Sunday 21 December was a breezy and mild day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see link). One arrival so after getting paper did final checks.  Out for lunch at the Lathkill with Andrew and Joanna.  Most of the cows have gone into the sheds for the winter now with only some of the in calf heifers out.  A nice meal and back with time to ice the Christmas cake, see guests arrive and do a few more jobs in cottages.  Then I was out again.  This time back down to Over Haddon for the carol service as I had agreed to read one of the lessons. It was nice to see so many villagers there.  Monday saw three arrivals and one cleaner here.  Another mild day and not too wet until the evening. Morning went in cottage preparations and got final tree up at last.  Time in the afternoon for some personal Christmas preparations before guests arrived between 4 and 5pm.  Two have been before. Tuesday was another mild day.  Down to Bakewell early to get last provisions before Christmas.  It was busy in Bakewell.  After lunch some more personal preparations as our friends will be arriving on Wednesday. Final cottage for Christmas arrived at 3pm so no more work in cottages until later in the week!  We then went down to Ashford to see the once regular guests who have moved to the area and after tea we invited some guests over for a drink so a nice way to start our own Christmas festivities. Pictures of the last trees to be done, Derwent and Shippon.

Last blog before Xmas so seasons greetings to you all.