New Year Party

Just failed once again to get a decent picture of 'our' fox - saw him/her when we opened up the curtains before beginning our fireworks display.

Our fireworks were not as elaborate as the ones we saw from New Zealand and London on the tv, but very satisfying none-the-less

Christmas 2010

We raised a glass to absent family...

Thanks to a trip to the seconds department of a factory shop for a well-known brand we have special plates to eat off this year!

Well the Christmas present fits ...!

Belvoir Castle by Candlelight

Against broadcast advice and in temperatures around -6C we made the drive to Belvoir Castle in the dark - and the final walk up to the entrance was "like Narnia"
The castle seemed to have all the Christmas trees in Rutland inside

and most importantly, lots of log fires
We fortified ourselves with a festive meal in the Stewards Restuarant
We clambered round in the candlelight, listening to the various musical offerings including the Belvoir Wassailers and some much more serious music on Flute and Harp
This looks my size...!
We left before the Carol Service, uncertain of what the drive home might hold in store and therefore did not get to 'meet' Her Grace, the Duchess of Rutland.