There are some small joys in life that can make you very excited. I just experienced one by finding the broken bulb in my string of lights for the Christmas tree. I also did this while Chris took a nap for two hours... So really I got to experience two small joys in life today. Happy Christmas to me.
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So after a good deal of debate back and forth, Bryan and I decided to go for an artificial tree this year. Last year we picked up a live potted tree at Battersea park but after she didn't last the year (due to Bryan and my complete lack of a green thumb) we thought a small artificial tree might be the right move for us. We haven't taken out the decorations yet but I did fashion a star for the top out of an old cereal box and old silver wrapping paper. The tree skirt is pieced together but not quite finished. Will post when I'm done.
The star at the top of the tree is meant to represent the host of angels or Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. It is always nice to remember why we do the little things at Christmas. Can't wait to do the rest of the decorating! Our first Starbucks treat of the Christmas season. With our first rainy Saturday in as long as we can remember it seemed like the right idea. I have been getting very excited about this Christmas and have been flexing my crafty muscles. Stay tuned for some new blog posts about my sewing, gluing, cutting and pasting efforts to spruce up our home for the holidays as well as some of our favorite Christmas traditions out and about in London.
Edinburgh Castle Bryan and I have always traveled well together and (so far) it appears that Chris is in no way changing our dynamics. One of the reasons we travel so well together is that we do our best to visit a new place with as few expectations as possible. Our visit to Edinburgh was no different; we had no expectations and the city wowed us. From the moment we arrived at our flat in the West End of the city until the moment we jumped on the plane home we enjoyed ourselves. The Flat we shared with our friends Dominic and Danni exceeded our expectations and has likely ruined us for hotels. We found it through AirBn'B (thanks Fogarty!) and the entire experience from getting the keys on arrival to the flexible checkout was wonderful. It didn't hurt that we also had a fireplace that we took full advantage of in the evenings. What a relaxing way to spend the evening while keeping out the night time temperature drop. We arrived early on Saturday morning and after a quick shop for groceries and lunch we headed off to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was a beautiful home and of all the royal residences we have visited since moving to England it seemed the most like one we would actually want to live in ourselves. While grand, the Palace wasn't so ornate to be overwhelming. Bryan enjoyed spending some time in the ruins of the Abbey and would likely have taken even more photos if the rain had stayed at bay. Not that we have anything to complain about, weather-wise, it was amazing how little cloud and rain we experienced for our four days in Edinburgh; it was November remember. When we finished our tour we stopped off at the Palace Cafe for a tea and treat. I was rather surprised to find they had a gluten free treat but gladly shared the cranberry and chocolate brownie with Chris and Bryan. Sunday was the day of the Scotland v New Zealand rugby match. Bryan went with Dominic and Danni to watch (and support) the All Blacks while Christopher and I did some (try, a lot) of walking through the city. I walked along Princes Street, the main retail street, and was fortunate enough to come across the Remembrance Day ceremony location. I had missed the ceremony itself, despite my best efforts to find the location before 11 that morning. In addition to the traditional poppy fundraising efforts, the soldiers were collecting donations by selling grave markers to place in the memorial garden they created. It was an emotional reminder of just how many men and women we owe a debt of gratitude to for how much they gave for our freedom. On Monday we made a visit to Edinburgh Castle and timed it all just right. As soon as we entered the gates we joined a tour group for an introduction to the Castle and made sure to find the right spot to watch the 1 o'clock gun. Bryan filmed the firing of the gun and was so startled that he shook the camera and it stopped filming right as it was fired. On the other hand, Chris slept through the whole thing... After spending most of the day "trapped" in his stroller, we gave Chris the chance to run around in the Castle courtyard and as we left Chris held Danni and mum's hand as he walked down the hill from the Castle almost all the way to the rail station. Tuesday morning was a chance to grab a coffee and do some last minute window shopping and strolling through the city. Our flight home was thankfully uneventful and as we arrived home our grocery delivery was also arriving. We were also happy to have Rosie back home with us after a successful "visit" over the weekend with Perry and Anna. She was a good girl and we were very appreciative of her doggy-sitters. All in all, Edinburgh was a great destination and I would definitely go back for another visit - maybe in summer next time. As some of you know I am in the process of completing my first issue of Special Delivery, the NCT magazine for the Clapham and District branch. It has been a sharp learning curve for me but I have made lots of notes for our next issue and have been working with some amazing women who have been very supportive (and forgiving) along the way. I have to admit though that I am quite looking forward to putting it aside in the next few days. I am so excited about Christmas and I can't work on my Christmas crafts without feeling some guilt that the magazine might need some more work.
My first edition is all about working parents and returning to work after the birth of the little one or on the other side, deciding not to go back. Obviously this edition resonates with me personally right now and sure has had me thinking. I only hope that something in our 52 pages will be of help to our almost 1000 readers this quarter. Wish me luck! |
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