A Scottish Christmas Day Album

[cessna152towser]

Snow was falling on an already snow covered kirk yard as I made my way to church on Christmas Eve night, but a wisp of steam rose from the church boiler room flue and the door into church was open.....

Inside the church was warm and inviting and mince pies and coffee were served followed by carol singing and then the watchnight service.

Christmas morning I set off to deliver the presents and this provided an opportunity to wear the Cunningham tartan waistcoat which LAScotswoman gave me in October, along with my Cunningham kilt which I have owned for over fifteen years. Considering the differing histories of these garments they are a remarkably perfect shade match.

My first call was at Stirches House.

Ann was pleased to see me. This was the first time she had seen the tartan waistcoat and she was suitably impressed.
Somebody did ask where I got the red tights and I explained that they were knee high soccer socks.

Santa Claus and his helper were on hand.

Ann soon became engrossed in opening her presents.

Then I made my way up to a friend's house about a mile further out of town. On my way I passed this small loch, known as Dyke Nuik or Lyon's Pond, which was frozen over.

Arrival at David's house where he had a warm log fire in the hearth, and his girlfriend had arrived to prepare and cook lunch, home made tomato and vegetable soup, followed by roast duck in orange sauce, potatoes and brussels sprouts, followed by Christmas Pudding, mince pies and coffee.

Later I left David and Jean to enjoy the rest of Christmas day together. In the evening I went out to the Shebab Tandoori Indian Restaurant for an evening Christmas meal, vegetable pakora, followed by chicken rogan josh, followed by ice cream and coffee. SirWilliam will recognise this scene as this is the restaurant where we dined when he visited Hawick in July 2009.
Now I must start dieting tomorrow!

[RonnieMac13]

I so look forward to viewing your photos, thanks for posting them. Your photos make me want to see Scotland, maybe 2010.

[walkerk]

Thanks for the photos, Alex. Our sincere Christmas wishes to you and Ann.

[denmcdough]

Great pics! Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania.

We, too, have snow but the rain has just moved in...no quite so pretty at the moment.

[McClef]

Looks like you had a great day Alex and good to see Ann enjoying her day too.

That last photo makes you look as if the waistcoat buttons were coping with everything you had taken on board!

[jgcunningham]

Merry Christmas to you. Beautiful Cunningham outfit.

[Paul]

Great pics, Alex! Glad you had a good Christmas!

[SFCRick]

Wonderful pics, Merry Christmas

[Hamish]

I have said it before, Alex, and I'll say it again - you certainly live life to the full. Well done, and as others have said, it's good to see Ann so clearly enjoying herself too.

Apart from having to go for blood tests on 23rd Dec, and some last-minute food shopping, I have not left the house since and have no plans to do so for another few days - most of my neighbours have gone away it seems! Our heavy snowfalls of last week have now been washed away by rain.

My Best to Ann, and to yourself, and

Take care,
Ham.

[piperdbh]

I always enjoy your posts, especially the pictures. That shot of your church is as pretty as any postcard.

Thanks for sharing your day with us.