Day 181 - 23 Dec '23 - Killearn. Today was a supremely relaxing day. We all had a long sleep, with Abigail not even waking up until 8am. Seriously loving the darkness in the bedrooms!
It was raining again, so any outdoor activities were crossed off the list. Dan contemplated walking back to my cousin's house to get the car, but it would have taken an hour-and-a-half. Instead, my Uncle Alex came and picked him up to take him there, which was very kind.
"Oh dear!" I said, once they'd left. "Daddy has left his phone - I hope he knows the way back without Google maps! He'll just have to follow the road signs."
Which is exactly what he did - imagine using road signs to find your way! So primitive!!
"Yay! Daddy's made it back home!" cried a very happy Abi.
The rest of the afternoon was spent tucked up indoors on the couch, watching Harry Potter 5. We finished it just in time to go to Rachel's house, where Abi and Alex were going for dinner and a sleepover!
Rachel and Scott's children were very excited to have them over, and before we'd even left them, Abi had her nails painted by Aria, and Alex was getting ready to play Mariokart with Oran.
Dan and I went to the supermarket to get some food supplies for Christmas, and while he phoned a friend in New Zealand, I watched a couple of episodes of The Crown and did some more laundry. You know, the general, boring, everyday stuff.
It was wonderful our kids got to have time away from us, as they've been stuck with just us and themselves for so long. Whilst this trip has so many incredible positive aspects, there are absolutely some downsides. Personal space notwithstanding, each of us having time by ourselves has not been possible. Being able to have fun without their parents there would have been magic!
Day 182 - 24 Dec '23 - Killearn. Christmas Eve! And guess what...no rain! Well, no substantial rain, just drizzle.
Loving, loving, loving the dark mornings! I know I've said it before, but lying in bed in the dark is just bliss. Of course, not having a reason to get out of bed is the key!
We went to collect the kids at 10:30am, but didn't leave until almost 12pm, had some lunch back at our own house, and then drove back to Glasgow to go ice-skating and have a ride on a Ferris wheel.
After parking our car in Partick, an area of Glasgow I lived with Susan, we hopped on the Glasgow subway into the city centre. We've been on a few subways, but the Clockwork Orange (as it's affectionately known, the carriages being orange and travelling in a circle) was a whole new experience.
"IT'S SO LOUD!" Abi yelled.
"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" I yelled back.
"WHAT??"
"IT'S TOO LOUD!"
We were a bit early for the ice skating, and the swings the kids wanted to go on were temporarily closed due to the wind, so we went to the on-site bar for some mulled wine, and Scott bought some chips for us to munch on. We didn't have long to wait though before it was time to leave for the main event!
Ice skating is not at all something I am good at. I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've been ice skating, and that would also be the same number of times I've not enjoyed it. But, when Rachel asked if we'd like to join their family Christmas Eve tradition, I jumped at the chance, as a fun family activity for us all to do. And who knows, maybe this was the time I'd be better at it??
Alex was pretty good, and Abi didn't do too badly either. Rachel was excellent, and was helping Oran, while Aria and Abi spent most of the time together. Dan was also rather confidently moving around the rink.
I, on the other hand, was gripping the railing the entire way around the rink, manoeuvring myself around people standing still by reaching around them in a pseudo-embrace. By the time I'd slowly completed one circuit, my shoulders were cramping from the strain! Of course, that's when Scott was filming...such a shame that video will never be seen again!
Scott had steadfastedly refused to come on the ice with us, despite numerous attempts from the rest of us to change his mind. Naturally, this placed him in an excellent position to be the official photographer.
Over the course of 40 minutes, I had progressed to letting go of the wall for a few seconds at a time, and even did a circuit holding on to Alex's hand. Go me!
After getting our shoes back on, we went to the Big Wheel. It was a bit windy as we went round three times, but we did get some fantastic views of the square and all the decorations.
It was almost time to leave, but we had one last fun activity to do - eating a sugar doughnut without licking our lips! This was something our family would do when I was little, and is incredibly difficult to achieve. (I challenge you to try it).
Scott failed miserably, only managing two bites before he caved.
"That's impossible!"
Dan was second to lose, giving up just one bite later.
Meanwhile, the rest of us (apart from Abi, who had a piece of fudge instead) were still going strong.
"How are you going, Rachel?" I asked.
"Mmm, almost lost it there," as she tipped her head back.
"How about you, Oran?"
"Great!"
Oran certainly had the best sugar-lips by the time we'd finished eating our doughnuts and could finally give in to licking! And they were delicious doughnuts too, freshly baked and still hot to eat.
We hopped back on the subway and drove back to Rachel's house, where we were having a few nibbles and mince pies. Her cousin Sarah and family turned up, and Rebekah popped in briefly, but Deborah couldn't make it as she'd lost her car keys.
