole and a lot of nerve! Afterwards Jane (friend) said that I had made quite a few men in the audience very happy. Derek (husband) said he thought I could get away with it for one more year and it maybe wise to wear a paper bag over my head for the next week! Unfortunately I have just been told that the clips are now going on You Tube! So if you want a good laugh………………