Hi there,

Thanks for popping in. Writing extra fast here, because the family is due to land at 3pm. Was doing really well, at Waitrose at 7.30 this morning, got all the last minute bits, loaded the fridge – there’s enough to feed an army just on the top shelf! Peeled the spuds. laid the table nicely for this evening, and even had time to verbally choke a DHL rep for screwing up the parcel which was intended for our Mark in San Fran (in the nicest possible way, you understand). Ordered it 3 weeks ago. Apparently it’s still sitting in Stevenage. Whilst I run a mail order company, and therefore have a lot of empathy, and of course I understand that the girl on the phone isn’t directly responsible, it still doesn’t detract from the fact that I am £500 lighter and the gift hasn’t even left England yet. Ah well. It’s not terminal. It will get sorted. Trust me. It will get sorted.

But the clock is ticking, the spuds are on the boil, the bratwurst is soaking in the milk, the Sauerkraut is in the pan simmering, and I really do have to put on a nice clean Christmas apron.

So forgive me for leaving you before I’ve even got warmed up! This is our Christmas, you see. We celebrate on Christmas Eve – the German way. It is our tradition, passed down to me from my Mum. And I love it. We tried the English way once, to see what it was like. Got up early on Christmas Day, and opened our gifts in the morning. But it felt very strange, so we went back to the evening celebration.

I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas. I hope that you enjoy the festivities. I’ll be back tomorrow with something very special to show you.

Must dash! Dave says the spuds are done!!

Love & Hugs,

Barb xxx