We were all set to leave at 8pm, but Scott convinced Dan to have some more whisky with him; in the end, we didn't leave until 10pm, after they had a few more whiskies, and we all sang some Christmas karaoke!
It was a wonderful Christmas Eve, with lots of fun activities and great conversations. Can't wait for Christmas Day!
Day 183 - 25 Dec '23 - Killearn to Drymen. Christmas!! Miraculously, our children were deemed good enough by Santa, who even had written them a letter each.
Santa brought chocolate coins and a selection box each as well as Pokémon cards for Alex, and a purse, bobbles, nail polish, bath bomb, and a chocolate orange for Abigail.
After breakfast, getting dressed, and brushing our teeth, it was time for presents! Dan and I exchanged some Heat Holders socks (still the warmest and snuggliest socks I've ever had). Alex got Abi a cuddly baby bunny, and she gave him some more Pokémon cards.
Dan and I had debated long and hard over what to get the kids for their Christmas. We're obviously severely hampered by our rucksacks and travelling, so whatever we got them had to be small and portable. We (Dan) eventually decided on Nintendo Switches, as they were small enough to transport, and will provide them with entertainment on the long train trips coming up in Europe. Plus, as the controllers can be separated from the screen, we will all be able to play certain games as a family.
They were naturally over-the-moon to discover what was under the wrapping paper! We also got them a travel case, but Abigail's turned out not to be very good, so we will need to take it back and change it.
We had easily the most relaxed Christmas morning we've ever had, as we weren't expected to Rebekah's until around 3pm, and didn't have any food to prepare. We had some toast for lunch, then sat on the couch and watched a movie. It was raining again, which meant no snow for Christmas unfortunately. Hopefully it clears up soon!
When we got to the house, we got stuck straight into helping Rebekah and Rachel in the kitchen; we peeled and chopped potatoes, par-boiled the Brussels sprouts, and basted the turkey, the chicken, and the goose (yes that's right...GOOSE)! Abi also helped out Rebekah and I with the prawn cocktail, and Dan sliced up all the birds, for which he was profusely thanked by Scott.
Many hands make light work, as the saying goes, and we were all ready to eat shortly after 6:30pm. There were almost 30 people (including children) for dinner, and there was so much delicious food!
Prawn cocktail (must get the recipe for the sauce, waaaay better than store-bought), melon and prosciutto, lentil soup, pigs in blankets, chipolatas roasted with mango chutney, peas and beans, mashed potato, roasted potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and beetroot, mashed carrots and turnip, Yorkshire puddings, Brussels sprouts with cream and bacon, coleslaw, and of course, the chicken, turkey, and goose! Later on, Rachel brought out a cheeseboard and a divine chocolate cake she'd baked. Nobody was going hungry!
The rest of the evening was spent around the table having a few drinks and talking. Dan had opened his bottle of Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask whisky, but I'd stopped drinking after half a bottle, and it turned out there were a few other people who had done the same, judging by the number of half empty bottles of wine on the table. This meant I could drive us home.
It was such a wonderful evening, and we really enjoyed being with my family. In fact, we didn't leave until 1am!
Day 184 - 26 Dec '23 - Killearn. Boxing Day, and everyone was so tired, even the kids didn't wake up until after 8:30am. It was a gorgeous clear day, finally with no rain, and a bit of frost on the ground. The perfect day for going for a walk with Jonny and Jordyn and their dogs.
We drove to nearby Queen's View and walked up and over frozen and boggy hillside to get to the trig point, where there were some fantastic views.
We walked back down another path, and still the views were awesome. We could see Drymen and Killearn, Loch Lomond, and the Campsie Fells, as well as all the other hills in the background.
By the time we got back to the car, it was 1:30pm and still frosty. It was great to get out for a bit of exercise, as it's been quite a while since we last did any. We're supposed to get rain again tomorrow, which means we'll be back indoors again. The rain also means it's still too warm for snow, although we remain hopeful it may change!
The rest of our afternoon was spent once again on the couch; the kids played on their Switches, I watched a bit of drivel on telly, and Dan had his Christmas Day snooze (albeit a day late).
We will all be early to bed tonight, that's for sure!
Day 185 - 27 Dec '23 - Killearn. Raining. Again. Oh well, so much for the snow that was briefly forecast for 4am!
At 3:30am, Dan got up to tell the kids off for playing with their finger laser lights.
At 5:30am, Dan got up to tell the kids off for arguing about bed space.
At 9:30am, Dan and I woke up. Strictly speaking, we kind of woke up for the third time; Dan from telling the kids off, and me from having long and disturbing dreams, and being too hot. But it sure was good rolling out of bed at 10am!
We were all super glad we made the most of the good weather yesterday by going for our walk. Hopefully the rain will stop soon and let the temperature drop so we can finally get some snow!
