My “back to normal tomorrow” post on the 18th proved an extremely over optimistic prognosis. However, I am out of bed (though have had a strip ripped off me by my mum for this reckless manoeuvre). This thing has practically floored me – I’ve had shakes and shivers, bizarre fever dreams involving giant lilies, a cough that starts somewhere around the big toes and proceeds to turn you inside out from there. The fever’s gone now but I feel like I’ve been in a tumble drier with a truck. So here is a small catch up on where things stand:
- Leftover party tiramisu: seems to have vanished during Keith’s pre Christmas fridge clear out – I have been saved from myself….
- Christmas jumpers knitted – This is the one thing that’s stayed somewhat on track. You can knit from bed…Still not watched the you tube video though…
- cards remembered that were omitted from the written pile -still outstanding, though I have found a couple of addresses. Maybe I’ll just post anyway and hope for the best.
- Presents – hampers filled. Some of the posted parcels have arrived, some intact, some not so much (though Coupar the spaniel very much enjoyed the contents he ate after breaking in…), others presumably in transit or lost. Trying to find the enthusiasm to check the tracking….Wrapping next – honest. I am going to use the “bag system”
- bulbs planted – still none. Mum arrives this afternoon, may try to guilt her into planting a few. I am beyond shame at this point.
- Christmas trees purchased – two – decorating tonight.
- pilates exercises completed – are you kidding???? Though on the plus side I think I may have shed a kilo or two
- Other Decorations – maybe tomorrow….
Keith has given us a pep talk to the effect that with me somewhat under the weather Christmas may be somewhat different and Lachlan may want to look up turkey recipes. The look on his face at that was the funniest thing I’ve seen for a while. I was, however, mulling over logistics from bed this morning. I think we will be employing the kitchen brigade system this year, not least because I don’t think I can manage a whole day on my feet. Keith can be front of house – he doesn’t enjoy taking instructions from Chef. Ishbel and Martin have already volunteered themselves for action. Mum’s a trouper and Lachlan’s very useful in the kitchen if his tendency to use every mortal pan, tray and utensil can be curbed. I think perhaps we should all watch Chef (the cartoon) first and then they can line up and practice saying “yes chef”. It might be worth being sick to see that actually…
As I’ve not been out of bed for days photos are somewhat few and far between. These are from the last day before succumbing. Catch up quiz questions below.
| Question 18 | How many medals did the UK win in the Paris Olympics? |
| Question 19 | What did the Graeae, sometimes called the Grey Sisters, (Deino, Enyo and Pemphredo) share? |
| Question 20 | What (ghastly) beverage is made of this |
| Question 21 | Krampus, La Befana, kallikátzaroi, Jolaköttur the Yule cat – which do you welcome at Christmas? |
| Answer 17 (Who or what was Wojtek?) | Wojtek (1942 – 2 December 1963 was a brown bear adopted by soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps during WW II. In order to provide for his rations and transportation, he was eventually enlisted officially as a soldier with the rank of private, and was subsequently promoted to corporal. He accompanied the bulk of the 2nd Polish Corps to Italy, serving with the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. During the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, Wojtek helped move crates of ammunition After the war he was mustered out of the Polish Army and moved to Edinburgh Zoo |