You may have noticed that I’ve had a break from Sunday Sevens, albeit entirely unintentional (Christmas, and all that), so here’s a heavily edited recap of things since the beginning of December.
1. We had another day trip on the Orient Express – a six hour journey through England and Wales during which we were served a seven course Christmas dinner. Wine pairings with every course was a nice extra that we hadn’t done before.
2. The friends that we went with.
3. The run up to Christmas was almost exhaustingly busy with something going on every day, including The Boy’s advent calendar in which they ‘do’ something Christmassy each day of advent. Here they are enjoying a car trip in their pyjamas to drive around looking at Christmas lights.
4. Together with one other resident, I cooked Christmas dinner for sixty villagers in the village hall.
5. No.3 Son sang a solo of my favourite carol “In The Bleak Mid Winter” before everyone sat down for dinner.
6. I managed to finish off this pair of socks for No.1 Son…..
7. ….and this cabled hat for his girlfriend’s mother.
8. After cooking lunch for my brother and his wife on Christmas Eve, we went to the carol service in our church. The Dogs drew loads of comments in their festive coats! Some friends joined us for supper afterwards and The Boys were excited to put their stockings out for Father Christmas for an early-ish night.
9. We went to church Christmas Day with The Boys and the service ended rather sombrely when the organist collapsed just before the last verse of the last carol. Being British, the congregation went on to sing unaccompanied and we all crept out silently as an ambulance was called.
A couple of family members short, Christmas dinner was a slightly quieter affair than usual – it seems I was lucky to get the ‘flu over and done with before Christmas. I didn’t feel lucky at the time, mind you!
10. Back up to full numbers on Boxing Day! Mr H-L is keeping the festive music going, in case you wondered what he was doing back there:)
11. We can ‘only’ seat 14 or 15 people comfortably around the dining table, so there was overspill into the kitchen end!
12. On the 27th, when we had a different set of guests, I invented a new solution to using up the leftovers – Christmas Dinner Pie! Literally all the remaining meat, stuffing and veg was made into a pie. It went down a treat with everyone.
13. Our last guests left on the 28th, which meant we had a couple of days to unwind before New Year’s Eve. ‘Unwinding’ in our house means PJs, games, festive films and Baileys:)
14. The Dogs were over the moon to have even more cuddle time than usual!
15. Unwinding for me also includes knitting/crochet – once I got the darning out of the way…..
16. I cast on and finished a single sock using the lovely yarn from my Stitching Santa parcel, which was immediately claimed by No.3 Son!
17. Before casting on the second sock, I cast on one for me using some Fyberspates yarn that I’ve had for a while and forgot about. After all that plain sock knitting, I was itching to do a pattern.
18. I even managed to nip up into the sewing room for a few hours and came down with this little project bag, perfect for small projects like socks. I may make some more for my online shop.
19. Just to make sure I don’t get bored (!), I started crocheting Granny squares in this Duck Egg DK. They’re going to be a blanket for a young couple that are getting married later this year.
20. Then the yarn orders started arriving…..I went on a bit of a spending spree with the money that had accumulated in my PayPal account.
21. All this sock yarn has a purpose – I want to make 2018 the year I wear only handknit socks. My New Year’s Resolution, I suppose.
Whilst I tend to knit playing socks using a self-striping yarn for other people, my own preference is for patterned socks using hand dyed yarn in luxury fibres. These are the three pairs I have knitted to date.
22. Progress on the pair currently on the needles, although I will have to knit No.2 Son’s other sock before the second one of this pair.
23. New Year’s Eve is spent with the same friends, only this was the first year we went to their house for the night, Just look at those incredible centrepieces!
24.
25. We took No.2 Son back to school the following Sunday, which was hard having had him at home for three weeks.
26. With both boys back at school, Mr H-L and I went out for lunch one day. Fifi was treated to a bit of pork belly at the end.
27. On Saturday, Fifi’s heart began to race and her breathing became shallow. She was fine in herself and carried on as normal for most of the day and well into the evening. We took her to bed with us as normal but, at 1.50am yesterday morning, she stopped breathing.
28. Farewell, my faithful little companion – my heart is in pieces. Whatever will I do without you.
January 15, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Noooo! I was going to say how much I loved the free motion embroidery sheep and all the socks, especially the purple ones but now I can only think of Fifi. Bless her – she had the most wonderful life and left it in the best possible way, gently in her sleep with her loved ones after a bit of pork belly – who could ask for more? Hugs to you xx
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January 15, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Lynn, we kept her in the bedroom until just now as I wasn’t ready to let her go and kept going to stroke her little head. She’s gone to be cremated now and will return next week in a deservedly posh little wooden casket with her name engraved on a little plaque. Oh, how they steal our hearts!
