‘Twas the season to be merry!

 December proved to be quite productive and sociable all the way through. We have entertained both geckos and humans- this one likes breakfast muesli and seems to be able to eat more than his body weight.

After Jill (frail, older sister and not a gung -ho mountaineer) fell in our garden, we got Kenrick to build steps down the sloping slippy path and then extend them into the exact spot where she slipped, shattering her wrist. It is a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted but its good to have visitors willing to risk assess the place.

We also got the decking sanded and have recoated it with a special non- slip coating, so that too is looking smart ready for the New Year.

A good friend of ours, Andre, passed away and there was a wake for him at the local bar. The place was crowded as people spoke about the man, before a flotilla of boats all shapes and sizes, escorted his ashes out to sea. His stepson then dived to the deepest currents and released them. We shall miss him in Chateau Mygo, he was always there, Piton in hand accompanied by his white fluffy dog, Laos.

We weren’t that enthusiastic about Christmas as we were to have no family present and our efforts at organising a community lunch got changed at every turn so we eventually gathered the remnants of the plan and had it at our house. Eight people sat down for a traditional lunch at 3pm after opening our ‘Secret Santa’ presents. Jeff BBQ’d a turkey, which was delicious. Everyone had contributed something towards the meal, so we ended up with lots of food and an awful lot of wine had to be drunk as well as port and Champagne. Most people have been spotted since, so, obviously no real damage done.

We managed a swim with the dogs on Christmas morning and met other people along the way with the same idea. We always enjoyed the crisp frosty morning walks but sunshine and a warm sea take some beating. We did receive lots of photos of snow scenes and there was a moment of wistfulness. But not for long!

 

We are gearing up for the New Years Eve bash and then there will definitely be a period of quiet contemplation and restraint.

Marigot Bay at Midnight.

                                                       Happy New Year to Everyone!

We headed back to UK for a short trip leaving the house, dogs and boats in Jill and Herbs capable hands.

It was grey and cold when we arrived at Gatwick .We promised ourselves that return trips should only be done in the summer months. This time it didn’t matter; we were on a mission. We had to retrieve warm clothes from Mum and then set about Christmas shopping, buy essentials for St Lucia but most importantly gather together a daytime and evening outfit to go to Fi’s graduation parade. I made the annual trip to my long-standing hair stylist in Bath and then set about the tasks with gusto.

We had a reunion night at RAF Lyneham, meeting up with old friends, which was fun but most likely the last time for us as it is a long way and the venue will be changing once the station closes.
We then set off North spending a night here and there with old friends. Our girths expanded the further north we went, leaving a trail of empty aspirin bottles to cope with the inevitable hangovers. It was great fun.

A few days before the parade Fi had been told that she was passing out top of her course and was to be awarded The Sword of Honour. As you can imagine we were the proudest of parents and her achievements meant that we got front row seats for the parade and sat with her on the top table for lunch. I am just so glad I got a hat! She had obviously thrown herself into the course and worked hard all the way through and we were told by both her friends and the staff that she was a very popular choice for the sword. We had wet miserable weather leading up to the day but on the morning of the graduation the sky was blue and the sun shone brightly, albeit freezing. We grinned our way through the day, basking in the reflected glory.

                                                        

  The two one stripers!

In the evening was the graduation ball. John and Victoria drove up in the afternoon so we were all able to arrive together. Everyone was dressed in ball gowns, DJ’s and Mess kit. It was a wonderful sight. The event was held in College Hall Officers Mess, which was decorated in a 40’s style. The Queens Colour Squadron, dressed in uniforms of that period, delivered the scroll of those becoming officers. The night was magical, great music, food, an outside fair, a casino, and free bar. At midnight pipers in full highland dress piped the scroll in and the names of the graduating officers were read out from the gallery of the rotunda. All very emotional and then the real partying started! We were in bed by 3am but the young ‘uns managed to hang on until daybreak.

Talking of breaks, our very able house sitters got in touch to say that Jill had fallen in our garden and fractured her wrist rather badly. She required an operation under general to wire the bits back together. It was good of her to try out the local services for us and sensible that she had insurance as the treatment cost over £3000!

Once back in St Lucia, with Fi in tow (who had decided a spot of sun was just the thing for a newly commissioned officer), the plan was to go sailing through the Grenadines. Jill’s arm was still very painful so Herb, Jeff and Fi set off by themselves leaving us to recuperate with good books, wine and chocolates. Everyone had a good time and it was the best decision for Jill as she was well rested and more comfortable by the time they returned.

 A flying visit from Steve Housby in time for Fi's birthday.

 

Fi at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

Magical Mustique

Sundowners at Basils Bar

Within a few days the house was empty and life resumed its normal routine of sunset watching at Chateau Mygo, dog walking, boat maintenance and the planning of Christmas Day. It really was a great month.