2010 will be over in about 8 hours time, and 2011 will start.
I spend Christmas this year at my Grandmother’s house in Crowle, in Worcestershire – the same Worcestershire where temperatures reached -19°c on Christmas Eve night/Christmas Day morning.
It was Christmas dinner for 11 this year – a slightly smaller number than in previous years; one wasn’t present due to illness, another two have just moved to Portugal, and another four moved to America a couple of years ago.
There was a major panic early on Christmas Day morning – the fresh turkey was left in a car overnight, and as a result of the temperature drop was completely frozen by the time morning came. Delia Smith’s book says it should be brought up to room temperature before being cooked. There was just enough time to put it into the fairly large microwave to defrost it. Meanwhile, the carrots, potatoes and sprouts were all frozen as well!
In terms of television, a large majority of what was on (as ever) was a repeat of some sort. But there was still enough that I could watch things: Ronnie Corbett starred in the One Ronnie, as part of his 80th birthday celebrations. He was joined by some of the biggest British comedians of 2010, doing a number of sketches similar to those done when there were 2 Ronnies. My sister liked the one about the Blackberry, the Apple, and the Eggs Box: £3.60!
For the bit between Christmas and New Year, we were with Dad’s family in London. Grandma and Granddad had forgotten we were coming – or at least, they weren’t expecting us for another day! On Thursday night we all had Chinese with Dad’s sister.
It turns out that I’m not the only one in the family with an interest in the Swedish series of Wallander. In terms of the books, I’ve borrowed one! And I learnt last week where they are in our local book shop as well.
So New Year’s Eve today – I’m cooking a Greek meal for the rest of the family tonight (just four people, now we’re back at home) – and then Jools Holland is on the tele at 11.
Happy New Year / Fröhliche Weihnachten und alles gute für 2011!