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January 15, 2018 at 4:59 pm
So sorry for your loss. I cried to read about it. When our lovely older cats passed on during these past few years, we kept them at home for a while so the others could get used to it and then had them cremated. Best wishes to all–
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January 15, 2018 at 5:02 pm
Thank you Donnalee, I’m glad it’s not just me who keeps a dead pet in the house – I thought I might be a bit weird! It’s just so hard to let go:(
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January 15, 2018 at 5:27 pm
I understand–it doesn’t feel like an abrupt here-then-gone event to me either, but more of a continuum. The Tibetan Buddhists in particular believe it take a while for the energy and life to fully leave the body, so they often wait a few days even with people who have passed on, just to make sure the deceased is as peaceful as possible by having had that little peaceful resting space–I like to give that little resting space and then sometimes it eventually just feels to me like they’re really gone and it’s time to move them on.
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January 15, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Oh, thank you so much for that, it makes so much sense! It was only 36 hours, but it definitely made accepting her death easier and then I was ready to let my husband take her to the vet’s to be cremated. Mind you, I couldn’t take her myself, so he offered to do the awful task and found it hard enough, bless him. It would have killed me:(
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January 15, 2018 at 5:38 pm
How kind of him. I am glad he is supportive of you in this way.
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January 15, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Oh Sheila, bless your heart. Poor Fifi. She lived an amazing life and you and your family showed her so much love. She’s is waiting for you in heaven and you will cuddle her again and see her little tail wag.
I loved every word of your post – what an amazing holiday season. If I were doing Sunday Seven’s my post wouldn’t compare. Our rental home has had the septic backing up since Christmas and our tenants have had to deal with yucky water backing up into the tubs and toilets that won’t flush. Even after having the septic pumped, the problem returned and it turned out the field line had failed. Keith has been on the business end of the tractor trenching a new line, leveling the trench by hand, filling with gravel, and … that’s as far as we’ve gotten now. Hopefully today is the final day and he can finish. So my pics would be…well…kind of crappy. 🙂 Love your socks! Like you, I prefer a patterned solid. Yay for your Resolution!
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January 15, 2018 at 5:38 pm
Thanks Becky, I do envy your faith and wish I believed – it would make times like this much easier to accept. So sorry to hear the debacle surrounding your septic tank, but glad to see you’ve kept a sense of humour about the ‘crappy’ situation! Hand knit socks are a resolution that would be hard to break!
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January 15, 2018 at 10:54 pm
I listen to Truth for Life with Alistair Begg, a wonderful Scott with an amusing lilt that captured my attention and he strengthened my faith. He teaches the Bible vs delving into feelings of guilt or politics. I know I’m supposed to go to a building to worship in fellowship with others, but that’s never been my way. Virtual religion? Works for me. ((Hugs))
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January 15, 2018 at 3:49 pm
So sorry for your loss. You will always have the memories and her love with you always.
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January 15, 2018 at 4:43 pm
Thank you, and absolutely – although I keep looking down expecting to see her at my side like she was for 15 years.
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January 15, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Oh, what a sad and terrible ending to your happy, lovely post. I’m so very sorry for your loss. We mourn our furry loved ones so deeply.
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January 15, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Thank you, we are soft as muck when it comes to our pets in this country, that’s for sure. At least she enjoyed a great Christmas with us before she died, making it easier for us. It would have been unbearably awful to have lost her before Christmas.
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January 15, 2018 at 4:47 pm
A small mercy, but good to know your last days together were happy ones.
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January 15, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Oh Shelia, I’m so sorry, after Fifi rallied the last time, I had it in my head she was here for a good bit longer, she was looking so happy. I’ve no words, but as you know, I understand the heartbreak and pain. Much love and hugs to you all. She was an amazing little lady and she had a wonderful life with you – but I know that is absolutely no consolation. Thank you for sharing her with us.
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January 15, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Thanks Bekki, I know you appreciate exactly what I’m feeling. Goodness knows, it never gets any easier and I’ve lost four dogs previously. Fifi was a one-off though, with such massive character for such a tiny dog. Being so small, she spent a lot of time in my arms, so I suppose it was inevitable that she became part of who I am. Even though we still have Tess (who was bought to make losing Fifi easier!) the house is quiet and empty without Fifi as she had such huge presence, not to mention the fact that she followed me everywhere – even to the loo!
