[snowdrop]

Merry christmas everyone. I hope your day has been as pleasnt as mine.

This is the very first year I have been on my own, except for my two dogs that is, my youngest and last child at home is about to leave the nest and he is visiting his soon-to-be in-laws.

After a very early bracing walk with my dogs I rewarded them with their presents...first a cuddly toy each. Babe, who is much larger than his brother and as greedy as they come, sat to attention slavering dollops of saliva in anticipation. It took less than a minute for him to destroy his toy but I had to laugh at the puzzled look he gave, first me, then the toy, as if to say 'is that it...? no hidden goodies...?
Alex ignored his toy and patiently waited for the forthcoming treats they obviously could smell coming from the goody-bag. I gave them a turkey flavoured 'bone' each which Babe downed in about 8 seconds flat and then had to watch for 15 yearning minutes, while Alex took his time daintily nibbling away...Hee Hee.

Its been a stress free day, no worries over timing the feast...no mountain of dishes to wash afterwards and plenty of time to do exactly as I please, including reading an enjoyable Christmas murder mystery. Great!