Now where am I?

Don’t take any notice – I’m just talking to myself, checking I haven’t forgotten something.  I seem to have an extra day as I was convinced Christmas Day was Saturday and then thought I had all the time in the world.  It’s ridiculous really – just the two of us - what could it matter if it all goes pear-shaped?  Second wife syndrome?

The boned turkey looks quite harmless and the ham is safely boiled.  I’m trying out a new stuffing – mushrooms, shallots, bread crumbs, tarragon, marmalade and orange juice and I’m going to put port in the gravy.  Bacon on the breast and little sausages will give a bit of a kick, Vichy carrots – cooked with a bit of butter and sugar, a few sprouts and roasted parsnips which are already parboiled to be roasted with drizzles of honey.  Oh and as I can’t stuff the turkey I’m going to festoon it with orange and lemon slices.

I’m coming off the wagon for tomorrow at least - it's been a month - and let MTL choose the wine which I think will be champers.  We are not having a starter but we are having a delicious chocolate and cherry dessert.  We’ll have a light breakfast and then starve till one nanosecond after the Queen’s speech.  I hope Phillip recovers in time to be with the family.  I’ll bet he’s a terrible patient.

When I hear the carols in the morning I shall remember all those Christmases past and the absent ones and the ones still here but absent and I shall toast all my cyber friends – the ones who leave friendly messages and the ones who just lurk – I’ll be leaving a libation and a mince pie out just for you.