So, later that Christmas...

To pick up where I left off, eventually the gush of presents ebbed to a gentle flow and finally dried up entirely. TL was the last to unwrap a present, as she received so many from her pupils.

I found it a source of intense pride that they loved her so much that they wanted to give her gifts. It was then explained to me that all teachers receive gifts from their pupils, but I hardly think a hated teacher would receive many presents - no matter what the tradition. So, having defended my stance, I went back to my feelings of pride. TL is not just a good teacher, she is a LOVED teacher. Money can't buy that.

We then moved on to the food side of celebrating - and very excellent it was too. TL produced the bulk of it, although a special mention is due to the turkey, who gave his life in a good cause.

So, great chunks of turkey, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, peas, sprouts (of course!), cabbage, pigs in blankets (little sausages wrapped in bacon and then roast), home made bread sauce, cranberry sauce, stuffing and the most excellent home made gravy.

The only other addition was the mushroom and sweet pepper bake I made for Ruth, to satisfy her craving for non-meaten things. I chose to top it with wholemeal breacrumbs mixed with cheese - and we all agreed it was pretty good. Especially with turkey.

We then launched into a frenzy of relaxing in front of the TV. It was sublime. "Transformers - The Movie" certainly hit the spot. This intricate romantic comedy featured sophisticated character development and several unexpected plot twists. It was everything I hoped it would be.

More seriously, the soundtrack was utterly awesome, and I very much enjoyed listening to our newly resuscitated surround sound system. It was utterly relentless, and probably too loud, but what the heck. This is Christmas.

We rounded off the day with a dose of Hot Fuzz, the Simon Pegg classic, which has set the standard for comedy cop movies without really trying. The guy is frighteningly talented.

And so to bed.

...and then to waken.

Boxing Day!

Almost before the day began it was 11.30am - and time for the Boxing Day dip, where staunch, stupid and sturdy village residents (and Ed!) throw themselves into the freezing sea for no readily apparent reason.

Almost catching us unawares, they sounded the horn at 11.26am and into the icy briny thy did lunge. They had no fear, they were brave, they were untroubled by the cold seawater - they were invincible!

They returned to shore immediately.

Ed professed it not to have been the coldest water he'd been in, and yet I noticed he didn't linger to play with his frisbee, camera or maybe lilo.

Even the coffees have taken on a festive flavour, thanks to Louise's kind gift of a snowflake stencil. I doubt you'll be interested to know this, but the snowflake pattern remained until my last sip. Somehow, I drank the coffee out from under it without even realising it.

I have received so many wonderful coffee-based presents this year - Gaggia jug, Gaggia thermometer, coffee stomper, coffee mugs... Fantastic. Just fantastic.

I chose to indule in a Boxing Day breakfast this morning - giving me a chance to cook my best ever hash-browns. Tasty potato and onion, pressed and par-fried - then cooled, before being coated in whisked egg and breadcrumbs and fried until golden.

They were a little bit special, even though I am quite clearly just saying it myself. I somehow doubt they were exceptional enough for anyone else to comment on in their blogs - although I am convinced Jason would have, had he been one of the lucky select few to be in receipt of one of these tiny greasy marvels.

Nevertheless, it was a lovely breakfast, albeit at around midday. I'm not quite sure how the rest of the afternoon and, indeed, evening passed by. The time has sort of slithered through our fingers until it is time for me to prepare for my radio show.

Whilst I am looking forward to a pleasant and relaxed Boxing Day radio show... With a house full of visitors, there is a certain logistical problem to do with their not being another place for people to be, other than this lounge/shack. I guess the weakness of this setup is beginning to show its face.

Little seems to stop the good feelings of this holiday. I have had several - and thanks to all who engendered them. Now I need to make final preparations for the broadcast tonight. It's like work, but much more enjoyable.