Happy new year!

Hello everyone

we are sorry we havent had a chance to update the blog for a bit, we have been kept busy with chrissy festivities, work and a lovely bit of gardening!

despite the circumstances, we actually had a really lovely day. The cows got a few bales of hay in the morning, then we went to our friends 'the pendles' where we stayed for the afternoon and ate like kings. Robyn did a fantastic job and lit 3 candles, one for eli, one to remember family we couldnt be with on the day, and one to give us all good luck for 2009. Nearly 4 and a half hours later, the only candle that remained alight was Eli's candle...funny that and really, not surprising!

Eli also gave me a paperdaisy for christmas (like my ALL TIME FAVOURITE FLOWER in the whole wide world!). It inspired us to go hunting for more, and we walked out with a few plants which we took great delight in planting over the chrissy period, with eli never being far from our thoughts. That reminds me, we will have to start posting pics of eli's cottage so you can follow us with the garden...we are just so way excited about decorating his garden.

We also went to my family in stratford for a bit of xmas tea. Its the first xmas without our nan (eli's ninny) and you couldnt help but think the pair of them were with us the whole time. There was no trifle (nan would ALWAYS make a trifle), but lots of nice memories to share with the family. Pa was well fussed over, ate like a king and had a few quiet beers. Hard time of year for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. But with heads held high, we all got through it together, as a family. As pete said, the whole day, while painful at times, was one of the best christmas's we have have for a long time. It just reinforced to us that you dont need fancy presents and the best of everything. Good company with family and friends, good food and a nice drop of wine (and great xmas pud/sweets) will do the trick everytime. Heres hoping that you all had a lovely time as well.

Righteo, i best fly...got a bit on for the next couple of day. We would like to take the opportunity to thank EVERYONE for their wonderful love and support in 2008. It has been a shit of a year and pete and i (like many other families) are absolutely gunning for a better 2009. Our thoughts and love are with you all, and we will touch base again soon.

All the best
the simpsons
xox