Monday, December 27, 2010
Boxing Day in Wiltshire
Yesterday was Boxing Day.
The day began early for us - we aimed to leave home by 7 o'clock.
But by the time ice was scraped from the car and we were on our way, it was later than that.
The temperature as we left was minus 6 and we kept an eye on the gauge in the car - at some points we were driving through minus 11. The sun was up and the dawn light was quite magical on the trees, really heavy with sparkling frost.
We failed to meet up with Simon and Nicki, who also opted for an early start and were already on their way to Worcester, when we arrived at Roger and Sue's.
We had a restful morning - not sure if Sue did, for there was much entertaining to be done.
I prepared a few sprouts.
We exchanged some presents between the 4 of us before others arrived.
I knew I had something special for Roger and was so pleased that he could now have something that I have been enjoying for many years.
Finally I passed over Great Grandad Frost's chair.
But he knew that was coming.
He did not know of another special item. In the summer I was able to buy an Eric Ravilious print, when we went to the exhibition - in fact I bought 2 of them. Bill framed one for me, which has been on the wall since August.
The picture shows the artist's impression of the South Downs just above Furlongs Farm - Ravilious was there often in the 1930s.
In the 1950s the Frost family were there - camping on the side of the Downs; the very spot is in the middle of the picture.
Little did I realise that the agricultural implement ( a Cambridge roller) was made in Market Lavington - Roger's home.
I took a few pictures from the house - too chilly for being out for long.
But, of course, I couldn't monopolise the little dear. He enjoyed time with his Grandad.
While Meg sorted out cups of tea for us all.
Charlie also enjoyed with time with Tom - his proud Daddy. 
Then it was lunch time. 
My plate was piled high.
At last Granny Sue has a chance to spend time with Charlie.
Roger then posed in the Frost chair. 
Mummy Meg has time with her boy and and an all singing, talking, caterpillar.
Later on we were joined by folks who almost feel like a part of my family. 
Roger and Pam and Alan's Tom tried many times to get the thing lit - but it was windy and matches didn't stay lit for long enough.
Most of the family gathered at the window in hopes of seeing the lit balloon.
It might have looked like this.
Awful cracker jokes were laughed or groaned over.
Savoury goodies were moved aside, for mince pies, chocolate cake and of course Christmas cake. 
The lit candles were lovely - we shouted out "Merry Christmas" and all blew the candles out.
Roger cut cake for everybody.
The day began early for us - we aimed to leave home by 7 o'clock.
But by the time ice was scraped from the car and we were on our way, it was later than that.
The temperature as we left was minus 6 and we kept an eye on the gauge in the car - at some points we were driving through minus 11. The sun was up and the dawn light was quite magical on the trees, really heavy with sparkling frost.
We failed to meet up with Simon and Nicki, who also opted for an early start and were already on their way to Worcester, when we arrived at Roger and Sue's.
We had a restful morning - not sure if Sue did, for there was much entertaining to be done.
I prepared a few sprouts.
We exchanged some presents between the 4 of us before others arrived.
I knew I had something special for Roger and was so pleased that he could now have something that I have been enjoying for many years.
Finally I passed over Great Grandad Frost's chair.
But he knew that was coming.
He did not know of another special item. In the summer I was able to buy an Eric Ravilious print, when we went to the exhibition - in fact I bought 2 of them. Bill framed one for me, which has been on the wall since August.
The picture shows the artist's impression of the South Downs just above Furlongs Farm - Ravilious was there often in the 1930s.
In the 1950s the Frost family were there - camping on the side of the Downs; the very spot is in the middle of the picture.
Little did I realise that the agricultural implement ( a Cambridge roller) was made in Market Lavington - Roger's home.
I took a few pictures from the house - too chilly for being out for long.
I was glad to be there to greet great nephew, Charlie.
What a boy!
He was busy and active almost all the day and, despite lots of folk he barely knew, he didn't yell or cry at all.
But, of course, I couldn't monopolise the little dear. He enjoyed time with his Grandad.
While Meg sorted out cups of tea for us all.
It is an unwritten rule that I happily embrace that when people visit, the first thing you do is offer a cup of tea.
Charlie also enjoyed with time with Tom - his proud Daddy.
Charlie utters "Dad Dad" lots - not sure he realises it has anything to do with his father yet, but I am sure he knows how much it pleases people.
Then it was lunch time.
Turkey from Christmas Day, gammon, masses of vegetables, sauces and gravy.
My plate was piled high.
No wonder I felt able only to eat a sliver of Christmas pudding.
At last Granny Sue has a chance to spend time with Charlie.
Roger then posed in the Frost chair.
He was sitting just like Great Grandad Frost was sitting in a picture taken over 100 years ago - see it on the screen to one side.
Great Grandad was crippled with arthritis.
Mummy Meg has time with her boy and and an all singing, talking, caterpillar.
Later on we were joined by folks who almost feel like a part of my family.
We have known Sue's sister, Pam and husband, Alan for very many years and seen their children grow to adulthood.
Before tea, there was an attempt to release a hot air balloon.
Not many of us ventured outside.
Roger and Pam and Alan's Tom tried many times to get the thing lit - but it was windy and matches didn't stay lit for long enough.
Most of the family gathered at the window in hopes of seeing the lit balloon.
It might have looked like this.
This is one that was lit and released on Christmas Day.
And so we all sat down to a tea table laden with goodies.
First there were crackers to be pulled. I got a bottle opener - useful; not sure what Bill will do with squirting chocolate!
Awful cracker jokes were laughed or groaned over.
What is the name of the bad lion tamer? Claude Bottom!
Savoury goodies were moved aside, for mince pies, chocolate cake and of course Christmas cake.
I don't bother with one these days - we rarely have hordes to come and consume it for us and so the two of us would be eating it until the end of February!
Sue would never abandon her cake making.
The lit candles were lovely - we shouted out "Merry Christmas" and all blew the candles out.
Roger cut cake for everybody.
We left at about 9 o'clock. The temperature had risen - at one point on the journey home it was even plus 4 degrees.
Home exhausted by 11 o'clock.
There are many more photos than this. I hope perhaps Roger and Sue have had a chance to see the 47 that are on facebook.
We could send a disc.
Labels: family
