Festive Family
27 December

Work gradually wound down over the previous week. I don't suppose most of us got much down. Certainly the younger element were partying til the last or they were going down with the flu.

I received a rather smart caterpillar soft toy as my office Christmas present. It resides on top of my computer and is already much loved.

Albert and Grace arrived at Euston on Wednesday evening. We managed to get out to Walthamstow on the Victoria line despite the rush hour and their baggage. A taxi brought us the rest of the way.

Thursday evening and Gill and Robert came to visit bringing presents. I'd just finished at work so, rather than cook a large meal, I did a buffet for everyone to dive into and take bits from. It was a great success.

Robert seemed pleased with his camera and Gill with her recording of Machaut's Messe de Nostre Dame which we heard together at the World Music event back at the beginning of February. I got some books from Gill - a history of London and a volume about healing - and some Next bathroom smellies and a Next woollie hat from Robert - the hat has been much worn.

BTW Robert has been working a Next recently. You'd hardly credit it, would you? *Smiles*

Friday was Christmas Eve and the first day proper of my holidays. For breakfast, I did some scrambled eggs à la Delia to great success. We then lazed all day, checked out the Festival of Nine Carols and Lessons from King's College, Cambridge, watched a little television and exchanged gifts with some champagne.

I'd had some money with which I bought some rose bushes and the classic Carlos Kleiber recording of Verdi's La Traviata. I also received some socks and hankies and some frankincense joss sticks. Because of the travel, I'd kept Albert and Grace's presents light and went for a couple of books and some John Lewis gift vouchers.

I also cooked a meal. We continued to worship at the shrine of St Delia and I cooked the fish and bacon bake that I've practised a couple of times during the year. We had some good wine and finished off with some brandy snaps that had been a present from my neighbours Kathy and Simon.

I was so pleased that it went well. I don't often get the chance to cook for my parents and particularly I don't get the chance to cook significant meals that they will like. Given their age, there won't be many more Christmases that they will want to start travelling around at this time of year. So, this was like a thank you from me. And it was also a thank you from them in recognition for all the travelling I've done in previous years.

Christmas Day brought a journey to Epsom to see Linda and Ian and Mary. Again all went well. Mary is a joy, so communicative at 10 months. We spent lots of time in non-verbal play, expressing all sorts of things to each other though only she really knows what they were.

She also likes the idea that, when she leaves a room, if she waves, everyone will wave back. She tries this whenever she can and is delighted by the regular effect it has. She's also very long - nearly half as long as Grace is tall. Food was good, presents well received the adults all knew what they were getting and my lectern for cookbooks was exactly what I need - the aromatherapy kit was an added bonus and it smells rather lovely.

So, by the time of the journey back, I was well pleased with a happy Festive season. I hit the M25 and A20, tuned into Radio 3 and listened to Le nozze di Figaro live from the Met in New York. Heading down towards the Blackwall tunnel, I glanced down and saw that the temperature gauge was steadily climbing. Into the tunnel, the gauge continued to climb, nearly reaching the red danger zone.

Sweating now. Through the tunnel. Take first exit. Poplar. Near to Cotton Street. I know this. Ross lives near and there's a Texaco garage nearby. Run a red light. Inelegant U-turn. Flashing lights from another car. Onto the forecourt. Open the bonnet and there's greasy oil everywhere in the engine. This car is going nowhere further tonight. *Frown*

Now, think on this. I've broken down some 8 miles from home. And it's Christmas night. It's not exactly the best time to break down. *Frown*

Anyhow, I get permission from the garage to tuck the car away on the forecourt for the night and I head off. I'm girding my loins for the possibility of a long walk home when I decide to ask in a local shop on East India Dock Road and glory be there's a mini-cab firm open just next to All Saints DLR station. It takes £25 but, by going on 11pm, I'm home and safe.

Boxing Day was meant to be a quiet day for me. But it turned into a recovering the car day. Now you'll be wondering why I didn't simply ring the AA on Christmas night. Well, I didn't ring them because I wasn't a member. I've had a voice in my inner ear telling me to join the AA for months and I've been ignoring it. *Grrrr*

Well, I joined on Boxing Day morning. They were happy for me to join and then make use of their services immediately. Hats off to them I say.

Anyhow, the AA man was very nice. It turned out that my radiator had gone. When we tried putting water in, we ended up standing in a puddle. I asked about the greasy stuff and he told me that it was probably the anti-freeze. Well, under his tutelage, we filled the wash bottle with water and made a dash for Walthamstow. We had to stop once on the A12 but we got home it two bites. Wednesday, I'll be off to the garage to get a new radiator.

I got off with it all fairly lightly really. The breakdown didn't happen on the way to Linda's and therefore spoil Christmas Day for everyone. The breakdown didn't happen in the Blackwall Tunnel and cost me lots of money. The people in the garage were very helpful. I've joined the AA which I've been meaning to do. And I got an unexpected trip out on buses and DLR in brilliant sunshine on Boxing Day. However, I don't think I'll do it again in a hurry. *Smiles*

I finished off Boxing Day quietly with yoga and television and a little writing. And today has been more of the same. I'm feeling midwinter tired and a little bunged up. So, quiet it is going to be.