Christmas 2006

Our Christmas festivities began on the 16th December, as I picked up Robin (brother) and Angela from Knock Airport, while Derek and Val made their way to our cottage, from Connemara (where they had been exploring for four days, since their arrival the previous Wednesday). A glass of hot Norfolk Punch was taken before we began our evening meal. The next morning was taken up with a tour of the farm – as this was Val’s first visit. Although this was the first day it hadn't rained since the 9th November, wellies were still needed.

In the afternoon we had the usual Christmas meal of turkey, potatoes and vegetables, followed by Christmas pudding. On the outside of the Christmas pudding it stated 28 minutes for microwave, but when the inside instructions were read more closely, the 28 minutes also included time for standing and the actual cooking time was half this amount. However, by this time a number of bottles of wine had been consumed and the “shoe leather” Christmas pudding was hardly noticed.  

We withdrew to the lounge and played the DVD “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, with boys against girls.  I don't know how they did it, but the girls won!  We also bet on a DVD horse race betting game. Where 10 races were screened and the person/s who had chosen the winner took the pot for that race.  Serious money was bet and eventually some people walked away with nearly a Euro! Afterwards everyone opened the “tree presents”. Noticeable presents included sex manuals and toys. Note:- hope you find them useful Derek and Val. After the presents we played some videos of Derek as a “young man” - yes he was young once!  Both sailing (1991-1995) and renovating the cottage (1997- present).  On Monday afternoon we all went to Roscommon to see the Christmas lights and get some last minute shopping. This was followed by a couple of rounds of ten pin bowling, where Robin showed the results of his misspent youth, followed closely by Val. The rest of us battled valiantly for last place.

Everyone was leaving on Tuesday, or so they thought, but fog meant that the flight was cancelled and so we all had to return. The next day started well with clear, sunny skies until we reached the perimeter of Knock airport, which was shrouded in fog. My sister Beverley and her daughter Ffion's flight had been diverted to Shannon, from Knock at 2.00, so we anticipated that Robin & Derek’s flight was also going to be cancelled. However, Ryanair managed to organise some coaches to fly them from Dublin airport.  They were still on the coach ready to go when Beverley’s coach arrived from Shannon.