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January 15, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Unfortunately you’re right, it never gets any easier and yes, some dogs have bigger personalities than others, which makes it even harder, because you are reminded of so much more when they’re gone. I know you will, but go gentle on yourself over the coming weeks. I’ll be thinking about you. xx
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January 15, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Thanks, I will – I even allowed myself to break dry January to have a much needed whisky after she died:)
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January 16, 2018 at 7:12 am
Good for you. There was a lot of wine and chocolate going on in our house when Hicks left 🙂
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January 15, 2018 at 5:54 pm
Oh no! You have lost your little Fifi and your heart is in pieces – of course it is. I am glad you kept her with you for I know how right that is to do as they slowly slip away. But you will continue to see her from the corner of your eye and hear her for a long time to come yet….. they make such an impression in our hearts it takes a long time for that Fifi sized hole to settle down. You gave her such a wonderful life Sheila and that is the very best gift we can give our pets. She will always be with you and one day you will think of her and smile remembering all the good times.
I got my new computer yesterday so I am back visiting all my friends again. You had such a lovely Christmas and the boys look so happy and healthy, it warms my heart!
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January 15, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Thank you Pauline, I hope we did our best by Fifi and you’re right, of course, I keep looking down expecting to see her at my side. I swear she thought she was human and she was an utterly devoted companion. I promised not to leave her again after our holidays last year when, each time, she pined badly for me and we almost lost her. I kept that promise and she rarely left my side, passing away peacefully lying next to me. Not a bad way to go, eh?
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January 15, 2018 at 6:22 pm
The best way to go Sheila! You did good!
I remember holding my old kitty in my arms as she slipped silently away, tears pouring soundlessly down my face – my eyes fill up just remembering that moment – but it was profound and has become a treasured memory of love and letting go, I think we are so blessed to have our pets in our lives and to know so intimately their loving hearts and their devotion to us and the letting go is part of the deal really.
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January 15, 2018 at 6:29 pm
It is, and is very much worth it or we wouldn’t keep going back for more!
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January 15, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Sorry to hear Fifi has gone over the rainbow bridge,we will miss her lovely little face in your pictures 🕊
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January 15, 2018 at 6:02 pm
I know – looking back, it’s amazing how many photos she’s in the background, stuck to my side, usually. It feels like I’m missing an appendage at the moment:(
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January 15, 2018 at 6:48 pm
So sorry to hear about Fifi, they are so much a part of our families for so long. We will miss seeing photos of her in the Sunday Sevens. Lovely photo of them both in church and a nice memory too.
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January 15, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Thank you, it will be weird not having her in my photos as a matter of course. Some amazing memories have been made over the years – I was a mere 34 years old when I first had her!
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January 15, 2018 at 7:39 pm
Particularly liked the idea of the Christmas dinner pie – a must try for next year. How fun to hear all about your festivities – and you still managed to get lots of crafting done as well!
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January 15, 2018 at 7:59 pm
I did, indeed, and it was perfect! So pleased that Fifi made it through Christmas – it would have been awful to lose her before:(
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January 15, 2018 at 7:52 pm
I am so incredibly sorry to read the end of your post. A wonderful December, a fabulous Christmas, child back to school and then you loose your beloved animal. I have had two dogs, neither lived a fraction as long as Fifi, and I still miss them after all this time. My first died at the vets and the second at home at a really diffficult time when I just had to get on with things. But I can imagine that you needed time to say goodbye. Hugsxx
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January 15, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Having time to let her go gradually was lovely – I certainly didn’t keep my two big border collies in the house as they were six stone, not six pounds! It’s always heartbreaking, but losing Fifi has been the hardest. As I said, at least she held on until after Christmas, bless her – a treasure right to the end.
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January 15, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I am so sorry about Fifi. It is very painful to lose a furry best friend. Lovely that she was with you and left peacefully after being much loved and cared for. Mxxx
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January 15, 2018 at 8:55 pm
I’m so pleased that she went this way as one of my dogs was run over, one had to be put to sleep and the other died while I was out. She left us in the ideal way.
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January 15, 2018 at 8:58 pm
She did indeed my last dog did the same. It gave me chance for saying goodbye and a last gentle hug. Virtual hugs to you. Mxxx
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January 15, 2018 at 8:52 pm
Wonderful to see all the feasting – and very envious of your trip on The Orient Express!
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January 15, 2018 at 8:58 pm
Thanks, it was fabulous 😀
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January 15, 2018 at 10:14 pm
So sorry to hear about Fifi
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January 15, 2018 at 10:24 pm
Thank you😪
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January 16, 2018 at 8:21 am
So very nice to catch up with you, and see how the holidays was spent. Looks like an amazing time. So much happening in these weeks, but we always seem to do even more. 🙂 It is always so special to spend time with friends and family and enjoy a meal together.
