Christmas time...mistletoe and wine...

Ok...I'm not quite a fan of Cliff Richard but it's Christmas time!!!


It's the time for (far too much) wine, sleep and feasting! Some of us left the lovely Brackenbury flats to spend the holidays with family and friends back home. (Secretly, I've been trying to get rid of some of them - now I can watch 24 in Olaf's room 24/7; and not have people remind me all the time that I'm somewhat vertically-challenged!)

Here's a glimpse of what we've been up to this Christmas:

Alida spent a few days in South Yorkshire and her activities include shopping (predictable); roaming around a beautiful stately home (Chatsworth estate); and feasting! She then spent New Year in Newcastle where she had a great adventure exploring and getting lost in the Newcastle streets.



I had too many Christmas dinners in lovely British homes; too many glasses of whisky in Scotland (Ally & family); too many cuppas hot chocolates in Germany/Prague. Well, it's the season to indulge and overdo things a bit, isn't it?

Eva spent her Christmas decorating her cosy little flat which she co-rents with Pavel. Very tastefully done, Eva!

Alena went cross-country skiing with her dad and spent some time playing with her very adorable niece, Helenka. Honestly, Helenka is so wonderfully sweet you'll be addicted!

Matt had a great time with his girlfriend, Cecile and family. I guess he spent most of his time lazing and begging for some tender-loving care!

Jean-Pierre had a busy Christmas too. Overdose of wonderfully-made Sri-Lankan food and fudge are the highlights! (He never gets sick of either though...he's got a limitless pit for great food and fudge!)

Olaf had a rather sporty time. He went alpine skiing and rowing, just to name a few! He also had a wonderful time (?!!!!) showing me his beautiful city!

Finally, we have Vajka who had to pack and prepare for a move to Brackenbury House!!! Hehe, this side of the Dryburn estate is way cooler ... good move, Vajka!

So, there you go...Christmas 2005!