Whitescape

We drove over to Ted and Beryl today, and it was like driving through a Christmas card. We had thought about calling it off and staying at home in the warm, but we do need to start getting Rian used to the car (and getting us used to loading everything we need to transport a baby and a 4-year-old), so we ignored the threat of icy roads and ventured out. I'm so glad we did. The roads were clear and safe, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
Beryl had baked enough treats to keep 17 schools in snacks for at least a week. She's no longer up to doing the big feasts with twelve courses that keep her in the kitchen for days on end, but she can still churn out a meal fit for a king. (Or three kings, to be more seasonal).
Despite the presence of The Little One, Mathew was undoubtedly the focus of attention all afternoon, with his birthday being just two days away. Ted and Beryl are sort-of Grandparents-by-default and they spoiled Mathew as if he was one of their own large brood.
I watched the first half of the World Cup Final with Ted and then we headed home to have a settled evening here before the frost set in again. Ted was funny because he couldn't decide who he wanted to win, because he can't decide who he hates more between France and Argentina. Personally, I had to root for the South Americans because - if you remember - I tipped them to win from the very beginning! Maybe I should get into the world of sports betting, because even though I based my predictions purely on which shirts I liked, I seem to have done as well as many professional tipsters, and better than most!
I have to be honest, though, and say that I'm sitting here, several hours after the match was due to finish, and I still can't tell you who won. Such is my interest in the original version of the game of football. The American version, however, I love dearly, so if you will excuse me, Sky Sports NFL is calling....

RC 18-12-22