29th December 2019

Dear All,

After our swim on Monday it was serious sprout distribution – 55 stops this year. Ben arrived on Tuesday having biked 85 miles in just under 7 hours taking a slightly longer route via Biggleswade. We had Michael ex Zimbabwe court translator now carer for lunch so only 4 of us – a far cry from the days of 26!

Carol Service choir (after intense practice)

On Boxing Day we were invited to the Howards mid-morning then Mary-Ann, Andy, Amélie and Albert arrived about 7 pm and Esther and Emma 9.30 pm.

Friday was a bit like Christmas Day with games and presents after Mary-Ann and Andy had walked to St Ives and back and Ben had run a few miles round the villages.

Friday lunch

On Saturday we went to Old Hurst where an enterprising farmer has a farm shop and butchery backed by the attraction of a tropical house with crocodiles and snakes plus Meercats, Wallabies and storks outside

Old Hurst livestock

. In the afternoon Amélie helped us choose some more tropical fish from the garden centre ay Coton where we were entertained by a trio of singing reindeer!

What is Christmas without a few singing Reindeer?

Ben has just left at 9.30 am for his return journey and the others plan to depart after lunch.

With love

Mike & Kate