lifeinfrance2014: to all our family and friends where ever you are xx

Christmas is now over and all the temptations will be out of the cupboard,

to start a good healthy 2015

Geoff joined us for Christmas and the New Year which also included his birthday, so we found ourselves invited out or with visitors throughout that time. Our turkey lunch was a success as always. It is one time in the year that Mike takes over as I was Pregnant with Christopher on our first Christmas as Mr and Mrs and I took one look at our nude turkey on the eve of the festivities in 1976 and promptly had to leave the room with pregnant lady sickness and all these years later I still get a little kick of discomfort, so Mike is chef, and I am bottle washer for the day

On Boxing day we took a walk on Utah Beach with Graham and Ann with picnics packed prepared to sit in the winter cold for a quick lunch to clear out the cob webs but to Mike’s delight it started to rain and we ended up picnicking on Ann’s dining room table which was just as sociable and fun but drier and much warmer

The rest of my week was dominated in preparing food for our New Year party and I was trying a new method, full of lists and pre frozen homemade goodies. My Mum used to prepare feasts in this way so I thought I would give it a try. Complete finger food buffet with no plates or cutlery to wash ……yummy

The dress code was posh and we were not disappointed as we all made a huge effort to don our Sunday best and more importantly all came with a sense of fun and loud laughter.

The ladies were resplendent in black frocks and diamonds and came with jokes, songs and ditties to keep us entertained all night

It is a funny old time for us expats as we see the French New Year in and then party on until 1:00 to catch the UK New Year as well. We Skyped Canada in the bit in the middle and Georgina was faced with a bunch of rowdy revellers and bless her, she looked a little bewildered but was gracious to smile sweetly and wish us all Happy New Year.

The men were on good form and Mark came with his violin to give a little rendition and Ray and Marianne kept us all on the right note as we attempted songs in 4 and 5 part harmonies with everyone joining in .

The best picture on my camera when I checked who had been clicking all night was Shirley’s selfie with my camera upside-down. Thanks shirl, you made me laugh even when the party was over ……..