29th December 2013.

Dear All,

I hope you all enjoyed the festive season, we certainly did and were pleased that the family were able to stay for several days.

I managed the usual Brussels sprout distribution against the odds this year as my contact farmer died in the summer but his son phoned up and asked whether he could collect some for me so I ordered 50 stems and 2 nets which were distributed on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning – 54 stops in all. It is a good way of wishing folk well in lieu of Christmas cards.

Esther and Ben arrived about 7ish on Tuesday and we were able to play our first game of “The Settlers of Catan”. Esther is a very generous soul and does not ravel light as you can see in the photo!

Esther, Ben & Luggage

The Kitsons (Bob, Carol and Mum) joined us for Christmas Day.

Christmas Lunch

On Boxing Day Esther, Ben and I walked round Swavesey Fen which was sunny and clear above ground but wet and muddy below.

Swavesey Fen

Mary-Ann, Andy and Amélie arrived about 2pm and present opening was delayed until after their arrival.

Andy had to work (from here) on Friday so energy was expended locally on the swings etc and on Saturday we went to Wimpole Hale Rare Breeds Farm – again it was sunny and a little muddy. Andy left after as he has to work Monday and public transport looked tricky for Sunday. In the end it took him 5 hours to get home with several bus shuttles.

Wimpole

Ben left this morning and Esther is planning to depart after lunch. Mary-Ann and Amélie are staying until tomorrow.

Kate is still progressing and managed sandals last night when we went to a party at the home of walking friends.

Love

Mike & Kate