Merry Christmas!

I think I may be Wonder Woman...

Christmas order rusks lined up and trying to look pretty for the courier tomorrow.

Sheesh, it's been one of those weeks. I've taught some foreign pupils; I've attended an ESOL conference in London; I've made some big decisions at a not-so-sober-but-serious Bloxham Festival meeting; I've done the regulation "momming" and "school-running" and "nativity-costume-designing" that two kids demand; I've been fighting off some pesky darn flu; I've looked after my friend's kids and I've baked nearly 300 bags of rusks. Sometimes I've just got to stand up and say, "I'm Melanie, and I think I may have super powers." Anyone else out there feel the same at this hectic time of year?!

Fields and Pinnocks Visit

October photos

"Cuzzin" visit: Duncan and Fi and Gary, Ros and Sian.

Visiting Great-Uncle Ray in Winchester (with Jean and Jane).

The Mays and Philip's visit.

More October...

Rebecca's 40th: 1969 was a good year. We went as Daphne and Shaggy (Scooby Doo piloted in 1969.)

Murder at Deadwood Saloon

All dressed up as Anna Belle (the Southern Belle) and Gambling Jack for our friend Clare's 40th birthday murder mystery party.

With Holly "Hussy" Hickok and "Black Barbara".

And even the Sherrif was in town.

Anna's first and Mel's first day (back) at school

Applecross

Iconic Eilean Donan Castle on the Western Coast of Scotland.

We decided not to pitch the tent for our last night and hired a wigwam in Applecross instead.

Learning to spin at the Applecross Heritage Centre.

Chess at the famous Applecross Inn (while Anna spies out the dessert, below)

Lewis - Outer Hebrides

Callanish standing stones.

Famous Stornoway Black Pudding for breakfast.

Northern tip of Lewis: Port Nis

Everything is closed on a Sunday - even the play parks.

At play on a Sunday - oops...

Harris - Outer Hebrides

Yup, it's a Harris Tweed cap.

Our beautiful campsite at the "end of the world".