Xmas Day....

Around it come. Just after midnight Xmas day snukk in, not that I seen it arrive.
Was looking forward to a sleep in but seeing as there was a limited amount of preparation to do and I had to supervise 8.53am was  feet on the floor.
Everything went to a  plan and nearer to 1pm was Tukker Time.....

Early prep, saw......

 

The Beef Fillet seared & rested.... Pastry, Parma Ham, Mushrooms, Dijon Mustard & Seasoning.......

Ready to cook......

Egg wash applied to one as we decided 1  divided by 2 was still large enough.....

Out of the oven...

Colour and texture looking good.....

After resting for 5 -7 ..........

The inner looked good enough to eat.......    Maybe 3 mins, less in the gas but is hard to judge heat compared to electric.....

To go with the Beef.....

 

 Yorkshire Pudding.......


And all dished up it and mine with a........

Splash of gravy.... The individual tastes were amazing and the Beef was so tender...

Leonies cooking was up there with any Yokohama Star Chef........

 

I'm full as a Bull but....

 

 Can not not eat the pudding....   Sticky Date roll with Caramel sauce, Ice Cream, Meringue  and whipped cream.......

Leonies not...

 

 

As big as Pig as Me.......

 

Decided to walk off a few "C,s" and have a look see after the storm that went through Monday night.
It's dark when we leave and return to the NB at present...

The River Cherwell that meanders along beside the Oxford canal had said....

 

 

Enough rain has fallen.... I'll burst my Bloody Banks..... From the road bridge looking toward Banbury....


And the other side....

 

Toward Oxford...... The canal level is up about 1 foot.... We now have too step up onto the boat.....

 

Usually these paddocks.....

Are green pasture grazing livestock.... Haven't seen any Floaters.......


It's a nice day with No chance of snow and the......

 

 Sun was Bouncing off the neighbouring Pub roadside sign.....

The explanation for the Pub name......

 

50 Metres away is the old Aynho rail station... Must have been owned by the GW railway EH....

The station house is now a home.... A lot of trains pass at speed all through the night.....
Some people can sleep through anything......

Along the road the strong winds.....

 

 Enabled this tree to destroy the adjacent gate......

Able to withstand the storm was....

The rail bridge.......

 

Nearby stands......

 

A derelict building close to the rail way..... Nice detail above the windows.....


And across the road....

 

Undamaged and still laughing at the pathetic  past storm this naked tree just stands tall passing time and waiting for some cover.....

Boxing Day..... Bring it On........ Seven rounds with left over Meringue and whipped cream.....

Xmas Thoughts....

This Xmas Day will be the first year in 25yrs that we haven't shared with the family, our sons and extended family.
As family grow up they can locate to different parts of the world chasing their dreams and having a bloody good time, why wouldn't they?.
Close friends can  move away too, as their family members spread their wings, and having worked hard for years can afford  time to travel and also seek adventure.

So as much as we'll miss family and friends there are plenty of  reasons to enjoy Xmas day.






Here is some of the treasure  on board  NB FireflyNZ  and a reminder that no one is ever far away...

Our sons......

Myers and Liv,    Melbourne......

Tait..... PNG.... Papa New Guinea.....

Pam.... Nana.... Hastings NZ.....

 

Christmas cards and presents and the musical Xmas tree........

 

And a reminder of.....

 

Mates back in NZ......  Printed tea towels..... Look at that sunshine....

 

Also.....

Xmas tea towels.........





Awesome..... Thanks Nat & Bruce.......

(Available on line from the  Club Of Odd Volumes...)

Then there's modern technology to make like family and friends are almost in the same room....

Skype of course.....   Also What's App.....

Then there is the food side of Xmas day.....

Every time we have a Mouth Full of home made Russian Fudge or Chocolates or Crunchie bar  or a drink of Beer or Wine  your in our thoughts.....

The Fudge........

 

Just out of the oven being Chopped...

The Main Meal is going to be Beef Wellington, Fillet Beef procured at 25 quid, it's not a large piece, with the customary roast veg,.
Pudding is Sticky Date Roll with extra whipped cream and a Merangue  as well cos we are thinking  of you all..

Photos of the "Tukker" later...

So its a MERRY XMAS and a large HOHOHO  to all who read this, have a Good Day and to us your Never  Far Away.....