Short Stay

The annual T.U.F.C Christmas party on Sunday was attended, as usual, by the Hargreaves clan. For one reason or another it was very thin on the ground this year so it was left to the usual suspects to enjoy 'Jungle Jim', the buffet, and Father Christmas. We only managed the first of these however, as we had a date with another Santa, a meal, and a bit of luxury - Sorry we missed you Dave, I hear it was pure Gavin and Stacey in your Grotto, and thanks as ever to Nina, K and D, and Rob for sorting the party out.
Having smuggled Harriet out it was a quick dash over to the Cary Arms at Babbacombe, as prior to the club 'do', we had already booked in to see the 'Big man', have a meal, and stay the night. Santa arrived by boat (good rowing Jen!), and whilst he negotiated the steps, everyone else, including horrendous efforts by Sills and Hargreaves, joined in with the Teignmouth choir for a bit of festive warbling - a combination of shivering and singing.
It was then over to the 'Grotto' where Hatty told Santa she wanted a car for Christmas and Ethan (toddler Sills) said "Open" when he was asked what to say when he was given a gift. We were then joined by Kevin 'Scrooge' Nicholson and family (Jen and Jessica are pro-Christmas ) for a bite to eat, well a full on Christmas dinner really. Jessica spent the whole time staring at me (wondering whether I might be daddy!!!!) only to cry as soon as I picked her up (your safe Kev!).
When all was done, and we had said our goodbyes, we retired for the evening - that is after finishing a monumentally long and competitive game of Trivial Pursuit.
Our room was fantastic and after a bit of T.L.C, and a short battle of wills between the children on who should sleep where (Hatty won of course), it was soon off to the land of nod. After some more top grub in the morning, a brisk walk (minus somebody, who was last seen heading for the Spa room!), a bit of crocodile catching (fishing net and a lot of imagination) and a quick hill climb, we returned home.
Thanks again to Ian, Jen, Jenny, and Lisa for your hospitality, a top stay was had by all.

Last night I gave in trying to fight 'man flu' and trying to find a decent programme on TV, so it was early to bed for me. Anyway I did have to summon up as much energy as I could for today's Christmas shopping. I usually leave it until the day before but full of vigour I rounded up the children (wife at work) and headed straight for the throat. We started well, our first purchase bought in ten minutes, but then the old blood sugar dipped and we gave in, crawling to the nearest coffee shop for cover. After a team meeting we decided to cut our losses and head home. Christmas Eve it is!!.


CH