Another good day today. This is getting to be a habit 🙂
I had a bit of a lie in this morning, not too late though. Jamie went to a Christmas party at BAE, Steve and Graham have both got pictures. Meanwhile Jan and I finally got to see Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets! It was a great film. I know there was loads missing from it, but it is so long since I read the book I pretty much saw it through the eyes of someone who hasn’t read any of the books. It’s great, it’s a good adventure film. Lots of action, a bit short on character development (but then again most films are) and explanations, but a really enjoyable lightweight film.
After the cinema, we went to pick up Jamie from Graham and Jackie’s house. We ended up staying for a while, Steve, Kim and Megan were there too, and had some food.

By the time I got home, the headache which had been threatening since the cinema had fully developed. After putting Jamie to bed, and unsuccessfully trying to read, I went for a lie down. I decided to get out my MindLab and try one of the relaxation sessions. It was great! 15 minutes later and my headache had subsided to a much more manageable level. It’s been a while since I used the MindLab, I’d kinda forgotten how good it could be. I must try to use it more often.

It’s not the end of the day yet, I think I’ll get some more stuff done.

I’ve had a good day today. I got some shopping done in the morning. The town centre was very busy with Christmas shoppers. In the afternoon, I took Jamie back into Stockport to take part in a Lantern Parade organised between three local schools. There was a very late start to this. But eventually we got started and snaked our way through Merseyway shopping precinct. The children had all made their own lanterns and the were a couple of large pieces made by some of the same people who made the ones used in the Manchester Commonwealth Games ceremonies. There was also a brass band with us who played as we made our way to Stockport’s historical outdoor market. We eventually made our way to St Mary’s church where there was a group of children playing percussion instruments, including some great bongo playing.

Once at the church a ceremonial Dove of Peace was lit and carols were sung. We didn’t stop for the church service as we were getting a bit cold by that time and wanted to get back.

Back at home, Steve, Kim, Graham, and Jackie were there along with all the kids; Thom, Bekki and Megan. We had something to eat and a very enjoyable evening. We did one of those pop quizzes that has been doing the rounds via email recently. We managed a magnificent 94% between us! The kids watched a Spice Girls concert on tape amongst other things.

Thom also took some great pictures of the girls; I’m going to ask him if I can put them in the gallery.

All in all a good day. And it’s only the first day of my three week holiday!

Sadly Jan’s mum, Olive, died five years ago today. We all still miss her.

When I must leave you
For a little while
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrows to you through the years
But start out bravely with a gallant smile
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same
Feed not your loneliness on empty days
But fill each waking hour in useful ways
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near
And never, never be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you
In the sky

Paula has a new accessory for her mobile phone. It flashes when there is an incoming call.
Jamie thought it was hilarious!

We got the decorations mostly done. There’ll be some minor adjustments over the next few days I’m sure.
We then sat and watched a couple of Christmas movies! The very wonderful The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton and The Santa Claus with Tim Allen.
Jamie puts the star on the tree.

The Christmas tree and decorations are going up today. Christmas music on the stereo. Flashing lights, wobbly trees, fraying tempers… Yay! It’s christmas!

Pictures when we’re done.

Welcome to Jackie and Graham who are now hosted here on zed1.
You can visit their blog at http://jackiengraham.zed1.com.

We went to the Stockport Junior Schools’ Carol Festival tonight. Jamie was singing in the choir along with some of her classmates. Some members of the Stockport Youth Orchestra were there too. Even the Mayor and Mayoress turned up 🙂
It was a good concert. I don’t usually like the sound of lots of children singing but these were particularly good. I think they must have had lots of practice.
The festival was held in St George’s Church which is quite a large impressive building. The voices sounded good in that setting.

(Jamie is just to the left of the kids in red.)