Thursday 24 December:

Decided not to take my early morning walk today because Moira and I had planned to take a Christmas Eve walk a little later. Sadly, in the event, Moira’s hip was playing up and so we ended up drastically reducing our walk and limiting it to a walk ‘round the block’. Felt very sad for her.
Ruth(+Stu) popped round very briefly to collect various things from Ruth’s studio (and also pick up their presents and family meal). They’ve decided NOT to have Stu’s dad round for Christmas lunch at their house… instead, they’re driving to Wells with picnic that they can eat in his garden (which sounds sensible… and nice).
Completed a harbour/boat sketch before breakfast (I was conscious that my library of sketches was somewhat depleted… so I think I’ve now compiled enough to see me through to the New Year!).
I rang Dave Shorey to see how he was getting on… and it seems that he’s been pretty busy dealing with the admin aftermath. But he seemed in a reasonable ‘place’ considering… and his neighbours have been very supportive. I suggested that Alan and I might join him in a zoom chat sometime between Christmas and the New Year.
Read more of my Sophie Ward book in the afternoon.
Thankfully, the UK and EU FINALLY sorted out a ‘deal’… great relief (still hate Brexit, but a deal definitely beats a ‘no-deal’!).
Had Christmas Eve supper at the dining table (we ate the ‘family meal’ that Moira had prepared for everyone). As I raised my glass of red to toast the family, Moira responded by knocking over a full glass of tonic water ALL the table and ME! Not a good start to the Christmas festivities!
Evening telly: I watched ‘Paddington 2’ again and, together, we watched ‘Christmas University Challenge’ (despite the infuriating introductions!)... and also the Comic relief Christmas pantomime (which was very funny).
Image: Christmas Eve candles (we renewed some of the old ones!).