We didn't do much this morning, other than watch some tv and play computer games. At 1pm we went to my Uncle Alex and Auntie Helen's house with the rest of the family, for leftovers and nibbles.
It was super relaxed and lots of fun, just having some yummy finger food and drinks, and talking to everyone. There was a slight bit of drama, however, at the dinner table...
I was eating a very tasty dish Uncle Alex had made, that was pumpkin with leeks and breadcrumbs, when I felt a slightly larger crunchy bit in the topping. Possibly a piece of garlic? Maybe sunflower seeds? After eating a few more bites of some extra crunchy pieces, I got a scratchy sensation at the back of my throat and my lips started to feel bumpy. I discreetly spat a few pieces back on to my fork, and discovered they weren't chunks of garlic, or even sunflower seeds, but chopped walnut!
"Uncle Alex, are there nuts in this dish?"
"Yes."
"Oh, okay."
"Are you allergic?"
"Yes."
"Oh no! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
Quite a few heads turned with concern, as my nut allergy was not a surprise to them. I started coughing slightly, trying to clear the swelling at the back of my throat.
"I might just go to the bathroom, and get rid of it," I said to Rachel, who was sitting opposite me.
"Probably a good idea!" she agreed.
Up to the bathroom I went, where, with a little two-fingered persuasion, I prayed to the porcelain god. I was reunited with Jordyn's tomato and vegetable soup, a glass of brandy and port, and the offending pumpkin dish. Such a shame, as it was all very tasty.
Back at the table, Uncle Alex was very apologetic, but I told him repeatedly that it was okay, and that I was fine. Rebekah got me an antihistamine tablet, and in a short while, my swollen and scratchy throat had receeded, and I carried on eating and drinking.
The rest of the food was safe for me to eat (and Rebekah's Scott too, as he told me was also allergic), so down the hatch went Rachel's delicious pavlova and chocolate cake, as well as copious amounts of different cheeses and crackers.
People left slowly over the course of the evening, and we were some of the last to go at around 10:30pm. Rebekah and Scott's wee boy fell asleep in my arms, and their daughter had found a firm friend in Alex, who played lots of games with her over the day.
Another wonderful time with family!
Day 186 - 28 Dec '23 - Killearn. Raining again. During a brief not-raining spell, we walked to the local shop to get some milk and toothpaste. On the way back to the house, because the wind was so strong, it went from not-raining to raining to not-raining again in the space of five minutes. Luckily, three quarters of us had raincoats on!
The rest of the day we stayed indoors; Dan was working on his computer, trying to plan our route across Europe, the kids were writing their diaries, and I was just lying on the couch.
Later on, we watched Harry Potter 6, had some dinner, and phoned my mum and dad. Shortly after 8pm we put the kids to bed, and they were asleep in minutes. So many busy days and really late nights recently - in fact, Dan and I went to bed fairly early too.
Day 187 - 29 Dec '23 - Killearn and Drymen. It was a clear day again today, and the temperature was a lot cooler. Maybe snow will come soon, as there was some on the nearby hills now.
We popped over to Braehead shopping centre to swap Abi's Switch case, and the kids also used their spending money on a couple of games. The Switches had come with Minecraft and Mariokart, which are both fun to play, but they wanted a couple of other options too.
We bought Alex a lightweight fleecy jumper from an outdoor clothing store, but unfortunately there were none there for me in the size and style I'd found online.
After a not-so-quick-as-we'd-thought trip to the supermarket, we headed back home for a bit, before going out to Rebekah and Scott's. Dan, Scott, and a friend called Stuart, were going to the local pub for a few drinks, while we went to a different one for dinner.
We had a lovely evening with Rebekah and her youngest daughter Leah, and Scott's mum was also with us. Shortly after 9pm, the boys joined us, and it was obvious that Dan had drunk the most he'd had in a loooong time! Foolishly, they hadn't had anything to eat, despite food being available at the bar.
"Have you had a good time?"
"Great!"
"Are you alright?"
"Yep."
"You look quite pale."
"I'm great."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"My tummy's in pain."
"Do you want to go home?"
"Yep."
Having your intestines removed means whatever you consume moves through your system at a faster pace. This in turn means you need to eat more regularly and drink more often. Skipping dinner then drinking "enough" (clearly!) is not a good combination at the best of times, never mind when your body needs it more than the average Joe Bloggs.
He was also drunk enough that he didn't realise he'd told me his tummy was sore:
"How's your tummy now?" I asked on the drive home.
"It's fine, why?" Dan answered with a puzzled look.
"You had a sore tummy, Daddy," Abi said.
"Why did you tell her I had a sore tummy?" Dan asked me.
"Because you SAID you had a sore tummy!"
"When did I say that?"
"When you sat down and I asked you how you were and you said your tummy was in pain."
Ha ha ha ha ha!
I laugh, only because we've all been there, right?
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