I am so sorry to hear about little Fifi, I have gotten to know her and Tess so well over the years. I will definitely miss her on the blog. I am glad she was home and save and warm when she passed over the rainbow, I know she had a wonderful time with you and enjoyed each day to the fullest. 🙂
Take care, hugs to you all. xx
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January 18, 2018 at 9:50 am
Christmas is definitely the busiest time of the year if you host like we do – not that I’d have it any other way. Fifi was in her element with so many people around to cuddle her, too. She always seems to be tucked in beside me in most of my knitting/crochet photos, and it’s really strange not to feel her stuck to my side. Tess is inching gradually closer though – she’s top dog now!
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January 19, 2018 at 7:35 am
I love the festive season, and all the family. We had family and friends from the USA and Europe visiting during December, which was just so amazing. 🙂 It is always great.
I know what you mean with Fifi and Tess. Miekie missed the kitties as well, when they passed years ago, but now she is the only furry baby. I have many times considered a friend for her, but I somehow dont think she will approve. 🙂 She enjoys all the attention now. Tess will soon settle too, they are much more resilient that us humans I think.
Time for the weekend, and I have some small projects going that I really hope to finish so I can start something new. 🙂
Have a great weekend, and I hope the sunny weather is still continuing out your way.
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January 22, 2018 at 9:36 am
Wow, a multi-cultural Christmas sounds a wonderful thing! Dogs are resilient, of course. We bought Tess to make it easier for us when Fifi died, which it kind of has. Trouble is, Tess is struggling as her ultra sensitive dog nose can smell Fifi everywhere! The rain has set in for the week, according to the forecast, but we’re still going for walks – and getting soaked through to the skin in the process! It’s mild, though, so not too uncomfortable.
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January 23, 2018 at 8:55 am
🙂 Our fur babies are just so special. I am pretty sure with a bit of time Tess will come around. It is probably just very strange for her now.
The rain sounds great, even if you get wet, sometimes it is just to much fun not to go out anyway.
We had a bit last night and early morning here too, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for some more. Indeed a wonderful relief from the heat.
Enjoy the day. 🙂
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January 16, 2018 at 10:55 am
Oh Sheila. It’s so lovely to see your Christmas catch up post but awful to hear about little Fifi. I’m so sorry and am sending virtual hugs your way. She always made me smile when seeing her on the blog, especially when in her little carrier or wearing her jumpers. Lots of love xxx
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January 18, 2018 at 9:52 am
Thanks Natalie, she was a character, that’s for sure. You must have felt similar tugs on your heartstrings when you had to leave your little dog behind on moving to the States. How is he?
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January 18, 2018 at 9:19 pm
Yes it was very difficult but it’s nice to see that she’s being well looked after by Adam’s parents.
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January 16, 2018 at 4:22 pm
I cannot ‘like’ this post Sheila, because it doesn’t seem right. After such a lovely Christmas surrounded with family and friends to have such a sad ending. Lots of love to you and your boys (big & small) xxx
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January 18, 2018 at 9:54 am
Sad, yes, but she held out ‘til after Christmas for us, bless her, and it was a lovely way to go both for her and for us.
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January 16, 2018 at 8:44 pm
So sad for your loss, but what a blessing to have had So many wonderful last memories and great pictures with your sweet pup! I am enchanted with your patterned socks and it is yet another push for me to try knitting. All your lovely pictures of your holiday was a nice little peek at how the season is kept across the ocean! 😊
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January 18, 2018 at 9:58 am
Thank you, she featured in the blog lots, and I miss her dreadfully. Learning to knit should be easy as there are so many videos on YouTube nowadays – although there’s nothing quite like being taught ‘in person’. I was lucky enough to be taught by my gran as a young girl. Yes, it’s great to see how Christmas is celebrated round the world, isn’t it?
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January 17, 2018 at 7:11 pm
(Apologies for getting so behind in my comments.)
Am so sorry you’ve lost your beloved little shadow.
Know you are missing her.
As already mentioned, she went easily and with her dear family snuggled around her.
Know she’s still wrapped in all that love, and you are, too.
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January 22, 2018 at 9:41 am
Thanks Del, and it is nice that we didn’t have to make the decision to have her put to sleep as that is always so hard. Yes, we miss her dreadfully, as does Tess whose nose can still smell Fifi everywhere.
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January 18, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Poor Fifi, poor you. What a nice place to go though.
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January 22, 2018 at 9:39 am
Thank you and, yes, she went the best possible way in the end, cuddled up next to me on a feather quilt.
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January 18, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Your post made me run the full gamut of emotions from LOL at your comment on the congregation’s behaviour, ‘being British’, to tears at the end. Oh, I am so sad about Fifi. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
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January 22, 2018 at 9:37 am
Thank you so much – its still terribly hard, but we’re getting there.
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January 20, 2018 at 10:55 pm
I’m very sorry and sad to hear about Fifi. Thinking of you xx
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January 22, 2018 at 9:31 am
Thanks Corinne:)
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