A Fresh Start

I have travelled far and am back in Norfolk - in good time to beat the 15 foot snowfall¹ forecast for tonight - to bring you tales (and photos) of my Christmas in Cardiff.

The Christmas fun began with a game of “Hunt The X”, where X represented two items that my father couldn’t find. In fact, the first half of the game involved working out what the two items actually were. This was a recurring theme to my stay and I regret to announce that LSLP spoiled the whole fun of it, locating the items within an hour of their arrival this afternoon. Some people have no sense of tradition …

After breakfast yesterday, I took us to Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park for a pre-prandial stroll.

I was amazed to spot a fox beside the road as we approached the park - this was at twenty to twelve. I thought foxes were meant to be nocturnal beasts? Unfortunately I was driving at the time and was unable, therefore, to get documentary evidence of my sighting (but you all trust me, don’t you?)

The walk, although a little on the chilly side, was pleasant and I even spotted a Great Crested Grebe in its winter plumage (right). I mentioned this to Wuglums on the phone this afternoon and, as a result, believe Dad will be making a return trip to Cosmeston rather soon than he might have suspected!

I was amused by the vandalised graffiti (while disapproving the original vandalism, of course) and wonder whether Andrew and Hairy are still together.

Although we weren’t the only ones taking an ornithological interest in the wildlife, …

… I’d like to think that we did so with a little more style than some …

Aside from the grebe, my highlight was the look of disgust on the coots as they spotted their being the subject of snaps. Obviously don’t care much for the papparazzi.

In spite of my concerns Christmas lunch was, I think, a success. Thank goodness for pre-packaged organic foods (and a double hurrah for Waitrose’s fine cognac and brandy sauce … mmmmm).

The trip back today was rather slower than the original journey - it seemed that half the country had decided to head east before the forecasted snow. I’m hoping there’s a reasonable amount followed by some blue skies - I need to start collating next year’s calendar, after all, and need a snowy scene for December!

But that’s enough about my Christmas, what have you been up to?

¹ +/- 180 inches