So sorry we did not send you our Xmas round robin last year, but life has been so busy! I bumped into Jenny in Waitrose and she kindly gave me your new address. I hope you’ve settled well into your new little home.
The Christmas tree is up and I’m allowing myself a lovely glass of sherry, while Roy wrestles with the outdoor light-up reindeer - quite awful, I know, but the children do love them. What better time to think back over the year and reach out and touch up old friends!
Young Peregrine is still the light of our eyes. He's 22 months now and enormously looking forward to Christmas. We thought from birth that Perry was rather bright (don't all grandparents?) but it turns out he has a gift for languages. His English is 'within the normal range' according to the Health Visitor but his French & Mandarin teachers are very impressed, a little one to one tuition makes all the difference. With his swimming, Tai Kwon Do & French horn lessons he's a very busy boy.
The year opened with quite an adventure: a trip to Prague! It’s known for “stag nights” but the young men we met on the plane were delightful and ever so helpful when I had a spot of the old bother. The air hostesses were very quick with the serviettes too and got the stain out so, all in all, we counted it as a success! Next year Roy wants to try a UK based holiday, which is fine by me as long as it isn’t somewhere full of chavs like Centre Parcs. Hopefully it will be ok, but you know how much I need my ‘me’ time.
Hugo and Catherine have moved again, and are currently converting a barn in the Oxfordshire countryside. The project has been quite difficult as the architect discovered bats in one of the outbuildings, and the lack of connection to the mains sewerage network has been problematic.
July saw Roy elected chairman of the local Neighbourhood Watch group. Not before time. And what a difference he's already made - our little cul-de-sac has never been so crime free. We did have an uncomfortable incident when Roy had to explain to Constable Patel that he wasn't staring into Mrs Weaver's bedroom with his binoculars - but rather at the youths congregating in the next street. Thankfully, the misunderstanding was soon cleared up and Mrs Weaver now keeps her curtains firmly closed while undressing.
In September, I had rather a nasty shock when I discovered via Ancestry.com that my great, great grandmother had been illegitimate, "father unknown". It is never easy to hear something like that about your own kin, but as Roy remarked, it's better than having a family history filled with prostitutes and thieves. Like his.
I have been as busy as ever at the WI. I am very proud that my damson and blackberry was voted the best jam at the summer fete, although my coconut and papaya sponge didn’t go down as well as I had hoped. Pammy and I are busy planning the children’s carol concert, to be held on the green this year as a change from the church. The annual standoff with the vicar is in full swing but, from the plans, it promises to be a spectacular event.
In July Roy had some troubles with his prostate that were soon sorted by his GP. It was not in any way related to 'that other business' and I am happy to report that I have forgiven Roy and our marriage is stronger than ever.
We had some sad news that Penelope has been diagnosed with a serious health condition and we are unsure if she will make it through to the New Year. Hopefully if she does get worse and needs to be put to sleep it will be before the bank holidays as the out of hours for the vet can cost a fortune. We will miss her of course but she has been incontinent for the past few years now and I am looking forward to replacing the carpets in her room. I have spent a few days lusting after some real hardwood floors in John Lewis. I am leaning towards a warm maple wood as you know I am an “Autumn” and I want my home to reflect my personality. I know you will understand as you have such an individual sense of style yourself, Hazel.
November bought a piece of marvellous news; I was made Slimmer of the Year and the girls from the club all had a whip-round and took me to McDonalds for a celebration! Their little joke – we had the McSalads, of course! Only another 10 pounds and then I can enjoy a chocolate finger.
We hope you’ve enjoyed sharing our ups and downs and we look forward to reading all yours. As you know, we have plenty of space so you are always welcome to come and visit us.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas, and a happy & healthy 2019