Bonjour Guy et Les ORCs. Wet and windy here. The Xmas cake was tested and pronounced v good. However, it may mean there is none left by actual Xmas if OH gets the munchies! Have a great day, all.

yum. Yep, jellied eels are just too...grey and slimy, and bony too. However, back to Dutch things, smoked eel is a thing of beauty.

Aw, how lovely. We've been listening to her Christmas songs on repeat for the past few days as a substitute for not being able to get to any of her concerts this season, but I will be singing Cranbrook at the local folk night next week in her honour!

Oh my days you have far more patience than me! What are you going to do with them? One of my favourite things is potted Morecambe Bay grey shrimps. I'm waiting for our pre-Xmas trip to NL so I can buy some ready-peeled ones to have with scrambled eggs on a bagel, or just straight out of the packet.

Maybe a bit naughty. But I didn't get dragged off by Zwarte Piet anyway.

I forgot to put my shoes out last night so it's just the advent chocolate for me today.

I won breakfast in bed, and it's pretty peaceful around here. Prize enough for me 🙂

No. 1 son bought a motorbike much to my horror, but he passed the exam. The day after, he fell off it while it was stationary on the road outside his house. I don't think he ever got on it again. He's sold it now, but kept the jacket 🤣

Bonjour Jules et Les ORCs. Got a pension payment y'day, and the wait and uncertainty 3had obviously been a source of stress, as I then had a 2 hour nap! Motorhome goes to get the heater fixed today so we can visit the Xmas markets in comfort. Have a great day, all.

Bonjour Guy and ORCs everywhere. Attic leak is fixed! Blood test and diabetic nurse appt this morning. I do find it hard to stick to low carb and lose weight in the winter, and going out for exercise is problematic too. Must try harder will be her message, no doubt. Have a good day, all!

Bonjour Didi et mes ORCs. Had a productive Sunday of cooking, fixing things in the van, and starting an embroidery project for no.1 son's Xmas gift. Today we await the plumber (another bloody leak in the attic) and celebrate the season of Advent chocolate for breakfast. Have a great day, all!

Try slicing leftover pud and sautéing it in butter before you pour over the cream. In case you have need for any extra calories.

Well I do. If Christmas dinner consisted only of roast potatoes, gravy, and chestnut stuffing followed by Christmas pudding, then I'd be happy. #DeGustibus and all that.

Bonjour à toutes et à tous. Missed a few roll calls due to disturbed sleep. I think I may have to give up my occasional glass of red wine of an evening as it's been giving me rampant late night indigestion. White wine, beer and gin, no problem 🤷🏻‍♀️

Love a good cauliflower cheese - this looks really tasty!

Safe travels and a smooth Channel crossing! I hope you're on the Guillaume de Normandie, much nicer than the older ships. Lots of roadworks around Portsmouth/Southampton so I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Bonjour mes ORCs from a sunny and frosty south Manche. Back home, in bed cup of tea in hand, writing list of jobs to do. Bought a turkey y'day for our UK immigrant friends group Xmas dinner in 2 weeks, so it's sitting in the freezer. Lots to do before then! Have a great day, all.

That is fantastic news!

Bonjour Guy et Les ORCs from blustery Ouistreham. Crossing was OK, and even though we live an hour from the port we stayed the night at the motorhome aire so we weren't driving in the pitch black. Which gives us an excuse to shop at Grand Frais in Caen on the way home! Have a great day, all.