Christmas Came Early

 Dear Marmite

My big day was December 22nd. I was busying myself doing bog-standard preparation stuff when low and behold a delivery man brought my third, and this time proper, cushion cover for the sofa. To be honest, I had been sent an SMS to say it was due at lunch time the previous day but it didn't arrive. I had been on the phone to the company to let them know about the "no show". Naturally they apologised - typical, I thought... I have been here before so I didn't actually think I would get sorted. Yet, all turned out all right. I have a perfect sofa now. The joy didn't stop there. I then had a call from someone in M&S who obviously wielded power. I now have been compensated with more than M&S vouchers. Case closed. I am now over this and I have a new year to look forward to - free of M&S silliness.

This wasn't the end of my joy. Within a short time from the first delivery the 3 mini heaters I had ordered some time before  arrived by post too. I was convinced I had been scammed. I got them from this company because they promised an earlier delivery than other online ones. Having paid money to them, there was no acknowledgement. I checked out Curry's who didn't have much to offer beyond a £600 Dyson one - yikes. I wanted to warm up the downstairs area where Sammi and Lucky are staying but even my darling son isn't worth spending £600 on. 

By the time Christmas arrived, Nasser had strung up my fairy lights around the room, my food preparations were complete and it only needed me to bung the fully stuffed  turkey in the oven before 8am on Christmas morning. Danielle, Richard and a pretty grumpy Ezra-Mae popped round for Buck's Fizz and present opening. Apart from a poorly little baby who needed nothing more than cuddles, it was such a joy to have everyone together. I got given a lovely walking stick - this was a request from a long time ago. I needed a stick to help with the blackberry picking. I even got a walking holiday for Christmas too. Wow!! 

Christmas dinner left us all very stuffed - not just the turkey! I had catered for both Muslims and vegans and now I have enough food to last me through to the end of January. Lucky is the benefactor of the turkey stock. It was once you, Marms that had this special joy. I used to mix it up with rice for you. Now Sammi and I are working our way through leftovers for the foreseeable future. Even the freezer is stuffed.

We played the requisite number of very silly games, wore hats for the entire day and collapsed far too early! Danielle and Richard  had also got me a pub quiz game which promises to bring out my competitive side. That is one thing many people will know doesn't need encouragement. I am yet to find "friends" to play with. Any takers?

The compulsory Boxing Day walk didn't pass without incident. It was a pretty damp day but we didn't anticipate the Flood Plain of the Nature Reserve to be flooded! This wasn't just puddles either. Well over half way round our walk, we trudged over a bridge to find a lake where the normal path should have been. After a little prevarication, Sammi decided the only way was for him to take his boots off, roll his trousers up and piggyback me to the dry bit somewhere on the horizon. 

The two cyclists who had joined us on the bridge also ummed and ah-ed about their best escape. It was quite funny but turned into total hilarity when Lucky decided it was too deep for him.  He had an audience though felt no shame in being a wimp. He went round in circles and refused to follow Sammi who by now had feet that were bright red from the cold water. Sammi waded back and rescued the stupid mutt. All had turned out well.

Well, I thought it had turned out well. Just as we had got to safety, Richard phoned to say that Danielle had had a convulsion and collapsed in their bathroom. He then took her to hospital where they did a brain scan. Doctor's conclusion - it was COVID. She had tested positive Boxing Day morning despite having a booster on the 23rd and since then had been under the weather. I am still very worried as I don't trust the doctor's diagnosis. She has done all the right things to protect herself and still COVID has done this to her. 

So I am emotionally wavering between the joys and heartaches of the past days. Hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow - metaphorically - I don't hold out much hope for the weather forecast,

Love to you, Marms

XXX