Thursday night we had our traditional family get together at the Bocking Club.

Today we visited Hilary's friend Pam who lives in Switzerland and who was staying with her sister in Brightlingsea.

 After completing the work on the heating it was then to make mince pies and buns for when Claire, Darren, Maisie and Poppy came for Christmas Eve lunch.
Then Ray and Craig joined for Christmas Day dinner and Sacha joined us in the evening to see the dogs open their presents.

 The lead up to Christmas was very busy as Hilary had the boiler replaced at the cottage.
So the old airing cupboard had to go, new cold supply and wiring in a new controller for the plumber's and then rebuilding the airing cupboard before Craig came to stay Christmas Eve.

We just spent a few days on the boat and took the chance to visit Hilary's step mother.
Last night was the Marina Christmas dinner and we took the chance to meet fellow boaters.
It was bright crisp morning at the marina when we left.

 Hilary's boiler has now packed up so the rush is on to get things ready for the new one.
Meanwhile Ruby see's her first real snow and the neighbours tree struggled under the weight of the snow.

The last few weeks I have been working in Hilary's loft laying the floor, pointing the gable end and make preparations for moving the boiler to the loft.

 Last night we celebrated Sacha's 18th

This week we spent a few days with Dianne and Peter and visited Caudwell Flour Mill and the Christmas Market at Chatsworth House.
Friday we met Jackie and Nick who we moored with at Stowe Hill

This weekend we stayed with Hilary's friends Dave and Jackie in Deal.
Saturday we spent the evening in the local and the Sunday after a walk and breakfast we met Dave and Jackie's daughter and family.

 Today we helped Rita celebrate her birthday with a pub lunch

All the dogs enjoyed their walks over the few days but there was a battle to who would get to sleep on the big bed.

During the week we had a couple of great days visiting Hilary's cousin Carol, Phil  and their dog Jodie.
The picture at the bottom was supposed to be a fish finger sandwich which we had after a long walk.

 Tonight we were invited to a firework party to celebrate Elaine's birthday

 Saturday night I went to a C.E.G.O reunion, it was great to see some old work mates.