So nice that we are still able to move around the UK and catch up with people – only 2 days after we got back from New York (and with negative PCR's in place, obvs) we were on the train heading to Harrogate for the start of Xmas.
Always fab to see David & Mandy – the weekend began with a trip to the local woods with a not very subtle set of hedge clippers in a rucksack, as we harvested a few tree sprigs for the annual Brigham wreath making session. I was honoured to be invited to join in for the first time ever with Mands & their two fab adult daughters Charlotte & Laura, though somewhat terrified that my creative skills with that green sludgy stuff you poke twigs in (see, I don't even know what it's called..) and general artistic skills would be well below par.
David & Hawksey, fresh back from the pub (never the best idea!) were the judges – huge relief for me that my wreath was selected in 2nd place out of 4 by both of them – though David was in the doghouse for choosing Mands' wreath in 4th place! Have to admit, they were all very similarly good (I surprised myself!!) and am very pleased here (in my new New York 'caterpillar' coat) with my efforts. It wasn't quite so enjoyable trying to keep the bugger horizontal on the train journey home with multiple long station and platform changes, plus luggage and the dog!
An added bonus was a catch up with Sarah Hutton & hubby Neil, who moved to Yorkshire a few months back. They are an hour or so away, but popped into Harrogate for a couple of coffees with us and a wander round the Xmas stalls.. Where we got Scrumpy a delicious pig's ear – she was a VERY happy doggo.
All in all a v good few days, topped off with singing carols around the outdoor tree, equipped with hot toddies, before the drizzle drove us back in…
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